Ultrasound Scans Part 1: How can a scan help you and your baby?

Part 1: How can a scan help you and your baby? Dating Scans A scan can date the time of conception if you are uncertain of when your baby was conceived. Examples include if you have irregular menstrual cycles or long… Read More

No Epidural? Pain management alternatives and tips

In a previous article, we explored the epidural and other medical pain relief interventions for labour. You can read it here: Epidural, Is it right for You? Your experience of labour and birth should be just that — yours…. Read More

The Power of Words: Birth Language and Self Advocacy

Read more at: http://www.barbarakatzrothman.com/ When it comes to making decisions about how and where you want to birth your baby, the information can often be overwhelming. Words like ‘private’, ‘public’ and ‘semi-private’ take on an entirely new meaning…. Read More

Ten normal facts about breastfeeding

1. Physical: Breastfeeding is the normal way of feeding and nourishing your baby. Newborn babies need warmth nutrition and love and breastfeeding satisfies all three. 2. Physical: Your baby is designed to breastfeed. When your baby is born… Read More

Birth interventions and breastfeeding

When we think about birth choices we rarely think about the effects that these can have on breastfeeding outcomes or on long-term breastfeeding success. In general our choices surrounding birth tend to be made in order to get us… Read More

Did you know: You can have your first baby at home?

Lots of people (all of whom have never had a home birth or attended one) are very fond of telling the world that women are not “allowed” have their first baby at home. Has someone said this to… Read More

What you need to know about: Electronic Foetal Monitoring (CTG)

Electronic Foetal Monitoring Electronic foetal monitoring is a commonly used practice in Irish maternity units. Electronic foetal monitoring (EFM or CTG) measures your baby’s heartbeat in frequency and strength and measures your contractions. Electronic Foetal Monitoring can be… Read More

10 Tips for Preparing for a Positive and Healthy Birth

Your experience of labour and birth should be just that — yours. Every birth is unique as each woman will approach childbirth in her own way. It is important that you have the information you need to decide… Read More

Dispelling Myths: Birth Experience Doesn’t Matter (All that Matters is a Healthy Baby)

Dispelling Myths: Birth Experience Doesn’t Matter (All that Matters is a Healthy Baby) From the moment you get a positive pregnancy test, your mind begins racing. These early hours and days are spent trying to organise where you will… Read More

Episiotomy: Is it necessary?

What is an episiotomy? An episiotomy is the surgical procedure that enlarges the opening of the vagina through the cutting of the perineum, the skin and the muscles between the vulva and the anus. How did this procedure… Read More