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WHAT IS DELAYED CORD CLAMPING?
Written by Lucy Hall The practice of not clamping and cutting the umbilical cord as soon as the baby is born is called delayed cord clamping or DCC. Clamping the cord within the first 15 to 30 seconds of delivery has long been standard procedure, but there is now growing evidence that, in certain situations, postponing this procedure can have numerous health advantages for both the mother and the newborn. How Does Delayed Cord Clamping Work? Throughout pregnancy the placenta plays an important role in feeding the developing baby by supplying oxygen and nutrition via the umbilical cord. Once a baby is born, the placenta continues to function for a…
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THE ART OF DEALING WITH UNWANTED PARENTING ADVICE! TIPS TO MANAGE YOUR SANITY
Written by Lucy Hall From the time you announce that you are pregnant, to the time your little one has arrived earthside, you are going to go through changes physically and hormonally, that you didn’t even know existed. When you take the leap into the great unknown world that is parenting, just like the changes you go through that you didn’t know existed, you are going to get a lot of unwanted advice! Unfortunately for most parents it is just a fact and a part of the journey. But how to handle this unwanted advice can be harder than you expect! There are many things to consider and different ways…
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GENDER DISAPPOINTMENT IS A THING: WHEN REALITY DOESN’T MATCH EXPECTATIONS
Written. by Lucy Hall The journey of parenthood is something like a rollercoaster ride that you cannot get off. When you embark on this journey, there are many unknowns that you’ll have to face. One hurdle that is not really talked about, but that many parents will have to overcome, and yes, it’s more common than you think, is gender disappointment! Whether you decide to find out the gender of your baby during your pregnancy or save it as the ultimate surprise to be announced at the birth, once the baby arrives, having a specific gender that didn’t fit into the future plans you envisioned can be genuinely, and quite…
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UNDERSTANDING TONGUE TIE IN NEWBORNS: UNTANGLING THE CAUSES AND EFFECTS
Written by Lucy Hall Ankyloglossia also known as tongue tie is a condition that babies are born with and restricts the tongue’s ability to have a full range motion. This happens when the frenulum which is the tissue that connects the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth is too short, thick or tight. If left untreated it can lead to other complications and may at some stage affect a child’s ability to feed, speak and swallow. What Causes It And How Is It Diagnosed? It’s unclear what exactly causes tongue tie, but it’s considered to be a hereditary condition. Once your baby has arrived, they will…
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TRUTHS ABOUT GIVING BIRTH YOU SHOULD KNOW
Written by Lucy Hall The journey of parenthood is an unforgettable, wonderful and miraculous experience, but the actual birth of a child can be surprising for many parents. There are many truths that are not discussed or if they are, they may not be discussed in detail. Knowing what’s in store can help expectant mothers to be better prepared and manage their expectations going into labor and delivery. Let’s have a look at some of the truths that can be downplayed… The Reality of Labor Pain Even if you have read all the books, attended the classes or listened to other mothers’ experiences, once you experience labor pain yourself, the…
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THE 40-DAY REST! A NEW LOOK AT AN OLD CUSTOM
Written by Lucy Hall The 40-day rest period after childbirth has been recognised for generations by cultures around the world and is now gaining popularity among modern mothers. This period of rest for mother’s is also known as confinement or lying-in. In the recovery phase a mother deviates from her usual activities to prioritise healing after giving birth. Mothers dedicate time to bonding with their newborn and improving their physical and emotional health. In the fast-paced world that we now live in, 40 days of rest can seem like an unattainable luxury to many. However there is increasing evidence that a period of rest with a support system in place…
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IS PLACENTA ENCAPSULATION WORTH IT?
Written by Olivia Arrow The experience of being a first-time pregnant mother is both thrilling and overwhelming all at same time. During pregnancy the female body undergoes significant changes to accommodate a growing baby and the postpartum period often brings with it a range of physical and emotional challenges to navigate. Many new mothers are now turning to an unexpected source of support during this time of adjustment, their placenta. The placenta was once considered medical waste, and has gained awareness in holistic circles for its potential benefits during the postpartum period. This has led to an increase in the popularity of placenta encapsulation, a practice involving the drying and…
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COMMON MYTHS ABOUT NATURAL BIRTH DEBUNKED
Written by Olivia Arrow Natural childbirth, sometimes called unmedicated childbirth, is when you have a baby without the use of any pain medication or epidurals. This birthing method can be mentally and physically challenging, but it can also be pretty damn rewarding. Now unfortunately there are a lot of people out there that think they know the in’s and out’s of a natural birth and can end up accidentally spreading myths and misconceptions about this beautiful birthing process. Because of this, it can be daunting for any expectant mother to feel like they should consider this as a birthing option! It is best not to let anyone scare you away…
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UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENT BIRTHING POSITIONS
Written by Olivia Arrow Giving birth is a transformative experience for any woman, whether it’s her first time or not. It’s a moment that is both exhilarating and overwhelming, and it’s natural for women to want to find the most comfortable and effective birthing position for them. While lying on your back with your feet in stirrups may be the most commonly depicted position in media and movies, there are actually a variety of birthing positions that women can choose from. Each position has its own benefits and can aid in the natural progression of labour and delivery. The traditional birthing position, known as lithotomy, is when the woman lies…
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WHAT IS THE BRADLEY BIRTHING METHOD?
Written by Olivia Arrow The Bradley birthing method, also known as the “Husband-Coached Childbirth,” is a natural childbirth technique that was developed by Dr. Robert Bradley in the late 1940s. This method focuses on teaching expectant mothers how to control their bodies during labour and delivery, with the help of their partner or coach. It is based on the belief that childbirth is a natural process and that women are strong and capable of giving birth without medical interventions. The Bradley method is a comprehensive and holistic approach to childbirth that emphasises the importance of proper nutrition, exercise, and relaxation techniques during pregnancy. It also stresses the importance of a…