Period late? Feeling tired? Sore breasts? Over emotional? These are all signs of pregnancy. Most mothers choose to further confirm such physical symptoms with a pregnancy test. Once you have a positive pregnancy test then a world of choice presents itself! Where will I have my baby? Who will look after me? How will I find out how to give birth? Should I breastfeed? For the first time mother the choices seem overwhelming and endless, and what makes it all the more confusing is that everyone seems to have a different opinion on what you should do! Continue reading
Tag Archives: giving birth
A second time mum’s first homebirth with a hospital scheme
My first son was born through a natural birth in hospital with the Holles Street Community Midwife team. This time around I felt empowered by my successful delivery and decided to try it at home. I was with the community midwives again and I can’t imagine giving birth without them by my side. Continue reading
Positive hospital birth for a second time mum who planned a home birth
As my baby boy was due just before the legendary Ina May Gaskin’s appearance at the Home Birth Association conference in 2012, I was hoping he would be four or more days late. My daughter was born 6 days after her estimated due date (EDD), so I fully expected to reach 41 weeks or so of pregnancy. Although her birth had been a positive and empowering experience in hospital, helped by using the GentleBirth programme, I knew I wanted a home birth next time. Continue reading
Thank You Letters
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Before I had my first child, I remember asking my 90 year old grandmother if she remembered giving birth. Her reply was: “I remember it clearly as yesterday”. She explained how there was no epidural or any medical option for pain relief as she had her children in 1944 and 1945. She said it was a life changing experience and she reassured me that I would be able to handle whatever birth ended up being for me. She also told me about the supportive midwife who attended her first birth – almost 70 years ago. Continue reading