Your labour and birth
When you go into labour I am only a phone call away and will come and assess your and your baby’s wellbeing within a safe and reasonable amount of time. Research demonstrates that continued support from a midwife who you know during active labour has clinically significant benefits for women and babies. However, during early labour, being observed and unnecessarily monitored can have a detrimental effect on contractions, slowing them down or causing labour to cease altogether. For this reason, I tend to keep a low profile until you are nearing established labour or when you feel you need me for support or more frequent clinical checks. Should you wish for the attendance of a doula (non-clinical maternity support worker) this can be arranged. We will have discussed this antenatally and you will already have chosen the doula best attuned to you. Eating and drinking during labour is very important and I will encourage you to stay well nourished and hydrated. The body metabolises its stores very rapidly because of the energy requirements being so high. We will have discussed this at length antenatally, so when labour starts, you will have plenty of the most delicious and nourishing snacks and drinks to hand. During your antenatal care we will have discussed breathing, movement, postures, natural pain management and much more. You will be surprised at how much more intuitive and instinctive you become during labour. This is something that I will have encouraged and supported you with antenatally. It's far easier to give birth when trying to be civilised and polite. Your partner will see a different side to you- one that will awe him for years to come. Providing we are at home during labour I provide clinical checks for you and your baby and one to one support and guidance in a reassuring manner (Please read ''Informed Consent, An Overview of how I Work''). Where relevant, I will discuss your options and allow plenty of time to for you to reflect and consider. One of my colleagues will arrive towards the end of labour once it becomes clear that your baby will soon be born. Working in pair is the safest and easiest way ensure you are well supported. Click here for The Third Stage of Labour Click here for Postnatal Care Click here for Home |
My duty of care includes:
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