OK, so not all induced labours result in C-Sections, but many of them do.
Being offered an induction MUST be CLINICALLY justified. Being ‘overdue’ is NOT a good enough reason on its own. Here’s a list of some ‘clinical’ reasons:
- Hypertension
- Cancer
- Kidney disease
- Diabetes
- Reduced fetal growth
- Significant decrease in amniotic fluid
Inductions for non-medical reasons could be dangerous to both mothers and babies. Induced labour tends to be much harder physically for mum, and baby often gets into distress, resulting in an unplanned C-section.

Think first: 'Do you REALLY need this?'...before accepting this procedure.

Read the NICE Guidelines on Induction of Labour.

Good maternity care during labour requires one-to-one care, but sadly this is often not the case. Be aware that no amount of electronic monitoring can ever fill this need.

What does continuity of care mean in labour?
Continuous support during labour from the same maternity caregiver has been associated with a positive childbirth experience. Continuity of care supports trust and familiarity between care provider, often the midwife and the mum-to-be.

In an ideal world, the care would commence in pregnancy. During labour one of her familiar midwives would be there at that time too too help her through the experience. Often it falls on the birth partners to offer that continuous support in labour and relay vital information to the midwife when s/he is present. 

The same group of midwives would continue giving care in those days after birth, which in the UK is often carried out by an unknown Health Visitor.

Wouldn't you agree that this would be a better model of care?

Read more on the NHS website: The importance of continuity of carer in maternity services

I only have room for one more couple on my evening course in October.

My weekend course on 5/6 October is now full. 

If your baby is due in the next 4-8 weeks, here is your opportunity to prepare for a confident and calm birth. Having everything you need to know at your disposal.

Book your place now 

​“Home birth remains an acceptable alternative to hospital birth for low risk women who have midwives to assist them, and that such care leads to far fewer medical interventions without sacrificing safety.”
From Ina May Gaskin’s book - Birth Matters

Find out more about planning a home birth - http://www.homebirth.org.uk/

For hypnobirthing classes in Romford, Essex, visit our Book Now page.

“I am prepared, confident and ready for labour.”
Find out what your choices are for labour. What feels right for you? Prepare for that birth plan. Wait excitedly for your baby to decide when they want to be born.

​“I may not have done this before...but I CAN do this”

People often create unnecessary fear around birth, yet there really is nothing to be afraid of.

I promise you, you’ve got this!

For a positive antenatal course near Romford, try hypnobirthing. Check for availability on our Book Now page.

More birth affirmations

What's possible will depend on your needs and what facilities are available where you live. There are three main places to consider when having your baby.

Labour Ward
This is where people usually tend to imagine births to take place - having your baby in hospital. For certain birth situations, this is the right place, especially if you have a medical condition or complications during your pregnancy. All the equipment and expertise are on hand to help you, should you need it. You will also have available to you other pain relief options, that are not on offer in other birth settings, such as having an epidural. Even in a labour ward, midwives will support women to have as natural a labour as possible.

Birth Centre
(this is also sometimes called a birth unit, a midwife-led centre, or community maternity unit). This option is open to women whose pregnancies have been straightforward and labour is expected to proceed without any concerns. Your local birth centre may be attached to a hospital or may be an independent facility in its own right. Most birth centres offer homely surroundings and in many instances the midwives may be trained in other areas such as hypnobirthing, massage and aromatherapy. Should complications arise during labour, your midwives will recommend for you to be transferred to the local hospital.

At home
Having your baby at home is an option that is fully supported in many communities. For women who have had no complications in pregnancy, they may opt for this birth place. In a home birth a midwife would come to you during labour and would stay with you once you are in established labour. A second midwife would be present at the end of your labour, before your baby's birth. They would ensure that your baby is settling well in their first few hours after birth.

Should complications arise in a home birth, your caregivers would suggest for you to be transferred to the local hospital for medical assistance.

In your home you can have more family members witness the birth of your baby, than you could do in other birth places. Many women choose a home birth because they feel more comfortable and confident being in their own surroundings.

Parents-to-be need to consider carefully, what they want from their birth experience and take into consideration the circumstances around their pregnancy and the health of mum and baby. Taking through your ideas with your midwife or your antenatal teachers will help you come to a decision that feels right for you.

Birth Places close to Magical Baby Moments:
Queen's Hospital Labour Ward
Queen's Hospital Birth Centre
Basildon University Hospital Maternity Unit
Basildon University Hospital Midwife-led Birthing Unit
Newham General Hospital
Newham Birth Centre
Barkantine Birth Centre

Let’s establish where the perineum is and then let’s talk about why anyone would ever what to do massage there!
 
Your perineum is the area of skin and muscle between the vagina and the anus. When you give birth for the first time vaginally, this area will stretch to a point that it never has before. There is a school of thought that, by massaging and stretching this area in late pregnancy, it can help you prepare for giving birth to your baby and will minimise the likelihood of tearing…
 
…is it sounding a bit more appealing now?
 
Massaging your perineum towards the end of your pregnancy can also reduce your chances of needing an episiotomy. It may also reduce tearing. Even if you have had a baby before, perineal massage can help to reduce discomfort after the birth.
 
Perineal massage aims to relax, stretch and soften the perineal area. It will help the opening of your vagina to stretch more easily as your baby is born.
 
When should I start doing perineal massage?
Women would usually start do this in the final six weeks of pregnancy. Not only will it minimise the chance of tears to the perineum during childbirth. When done correctly in pregnancy, it helps prepare for the sensations experienced during childbirth.
 
How do you do perineal massage?
Perineal massage should focus on the inside of your vagina, though you may still feel the skin on the outside stretching.
 
Here’s how to do a perineal massage:

1. Choose a comfortable position. This could be sitting or lying down, or you could try standing with one foot on a chair/bath. You could even try doing the massage in the bath or shower, where the warm water will help to soften your perineum.
2. Make sure your hands are clean and your nails are trimmed.
3. Use a natural lubricant such as olive oil/sweet almond oil to your hands and the perineal area.
4. Place your thumbs (or two fingers*) 3cm into the vagina (half your thumb).
5. Massage the area by gently rubbing the perineal tissues between your thumb and fingers.
6. Press downwards and to the sides, gently stretching until you feel a tingling sensation. The feeling lessens after a few moments.
7. Once this sensation is felt, hold the stretch for around one minute, until the feeling subsides. Gently massaging the lower part of the vagina by moving your thumb backward and forwards. While massaging also hook your thumb onto the sides of the vagina and gently pull these tissues forward. Why? Because as your baby’s head descends, it will do this stretch as they are being born.
8. Continue to gently rub and stretch the perineum for around 3-4 minutes each time you do this.

 
Discontinue if you feel pain.
 
Start perineal massage from 34 weeks pregnant and aim to do it at least once / twice a week.
 
The bigger your baby gets, the more cumbersome it can be to do perineal massage to yourself.
 
*If your partner is willing, they can do it for you. The process is the same, although ask them to swap the positioning around – so it is their index fingers inside the vagina and their thumbs on the outside.
 
Find a routine that works for you and stick to it. Perineal massage shouldn't hurt, though it may feel a bit uncomfortable, particularly at first. After you've been doing it for a few weeks, you may notice the skin and muscles around your vaginal opening becoming looser. This is a great sign that perineal massage is working.