Are water births easier?They can be. 'Water helps you stay relaxed,' says midwife Louise Adams. 'It triggers your natural painkillers and helps you get into the best position for your baby to descend into the birth canal.A Swiss study in 2000 found

the baby, as it wears off fast.    Disadvantages:It can make you feel sick, light-headed and dizzy. It can also give you a dry mouth.    It helps to know:You can use gas and air, brought in cylinders, at a home birth.TENS machineTriggers your body's own

't growing well enough. Similarly, if your waters break and you still haven't gone into labour 24 to 48 hours later, induction will be recommended, as there is a risk of intra-uterine infection. 'Once your waters have broken, there is a risk of infection

If you've already started thinking about your birth plan or labour day, chances are it doesn't include being induced, needing forceps or having stitches. But, however determined you are to welcome your baby into the world to the sound of chill

Midwife Nikki replies: There are several theories on this. One concern was whether it puts your baby at risk of infection, but the latest thinking is that it doesn't. Some experts even suggest that bathing can reduce the risk, as water births show

bananas and chocolate on handAn old large T-shirt, shirt or nightdress to give birth in - a front-buttoning one will enable you to breastfeed and have skin-to-skin contact more easily after the birthToiletries - cleansing wipesor flannel, water spray mist

why a natural birth may not be possible. You may need to be induced, if your baby is overdue for example.Your waters might break early and your baby may need to be delivered quickly to avoid infection.Your waters may need to be broken manually to help

, this is no longer an issue.I’d advise you at eat if you feel like it – opt for light, bland and easily digestible food such as pasta, eggs or toast. Bananas are good energy foods to snack on, too. Also, make sure you stay hydrated by sipping water regularly.

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 women’s health and holistic healing as a qualified maternity and fertility therapist

Just 2.5% of births take place at home, but a National Childbirth Trust survey found 43% of women would consider one.The reason most women don't even consider giving birth at home is because they simply don't have enough information about it.If you