I am passionate about women making pregnancy and birthing decisions from a position of knowledge.
Here's a few ideas to get you thinking. Want to discuss more? Feel free to message me on here or my instagram page!
1. Did you know that in the Netherlands 30% of births are Home Births? In Australia less than 0.3% of births are Home Births.
Find out what services, support and care are available to you. Unfortunately, not all GP’s will know about or discuss all the options available to you – or they may expect you to already know where or with whom you’d like to have your pregnancy care.
Go to your GP with questions or even better do some research before your appointment so that you can make the best decision for your circumstances.
2. The World Health Organisation recommends that the Global caesarean rate should be 10-15%. In Western Australia, the caesarean rate is 38%, with half of those being elective caesareans.
Caesarans are a crucial part of birthing care. But are too many women being pushed into caesareans they dont want or need?
Not all maternity care providers will share the same philosophy when it comes to childbirth. Invest time and effort into finding a care provider who aligns with your own beliefs and values and who will best support the type of birth experience you are hoping for.
3. Only a tiny 10% of women in Australia have access to midwifery led continuity of care.
Continuity of care is the GOLD standard! Being able to build a trusting relationship and being cared by the same midwife, doctor, or group of midwives, during pregnancy (or even pre-conception), through labour and birth, and into the early weeks of mothering – benefits mothers, babies, and society.
Although the benefits of continuity of care are well known –not all women have access to this model. If you are pregnant - seek out this type of care if you can so that you can experience the benefits.
4. At 6 months of age, 66% of babies are still receiving breastmilk. 41% of babies receive breastmilk for at least the first 12 months.
By choosing continuity of care with a known Midwife you are more likely to have a normal birth, less likely to have a caesarean and less likely to need pain relief in labour. Women who have continuity of midwifery care are less likely to need epidurals or to use other drugs for pain relief in labour or have an instrumental birth.
You are more likely to commence breastfeeding earlier and your baby will be less likely to be admitted to a Special care or Intensive Care Nursery.
5. Only 56% of first-time parents in the UK say that they took Childbirth education classes.
Educate yourself!
The more you can understand about the birth process, what is happening within your body, how and why – the more confident you will feel. Most importantly seek out independent childbirth education classes and find a program that includes complementary therapies to support normal labour and birth.
As recent research has shown - this can halve the likelihood of needing intervention during birth! Hypnobirthing Australia program ticks ALL the boxes when it comes to providing an effective, evidence-based childbirth education course which also incorporates the use of complementary therapies.
6. The proportion of first-time mothers for whom labour was induced increased from 31.0% in 2004 to 45.3% in 2018.
Choose carefully when it comes to Hospital Birth. Investigate and do your research. Look at the statistics in relation to interventions, procedures, birth outcomes.
7. New research shows that epidural anaesthesia and caesareans were associated with the birth-related mindset.
It’s incredibly beneficial to maintain a positive mindset during pregnancy and birth. This can lower your stress levels, makes for a more positive experience, and prevents negative emotions from impacting you and your your baby.
(The Hypnobirthing Australia positive birth program is the perfect way to master your mindset!)
8. Did you know that a normal weight gain of 11.5kg to 16kg is perfectly healthy for the average woman? It can be more!
Prepare your body for birth. Staying active throughout your pregnancy will boost your mood increasing your enjoyment of being pregnant, increase your energy levels, reduce back and pelvic pain and decrease the likelihood of pregnancy complications and help your body recover from the birth.
Choose activities that you enjoy – there are so many options. Pilates, yoga, swimming, walking, aquarobics.
9. European studies indicate that 4-13% of obstetric patients receive acupuncture treatment for pregnancy and childbirth concerns.
There are many benefits in seeking complementary therapies during pre-conception, pregnancy, around the time of birth and in the postpartum period. Invest in yourself during this special time of your life.
Pregnancy and birth are transformational experiences, and you deserve to have the most positive journey.
10. A qualitative evidence synthesis analysed 51 studies from 22 countries and revealed that labour companions played several integral roles in supporting women.
Finally - create the support you need – whether it be your partner, friend, sister, Mother or Doula. It is important that feel you have the support you need to have the best birth possible.
Having your partner involved with your pregnancy – attending birth education together ensures that he/she will know all the tools, tips, and techniques to support you and help you stay calm on the day. Planning and discussing about the birth and what your hopes and preferences are a MUST!
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