#labourtips

[chaitanya]

Bringing a child into the world is one of life’s most profound and beautiful experiences. It’s a journey filled with excitement, anticipation, and sometimes a little uncertainty.

While every birth is unique, preparing yourself mentally and emotionally can make all the difference.

How to Prepare for Labour Mentally and Emotionally?

💪 Stay active to build strength and endurance for the big day

🧘‍♀️ Practice stress-relief techniques to embrace the moment with peace and positivity

🛏️ Explore different labour positions that can provide comfort and ease

🤝 Lean on your support system, because you're never alone on this journey

Remember, you are stronger than you know, and every step you take brings you closer to meeting your little one. Talk to the best maternity hospital and pregnancy doctors today and let us be a part of your beautiful journey to motherhood.

[todandb]

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A post shared by Antenatal |Hypnobirthing | Parenting (@laura_todeliveryandbeyond)

P E R I N E A L M A S S A G E This technique can be started between 34 and 36 weeks gestation. There have been studies to show that practicing perineal massage antenatally can help reduce the chance of severe tears (3rd and 4th degree) and also the need for an episiotomy. e.g.(Ugwu et al., 2018) You need somewhere comfortable and private, clean hands, short nails, lubricant and it works best after a bath (tissue is relaxed). Begin by pressing down on the lower part of the vaginal opening, inside the perineum. Gentle downward pressure should not be sore, but you should feel a stretch. After 30seconds - move in a U-shape (see video for demo). Do this movement for 30seconds. Go back to downward pressure for 30seconds, U-shaped movement for 30 seconds and continue this pattern for a total of 3-4 times. You can practice this 3-4 times a week in the lead up to labour. Have you tried it? Will you? Any questions - let me know⬇️ #todandb #todeliveryandbeyond #pregnant #pregnancy #labour #labor #birth #postnatal #newmums #newborn #antenatal #antenataleducation #hypnobirth #hypnobirthing #hynobirthingclass #perinealmassage #antenatalinformation #pregnancytips #labourtips #due2021 #pregnant2021 #onlineantenatalclass #onlinehypnobirthing #irishmidwife #34weekspregnant #36weekspregnant #40weekspregnant (at County Mayo) https://www.instagram.com/p/CQlHOqjnEiM/?utm_medium=tumblr

[todandb]

H O B B S L I N E Otherwise known as ‘the purple line’. It is know as Hobbs line due to the Midwife Lesley Hobbs who wrote about it in 1998. Swipe right ➡️ (I had to cover some of it because of Instagrams rules) and you’ll see a purple line running along the top of the bum and up the back. It grows longer and deeper in its purple/reddish colour as labour progresses. It can be a very useful tool for care providers to help decrease the amount of vaginal examinations. A study by Shepard et al (2010) published in the BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth found that it was visible in 79% of labouring women with a medium positive correlation between the length of the purple line and cervical dilation plus the station of the fetal head. That's a fancy way of saying usually the line grew as the cervix dilated and the head went deeper in the pelvis. It was also seen to be more common in spontaneous labours. When we stand back and take in the complete picture of a labouring woman there are lots of signs the body gives us to judge progression. Discussing these with your care provider may help you avoid unnecessary Vaginal examinations and other interventions 📸 : @rushesandwaves #todandb #todeliveryandbeyond #pregnant #pregnancy #labour #labor #birth #postnatal #newmums #newborn #antenatal #antenataleducation #hypnobirth #hypnobirthing #hynobirthingclass #hobbsline #antenatalinformation #pregnancytips #labourtips #due2020 #due2021 #pregnant2020 (at Ireland (country)) https://www.instagram.com/p/CHirAtinivj/?igshid=1okgn96esf45x

[todandb]

P E R I N E A L M A S S A G E A technique that research has shown may help reduce the chance of experiencing a tear during birth. You will need - somewhere comfortable and private, clean hands, short nails, lubricant, a comfortable position (reclined is good). Your partner can also do this with you. From 34 - 36 weeks is a good time to start. Doing this for 3-4 minutes, 3-4 times a week is recommended. Sitting comfortably, press biking thumbs down inside the vaginal opening. Apply pressure for 30 seconds and then start moving thumbs in U - shape (shown in video) for 30 seconds. Repeat. This should not be painful, but you should feel some stretching. Have you tried it before? Will you try it now? Let me know in the comments⬇️ #todandb #todeliveryandbeyond #pregnant #pregnancy #labour #labor #birth #postnatal #newmums #newborn #antenatal #antenataleducation #hypnobirth #hypnobirthing #hynobirthingclass #perinealmassage #antenatalinformation #pregnancytips #labourtips #due2021 #pregnant2021 #onlineantenatalclass #onlinehypnobirthing #irishmidwife #37weekspregnant #40weekspregnant (at County Mayo) https://www.instagram.com/p/CQjsW5eHQuZ/?utm_medium=tumblr

[todandb]

#MOVEMENTSMATTER ➡️swipe to see info I like to call baby’s movements a communication tool between us and them, letting you know they’re okay in there. This is why it’s so important to know what’s normal and what’s not. If ever in doubt, especially about their movements, go and get checked out. Don’t leave it until later in the evening or until the next morning. Save this post and refer back to it as you need 🤍 *All info from the RCOG Greentoo Guidelines 57 Reduced Fetal Movements * 📸: @foxvalleybirthandbaby #todandb #todeliverybeyond #antenatal #labour #labor #labouranddelivery #laboranddelivery #postnatal #antenataleducation #antenatalonlineclass #antenatalclass #hypnobirthing #hypnobirthingclass #hypnobirthingonlinecourse #hypnobirthingonlineclass #due2021 #newmums #newmoms #labourtips #newborn #birth #pregnancybump #pregnant #pregnancy #36weekspregnant #37weekspregnant #38weekspregnant (at Ireland (country)) https://www.instagram.com/p/COoAJsNHjhs/?igshid=ymjeq11npnt9

[todandb]

H O B B S L I N E Otherwise known as ‘the purple line’. It is know as Hobbs line due to the Midwife Lesley Hobbs who wrote about it in 1998. Swipe right ➡️ (I had to cover some of it because of Instagrams rules) and you’ll see a purple line running along the top of the bum and up the back. It grows longer and deeper in its purple/reddish colour as labour progresses. In darker skin the line can have a deeper colour or silvery look, but it can be harder to see than with lighter skin tones. It can be a very useful tool for care providers to help decrease the amount of vaginal examinations. A study by Shepard et al (2010) published in the BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth found that it was visible in 79% of labouring women with a medium positive correlation between the length of the purple line and cervical dilation plus the station of the fetal head. That's a fancy way of saying usually the line grew as the cervix dilated and the head went deeper in the pelvis. It was also seen to be more common in spontaneous labours. When we stand back and take in the complete picture of a labouring woman there are lots of signs the body gives us to judge progression. Discussing these with your care provider may help you avoid unnecessary Vaginal examinations and other interventions 📸 : @blackcherryphotography #todandb #todeliveryandbeyond #pregnant #pregnancy #labour #labor #birth #postnatal #newmums #newborn #antenatal #antenataleducation #hypnobirth #hypnobirthing #hynobirthingclass #hobbsline #antenatalinformation #pregnancytips #labourtips #due2021 #pregnant2021 #onlineantenatalclass #onlinehypnobirthing #irishmidwife #37weekspregnant #40weekspregnant (at Ireland (country)) https://www.instagram.com/p/COdXj-WnUzJ/?igshid=1xw40500polfx

[todandb]

A F T E R P A I N S I hear a lot of “nobody told me about them!” and “I forgot about them!” Caused by involution (shrinking) of the uterus after baby is born. This is your body’s way of helping the uterus return to its former size and position. They can range from mild to moderate and almost everyone experiences them in some form. They tend to be more uncomfortable after each pregnancy - think of it like your uterus had to work a little harder to go back to it’s previous size after each stretch (pregnancy). Breastfeeding can also cause more of them due to the release of oxytocin (the hormone that causes uterine contractions). This is mother nature’s way of helping to prevent excessive blood loss postnatally. What can help? Regular analgesia for the first few days after your baby is born. Gentle movement like a small walk Keeping your bladder empty Some say Arnica can help with the discomfort. What was your experience like?⬇️ 📸: @nixiephotonevada #todandb #todeliveryandbeyond #pregnant #pregnancy #afterpains #downbreathing #birthphotographer antenatal #postnatal #postnatalplan #postnataltips #labour #labortips #labor #labourtips #newborn #newbaby #newmum #antenatalclass #onlineantenatalclass #onlinehypnobirthing #onlinehypnobirthingclasses #due2021 #duedate #40weekspregnant #overdue (at County Mayo) https://www.instagram.com/p/CMpv1wbn4xl/?igshid=1hbrww4thldp9

[todandb]

I N S T I N C T We hear about mother’s instinct for when baby comes along - but did you know there are instincts built in for labour and birth too? Sometimes it’s hard to tune into them, especially when our thinking brain is making us think of so many other things. Hypnobirthing can help quieten that thinking part of our brain, letting the primal part of you take over. This internal instinct might be moving into positions your body is telling you to; squatting, kneeling, walking etc. This can be to help with the sensations of labour and helping baby into position for birth. Wanting to be somewhere warm, dark, quiet, alone, comfortable (think about a cow calving, dog having pups). We are all animals and that environment is perfect to promote the labour hormones. And when these needs are not met/disturbed labour can slow down/stop. In our caveman days we needed this response for safety. It allowed us to get somewhere safe if we were in labour and in danger. Mooing like a cow 🐮 - yep those noises are good because the low tones help relax your pelvic floor. Involuntary pushing - the unstoppable urge to push that, when it kicks in, will push your baby out whether you want to or not 😅 📸: @renatapennafotopoesia #todandb #todeliverybeyond #antenatal #labour #labor #labouranddelivery #laboranddelivery #postnatal #antenataleducation #antenatalonlineclass #antenatalclass #hypnobirthing #hypnobirthingclass #hypnobirthingonlinecourse #hypnobirthingonlineclass #due2021 #newmums #newmoms #labourtips #newborn #birth #labourloop #pregnant #pregnancy #36weekspregnant #37weekspregnant #38weekspregnant (at County Mayo) https://www.instagram.com/p/CMX9UhhnNgS/?igshid=1n6yfaobypn9g

[todandb]

O X Y T O C I N C Y C L E🔄 Look at that uterus bulge up with the intensity of the contraction! Have you ever wondered how our body makes contractions during labour? Put really simply: oxytocin is the hormone that causes your uterus to contract. It is produced in the brain and, during labour, is released into the blood where it goes to the uterus to stimulate contractions. The muscles of the uterus contract, they push the baby’s head against the Cervix and the Cervix sends a signal back to the brain saying “please brain can I have some more?🙏🏼”. And the whole process starts again 🔄 Swipe right to see a drawing I shared last year that made it really easy to understand 🤍 The better the head is in contact against the cervix, the better it works. This is one of reasons why staying upright is beneficial (gravity helps with pressing the head against the cervix). Encouraging the baby into the optimal position for labour (which can be done antenatally aswel) is also a good way to help. I have a highlight on optimal positions if you want to learn more. 📸: @gatherbirth #todandb #todeliveryandbeyond #pregnant #pregnancy #labour #labor #birth #postnatal #newmums #newborn #antenatal #antenataleducation #hypnobirth #hypnobirthing #hynobirthingclass #onlinehypnobirthingclass #labouranddelivery #laboranddelivery #pregnancytips #labourtips #due2021 #pregnant2021 #irishmidwife #contractions #oxytocincycle (at Ireland (country)) https://www.instagram.com/p/CMQH8Y6HD1S/?igshid=zhna32dq7cpi

[todandb]

✨Sunday Night C19 Update I asked if you’d like some updates on Sunday nights so here is a little general information and the answer to some questions I get asked most often. Next topic on my list is working during the pandemic, while pregnant ,and your rights. Hope this is a little helpful. Any questions - you know the drill. Pop them below ⬇️ (Information available in RCOG Covid guidelines) #todandb #todeliverybeyond #antenatal #labour #labor #labouranddelivery #laboranddelivery #postnatal #antenataleducation #antenatalonlineclass #antenatalclass #hypnobirthing #hypnobirthingclass #hypnobirthingonlinecourse #hypnobirthingonlineclass #due2021 #newmums #newmoms #labourtips #newborn #birth #covidandpregnancy (at Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists RCOG) https://www.instagram.com/p/CMIe7Ivntw2/?igshid=1ccdcmad6evn1

[todandb]

MUM2MUM Another message from one mum to others. Start believing in what your body can do. Our bodies are amazing 🙌🏼 #todandb #todeliveryandbeyond #irishmidwife #positiveaffirmations #pregnancyaffirmations #pregnant #pregnancy #pregnancytips #postnatal #labour #labor #labourtips #labouranddelivery #laboranddelivery #hypnobirthing #hupnobirthingclass #onlinehypnobirthingclass #due2021 #duemarch2021 #36weekspregnant #39weekspregnant #birth #birthtips #birthclass (at National Maternity Hospital) https://www.instagram.com/p/CMCYg5JHg2_/?igshid=1kj4qlr4htwre

[todandb]

O X Y T O C I N B O O S T Hitting you with that midweek oxytocin boost again 😍😍 📸: @sabelmomentsbirth #todandb #todeliveryandbeyond #pregnant #pregnancy #labour #labor #birth #postnatal #newmums #newborn #antenatal #antenataleducation #hypnobirth #hypnobirthing #hynobirthingclass #onlinehypnobirthclass #antenatalinformation #pregnancytips #labourtips #duedate #due2021 #pregnant2021 #labouranddelivery #laboranddelivery #oxytocin #birthphotography (at County Dublin) https://www.instagram.com/p/CL9DcwJnKFl/?igshid=5yvxb1o54bvb

[todandb]

T H E L A B O U R T H R O N E 👸🏻 aka T H E T R U S T Y T O I L E T 🚽 A great place to sit and labour, at any stage, and here’s a few reasons why. The first is - a toilet is available at home, in a birth centre or a labour ward so accessible to everyone as long as you are mobile. Number 2 - Sitting on the toilet keeps you in an upright position and if you’ve been around here a while you’ll know how much I promote keeping yourself and your pelvis UFO - Upright, Forward, Open The third reason is that because in a bathroom, while sitting on the toilet, we usually relax and let go (it’s what let’s us go wee and 💩) so doing that in labour allows your body to relax and let go. Our body remembers that the toilet is a place to relax, especially when we are in observed - which is what our labour hormones love (so a few minutes in there away from everyone can do wonders). Tips from me to you ❤️ I always want to help with keeping the thinking part of your brain switched off as much as possible, so finding a solution to a worry like “what if my baby comes really fast and falls down the toilet bowl?” Instead to u can lift the seat and place a towel across the opening. Put the seat back down and sit on it = hammock to catch baby and let’s you switch off the thinking part of your brain. For comfort I recommend facing the cistern and putting a pillow on it so you can lean forward and rest against it - this is also a great position to allow your birth partner apply counter pressure to your back/massage etc. Who here has used the toilet in labour and how did you get on? Let me know ⬇️ 📸: @kendalblackerphoto #todandb #todeliverybeyond #antenatal #labour #labor #labouranddelivery #laboranddelivery #postnatal #antenataleducation #antenatalonlineclass #antenatalclass #hypnobirthing #hypnobirthingclass #hypnobirthingonlinecourse #hypnobirthingonlineclass #due2021 #newmums #newmoms #labourtips #newborn #birth #labourloop (at County Mayo) https://www.instagram.com/p/CL2XFbUnG1D/?igshid=1e1y48rne4a7n

[todandb]

“F A L S E” L A B O U R Have you heard of it? Want to hear some good news? It’s not a thing! What if I told you that every niggle, cramp, contraction and twinge is all contributing towards your actual labour? I know it can be frustrating when you keep thinking -tonight’s the night! You bounce on your ball, organise things to be ready to go to the hospital or get to bed in the hopes of getting some rest before it kicks off. Only to wake up the next morning and everything has stopped again! Try to not get frustrated with it. Try to think about it as if every single one of those cramps or twinges will be one less when labour really starts. Generally they are our bodies way of getting your baby into position for labour, so sometimes they are rotating baby into position (their back against your front) or getting them deeper into pelvis. This can help reduce the length of your labour when it starts since baby is already in the optimal position. I also call them warm ups - kind of like the stretches you do before exercise. They are getting your body ready for what is to come. Whatever the purpose is for you to be experiencing this - please do remember - it is not in vain! It is not false! They are real and they can be uncomfortable. But they are helping! Has any of you any experience of this? Let me know⬇️ 📸: @foxvalleybirthandbaby #todandb #todeliveryandbeyond #pregnant #pregnancy #labour #labor #birth #postnatal #newmums #newborn #antenatal #antenataleducation #hypnobirth #hypnobirthing #hynobirthingclass #onlinehypnobirthclass #antenatalinformation #pregnancytips #labourtips #duedate #due2021 #pregnant2021 (at Ireland (country)) https://www.instagram.com/p/CLsOVSPHlmb/?igshid=1i6l94ec8ermq

[todandb]

J U S T B R E A T H E I have always said - never underestimate the power of your breath. When everything else seems out of your control, you can almost always control your breath. This can be especially helpful if, during labour and birth, your plan changes course. ‘Up Breathing’ is the name given to the type of breathing that works best during the active stage of labour. This is especially beneficial for helping you to relax and ease any tension (interrupting the fear-tension-pain cycle). ‘Down Breathing’ is the technique used in the second stage of labour. This is more about helping and gently nudging baby down through the pelvis. This type of breathing can be very helpful if the Fetal Ejection Reflex does not kick into action, helping you avoid Valsalva Pushing. (See my last few posts for more on the types of pushing). Have you tried any breathing techniques? Did you see my new Reel where I guide you through a breath? Let me know ❤️ 📸: @paulinetakesphotos #todandb #todeliveryandbeyond #pregnant #pregnancy #pregnancytips #labor #labour #labourtips #labourandelivery #laboranddelivery #midwife #upbreathing #downbreathing #newmum #newborn #mum2be #due2021 #antenatalclass #antenataleducation #onlineantenatalclasses #hypnobirthing #onlinehypnobirthingclass #hypnobirthingireland #labourphotography (at County Mayo) https://www.instagram.com/p/CLpkTW0n2II/?igshid=5stni4i7bcmi

[todandb]

“I can not wait to give birth!” A line we don’t hear often enough. But it is possible to feel like this (you wouldn’t believe the amount of people who have rolled their eyes at me when I say that😅). During pregnancy is one of the most common times you are sure to be told everyone else’s birth story and you’ll probably want to tell your own after your baby is here. That is completely normal and everyone’s story deserves to be heard... But☝🏼hearing negative stories can impact how you think and feel about your own upcoming birth. It can cause a sort of mental block what won’t let you succumb to the power of labour and birth. Reading/watching/listening to negative stories is something I strongly recommend you stop. Right now 🚫 Surround yourself with positive birth stories, books, information and people. Learn how your body works and get prepared and excited to meet your baby. Do your own research and put as much time into preparing for this big day as you would any other major life event. Too much time is spent worrying about things like prams and packing your hospital bag - the birth of your baby is not just one day, it will stay with you forever and all you need to have your baby is yourself 💪🏼 🤍 (and you can get the likes of Siobhán from @ulluvdotcom to worry about getting your bag ready😁). I’d love to hear in the comments where you look to feel positive about pregnancy, labour and birth ⬇️ 📸 : @milkandhannah #todandb #todeliveryandbeyond #midwife #pregnant #pregnancy #pregnant2020 #due2020 #due2021 #labour #labor #laboranddelivery #birth #postpartum #newborn #newmum #mumtobe #hyonobirth #hypnobirthing #hypnobirthclasses #antenatal #antenatalclass #labourtips #pregnancytips (at London, Unιted Kingdom) https://www.instagram.com/p/CH5zSpwHvFq/?igshid=1pomkv77bjs5c