 The Microbiome Effect by Toni Harman and Alex Wakeford is must-read. It is a fascinating account of emerging research that shows how vital bacteria are for human health. Our exposure to them during labour, birth and beyond helps develop the immune system. It talks about how C-Section deliveries impact the immune system. This in turn makes them more susceptible to non-communicable diseases.
Here is my synopsis for all birth educators and expectant parents. In this blog, I want you to understand the intricacies of a vaginal birth and the vital components that help your baby thrive. The human body is made up of of trillions of human cells and microbes (bacteria, viruses, archaea, fungi etc). These cells and microbes live on and inside us. The bacteria inside our body help it work properly and give it the ability to fight off diseases. There are aspects of today’s way of living such as diet, antibiotics and C-sections - to name a few – that are adjusting the diversity of microbiomes in the human body. Current research suggests, this change in the way we live is giving rise to many common non-communicable diseases. They include allergies, asthma, auto-immune disorders, diabetes, obesity and more. All the way through pregnancy, labour, birth and infancy, development happens in a particular order. When the birth process is interrupted with medical intervention, the primary layers of the immune system are disturbed too. Research has also shown that the microbial profile of a baby born vaginally resembles that of its mother. This profile similarity continues with each generation that is born vaginally. However, this pattern is interrupted by a C-section delivery. In these instances, the child may not match the mother’s microbial profile and it may fail to inherit critical ‘keystone’ species of bacteria to ensure good health. C-sections could be contributing to key microbe species being lost, making us more susceptible to pandemics. Other evidence suggests a correlation in C-section babies having a higher risk of developing asthma, type one diabetes or coeliac disease, and of becoming overweight or obese. This is not to say that all babies born this way will go one to develop any of these, they are simply more susceptible. What we don’t know yet are the ongoing repercussions of this. For a long time, antenatal educators have discussed the benefits of a vaginal birth vs a C-section birth, but for many other reasons. One of these reasons is baby's ability to breathe with more ease straight after birth. In a vaginal birth, the birth canal compresses the lungs to expel the liquid that has been in them during pregnancy. Once the baby is born, they tend to breathe more easily. This is not always the case for C-Section babies born at the same gestation. The Microbiome Effect looks into many other vital stages that a baby encounters during a vaginal birth. It reveals how a C-Section can impact his/her long-term health. During pregnancy a baby lives in a near sterile environment and exposure to microbiomes is minimal. In a vaginal birth, once the amniotic sac had ruptured, a baby begins to be exposed to bacteria. This is when it comes into contact with vaginal, faecal and skin microbes. These enter the baby's eyes, ears, nose, as well as being swallowed through the mouth. This prenatal exposure is one of the main seeding events for the baby's gut. Once baby is born, it will come into contact with more bacteria. These encounters help to colonise the baby's gut. Babies born via a Caesarean section, when the amniotic sac hasn’t ruptured, won’t come into contact with the mother’s vaginal or intestinal microbes. As a result. the baby’s gut microbiome composition will be different. Babies born via C-section are recommended to have skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding where possible. Why? Because this is the second major influx of microbes exposed to newborns. (Babies born vaginally are also recommended to do this too). During skin-to-skin contact, and when a baby is looking for milk, it will open its mouth and suckle or lick the mother’s skin. Breastmilk provides essential nutrients for the baby's growth and development. This includes key immune components and sugars. The sugars provide energy for the baby. But it also feeds the bacteria in the gut, quickly colonising it. It prevents other harmful bacteria from taking hold. These events provide contact with the right bacteria to continue the development of the infant immune system. It learns to recognise friendly and harmful bacteria, and know what to attack, or not. In contrast, a baby that is fed formula milk will only receive the nutritional benefits. This milk is missing prebiotics to feed the gut microbes. It also lacks the right bacterial species and immune components that the developing baby needs. These missing components could mean health implications later in life. So what can we do about it? As an antenatal educator, I feel it is my duty to inform my parents of the potential health implications of babies born via a C-section. Parents need to better understand the importance of vaginal births, as a way to ensure that their baby receives the necessary exposure to bacteria, which will help colonise its gut in the right way - to ensure a fully-functioning immune system. There will always be world in which some babies need to be born via C-section. In these cases, there are steps the caregivers can take to help the baby receive optimal seeding and feeding. They can test mothers to see if they are suitable for “swab-seeding” (this is currently under a strict protocol). Babies should be passed to mum's chest immediately after birth, even if that means assisted. If the mum is unwell, the baby can benefit from aided skin-to-skin contact. It may even seek the breast for its first feed. This allows the baby to be exposed to essential bacteria and microbes. This article only scratches the surface and highlights the key points of the book. I strongly recommend mothers to read it and learn more about it. Ask your midwife and/or obstetrician how much they know about this subject. If they don’t know too much about this subject, politely ask them to do their research. Your baby’s life is in their hands. The Microbiome Effect is published by Pinter and Martin. It is available on their website: http://www.pinterandmartin.com/the-microbiome-effect Follow Magical Baby Moments on its social channels: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
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 There are different types of antenatal preparation to get ready for the birth of your baby. One of them is hypnobirthing. I am a KG Hypnobirthing instructor based in Romford, Essex. In 2017, I wrote The Power of Hypnobirthing: 10 reasons why it’s for you. I am a firm advocate that hypnobirthing can benefit every mother, in every pregnancy. Let me tell you why...
Hypnobirthing may conjure up certain images in your head. But don't be put off by the word. Hypnosis doesn't put you in some altered state of reality. It doesn't make you do things you wouldn't normally do — it only puts you in an altered state of consciousness. All hypnosis is self-hypnosis — only you can put yourself into a ‘hypnotic state’. Hypnobirthing is about learning to take control of your mind and your body for labour and birth. You can achieve this through breathing, visualisation and relaxation techniques. Women who use hypnobirthing, trust in their body and baby to guide them through this wonderful journey. They relax into labour and allow their body to do its thing. But hypnobirthing isn’t just about these relaxation techniques for birth. It is a comprehensive antenatal course that provides you with a toolkit and wealth of information. It will empower you to make the right choices for you and your baby. Hypnobirthing courses are usually done after 20 weeks gestation. Here is how it enhances labour and increases the chances of a positive birth experience. Informed choice All women (and their birth partners) need to be informed of the choices that are available. They need to know the risks and benefits associated with those choices. Are there alternatives? What are the risks and benefits of those. Only when they have a comprehensive picture can they make an informed choice. Connect the mind and body The links between the mind and the body are strong, and you can influence them one way or another. Hypnobirthing scripts, visualisations and positive birth affirmations are all techniques used by mothers. They enable them to remain calm, reassured and focused during pregnancy and labour. Trust in nature All animals instinctively know how to birth their babies. In the modern and frantic world that we live in, us humans often look for medical assistance when we give birth. In some cases this is not even necessary. Many think this will be an 'easier' path, but it is often not the case. Induced labours can be long, hard and, at times, difficult. Birth is not usually a medical emergency, we should stop treating them as such. Bond with your baby in pregnancy Hypnobirthing courses teach mums and birth partners connect and bond with their baby during pregnancy. These little beings are already unique tiny people. They are ready to connect with you before they are born. Involve your birth partner during pregnancy Quite often birth partners are observers during the pregnancy stage. Attending hypnobirthing course will teach them the tools and techniques for a calm and gentle birth. They will be an invaluable support during labour. Let your birth partner support you during labour and birth Birth partners who get involved in pregnancy, make fantastic supportive birth partners. Why? Because together you plan for the birth and discuss the path that you would like to experience. If questions arise during labour, they are able to support your wishes and be an advocate for you. Release any underlying fears you may have People often tell expectant mothers the ‘negative aspects’ about the experiences they have had. For first-time mums this can be detrimental, as these can play on a mothers mind. Hypnobirthing allows couples to talk through their worries and fears. The course will help them prepare for birth with a positive outlook. Learn natural ways to keep your body relaxed and comfortable in labour Being relaxed calm and comfortable during labour allows the body to work more efficiently. Couples will explore many ways to achieve this; whether they are in hospital, a midwife-led unit or at home. Discover the best positions for labour and birth TV and films would have us believe that being on our backs whist one a bed is how to give birth. This is the WORST position to allow your baby to descend with ease. Learn what to do instead in a hypnobirthing course. Learn how to use hypnobirthing for a Caesarean Section and/or a Vaginal Birth after a Caesarean Section (VBAC) Hypnobirthing applies to all women, regardless of how their birth experience plays out. If the birth journey takes an unexpected turn and needs to include medical intervention, everything that she has learned will still be extremely useful. It is every expectant woman’s right to have a positive experience. In our current world, birth can often be seen as a medical emergency. Medical professionals get involved and individualised care isn’t carried out. Give yourself the tools and the power to take control of your birth experience. Arm yourself with the right information to aide you in making the right decisions for you and your baby. Give hypnobirthing a try. My personal experience with hypnobirthing I discovered hypnobirthing in a parenting magazine. I was in the third trimester of my second pregnancy. (I had a missed-miscarriage with my first pregnancy). The way the article described hypnobirthing resonated with what I wanted to experience. It described a calm and confident birth, trusting in nature to do its thing. The article directed me to a book, which I read and re-read in the final weeks of pregnancy. After doing our research we opted for a homebirth. The labouring stage with my son was tranquil and serene. Being at home was a comfortable setting. The hypnobirthing techniques that I had taught myself were keeping me in a peaceful zone. Tragically, our son was born sleeping. Our world came tumbling down in and instant. The happiness of that homebirth experience was soon obliterated. With my third pregnancy, we were all anxious as to whether this pregnancy was going to have a happy ending. As the weeks passed and the pregnancy progressed well, I pulled out that book again. It was then that I realised just how powerful hypnobirthing had been during that labour with my son. I was eager to research other methods and use it to help me achieve the right birth for my daughter. As a precaution, my caregivers were recommending to me to have her via a Caesarean Section. In my heart I wanted to experience another vaginal birth. Hypnobirthing had taught me about mindfulness and the power of positive thought. I bought myself more material to empower me and I had a great midwife who believed in me too. It worked. I went into labour spontaneously two days before the Caesarean Section date. It was an active and relaxed birth in a hospital setting. It was everything I wanted, and more. This isn’t to say that there weren’t emotional wobbles during the labour. I remember at one point wondering why I hadn't just opted for the C-section. Hypnobirthing, and being mindful of wanting another natural birth, gave me a swift kick up the bum. Just flipping well get on with it!! You can do it. And I did! It wasn't until 2015 that I became a hypnobirthing teacher. I chose to follow the Katharine Graves, KGHypnobirthing method. The teacher training course is accredited by the Royal College of Midwives. Since then I have gone on to teach many couples about the power of hypnobirthing. I know it can help all expectant mums, regardless of their situation and potential past experiences. I am grateful to my son for taking me on this path of helping inform others. I am not sure without his experience that I would have... If you are pregnant, it would be my pleasure to support you through your pregnancy. Give me a call and let's have a chat. Follow Magical Baby Moments on its social channels: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter  This is a very important question to ask? Is it your medical caregiver or you, the parents?
The answer is YOU. It is up to you to choose where to give birth. Will it be a hospital, a birth centre or at home (read more about this in my blog: How to decide where to give birth: what are the options). You need to decide what type of childbirth care you want/need to have. This is either midwifery care, or obstetric care. Midwives will take care of women opting for a vaginal birth. This can start either spontaneously or it may be induced. A woman using obstetric care will usually have a more medicalised labour. But here are some things to ponder when it comes to your baby's birth.
If you are not confident about what labour and birth may bring, speak to your midwife. You may also want to consider investing in an antenatal course such as hypnobirthing. It will arm you will all the information that you need about what to expect. It will give you lots of tools and tips to keep you calm, confident and comfortable during labour too. For more information about course availability visit our hypnobirthing classes page. Follow Magical Baby Moments on its social channels: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter  I'd like to think that there are lots of women out there having good birth experiences. Here are some tips on how to make your baby's birth special to you.
Be informed There is so much to learn when it comes to pregnancy, labour and birth. Sadly our stretched NHS midwives are unable to fully inform women of the choices in pregnancy labour and birth in antenatal appointments alone. In many Trusts there are limits on the number of people who can attend antenatal classes. Therefore more and more women are seeking out independent antenatal classes, such as hypnobirthing. A hypnobirthing course offers comprehensive antenatal education that gives parents the time to think about their birth preferences. Place of birth Decide where you would most like to give birth. The choices are:
Some people quickly make assumptions on each of these settings. When you look at them in a pragmatic way, the differences are minor. However, the outcomes on the birth experiences can be significant. Make yourself a chart and list out what you want/don't want from birth. Decide which of these settings provides the best place for you to achieve the birth that you want. Birth type Make sure you find out what labour and birth involves. It's good to find out the most common scenarios and learning what the risks and benefits are. I recommend, that you research natural births, induced births and c-section births. Read up on how labour evolves in each of those scenarios. After this exercise you will have a firmer idea about which birth you prefer? Pain relief There are many ways a woman can be supported during birth. Natural forms of support include:
Medicalised relief includes:
Find out the risks and benefits of the medicalised pain relief options and the impact they have on both the mum and the baby. Decide from there what you are comfortable with taking. Also list those that you may prefer not to use unless needed on the day. Learn how to relax Once you are in control of your experience. You are more likely to be comfortable and calm. This is key to helping you relax. Simple breathing techniques; calming visualisations; positive birth statements or affirmations, are easy ways to help you feel calm and relaxed. Learning what may happen will give you the confidence to deal with any situation that arises. If you are well informed and know your choices you are in a strong position to take control. When you make your own decisions, you will feel empowered and comfortable. These are huge steps that lead towards a positive experience of labour and birth. Would like help learning techniques to remain, relaxed, focused and in control? Do you want to find a comprehensive antenatal class that informs you of all the common scenarios? Then hypnobirthing classes, for you and your birth partner, will help you to achieve that. Magical Baby Moments' hypnobirthing classes not only teach you relaxation techniques, but they also covers many aspects of labour and birth. We cover topics such as:
Read more in the classes section. Follow Magical Baby Moments on its social channels: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter  Lots play time and cuddles are essential to develop a bond. In fact, it forms the basis for a healthy father-child relationship.
Learn how dads and new-borns can build a closer attachment in those precious first few weeks. If you’re a new dad and you're not sure how to start bonding with your new baby, you’re not alone. Many parents begin bonding with their babies straight away. But it’s also common for some parents (both mum and dad) to feel anxious in those early days. Bonding is really important. Strong, healthy relationships will improve your baby’s development. It will give them a sense of security and self-esteem. You can begin the moment your baby is born. It's something you’ll be able to do during the course of your daily routine. Here’s how: 1. Hold your baby Your baby will love being in your arms. New dads can carry their new-born’s, cradle them and keep them close to their skin. Your baby will soon recognise your familiar smell and will be comforted by your presence. Be sure to start those cuddles as early as you can. 2. Talk or sing to your baby Your baby might not know what you’re saying, but your familiar voice will soothe them. You can choose to talk, read or sing to your baby. You can even copy their cute noises. In doing so, you’ll stimulate their senses and create a stronger bond with one another. (If you’re reading this while your partner is still pregnant, remember that a baby hears sounds while in the womb. Why not start chatting to your baby now?) 3. Massage your baby Massage can calm your baby and help them to sleep. Massage has many advantages for your baby. It can help them gain weight, aid digestion and improving circulation. You may find it therapeutic too. The key is to massage very gently. You might like to go to attend a baby massage class in your local area. 4. Give them a bath It is recommend to not bath baby until after they are a few days old. Thereafter, giving your baby a bath will not only be fun, but it can help both of you relax. When done in the evening, it can get your baby ready for a good night’s sleep. You can also use this time to give mum a chance to recharge her batteries for a short while. 5. Swing with a sling There will be times when your baby will want to be held, when you are trying to do things. Putting them in a sling is a fabulous option to please both of you. In a front carrier it will help them feel comforted against your chest. Ensure the carrier offers good head and neck support, and that your baby can breathe without obstruction. All of these are easy to implement into your routine. Not only will it provide you and your baby quality time together, it will allow mum some precious moments to herself. Follow Magical Baby Moments on its social channels: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter  Here are some things you should think about to help formulate your ideal birth:
1. Where do you want your baby to be born – hospital, birth centre, at home? 2. How do you feel about being induced/having your waters broken? 3. Do you have a preference to only being seen to by women? 4. Would you mind any students being present during your labour and birth? 5. Do you want to be active during labour, such as being able to walk around? (ask your midwife to use the wireless monitoring if you need it, formally known as telemetry) 6. What labour techniques do you want to use? Hypnobirthing, water birth, listening to music etc? 7. Do you know what pain relief you would/wouldn’t like? 8. How do you want your birth partner to support you? 9. How do you feel about medical intervention? Detail your list in order of preference. 10. How long do you want it to be until they cut the umbilical cord? Read about Optimal Cord Clamping. 11. Do you want your partner to cut the umbilical cord? 12. How do you want to find out the sex of the baby - be told/see for yourself? 13. Do you want your baby delivered onto your stomach? 14. Do you want to do skin-to-skin contact straight away? 15. Do you want to try to breastfeed straight away? 16. Who do you want to get the baby dressed? These are just some pointers that will help you decide what is right for you. If you want some extra help, go the NHS website to download a birth plan template. Be sure to write it down and attach it to your maternity notes. Make sure that your birthing partner knows where it is so that they can relay your preferences to your midwives. Follow Magical Baby Moments on its social channels: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter  Birth is a woman’s right and how she chooses to go through her pregnancy and how to give birth should always be in her control. If you're on your first pregnancy, no doubt you have been reading countless books, been getting advice from medical professionals and recommended by family and friends what you should do.
During pregnancy, there are tests and scans that are usually carried out. Having them is not obligatory. You can say ‘no’; tough many don’t realise that there is a choice. Rarely are parents told of the risks and benefits of each test before having them carried out. The medical professional is there to advise and inform you of your choices; however the ultimate decision should always lie with you. Here are some considerations that you might want to think about: DURING PREGNANCY Where to have your antenatal check-ups Your antenatal care can be provided in a number of ways. You could book your appointments at the local Children’s Clinic, you could be assigned a visiting community midwife at your local doctor’s surgery, or you may have your antenatal care directly with the hospital at which you will give birth. Ask about each option to find out which option would best suit you. Dating Scan – the rigidity of it Often women will calculate their due date based on their last menstrual cycle. Then at the first scan, which is around 12 weeks into her pregnancy this date is likely to alter. Note that scans aren’t always accurate and the due date can often out between 3-5 days. If they measure the baby bigger, then this would give a mum an earlier expected date, which at the end of pregnancy means an earlier date for potential pressure for an intervention/induced birth. It’s worth noting here that the World Health Organisation states that a baby is at full term from 37 weeks and if born at this point usually doesn’t need medical assistance. Yet it is also perfectly normal for a woman to give birth around the 42 week mark. So the rigidity of a single day is nonsense when you think about it. Only 4 per cent of babies are born on their due date, and the majority of babies are born after their due date. Also be aware that having scans is not compulsory, in fact some might argue that as they don’t alter the course of pregnancy, is there really a need for them at all? For many women, they provide reassurance that the pregnancy is progressing well, however for others, the results of a scan can bring unexpected news. How does this alter how the woman feels in pregnancy? If you would like to read more about Ultrasounds, I recommend the book written by the Association for Improved Maternity Services (AIMS) called Ultrasound? Unsound Gestational Diabetes test Gestational Diabetes is a high blood sugar condition that women can get during pregnancy. Between 2 and 5 per cent of pregnant mothers develop this condition. Only about 30 per cent of women who test positive on the glucose screen really have the condition. If you test positive on the screening, you'll need to take the glucose tolerance test (GTT) – a longer, more definitive test that confirms whether you have gestational diabetes, or not. How will I know if I might have gestational diabetes? A routine urine test will show a lot of sugar in your urine. If midwife notices this, she may want you to be tested for this. Even if the results are normal, you may be screened again at 24 to 28 weeks, just to be sure. If you are diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes, your pregnancy will move into the ‘high risk’ category, which in turn could mean birth choices being taken away from you; such as no longer being able to give birth in a birth centre or midwife-led unit. The reason for this is that with gestational diabetes babies can grow bigger than the expected range for birth and the health system would prefer to monitor you in the labour ward, where facilities are on hand should they be required. This is why it is important to maintain a healthy diet throughout pregnancy, so that your blood sugars remain in the normal range. Avoid sugary foods and drinks before midwife appointments to avoid unusual readings that could lead you along this path. Where to have your baby - hospital, midwife-led unit or home birth? In the UK, the NHS, in fairness, is trying hard to normalise birth (read about the Better Births Initiative). While many births still take place at hospital, the NHS is working towards making it less of a medical procedure and more of the wonderful experience that it should be treated as. The NHS is investing in more birthing centres, many of which are within a hospital setting. The centre usually has a more hotel-like feel rather than the medicalised setting that a labour suite tends to have. The centres are managed only by midwives, which is why they only accept women with low-risk pregnancies. Women who are considered high-risk would be in a labour ward, where obstetricians are available to help, should any emergencies arise. In recent years there has been a push for home-births. In the Better Births Initiative link (above) it states: ‘Birthplace research shows that healthy women with planned births in midwife-led units and at home were more likely to have a normal birth as compared with obstetric units.’ Home Births are intended for women who have had low risk pregnancies and where midwifery care comes to your home to help you in give birth to your baby. So is where you birth really a choice? What if you did have factors that put you in the high-risk bracket…are some of those choices no longer available to you? Each woman’s circumstance is different, so speak to your midwife about your plans for birth to see how they can accommodate your preferences. Should I take their advice for an induced labour or can I wait for labour to start spontaneously? As your due date approaches, your midwife is likely to say to you something along these lines. ‘If baby hasn’t arrived before so-and-so date then we will book you for an induction’. Please stop her right there and simply ask the question, ‘Why? What medical concerns do you have for me or my baby?’ According to the National Institute of Clinical Negligence (NICE), an induction should only be suggested to mothers when there is a clinical justification – read the NICE guidelines. If all is well and your baby is happy where they are and you both just happen to be past the due date, this is NOT a reason for induction. However, many women just aren’t aware of this. Because it has become so routine in our modern society, women seem to accept this as the way it has to be, without questioning why. For those who haven’t read up on their choices, they may easily accept this information and just say to friends and family. ‘I’m going to be induced on so-and-so date.’ But what they are not told is what the medical reason is for this. The late arrival of a healthy baby, with a mother who is not presenting any medical concerns, is not a clinical justification. Quite often women aren’t talked through what an induction really means, how this type of labour feels, compared to a spontaneous labour, and what risks are involved during an induced labour. In many cases an induction leads to a C-section. I often wonder if these outcomes could have been avoided, if they had been given more time for a natural labour to start. Just think back to when you first fell pregnant? Did you calculate your own ‘due date’? Perhaps this date was a day, or more, later than your hospital due date… are they therefore rushing you to have your baby unnecessarily early? You, your body and your baby have done just fine for 39+weeks so why do they think that your body wouldn’t know how to go into spontaneous labour when it is ripe and ready? So what can you do? You are fully within your rights (because how you birth is YOUR choice) to decline induction and be asked to be monitored more closely in the days after 40 weeks has passed, to ensure that both you and baby continue to be well. For extra reading, look at the AIMS booklet on Inducing Labour: Making Informed Decisions DURING LABOUR The choice of how your labour plays out is in your hands - it doesn't need to be totally managed by the midwife, neither do you need to be left totally alone. It can be a blend of many things. Here are some things to consider: Consent Forms In the hospital you may be asked to sign consent forms when you are in established labour, say for example agreeing to an epidural. It may be worth discussing these options with your midwife in early labour and tell her what you are open to or not. Get those consent forms signed before you enter the bubble of established labour, when the last thing you are going to care about is admin! You will have a bigger job at hand. Vaginal examinations A vaginal examination helps the midwife establish how far your cervix has dilated. Other than that, it serves no purpose. It is possible for the cervix to constrict in labour if a woman is feeling tense or vulnerable. So if you are not comfortable with having an examination, the cervix may react and present tighter than when you relax your body; therefore giving a misleading dilation stretch. Though not very likely, there is a slim chance that by having a vaginal examination infection and bacteria is introduced into the vagina. An expectant mother is well within her right to decline all vaginal examinations, if that is her preference. Breaking your waters vs spontaneous rupture of the amniotic sac In an induced labour, after the pessary has taken effect, if labour isn’t progressing as they would like, the next step would be perform an Artificial Rupture of the Membranes (ARM), also known as an amniotomy. This is usually carried out by your midwife. The membranes will be ruptured using a tool, such as an amnihook or amnicot. This is carried out in the belief that it will speed up and strengthen contractions. In a spontaneous labour the membranes can rupture at any point in labour. In rare cases a baby is born with amniotic sac still intact, this is called ‘en caul’. While the risks are very low, there are risks associated with ARMs. It is a blind procedure, therefore, there can be no certainty that the midwife won’t end up rupturing vessels that are part of the overall blood supply to the baby. An already compromised baby may be put at further risk by an amniotomy; as the uterus could become hyper-stimulated. In addition to this, if when the waters break the baby doesn’t align correctly within the pelvic inlet, they maybe might find it hard to get into position. When this happens, the cervix dilation can stall and labour doesn’t progress as it should do. Most hospital’s policies are that they would like babies to be born within 24 hours of the ARM. If a woman’s labour shows signs of stalling, other forms of induction and augmentation will be offered, before the 24 hour deadline approaches. Monitoring baby Your baby should be monitored at least every four hours in early labour and every 15 minutes in established labour. A midwife will listen in to the baby’s heart rate, either with a hand-held Doppler or with a continual fetal heart monitor and check that baby’s heart rate does not decelerate during contractions. When a baby’s heart rate dips during contractions, it is a sign that the baby is in distress. They will continue to monitor you and the baby very closely and advise if alternative action necessary. Confined to the bed vs being mobile When a woman spends most of her labour on a bed, her movements are restricted, her body could be in the exact same position for long periods of time. If this happens to be more lying down than sitting upright, she is not using gravity to her advantage and she could be slowing the labour process down without realising it. A woman, who wants to encourage a smoother labour, keeps mobile. Those movements encourage the baby to descend more rapidly and result in shorter labours, often without complications. Antenatal educators advise all mothers to be active and upright in labour and to only use the bed when it is absolutely necessary. Natural vs medicalised pain relief There are two types of pain relief; see the options below: Natural
Medicalised
Women are encouraged to go through as much of labour with natural pain relief, so as not to interrupt the natural process of birth. However, for some women, using medical pain relief is a necessity and we are lucky to have these options available to us, should they be needed. Some people consider hypnobirthing as a natural form of pain relief. Hypnobirthing itself doesn’t promise a pain free labour, but many women who have learned hypnobirthing, who have practiced the techniques and have worked on preparing for birth with a positive mindset go on to experience wonderful births. Giving birth; should I lie, sit or squat? Unlike the films and soap operas, giving birth on a bed with your legs astride is not the only position to give birth. The sitting position on a bed can inhibit your baby’s entrance into the world and it can be more challenging for the mother to give birth in this position. Lying down flat, means that you are not letting gravity help you and somehow your baby has to venture into your birth canal horizontally – this isn’t very efficient. Consider being more upright, think about adopting a squat-like pose, where you are able to bear down, allowing the birth of the baby to be smoother. This could be sitting on a birth ball with your hips higher than your knees (encouraging the upper part of your body to tip slightly forward). This position puts the baby’s weight on the frontal part of the pelvis; potentially allowing more space. This is because your ligaments are looser during late pregnancy and your pelvic capacity can widen. You could also think about being on your knees and leaning across the back part of the bed (moved into a vertical position - like the back of a chair). By leaning over the bed, you are allowing your bump to tip forward, whilst still having movement and flexibility in your hips. This position also works well if you are in the birthing pool. Coached birthing vs mother-led birthing You may have visions of the midwife encouraging you to ‘push’ your baby out when the time comes. Media will have you believe that labour is all about pushing, pain and panting – this is inaccurate. A mother doesn’t need to experience that to birth her baby; there are gentler ways to aid your baby into this world. Simply by listening to your body and responding accordingly; through gentle Down Breathing, as taught in KG Hypnobirthing, allows your baby to descend to the rhythm of your body. AFTER BIRTH Natural expulsion of the placenta or Synthetic Oxytocin injection It is entirely up to you whether you prefer the midwives to administer Synthetic Oxytocin into your system to help aid the detachment of the placenta from the uterus wall. If you have had an unmedicalised labour up until that point, you may well choose not to accept the injection to start with. It is extremely likely that your body will do this of its own accord. If you have had an augmented labour, then your body may then need a little help in expulsing the placenta, with the help of this hormone substitute. Ask your caregiver if they feel it is necessary when the time comes, or perhaps wait to see how your body reacts after birth to decide for sure. Cutting the cord / Optimal cord clamping In the UK today, optimal cord clamping is encouraged for all babies in all birth situations, whenever possible. Ask your midwife what the policy is in your Trust. My hope is that they will say ‘until the cord stops pulsating’. If they don’t say this, then maybe this is something that you need to have in your birth plan. Nature intends for the baby to have all the blood from the placenta after birth. When the blood has drained, the umbilical cord starts recoiling and the placenta begins to detach from the uterus wall. At most this takes a few minutes. During this time the baby is enriched with all the stem cells and blood that belongs to him/her, that they would otherwise be deprived of, if the cord were to be cut sooner. Did you know that a baby can weigh 200g more if the blood is passed from the placenta, than if the cord were to be cut immediately? This blood belongs to your baby, so ask your caregivers to ‘wait for white’ (the colour the umbilical cord will be when the blood has passed through). Find out more: Wait For White Skin to Skin It is encouraged that the baby goes directly to the mother straight after birth. Decide if you prefer to have the baby wiped down first or whether you are happy for baby to come directly to you. This is known as Skin to Skin. This period is extremely important for many reasons: After being nine months in a warm, dark pool of water, where the sounds are all muffled. It is quite a stark contrast to come into this world. Where people are excitedly talking about the new arrival, where the lights are bright and this beautiful wet baby is starting to feel cool air on its skin. The best way to soothe the baby is to place it directly to the mother’s chest, where her body heat can warm the baby, where the sound of her heartbeat and other bodily noises can be heard again; offering comfort and where a significant part of the microbiome process can be introduced (this is one of the early milestones in which you can colonise the gut with important bacteria from the mum and helps to build the baby’s immune system). If for whatever reason mum is unable to do this, then the Birth Partner could do this. Isn’t it much nicer than having the baby in a cot nearby, or being held by strangers, when there is no need? Breastfeeding Breastfeeding is a personal decision, and from experience I know that it isn’t as easy as it seems. What your plans may have been before you baby was born, can be very different from what you actually experience. However, breastfeeding is considered beneficial for the following reasons:
Partners being able to stay This varies from hospital to hospital. It seems crazy that when a woman who is in a vulnerable situation and needs support, is not allowed to have her partner stay with her. There must also be an emotional impact for the partners to be sent away, when it comes to bonding with their baby. Discuss this with your midwife, as to what the guidelines are for your hospital. Sometimes you can pay for a private room; this option may be attractive to you. These are just some considerations to decide upon, that can help you create the right birth plan that is for you. If you have any questions, feel free to email: Magical Baby Moments at classes@magicalbabymoments.com Magical Baby Moments offers group hypnobirthing courses in Romford and Upminster, and private courses across Essex and London. Check to find out upcoming dates.  For all expectant parents preparing for labour. You need to know:
But before we jump into what choices might be available to you for pregnancy, labour and birth. Ask yourself how often you research options. Say for example when buying something. Do you do comparisons between different models, providers, services etc. Once you have gathered enough information you will then make a decision on which one to buy. Am I right? So why is it that so many couples go into labour and birth not fully understanding the process, their choices and their rights? Often expectant mums will put their trust in their care providers. They believe that they have their best interests at heart. Ultimately they do. Be aware of hospital protocols, bureaucracy, red tape and senior management that constrain our caregivers. The days are long gone when they focused only on giving care to expectant mums. Going in blind could leave you open to helplessly being carried along by the system. You could miss out on the birth that you had hoped for. Quite often I hear, ‘Oh, I had to be induced’ or ‘I didn’t know I had a choice’ or ‘I just did what they told me’. When I dig a little deeper, I find out that they weren’t aware (at the time) that there were alternatives. They weren’t presented with the real picture of what their options were. They weren't given a choice. An example: Induction for ‘post-dates’ in a 'low-risk' pregnant women. It is very common in the UK for women to be induced between 41 and 42 weeks gestation. Often the mum will hear this: ‘If your baby hasn’t arrived by next [Wednesday], we will book you in for an induction.’ Many will accept that this procedure as best for mum and baby. They may not be told about the pros and cons of accepting an induction. Very rarely will they be told about the pros and cons of declining an induction. Parents should know both sides of the story for each option to be able to make a fully informed decision. Common reasons that parents hear are:
These phrases will scare a mother and her birth partner into accepting an induction. Why? Because it has been presented as the better option. But is this the case? In the UK the 'due date' is set at 40 weeks, guided by the date of the last menstrual cycle and by the dating scan at 12 weeks. This is a 5-week window, not a single date in a given month. For a baby to be born around the 42 week mark is perfectly normal. The World Health Organization states babies are usually born between 37 and 42 weeks. So take a moment to think. When a woman accepts an induction before the 42-week mark, is her baby ready to be born? Or is she interrupting pregnancy and the final growth stages of her baby? Why would you want to do that if you and baby are both well and there are no medical concerns? If you feel strongly about not wanting an induction, you can decline. Ask for extra monitoring during these final days. ‘Informed choice’ is one of the many topics discussed in a hypnobirthing course. Before your baby is born, it is important to understand the most common options for labour and birth. You and your birth partner can then think about which are your preferred options. Knowing your choices and understanding the risks and benefits, will give you the confidence and calmness to deal with any situation. You will then be able to look back on it as a positive birth experience that you were in control of. Remember, giving birth is your right. How you want it to be, is entirely up to you. The caregivers are there to support you for a happy, healthy and safe delivery. They are not there to force you to do anything you are not comfortable with. Your hypnobirthing teacher will explain to you the common scenarios that might occur. This will help you and your birth partner decide on your preferences. Then, if/when a situation arises during the course of labour, you will: 1. Be aware of what options are available 2. Instinctively know what your preferences are about those options 3. Confidently decide which choices feel right for you and your baby It therefore becomes a positive birth experience to look back on, regardless of any twists and turns in the process. Because no matter what the outcome of your birth experience is, you know that:
Would like to approach labour and birth with calmness and confidence? Would you like to be prepared to be able to take control of your birth journey? If you live near Romford, Essex, try KG Hypnobirthing with Magical Baby Moments. Contact Christine on 07764 680 215 or email classes@magicalbabymoments.com. If you want to read more about what a hypnobirthing course entails download the first chapter of The Power of Hypnobirthing: 10 reasons why its for you by filling out the form on the home page. Follow Magical Baby Moments on its social channels: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter  If you're pregnant and looking for an all-encompassing antenatal course that not only teaches you about late pregnancy, labour, birth and beyond, but also teaches you how to approach labour with calm confidence, then book yourself and your birth partner onto a hypnobirthing course with Magical Baby Moments.
A hypnobirthing course is a comprehensive course that takes you through what to expect, and how to be prepared, for labour and birth. Find out what is covered by reading the course modules. "I would definitely recommend a hypnobirthing course with Christine. It has helped me prepare for a stress-free labour." Romford Hypnobirthing Course - Evenings The Group Evening Hypnobirthing Course is a four-week programme taking place in Rush Green, Essex. The lessons run between 8pm and 10:30pm. If you prefer a weekend course, check for availability on the website. What people thought of Magical Baby Moments "I have thoroughly enjoyed every session. I feel much more knowledgeable and confident that I can do this! Relax, relax, relax!" Read more testimonials and birth stories from past couples who have been on the course. Book your place now Places on each course are limited. But if the date is showing on the calendar, then there are still spaces available - so you can book your place right now. If you prefer to pay by bank transfer email: classes@magicalbabymoments.com Want to read more about what a hypnobirthing course will offer you, read the first chapter of this book for free, email power@magicalbabymoments.com Follow Magical Baby Moments on its social channels: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter THE MICROBIOME EFFECT - AN EYE-OPENING BOOK FOR EXPECTANT PARENTS AND ANTENATAL EDUCATORS11/12/2018  The Microbiome Effect by Toni Harman and Alex Wakeford is a fascinating book of emerging research that indicates how vital bacteria are for human health. A baby's exposure to them during labour, birth and beyond helps kick-start their developing immune system. This book reveals the impact of babies born via Caesarean Section (C-Section) and how this potentially alters the course of their immune development and makes them more susceptible to non-communicable diseases.
Here is my synopsis, of what I believe is a must-read for all birth educators and expectant parents, to understand the intricacies of a vaginal birth and the vital components that help your baby thrive in the outside world. Human bodies are comprised of trillions of human cells and microbes (bacteria, viruses, archaea, fungi etc). These cells and microbes live on and inside us. The bacteria inside our body help keep us functioning properly and give us the ability to fight off diseases. However, modern ways of living, such as diet, antibiotics and C-sections - to name a few - are adjusting the diversity of microbiomes in the human body. Current research indicates that this alteration in the way we live is giving rise to many common non-communicable diseases such as allergies, asthma, auto-immune disorders, diabetes, obesity and more. For a long time, antenatal educators have explained to its parents-to-be the benefits of a vaginal birth vs a C-section birth, in regards to babies breathing abilities. In a vaginal birth, the birth canal compresses the lungs to expel the liquid that has been in them during pregnancy; so that once earth-side, the lungs are fairly clear of liquid and breathing unassisted comes more easily. The research conducted, which is discussed in this book, digs deeper. It looks into many other vital stages that a baby encounters during a vaginal birth, which can impact his/her long-term health positively. Other scientific tests are indicating that there is a link with an imbalance in the human microbiome (often caused via Caesarean section deliveries) and with chronic non-transmissible diseases. It is believed that during pregnancy a baby lives in a near sterile environment and exposure to microbiomes is minimal. It is during a vaginal birth, once the amniotic sac had ruptured, that a baby begins to be exposed to bacteria. This is when it comes into contact with vaginal, faecal and skin microbes. These enter the baby's eyes, ears, nose, as well as being swallowed through the mouth. This prenatal exposure is one of the main seeding events for the baby's gut. Once the baby is born it will come into contact with more bacteria - from the air in the place of birth, from the skin of its caregivers and parents etc. All of these encounters help to colonise the baby's gut. Babies born via a Caesarean section (C-section) potentially miss out on this exposure, if the amniotic sac hasn’t ruptured, because they won’t come into contact with the mother’s vaginal or intestinal microbes. As a result the baby’s gut microbiome composition will be different. Latest research favours infants that are born via C-section to have skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding where possible, because the second major influx of microbes is during these two events (babies born vaginally are also recommended to do this too). During skin-to-skin contact, and when a baby is looking for milk, it will open its mouth and suckle or lick the mother’s skin. A mother’s breastmilk is incredibly rich. It provides essential nutrients for the baby's growth and development, including key immune components and sugars. The sugars not only provide energy for the baby, but it also feeds the bacteria in the gut, quickly colonising it and preventing other harmful bacteria from taking hold. These events and opportunities to come into contact with the right bacteria kick-starts the continued development of the infant immune system. The bacteria teach the immune system to recognise friendly and harmful bacteria, and know what to attack, or not. In contrast, a baby that is fed formula milk will only receive the nutritional benefits. This milk is missing prebiotics to feed the gut microbes. It also lacks the right bacterial species and immune components that the developing baby needs. These missing components could impact the training of the infant immune system, which could mean health implications later in life. All the way through pregnancy, labour, birth and infancy things are supposed to happen at certain times. When the birth process is interrupted with medical intervention, the evolution of the immune system is disturbed, which could result in it malfunctioning later in life. Research has also shown that the microbial profile of a baby born vaginally resembles that of its mother, and continues to do so with each generation that is born vaginally. However when this pattern is interrupted by a C-section delivery, the child may not match the mother’s microbial profile and the child may fail to inherit critical “keystone” species of bacteria to ensure good health. C-sections could be contributing to key microbe species being lost, making us more susceptible to pandemics. Other evidence suggests a correlation in C-section babies having a higher risk of developing asthma, type one diabetes or coeliac disease, and of becoming overweight or obese. This is not to say that all babies born this way will go one to develop any of these, they are simply more susceptible. What we don’t know yet is the ongoing repercussions of this. So what can we do about it? As an antenatal educator, I feel it is my duty to inform my parents of the potential health implications of babies born via a C-section. Parents need to better understand the importance of vaginal births, as a way to ensure that their baby receives the necessary exposure to bacteria, which will help colonise its gut in the right way - to ensure a fully functioning immune system. There will always be world in which some babies are needed to be delivered via C-section, therefore what steps can the caregivers take to help the baby receive optimal seeding and feeding? Mothers can be tested to see if they are suitable for “swab-seeding” (this is currently under a strict protocol). However for the feeding aspect, there is now no reason why babies cannot be passed to mothers straight away in all elective C-sections (and some in emergency C-sections); so that the baby can have skin-to-skin contact and have the opportunity to begin breastfeeding. This will allow the baby to be exposed to essential bacteria and microbes and helping to kick-start an immune system that could keep them healthy throughout their life. This article only scratches the surface and highlights the key points of the book. I strongly recommend mothers to read it and learn more about it. Ask your midwife and/or obstetrician how much they know about this subject. If they don’t know too much about this subject, politely ask them to do their research. Your baby’s life is in their hands. The Microbiome Effect is published by Pinter and Martin. |
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Magical Baby MomentsHypnobirthing Classes in Romford, Upminster and Grays
Thorntons Farm Ave Romford RM7 0TT 07764 680 215 | classes@magicalbabymoments.com |
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