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25.01.2022 "Birthing Your Baby: the second stage of labour by Dr. Nadine Edwards provides us with a most excellent piece of work exploring the pinnacle of the childbearing... experiencethat unparalleled moment when our worlds newest soul spirals into the light! As a practicing homebirth midwife, the parts of Dr. Edwards book that resonated with me most were these: As inconvenient as it may be to our current medical system, theres simply no one size fits all approach that may be appropriately applied to women engaged in the singular act of giving birth. An eyebrow must be raised when reviewing the results of research intended to highlight and examine specific elements of undisturbed birth conducted in settings yet rife with disturbances. If researchers desire to study undisturbed birth, they would do well to focus their attention on birth that is really and truly undisturbed. Women and their babies are individuals, and each motherbaby dance from one phase of life into another will be unique. Undisturbed birth is birth thats free to find and flow within its distinct rhythm." https://www.kimosterholzer.com/25/birthing-your-baby/

25.01.2022 This week is #birthtraumaawarenessweek and as a researcher in vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC) I hear so many traumatic stories about caesareans and powerfu...l and healing stories about VBAC. We need to talk about #birthtrauma for what it is, the stripping of control and dignity from women, the disrespect treatment, the inflated threats and coercion. #VBACmatters #VBAC See more

23.01.2022 The only person who can decide if a birth experience was traumatic is the person experiencing the trauma. Birth trauma isn't only physical trauma. It can also be (and often is) psychological trauma. While it can be related to the outcomes of birth, like a baby or mother who isn't well or an emergency situation, it is also about the feelings and emotions surrounding the event. How you feel about the birth, how you were treated, whether you felt like you had any control or powe...r in the situation. It is very particular to the individual. What one person may see as an 'ideal' birth - for example a vaginal birth with a healthy baby, for another person the same birth outcomes, on paper at least (a vaginal birth with a healthy baby) may lead to a completely different experience. Never presume that someone else sees a particular situation the same way as you do. Never presume that just because someone has a 'healthy baby' that they feel amazing about their birth experience. Birth trauma isn't limited to mothers. Fathers, partners, doulas, midwives, obstetricians, support people. photographers - anyone who is in that birth space, either literally or vicariously, can experience birth trauma. If you feel like you had a traumatic birth experience - you did. Simple as that.Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Don't feel like you should be feeling a certain way because you 'have a healthy baby'. Your experience matters. Your story matters . . . #birth #starttheconversation #yourstorymatters #birthtrauamaawarenessweek2020 #birthtrauma #perthmumsandbubs #perthmums #enough

23.01.2022 Were you informed of the risk of repeat caesareans both for this pregnancy and birth and for future pregnancies? When planning a VBAC, the discussion too often centres around one thing - the risk of uterine rupture, while ignoring the risks of repeat caesareans. The risk of repeat caesarean include... . increased risk of maternal death (13.4 per 100,000 versus 3.8 per 100,000 for TOLAC) . increased risk of hysterectomy . increased hospital stay (length) . longer recovery time . Increased risk of placental issues in future pregnancies including placenta accreta, previa, increta, and percreta - and the risk of these increases with each repeat caesarean. It is these abnormal placentations that are so overlooked when discussing the risk of repeat caesareans. According to Guise et al 'Abnormal placentation has been associated with both maternal and neonatal morbidity including need for antepartum hospitalization, preterm delivery, emergent cesarean delivery, hysterectomy, blood transfusion, surgical injury, intensive care unit (ICU) stay, and fetal and maternal death. In order to effectively counsel women about their risk of complications due to the placenta in future pregnancies, it is essential to have a clear understanding of the incidence of these potentially life-threatening complications in women with prior cesarean delivery. Let me know - what was discussed with you when you were planning a VBAC. . If none of this has been discussed, ask the question - what are the risks of having a caesarean both for this pregnancy and for any future pregnancies. You need to have an understanding of the risks and benefits of both a VBAC and a repeat caesarean to be able to make a truly informed decision about what is right for you . . . #vbac #positivevbac #vbacbirthstories #vbacmama #vbacmatters #perthmumsandbubs #perthmumstobe #secondtimemum #thirdtimemum #perthmums #perthdoula

23.01.2022 If anyone is able to help out with some Doula training... Hi all...we have our doula training practice day on Monday 14th September and if you are 38 weeks or more and would be able to donate your time to helping out with doula practice that would be great. You would need to be willing to spend 2 and a half hours having a combination of massage, acupressure, a variety of doula skills including working with a rebozo, pelvic pathways positioning / stretching and receiving labour and birth information. We need 8 women for the morning session from 9:30am till 12pm, then another 8 women for the afternoon session from 2pm till 4:30pm (we cannot change these times so you must be available these times). Please email Vicki at [email protected]

22.01.2022 Yes, they are the mama's hands bringing her baby into the world in a maternal-assisted caesarean, also known as a family-friendly or positive caesarean. . A maternal-assisted caesarean is one where the mother is able to lift her own baby out of her womb giving her the opportunity to be actively involved in the birth of her baby. Once the obstetrician helps the baby's head emerge, the mother is then able to reach down and assist her baby out. . Once baby is born, they are bro...ught straight up to mum's chest for immediate skin to skin and initial breastfeeding (if both mum and baby are well enough). This immediate skin-to-skin helps regulate their temperature and heart rate, promotes breastfeeding and bonding and helps baby feel more secure. For many women, this gives them back a sense of control around their birth. For others it is about baby's first experience being in the mother's hands as much as possible rather than being handled by strangers in the first moments of their life. We discuss all this and so much more in @hypnobirthingaustralia Positive Caesarean Birth course. Despite what some may tell you, you do have options when it comes to your caesarean birth. Do you know your options? Have you considered what is important to you during your caesarean birth? Do you feel confident discussing this with your caregiver? If not, DM me or click on the link in my bio to find out how we can work together as you journey to your own positive birth. And I'd love to know - have you heard of a maternal-assisted caesarean? Have you had one? #positivecaesarean #hypnobirthingaustralia #hypnobub #birthisbirth #birthisbeautiful #birthisamazing #maternalassistedcaesarean #csection #perthmaternityphotographer #birthphotographyperth #birthphotography #birthbecomesher #birth #empoweredbirth #birthfacts #perthmum #perthmums #perthmumsandbubs Image from @sarahkatephotographyperth

21.01.2022 This!! Valid consent needs to involve a discussion. Giving you a form to sign is lieu of a conversation is not valid consent

21.01.2022 In our culture there is this constant message that your body will fail you during birth. That birth is only possible because the obstetrician or the midwife is there to ensure it happens. The language that we use, the medical terminology, the interventions all imply that something is wrong with the way a woman's body works and the way she will birth her baby. What is this doing to her belief in her ability to mother her baby?... If we are telling her that she can't get the birth 'right' on her own, what message does that send to her about her ability to mother on her own - without Google, without books, without the experts telling her what her baby needs instead of giving her the chance to learn for herself by listening to her baby. Imagine how many women would have had a different start to their parenting journey if they were told from the very beginning to trust in themselves? . . . #hypnobirthingaustralia #hypnobirthingperth #trusttheprocess #ritesofpassage #birth #childbirtheducation #duein2021 #duein2020 #postpartum #matrescence #newmum #newmother #naturalbirth

20.01.2022 Implied consent seems to go with assumed understanding. Even though it might only apply to specific circumstances, the consumer should still know why they are d...oing something. for example: in my first pregnancy, I was given a swab and told to swab my vagina. I did not know why, that I could say no, that my care options could change based on the results or what was actually being tested. Another example: "I'm just going to have a listen to baby" and proceeding to use the doppler. Once you are laying down, a cascade of checks happens...this is implied consent. It is implied you consent because you have attended an antenatal check up and this is the routine. Perhaps you would just like to talk. Perhaps you would like to know why the checks are being done. In some cases, this all happens inside a 10 minute appointment, and there is no time for discussion. Many times in pregnancy and birth consent is given (verbal, written and implied) because consent assumes a yes. And as we know, many times consent is not even sought, but assumed (the episiotomy cut in haste, the waters broken in a VE, a stretch and sweep done during a cervical check, touching a breast without asking). For most, consent is also an in-the-moment event, limited information on an urgent time frame, during an event that takes you out of your rational mind...maternity health care consumers have a right to know in advance what the different pathways look like, how one consented to intervention leads to other interventions where consent is implied or choice is lost. The commision offers this to consumers (but no fact sheet on informed consent). https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au//understanding-your-ri The image accompanying the info in this link, suggests that decisions are shared. But share Decision Making is actually about clinicians providing information (Risk, Benefits, Alternatives) and the consumer making the decisions. The decision belongs to the consumer. I will be exploring this further.

20.01.2022 Fill in the blank... help out a fellow mama or mama to be. . I'll start.... Everyone makes mistakes, we're all learning and nobody, absolutely nobody, has their shit together all of the time.... . Tag your mama friends - let's start sharing the wisdom . #pregnancy #mothertobe #mumlife #matrescence #duein2020 #pregnantinperth #perthmumsandbubs #ittakesavillagetoraiseachild #postpartum #postnatal See more

20.01.2022 Is this what comes to mind when you think about birth? Or is it fear and horror stories? . Which would you prefer?... The @hypnobirthingaustralia Positive Birth helps you see what birth can be - a truly positive experience. If you want . the ability to create and maintain a positive mindset, changing our thoughts and feelings around birth. . specific tools and techniques to use during labour to create a calm, positive and empowering birth experience, including visualisations, relaxation, touch and breathing . evidence-based information including the process of birth, the pros and cons of procedures surrounding birth, and making your own decisions . practical tools for birth partners . join one of my upcoming Hypnobirthing Australia classes for all this and more! I have 2 spaces left for November classes and have just opened up my December dates DM me or click on the link in my bio to start your own journey to a positive birth. . . . #hypnobirthingaustralia #hypnobirthingperth #perthmumsandbubs #perthmumstobe #perthsmallbiz #birth #duein2021 #duein2020 #positivebirth #naturalbirth #homebirth #hospitalbirth #calmbirth #antenatalclassesperth

19.01.2022 Looking for pregnancy or postpartum exercise classes? Check out FitRight

18.01.2022 Practising the 'slow dance' of labour... . The slow dance allows the birthing mama to be upright and forward leaning while also being supported. This position enables mama to move, sway and rock her hips as much as she needs. Beyond that, look who she is being supported by. Someone she loves and trusts, someone she has a connection to, which all helps boost oxytocin a.k a the love hormone... . This is just one of the many techniques these couples learnt in today's @hypnobirthingaustralia Positive Birth classes. All techniques designed to help mama feel calm and relaxed during her labour. They are also designed to help birth partners feel more confident to better support their partner. . Want to learn a full range of techniques that will help you approach your birth feeling calm, confident and connected? Join one of my upcoming Hypnobirthing Australia Positive Birth classes. Click on the link in my bio or DM to reserve your place or to find out more. . . . #hypnobirthingaustralia #hypnobirthingperth #perthmumsandbubs #pregnantinperth #duein2020 #duein2021 #perthmumstobe #dueindecember #antenatalclassesperth #perthsmallbiz #positivebirth #labourprep

18.01.2022 For those mamas in their final days and weeks of pregnancy. I see you. Perhaps you are feeling uncomfortable and frustrated at being sooooo pregnant. Or maybe you are relishing your bump and you're already knowing you will miss it. Maybe you can't wait to meet your baby and every day feels like weeks. ... Or maybe you a combination of all of these. What you are feeling is completely normal. You are not alone. Be patient, trust the process. Know that things are happening in their own time. Your body and and baby are both preparing for your birth. Everything will happen exactly when it's meant to... Be Patient {words by @awakeningpeople} Reposted from @thebehappyproject #hypnobirthingaustralia #hypnobubs #pregnantinperth #perthmumsandbubs #duein2020 #positivebirth

16.01.2022 R U OK? I think it's awesome that we have a dedicated R U OK? Day every year. But more than that I think this is a question we need to be asking each other waaaaay more often. As this video beautifully sums up we need to be there, we need to observe, we actually need to listen to the conversation, encourage action and check in.... So today I'm going to ask you, R U OK, but today is not the only day I'm going to ask. Particularly for all the new mamas out there....the journey into motherhood can feel isolating, challenging and overwhelming. Know that you are not alone. That you will always have someone listening when you respond to the question of R U OK? . . #ruok #ruokday2020 #Imheretolisten

16.01.2022 Healing from birth trauma If you are one of the one in three (yes, you read that correctly) Australian women who have had a difficult or traumatic birth, then you need to read this. Healing from a traumatic birth is not a linear process, It's not a case of simply ticking off a checklist and everything is alright again. You may feel like some days you're feeling much better about your birth and your healing journey, some days it might feel like you're not getting anywhere and... some days may feel like you are going backwards. That is normal. And that is ok. Ways you can start your healing journey; . Acknowledge your feelings around your birth. Too often women feel shame or guilt about their feelings around a traumatic birth, particularly if they have a 'healthy baby'. Know that it is ok to feel any and all of the feelings about your birth. They are your feelings and they are valid . Access your medical records. You may need to pay an administration fee but they are your records to access. Understanding the events that unfolded can often go a long way in starting the healing process . Read 'How to heal a bad birth' by Bruijn and Gould - this book was a lifesaver for me. It's definitely worth finding a copy. It's also a good one for your partner, parents, friends - whoever is close to you, to read as well. . Write your story down. Sometimes the act of writing your story can start your healing journey. Writing down how each event that happened made you feel can help unpack what you are feeling and help you to decide what the next step is. . Take it easy on yourself. The healing journey can be a slow one. There is no expectation that everything is ok again over night . Seek support - there is plenty of support around. Whether it is asking for help from your partner or reaching out to places like @birthtrauma.org.au (ABTA) Peer Support Program; BirthTalk'sBirth healing meetings, It is also worth talking to professional perinatal counsellors or psychologists - someone who is trained to help you work through your trauma Whatever your healing journey looks like - know you are not alone. My heart is always open for you Beautiful image from @lucia.dami

16.01.2022 I really love it when someone tells the truth about the b.s. in obstetrics. From Stitches, The Journal of Medical Humour (Mar 1998) Facing the Facts About Fon...tanels Let’s Stop Kidding Ourselves about our Knowledge of Obstetrics By Dr. Earle Weisenburger A while back I was examining a patient in our obstetrical unit. As I finished the exam, the OB nurse, who was about 14 years old asked me, "What's the position?" I looked at her over my bifocals, paused, then asked her how her tennis game was coming along and whether she was planning a winter vacation. I told the patient that everything was great and she'd probably pop the baby out like a cork in about an hour and a half. I then beat a hasty retreat to the nursing station to write a quick note on the chart. The truth of the matter was that I had no idea what the position was and nor did I give a sweet care. What I did know was that I was feeling a head not a bum, and that the head was in about mid-pelvis. The cervix was about 6cm dilated, up from 2 cm two hours earlier. I also knew that the lady in labor was five feet eight inches tall, wore size eight shoes and her first baby had been born after an uneventful six-hour labor two years before. She had a pelvis you could drive a Kenwortb 18-wheeler through and, barring some unlikely disaster, this kid was going to be AOK. Almost 90 minutes later the baby popped out like a cork, closely followed by the placenta and I was out-a-there. But not before the same 14-year-old nurse asked, "What was the position before birth?" "ROA," I lied. I always say ROA. Then I fled. As my childhood hero, Yogi Berra, said, "Wow, it was like deja vu all over again." I couldn't believe it! Here I was, a highly experienced physician with 120 years of practice and at least 87000 deliveries behind me, Cowering and then running from a 14 year old nurse because I didn't understand fontanels. To make matters worse, I'd known since medical school that it was a crock and no one understood fontanels and positions. This realization hit me in the delivery suite in third year. My clinic Group had basked in the learned presence of the Great One himself. "Progress," he explained, "has been halted by a classical occiput posterior position." We examined. We nodded. The Great One pontificated. The Keillands were produced. We ooed, we aahed, silently of course. With a flourish, the Kiellands were applied. A classic rotation and a classic extraction followed. "Holy shit" wasn't the comment I expected, but then the Great One wasn't expecting to make eye contact with the baby quite that early in the lad's life. Since that day I've seen OAs rotated to OPs and delivered face-up on at least six occasions. All of these were done by highly skilled people who thought they understood fontanels and positions. So enough is enough. Let's come clean and admit it's been fun intimidating and one-upping each other over the last few hundred years. Let's confess And give up these archaic anachronisms - ROA, OP, ROP, etc., etc., and adapt the new, easily understood nomenclature. The only positions that are important during labor and delivery are COS (coming out soon), which is good, CON (coming out now), which is better, and NCO, (not coming out) which of course is very bad.>

15.01.2022 Love this photo of one of my Hypnobirthing Australia mamas soaking up some winter sunshine while practising her affirmations for birth. . That's what I love about the @hypnobirthingaustralia PositiveBirthProgram - it gives you tools that you can take with you wherever you go. .... Where do you practice your pregnancy relaxation? . . #hypnobirthingaustralia #hypnobirthingperth #hypnobirthing #perthmumsandbubs #perthmumstobe #duein2020 #duein2021 #perthgram #perth #perthisok #pregnancy See more

15.01.2022 World prematurity day 2020 Why the day is important An estimated 15 million babies are born preterm every year more than 1 in 10 babies around the world.... . Preterm birth complications are the leading cause of death for children under 5, causing an estimated 1 million deaths in 2015 globally. . Rates of preterm birth are rising in the majority of countries with adequate data. . Across 184 countries, the rate of preterm birth ranges from 5% to 18% of babies born. In Australia, just under 9% of babies are born prematurely. I've been fortunate enough to have babies who were all born at term. However, my life has not been untouched by prematurity - it was my parents who had to endure those long, challenging days, weeks and months after my own birth at 30 weeks gestation. The second picture is me inwhat came to be my home for theearly stages of my life - I was born at1670grams (3 pound 7 ounces). I can't even imagine what that must have been like - to my parents and all the other parents of preemie babies, please take a moment to recognise just how strong you are. World Prematurity Day 2020 Together for babies born too soon Caring for the future . . . #worldprematurityday2020 #borntoosoon #preemie #preemiebaby

15.01.2022 As little girls many of us were taught to distrust our observations and intuition. Growing up in our families, telling the truth may have led to punishment, hum...iliation, withdrawal, or physical violence. Telling the truth may trigger a visceral fear of stepping up and using our voice as a force for change. Our painful histories may have conditioned us to avoid conflict and try to create peace at all costs, as a way to keep that fear at bay. It is through addressing those childhood fears that we can dissolve the paralysis we may feel in the face of so many current challenges. I believe that the women who become skilled at initiating difficult conversations will be the most effective and transformative leaders of our time. Becoming skilled at disruptive truth-telling requires that we practice detachment in two main areas: 1. Detach from a need for peace at all costs The more conflict-avoidant we are, the less real we are and the less authentic we allow others to be. Theres a direct connection between our ability to navigate conflict and our ability to be true. One of the reasons for this is that many of us experienced turbulent, conflict-ridden homes as children and as a way to stay safe, made a vow to never create or contribute to conflict. That vow may have kept us safe as children but left unexamined, it becomes a barrier to our full power as women. Being willing to tolerate the ambiguity inherent in moving things to a higher order requires that we have a deeper source of stability within ourselves that we can find comfort in when the outside world is in flux. 2. Detach from the need to be liked, understood and approved of Its natural to enjoy being liked and understood. But to need it in order to feel OK is a form of giving our power away. As little girls we needed to feel approved of by our mothers and fathers to survive emotionally intact. Everything was based on that bond. If that bond was compromised when we were children, as adults we may conflate being liked with being safe, placing our source of emotional safety outside ourselves as we did when we were children. Healing involves cultivating the primary source of our approval within ourselves. Connection with this inner source allows us to take more risks in being real, telling the truth and feeling the unsurpassed joy of feeling our actions in alignment with our truth. There is a delicious kind of freedom in having the capacity to validate your own reality when others around you cannot. Read the full article to dive deeper into these two areas, to read some real-life examples from my clients what this process can look like, and to learn some potent questions to ask yourself: https://www.bethanywebster.com/the-power-of-disruptive-tru/

14.01.2022 You are not a machine. Listen to your body and allow yourself to rest whenever you need to recharge . And to all the mamas who just want to scream 'fuck off' to the next person who tells you to 'sleep when the baby sleeps' - I see you abd this one is for you. Maybe sleeping when the baby sleeps isn't an option for you because you have anxiety, or you feel the pressure of being this 'super mum' our society has created - the one who says we need tidy houses and home coo...ked meals made from ingredients from own gardens, or maybe you just have other kids who tag team their naps.... Even if you can't sleep, know that it is ok to stop and rest. Even if only for 5 minutes because that's all your toddler will watch of Bluey before climbing all over you again. Close your eyes and spend a few minutes doing some deep breathing. Or lie on your back with your legs and feet up against a wall. Or play a game of 'naptime' and get your kids to put you to sleep on the floor. I can't tell you how many times I've snuck in a nap this way . Feel ok asking for help from your partner/friends/family so that you can get sime proper time to rest and recharge if that's on option for you. You can't be everything to everyone all of the time. How can you find ways to rest and recharge today? . . . #mumlife #rest #takeabreak #mumsofperth #perthmumsandbubs #pregnantinperth #positivitywins #empoweredliving #supportingeachother #wordsofaffirmation #slothgang #happylifehappyme #wordsofcomfort Reposted from @thehappyslothclub

14.01.2022 Birth trauma isn't just about the birth. There are so many possible impacts that may follow if you have had a bad birth. Firstly, there are the potential negative thoughts and feelings around birth itself. For some women this will be severe enough that they will choose to not have any further children for fear of having another traumaticbirth. According to Bruijn and Gould from Birthtalk.org women who have had a bad or traumatic birth may have a higher chance of experiencin...g; . disappointment or emptiness - a feeling that there was something missingfrom the birth . a lack of confidence withmothering and an unawareness or rejection of her mothering instincts . hypervigilant in the care of her baby . feelings of failure, which can impact on her generalconfidence in life . anger with her partner, especially if she felt they should have rescued her, whether or not they really could . feeling so constricted by the trauma of the birth that she cannot fully express her love for her baby This last point - this was me. I remember looking at my brand new little baby and feeling so removed from her. It was like I was caring for someone else's baby. And that's a hell of a thing to deal with when you have a newborn that needs constant attention, love, care and feeding just so they can survive. One of the main risk factors for postnatal depression or anxiety is having a bad or traumatic birth experience. It's time to recognise that birth is about more than bringing a baby into the world. It's time to recognise that the birth of a baby can have profound and lasting impacts on the mother, on how she feels and how she mothers. . . . #starttheconversation #yourstorymatters #birthtrauamaawarenessweek2020 #birthtrauma #birthstory #itstimeforchange . . Image from @wild.flow.her

13.01.2022 I got to hang out with these amazing humans on the weekend as they prepare for a calm, positive birth. My Hypnobirthing Australia Positive Birth classes are a place of conversation, questions and so many a-ha moments! They are a blend of the spiritual with the science and the evidence with the emotion, with a good dose of humour and story telling thrown in.... And I have to tell you, nothing lights me up more than watching the connection and transformation that happens within the room over the course . If you want to feel calm, confident and empowered as you approach your birth, DM me or click on the link in my bio to find how @hypnobirthingaustralia classes can help you do just that! . . . PS to my amazing couples, feel free to tag yourself . #hypnobirthingaustralia #hypnobirthingperth #hypnobirthing #duein2020 #duein2021 #positivebirth #fionastanleyhospital #kemh #sjogmurdoch #pregnantinperth #perthdoula #perthmumstobe #hypnobubs

13.01.2022 Affirmation cards are now available to download on my website I received some beautiful messages about the affirmation cards I give out during my Hypnobirthing Australia classes so I decided to make them available to everyone. The 28 ready to download Bright Mums Positive Birth Affirmations are positive, validating and empowering statements with simple, elegant illustrations focusing on mother and baby. The affirmations cover encouragement, relaxation, the normal physiolog...ical process of birth, and finding strength and confidence. The affirmations have been collated into ready to print files which can be printed at post-card or A4 size depending on your needs. Purchase, download and print or review these affirmations for positive thought preparation during pregnancy and as an encouraging and empowering tool during labour. As we discuss during my @hypnobirthingaustralia classes, your mindset matters. Positive language, the right words and thoughts can help create and maintain a positive mindset. More than that, it can help turn a stressful or challenging moment around (so keep your affirmations close by). How to use them Firstly- practice all of these techniques during labour. The more you practice, the more effective they will be. Then; Speak them; read them & say them out loud to yourself See them-place printed cards in significant places to remind yourself (I liked my bathroom mirror and bedside table) or review them on your device; read them during your labour or have them up around your birth space (I love them strung up by fairy lights). Use them on your vision board (swipe to see a beautiful example) Feel them- really feel into them. If your affirmation is 'I am calm & relaxed' feel calm and relaxed. Hear them- have your birth support person read them to you during or between surges (contractions) to keep you strong, calm and positive. I also have an Affirmations for a Positive Birth MP3 available) To check them out, head to the link in my bio and click on shop and let me know what you think! I'll also be sharing them in my stories, so keep any eye out. . . . . #birthaffirmations #positivebirth #hypnobirthing #positivemindset

13.01.2022 If you have any kind of risk factor when you arrive at hospital during labour, usually step one is to put a cardiotograph (CTG) on you. This machine is strapp...ed on with two receivers and waist straps and displays your babies heart rate and your contraction patterns on a print out. The thought is that it would provide a first sign of a developing problem and allow prompt intervention to get your baby out quickly. Problem is that this idea has not proven effective. Weve know for a long time that when continuous CTG is used on low-risk women, the caesarean section rate goes up without improving outcomes for babies and now we know from current research by Small et. al in 2020 that using this machine on higher risk women doesnt work to improve outcomes either. The link to the study is in my bio, or below for Facebook folk https://www.womenandbirth.org//S1871-5192(19)308/fulltext This is a literature review which looked at 38 different research papers including 11 randomised controlled trials, found that current research evidence does not demonstrate improvements in perinatal outcome for infants born to women at risk of poor perinatal outcome when intrapartum CTG monitoring is used. So, its time to ask ourselves, if it doesnt work for low risk labour and birth and it doesnt work for high risk labour and birth, why are we using it at all? Birth unit culture? Litigious coverage?... its certainly not for the benefit of women or their babies #ctg #obstetrics #obstetrician #birth @birthsmalltalk

13.01.2022 Interventions during labour often don't happen in isolation. They often come as part of a bigger package or have a possible cascade of interventions that follow. Let's look at some of the most common interventions and the 'packages' that come with them. . Epidurals - one of the most common forms of pain relief during labour which have become almost expected for so many women aren't just the epidural themselves. The epidural 'package' may include... - IV place for fluids - catheter in case of loss of sensation of your bladder - continuousmonitoring (which in some hospitals means being attached to monitors which restricts your movement) - more restricted movement (some hospitals have a strict 'no off the bed' policy and even if they don't, being able to move may be challenging) which can impact rotation and descent of baby - higher rate of instrumental birth (see above point) . Induction or augmentation of labour with synthetic oxytocin - 'ripening of the cervix' if not already ripe - IV placed for syntocinon/pitocin - continuous monitoring (which can restrict movement and access to showers) - loss of access to waterbirth in most places - regular vaginal exams - active management of the placenta - increased risk of caesarean And all of this is before you consider any impacts (in the immediate, short or long term) for mother or baby or for breastfeeding. To be able to make fully informed choices it is important that you know exactly what is to be expected - this goes for any screening test, procedure or intervention throughout your pregnancy and labour. You also need to know the risks and benefits to both yourself and your baby, along with what is the next step - what happens if this procedure doesn't work. Knowledge is power - the more you know, the better placed you are to make informed, educated decisions. The decisions that are right for you and your baby. Comment below and let me know what your experience of the 'package' that comes with interventions was. Did you know beforehand? . Image @_blissfulmommy . . #informedbirth #informedconsent #knowledgeispower #empoweredbirth #birthfacts #antenatalclassesperth #duein2020 #duein2021

12.01.2022 For all the new mamas

09.01.2022 I'm totally feeling into this at the moment. . Since making the decision to take the leap, do my doula training and make the world of pregnancy, birth and beyond my only work, the opportunities have opened up in ways I couldn't have imagined. . Whether your decision opens up or closes off your world; whether you believe something can be positive or it will be horrible, the universe will conspire to make it happen. ... Have you noticed this to be true? . . . #positivebirth #positivecaesarean #positivebirth #positivemindset #positivethinking #mindsetmatters #thinkbig #perthmumsandbubs #mumboss #perthwomeninsmallbusiness

09.01.2022 "EFM began as a noble attempt to conquer a centuries old plague - cerebral palsy - but has been turned into a nightmare for birth caregivers and increased the c...hances that women and babies may experience harm from what should be a happy experience. While trial lawyers certainly deserve the blame for starting, perpetuating, and profiting from the EFM-CP hoax, physicians share equally in the blame for these half century old hoaxes that have become a shameful stain on an honourable profession. Physicians vincible ignorance in this continuing hoax is apparent for all to see. But to paraphrase Jeremiah, there are none so blind as those who will not see." This is a quote from the conclusion of an article just published in The Indian Journal of Medical Ethics. In "Cerebral palsy litigation after fifty years: A hoax on you," Sartwelle et al (2020) detail the story of what the describe as the "hoax" of electronic fetal monitoring. From the early myths to how some of those linked with one of the first companies manufacturing, promoting, and selling EFM machines were also the creators, testers, researchers and authors of the studies which cemented EFM in obstetric practice, this freely available article deserves to be widely read and shared by anyone who is involved in birth and/or needing to make decisions about whether EFM is something they want as part of their care. The full article can be found at https://ijme.in//cerebral-palsy-litigation-after-fifty-ye/ If you'd like to know more, lots more studies on EFM and related topics are shared and discussed at www.sarawickham.com #midwife #midwifery #doula #birthdoula #pregnant #birth #childbirth #duein2020 #drsarawickham #positivebirth #childbirtheducation #childbirtheducator #whatsrightforme #efm #ctg See more

09.01.2022 Have you used a peanut ball during labour?

07.01.2022 Have you thought about having a vision board for your birth? A vision board works in a few ways; . It can remind you of what you are working towards - not necessarily an exact plan for birth but more of a reminder of the feelings and emotions around your birth. Reminding you that birth can be a truly positive, joyful and powerful experience... . What you focus on, expands. If you focus only on the negative, guess what is more likely to come to be? If you focus on the positive, your mind will look for ways to make this happen - even if your birth takes a completely different journey to what you were expecting . It can give you something to focus your attention on during labour. When you face challenges or crisis of confidence, having a visual reminder of your calm, positive birth or a reminder of just how strong you are can help you through. . The very act of creating a vision board forces you to take time and think about your birth in a positive way - even if this hasn't been a habit before. Crafternoon anyone?? . What to include in your vision board? . This depends entirely on what you want. Perhaps it is affirmations, or pictures of your pregnant self, or ultrasound images of your baby. Maybe it is pictures of your family, or those around you that help you when you need it most. Or maybe it is other images of birth or images of nature that help you find peace and calm. . Whatever you choose - this is your board so have fun with it and make it your own. Thanks to one of my Hypnobirthing Australia mamas for sharing her beautiful board. Creating vision boards is just one of the many tools and techniques we discuss during @hypnobirthingaustralia Positive Birth classes. Did you notice some familiar affirmation cards?I have to admit, I did a little jump for joy when I saw my @bright.mums affirmation cards on this board. I gift these gorgeous affirmations to all of the beautiful mums I work with. Want to know more about vision boards, affirmations, Hypnobirthing Australia classes or how to get your hands on some of my affirmation cards? DM me or click on the link in my bio

06.01.2022 And team September is done! Thank you to all of these beautiful couples who joined me for their Hypnobirthing Australia Positive Birth classes Over the course of two weeks we've covered; - creating and maintaining a positive mindset and how to remove the fear of birth (and why it matters)... - a toolkit for birth, giving both mums and partners practical ways to feel calm and relaxed during labour - choices for empowered birth we're we looked at how to make informed, educated decisions that are right for mum and baby - what to expect during labour, birth and beyond But more than that, we shared experiences, stories, laughter and perhaps the odd tear (damn birth videos!)...oh and snacks. Already I've had messages from parents saying how much they have enjoyed the classes and how much they got out of it, like this beautiful comment... 'Feeling so super positive and calm about birth now, instead of just going in to get it done and really looking forward to whatever our experience has to bring!' . If you want to feel super positive and calm about your birth, come and join me for my @hypnobirthingaustralia Positive Birth classes. But be quick, classes are booking out weeks in advance. I currently have only one space left for November and I'm now taking bookings for December and January. DM or head to www.brightmums.com.au for more

03.01.2022 Another beautiful hypnobubenters the world!! . . I met this beautiful couple when they joined my @hypnobirthingaustralia Positive Birth classes. I can't wait to read the full story .... 'Our beautiful baby boy was born at 8:34 last night . He is 3.1kg and. 50cm. It was AMAZING Kate! About 4 hours of labour - no drugs, no medication, no tearing! I was induced as my waters had broken (as we were at 36 weeks) but I was already 3cm before they started the drip. It got quite intense but we used a combo of massage, the tens and the shower plus of course breathing and music. We had the room all set up like you'd taught us to, even though we were not able to birth in the birth Centre. We had a few moments throughout the process that didn't go how we expected and I used the BRAIN technique to question. Hypnobirthing gave me the confidence to take control of things and ask questions and do what was right for us and safe for baby.It was amazing! Best day of our lives ! Very happy and everyone is doing well. Excited to write a birth story for you to share.We are SO glad we did Hypnobirthing!' Congratulations to you all!! . . #hypnobirthingaustralia #hypnobirthingperth #hypnobirthing #positivebirth #perthmumsandbubs #perthmumstobe #duein2021 #birth #birthstories #hypnobubs #perthdoula

03.01.2022 It's officially official! Doula training is complete And, I'm currently on call for a birth . Thanks to the wonderful Vicki Hobbs from @doulatrainingacademy for all of your support, wisdom and guidance. To @vivstar33 thank you for all of your support while I was doing my training and for supporting the 'on-call' life. You're awesome!... I can't wait to see what the next part of my journey holds And to my Perth mamas, if you are considering a doula, someone who is there to support you during your pregnancy, birth and beyond, someone who will hold space for you, someone who can provide not just the physical comfort but also the emotional support, I'd love to chat . DM me or comment below to find out how I can support you to have a birth you remember, for all the right reasons . . . #doula #doulasofperth #duein2020 #duein2021 #perthsmallbiz #perthlocal #perthmumsandbubs #pregnantinperth #perthdoula #doulatrainingacademy #perthmums #perthlocal

01.01.2022 Your gut instinct is a powerful one if you take the time to listen to it and honour it. . We often talk about wheighing up risks and benefits when you need to make a decision during your pregnancy and birth. But beyond that, you need to listen to your gut instinct. What is it telling you? . And when it comes to parenting your new baby, you might read every book and listen to every podcast but at the end of it all, you will know what is best for your baby. Trust your gut.... . Whatever challenges you face today or before you make any decisions, take a moment to take a long inhale and exhale and listen to what your gut is telling you. . The more you practice, the better you will get at really paying attention to what your gut instincts are . Reposted from @_terriwatson . . #gutinstinct #trustyourinstincts #empoweredbirth #knowledgeispower #hypnobirthingaustralia #hypnobirthingperth #perthmumsandbubs #pregnantinperth #duein2020 #duein2021 #positivebirth #positiveparenting See more