Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth – Ina May Gaskin Reviewed by Samantha Thurlby-Brooks Oh how I love this book! I much prefer this book to Spiritual Midwifery, only because it’s more readable for everyday women without the trippy language that was used in Spiritual Midwifery. I love Ina May’s term ‘Sphincter Law’ p.170 and all that it means. I think
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By Samantha Thurlby-Brooks Here is a non-judgemental guide to the risks & benefits of the most common medical obstetric drugs and procedures used during childbirth. I’ve not included caesareans here as I’ll be writing another, more in depth, post about that. It’s important to be educated on the benefits and risks of medical procedures during childbirth so if faced with a situation
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The truth about prostaglandin gel labour induction. Misoprostol is NOT licensed in the UK for labour induction. It comes with serious risks to mother & baby. There are other drugs that are less risky…
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By Samantha Thurlby-Brooks Practise relaxed breathing as preparation for childbirth. During labour, breathing for relaxation is a very effective natural pain relief, reducing fear and anxieties and helping you to feel in control. The best breathing technique for labor? Follow your instincts, keep focusing on your breathing and it will automatically change to a more relaxed pace. Trust your body to
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by Samantha Thurlby-Brooks 1. Oxytocin is an ancient substance Oxytocin is a hormone that has “been present in the chain of animal development for millions of years… The fact that oxytocin has existed for such a long time… indicates that the substance is of fundamental importance and performs vital functions” (Dr Kerstin Uvnäs Moberg) 2. Oxytocin is found in all mammals This
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I’ve been asked a few times whether the lactic acid released during massage is safe when you’re pregnant. Does it reach the unborn baby and what are the effects? Usually it’s concerned partners rather than women themselves that ask the question “Is massage safe during pregnancy?” Just recently I’ve been massaging a pregnant obstetrician who is a lecturer for Auckland
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By Samantha Thurlby-Brooks Humans, like any other animal who is preyed on, are sensitive to certain stimuli getting their adrenalin levels rising ready to fight or run and sometimes to freeze. I call this The Lion Effect™; when in times of stress or perceived stress a person will get themselves ready for danger to protect themselves or their young for
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By Samantha Thurlby-Brooks Many people who are faced with birth complications will leave it up to their midwife or doctor to make decisions for them. This isn’t always a good thing to do. Why? Your doctor or midwife may be the most dedicated natural birth advocate (or not) but they are not allowed to make choices for you. They are
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By Samantha Thurlby-Brooks Knowing your legal birth rights in the NHS will help you have a more empowering birth experience. It’s important that both you and your partner fully understand your birth rights in the NHS so as you can make your own right choices. The rights that are most important during birth as found in the NHS Constitution 2013, which is supported by UK
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By Samantha Thurlby-Brooks How to write a birth plan? A good birth plan needs to be simple and easy to read. Midwives and obstetricians look after so many different people that to write too much will just get forgotten. Below is an example of a great birth plan for you to use and adapt as you see fit. I helped
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