Labour is caused by the contractions, muscular tightenings of the uterus, controlled by the hormone oxytocin. These contractions soften and thin out (efface) and open (dilate) the cervix making a passage through which the foetus will pass during birth.   First stage The first stage of labour is...

Did you know that a newborn baby has the ability to mimic your facial expressions! Your baby is born connected! Research has shown that babies can mimic things like protruding their tongue, opening their mouth and pursing their lips and even pointing their finger. We...

“Cigarette smoking is unequivocally the largest and most important modifiable factor for low birth weight and infant death “ Associate Professor Krisa Van Meurs, Paediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine. The smoke that burns off the end of a cigarette actually contains more harmful substances than...

Information from Lullaby Trust - www.lullabytrust.org.uk Babies need a lot of sleep during the first few months of their lives so it’s important to ensure that they are sleeping as safely as possible. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden and unexplained death of a baby...

Penny Simkin says that most pregnant moms and dads would agree that the priorities for their labour, birth and baby would include Healthy pregnancy Full term pregnancy Spontaneous onset of labour Normal labour pattern without need for interventions Use or non-use of medications as planned – no undesirable side effects...

Q. Should I learn a particular breathing pattern for labour? A. Every woman is different and personalities come into play. It can be a very good idea to try all sorts of breathing. All women will find their own pace and rhythms in labour, By practicing...

Birth from a baby’s perspective What are the newborns first experiences as it exits his mother’s womb?   The welcome the newborn receives at birth will colour his perceptions of life and will determine whether he perceives life as Difficult or easy Hostile or safe Painful or comforting ...