because some drugs, eg pethidine, can cause early feeding and breathing difficulties for some babies.You are also more likely to have skin to skin contact after the birth, which encourages breastfeeding.How can I get a water birth?Discuss your birth
scaring yourself silly imagining all sorts of scenarios. So, here, to calm your fears, are the facts from the experts What exactly is a tear? It is damage to the skin, tissue and, occasionally, muscles of your vagina and perineum (the area between your
You wouldn't think of running a marathon without training first, and the same goes for preparing your body for the physical challenge of giving birth.'If you're fit and well, you'll have more strength and stamina for labour,' says antenatal teacher
A tear during labour means that you have suffered damage to the skin, tissues and occasionally muscles of your vagina and perineum - the area between your vagina and anus.The tear could be anything from a nick in the skin to a deeper laceration
Our webchat is the chance to get answers to your intimate questions about post-birth healing.Expert Rachel Foux (pictured) has over 13 years experience in womens health and holistic healing as a qualified maternity and fertility therapist
While there’s no way of knowing exactly how your labour will go, being as prepared as possible will help you feel calmer and more in control. Heres what these new mums felt helped them...‘Have realistic expectations of your partner
the elasticity of the skin. Once the pushing stage starts, it helps if it's done gently and gradually. Your midwife will help you through.I'm afraid of the pain' Pain is frightening because it's associated with the body being damaged, yet in labour something
. Even if you're propped up, there isn't much gravity to help you push the baby down.'Lying down can make labour last longer, increase the level of pain, affect your blood pressure and reduce the amount of oxygen your baby receives. Also, your body's main
