Surfing around the internet today, I came across this interesting article about hypnobirthing, and some pros and cons of using it in labour (from http://dynamicdoula.blogspot.com.au/2012/02/hypnobirthing-for-birth-professionals.html). I always think it is useful to get a balanced view, so I thought I would reproduce it here for you today… HypnoBirthing for Birth Professionals: A seminar Last weekend, […]

I found a really interesting blog post today, from a fellow doula.  She discusses the social structures that other cultures have in place to take care of the new mother.  I wonder why we have stopped so many of these rituals? Here is an extract of the article by Kathleen Kendall-Tuckett, Ph.D., IBCLC, University of […]

I used acupressure with great success during my labour for my son.  Today I found a study that showed that using acupressure for a natural birth can not only reduce the pain (it did!), but also the length of labour (hard to tell, in my case – he was induced). To try and share this […]

I am often asked about the differences between the Ergo and the Manduca Baby Carriers, and this short video explains it much better than I ever could.   Don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter here, and join our growing Facebook community to stay abreast of Birth Partner’s new products and special offers, as well as great information about pregnancy, birth […]

The Australian Breastfeeding Association is an amazing resource for all mums and mums-to-be, with loads of information, on their website, and a free helpline if you have any breastfeeding questions or difficulties.  They have recently released a “Breastfeeding Plan”, similar to a Birth Plan.  I love it so much I have attached it here for […]

Here’s some research and “proof” that it is easier to birth using upright positions for labour, rather than lying on your back – more room for baby, shorter second stage, a reduction in episiotomies and assisted deliveries (using forceps or vacuum extraction), and even less pain.  Women have traditionally used upright labour positions for years, and […]

Isn’t it wonderful where a google search can take you? I’ve noticed a lot of talk recently about what people do with their baby’s placenta after the birth – some choose to bury it, others to encapsulate it for homeopathic remedies, many just leave it at the hospital. I found this recipe for cooking a […]

I found this on a very informative website at http://www.natural-pregnancy-mentor.com/vaginal-exams.html.  I think this is amazing, and I wish more midwives used this technique.  Many women in labour ask how far dilated they are (and even more midwives like to check), but don’t necessarily want to have a vaginal exam in the throes of labour.  Looking for […]

“Breastfeeding is the biological norm and most beneficial method for feeding infants with immediate and long-term health outcomes for mother and infant” (NSW Health) Most Australian mothers know of the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) recommendation of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life.  WHO goes on to recommend that children continue to breastfeed while […]

Whenever I speak with a mum about how to prevent a posterior labour , I always recommend the Spinning Babies website of course (http://www.spinningbabies.com.au), but I also like this great article on www.motherspirit.net How to Prevent a Posterior Labor by mamatam for MotherSpirit Posterior labor happens when your baby’s head is face up to your belly button (face down […]

I am often asked if TENS can be used when being induced, and whether it interferes with monitoring. TENS is a great pain relief option to use during an induction.  You can attach it before the induction starts, and start building your endorphins, so that when labour starts your body is already filled with feel-good […]