Guest Posts Archives - MyBump2Baby
Baby, Toddler & Family Directory

Is Laser Safe For New Mums?

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Motherhood is a challenging task as you have to go to the edge of a lot of trials, pain, joy, and more just to see your baby happily and healthily stepping onto this world to bring forth joy in your life, and your entire family.

Being a mother is a blessing because every woman at a certain stage desires to be and to enjoy the experience that comes along with being a mother. But during and after pregnancy, their unsightly hair is the big nuisance that every woman faces and is constantly annoyed about. Unwanted body hair is always seen as a burden and a hard to accept fact for most of the women. Especially when you are pregnant, your body is flooded with hormones such as higher levels of estrogens and androgens, which can cause hair to grow in places such as your belly, neck, face, breasts, and arms where it never appeared before, especially during the third trimester.

The good news is that such hair growth is common and the hair will fall off once you give birth to your little angel. Pregnancy hormones affect not only the growth of hair in some places but also changes the growth cycle of your hair. This will make the newly grown or the existing hair on your body look fuller and thicker than before. This is the reason and the time when most of the women desire for Laser hair removal treatment and other skin treatments to get rid of all the hair and skin issues. Laser treatment is a FDA-approved treatment successfully treating both men and women since the late 1990s. It is one of the famous cosmetic treatments known so far as it always proves to give satisfactory results. But since its invention, there are no studies or researches that have proven laser hair removal treatment to be unsafe for pregnant or new mums.

As a new mum, if you opt for laser treatment rather than the old hair removal methods such as plucking, shaving, and waxing, you will just have to book an appointment with the well-known, reputed and branded clinic such as Therapie Clinic, and wait for the treatment and its outcomes. As the clinic is equipped with FDA-approved technology and experienced doctors, dermatologists or cosmetologists, you can be confident that you are in safe hands. During pregnancy, you will also notice darkening of your skin and skin sensitivity because of increased blood flow and stretching of the skin. So, you need to identify and choose the right time to treat your sensitive skin with a laser. As there is no safety data available on treating pregnant or new mums with lasers, scientists and dermatologists advise women to wait until their delivery to wipe away all their unwanted body hair so that both the baby and the mother are safe.

After delivery, even if you are breast-feeding, the laser is found to be safe as long as it is not done in the areola or breast tissue. But again, it is your choice to look for and choose the right time so that the treatment is comfortable and perfectly safe to enjoy your lovely days as a new mum.

Why Should We Read More Books With our Children?

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Today we share an article from business owner Gemma Webb from Phonic Stars Croydon. Gemma shares her blog on why we should read more books with our children.

I love a story. My 3 children have always been given books as gifts. Over 8 years of collecting, I have enough to start a small children’s library! From ‘learning to read’ books, picture books, to chapter books and poems. Yet, I still can’t help buying more!

I can remember reading “Room on the Broom” by Julia Donaldson each night to my first born from the age of 6 months. He was most likely more interested in his bottle than me reading, but it was our routine. Quiet time. Snuggles and cuddles, and just being in that moment.

why we should read more books with our children

What can we get as grown-ups get from reading with our children?

Well, from a very young age, they start to learn important listening skills. This is helping develop language skills from pitch, speed, emotion. We could make environmental noises such as cars going ‘beep’ or cows going ‘moo.’ This is all part of Phase 1 Phonics. Even when we sing nursery rhymes we are encouraging language. When reading, be sure to talk about the pictures, the expressions, and give extra dialogue. Point out characters or objects for example, “Look it’s the cat.” You could use description of pictures too, use of colours or shapes.

As children get older, develop this into questions: “Look it’s the cat. Where is he going?” Discuss ideas of what may happen next or why the character may be doing something. Giving this opportunity to discuss the story will help your child understand the plot but also will encourage other life skills like reading emotions, decision making and the world around them.

Your child may want to read a story repeatedly. This is a way to expand on the story. Maybe they don’t understand the story, or maybe they can relate to it. Either way, children love repetition, so try not to be discouraged (even if it is boring for you!)

As your child grows up, they will start to learn more from books. Use your finger to follow the words as you go. This way they will realise we read from left to right in English. They may start to recognise letters or short words. The biggest part is realising the words will match the pictures.

Passion for Books

Something we focus on in Phonics Stars™️ is a passion for books. Our sessions always end with a story. We like to develop knowledge of books even further and often start our story time discussing features of the book. What is the title? What does the Author do? What is the name of the person who draws the pictures? The bit of information on the back is the… blurb! (Kids love that one as you can be really silly with it!)

It’s important in our busy lives to try and make time to read with our children, even as they get older. I still read a bedtime story to my 8 year old (now chapter books) but he loves to talk about the story with me and we can stop at big words to discuss there meaning.

From child to grown ups, books are magical. They can transport us into another world. An escape from life. My children like to sit and listen to me read sometimes, so they can visualise the story. This is a great way to improve imagination.

Reading is such a wonderful and simple activity to do with any age. With so many benefits from literacy and learning about the world, down to my favourite part – cuddles with my children. Why not make it part of your bedtime routine?

Did you know Phonics Stars™️ UK, Phonics Stars™️ Croydon, Phonics Stars™️ Bexley & Greenwich and Phonics Stars™️ Blackheath & Lewisham all run bedtime story’s on a Friday on their Facebook pages. Why not check them out!

 

Keep Calm and Smell Great by Laura Ripley

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Disclosure: Some of the links within this article may contain affiliate links, meaning at no cost to you, we may get commission if you decide to make a purchase through one of the links within the article.

We are living through some crazy times at the moment and if we can help just one person feel a bit more at ease then that’s great. Today’s blog is how to Keep Calm & Smell Great written by Laura Ripley. Don’t forget that now more than ever you might need some time to yourself. Follow these fab tips to make lockdown life that little bit more glamorous. 

Keep Calm & Smell Great

Picture this…

Friday morning, the end of a busy week of homeschooling and social distancing and you’d really rather not have to get up….  well this is how I was feeling until recently.

Now, however, I have changed my mindset and start the day a different way.

Try this…

Take just two minutes before you get up to do a simple breathing exercise:

Close your eyes and take 5 deep breaths in and out and repeat 5 times. If you have an essential oil that calms you, add this to your hands and breath it in whilst doing this exercise.

Then before you get up, jot down quickly on your phone or piece of paper, 3 things you are grateful for and 3 goals for the day (these DON’T have to be big things).

Once you are up, I find a few gentle stretches to the sky really helps me.

Now for the big thing that’s changed me during lockdown… I make sure that even though I’m only at home I make sure I put perfume on!!!!!

“Smell good – feel good!”#

 

 

It might sound crazy but it’s massively helped improve my mindset and the way I feel throughout the day. We don’t think twice about wearing it on a night out, or to the office, but so many ladies I’ve been speaking to during lockdown have said they have stopped wearing perfume, make up, doing their hair and putting on ‘nice clothes’, because what’s the point???

The point is, by not doing these things we are making ourselves feel down before we even start the day! I’m not saying go crazy like you might for a night out or to go to work, but honestly it’s changed my view of lockdown and of home schooling to, just to feel like a woman, rather than just a mum trying to be all things to all people (especially a teacher which I don’t know about you but, I never signed up for that!!).

So my big thing is perfume, I’ve realised (especially during lockdown) that it identifies me as a woman. It also identifies me in other ways, as a wife when I wear a perfume my husband comments on, or when my daughter says “Mummy, you smell lovely”.

“Nothing in the world smells as good as the person you love”

I’ve always loved fragrances, for me they bring back memories about those in my life I care about, my first date with my now husband, what perfume I had on when I went into labour and on my wedding day.

There is evidence to suggest that perfumes can reduce your stress levels and boost your morale – they certainly have done for me!!

It’s a super easy thing to do when you get up, as a spray of perfume only takes a few moments to apply. The wrists, inside elbows, neck and hair are great places to apply a fragrance.

Remember the quote by Coco Chanel – “Spray perfume wherever one wants to be kissed!”

This leads me onto not stopping with just wearing perfume during the day, at home with the kids….

 

Picture this…

Friday night, kids in bed and takeaway on order.

Now give yourself half an hour of YOU time, for a soak in the bath with a glass of something, a good book or maybe an inspiring podcast. Honestly we deserve this time, especially now, so don’t feel guilty about taking it and make the time to ensure you get it.

When the craziness of the day has at least somewhat drifted away, take a bit of time to step out, put a bit of lippy on (mascara is personally my thing, so whatever is your go to) and importantly, add a fragrance! Maybe try one you haven’t used before, or a firm favourite, either way, even if you put your loungewear on, having a scent on you will honestly change your mindset.

My online business

It changed mine so much that a few weeks after lockdown I started up my own online business selling fragrances and I would love to help you on your fragrance mindset journey. So if there’s a fragrance you love, or one you’d like to try, contact me. I run Sincerely Scents, which sells designer inspired fragrances at such amazing prices, but that smell just like the real thing. I’d love to offer you a free tester sample if you’d like one. Just send me a message through my Facebook Group – @SincerelyScents.

So in signing off – “a fragrance is like a signature, so that even after a woman leaves the room, her fragrance should reveal she’s been there.”

Sincerely, Laura xx

The Benefits of having a Doula | Lincoln

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Disclosure: Some of the links within this article may contain affiliate links, meaning at no cost to you, we may get commission if you decide to make a purchase through one of the links within the article.

At MyBump2Baby, we think it’s important to raise awareness about topics that are often not talked about. Today’s blog is brought to you by expert, Kimberly Boyd, a doula near Lincoln. Today Kimberly explains The Benefits of Having a Doula. Visit her website here.

The Benefits of having a Doula|Lincoln

Some of you may have heard the word Doula but a lot of people are still unsure of what it is and what a Doula does.

A Doula is someone (usually a woman) who is a trained professional providing emotional, physical and educational support to women and birthing people before, during and after the birth of their baby.

She is not medically trained and does not replace your midwives and doctors or work for the medical team but is hired independently by the woman/couple. She does not advise or tell you what to do but can support you to find good evidence based information to enable you to make your own informed decisions on what is right for you and your family at each stage of your journey.  

The services Doulas offer can vary greatly between each client she works with and their individual needs. Some Doulas work just as birth support, some just as postnatal support and some offer a complete package of support. A lot of Doulas come with a wealth of knowledge and other qualifications such as Hypnobirthing/Antenatal Education, Aromatherapy, Pregnancy Yoga/ Massage, Baby Yoga/Massage and Mental Health Training are just some examples.

 

What is a Doula?

A Birth Doula supports all kinds of birth at home, in birth centres and consultant led hospitals. From water birth to caesarean birth and everything in between, there is no one way to birth and no agenda or criteria from the Doula. Her aim is to enable you to have a more positive birth experience and get the best outcome for you – which is different for every woman/birthing person.

She provides continuous support for the woman/birthing person (and their birth partners) throughout the pregnancy with various meetings, helping prepare the couple for the birth and exploring all of their options, talking through any fears and directing to information/services to support the pregnancy all while building a trusting relationship. She is then with you through your whole labour and the immediate postnatal time. She offers many comfort measures to the woman and is a guide on your path to birth, she holds and protects your space, she empowers and comforts, massages and holds, reassures and encourages you all while explaining events to your birth partners and supporting them too. Following the birth she can assist in the initial

bonding with your baby, initiating breastfeeding and admiring the amazing work you have just done in bringing your baby into the world. To be in the presence of this is an absolute honour and privilege.

So what are the benefits of having a Doula?

The presence of a birth doula has shown huge benefits towards a more positive birth experience……

Women cared for during labour by a birth Doula compared to those receiving usual care were:

  • 26% less likely to give birth by caesarean
  • 41% less likely to give birth with a vacuum extractor or forceps
  • 28% less likely to use any analgesia or anaesthesia
  • 33% less likely to be dissatisfied or negatively rate their birth experience

(Findings of Hodnett’s et al meta-analysis of 15 trials from N.America, Europe and Africa.) You can also find more information and research on either doula.org.uk or thedouladirectory.com – this is where you can find a doula in your area also.

Postnatally a Doula supports the family in the early weeks/months following the birth of a baby. “The Fourth Trimester” – the period of transition from womb to world for your baby and recovery from birth for the woman. She serves you in whatever way you need, just as with the birth, she is led by you and meets the needs of each individual client differently, the length of time she supports a family may vary also.

Doulas are effective after birth

Some things a postnatal Doula may be able to provide to you is someone to talk to, a doula is a good listener and holds space for you to be heard and express any worries you have. She is a guide in your new role as parents, offering practical support in all parenting tasks, she can help around the house to enable you to rest and recover and focus on your baby. She is usually trained in breastfeeding support and can troubleshoot and encourage/reassure you on your breastfeeding journey. A Doula will have strong links with other services and professionals in your area too for signposting to when needed/requested. As always she provides evidence-based information for the patents to make their own informed decisions around parenting.

Unlike a maternity nurse the Doula is not there to care for the baby for you all

the time but to support you to be the parent you want to be.

Having a postnatal Doula has proven to lower rates of postnatal anxiety/depression and improve rates of initiating and establishing breastfeeding.

I genuinely believe that every woman/family can benefit from having a birth and/or postnatal doula to support you through one of your biggest life events.

One of my favourite quotes…

“Whenever and however you give birth your experiences will impact your emotions, your mind, your body and your spirit for the rest of your life”

~ Ina May Gaskin ~

Value yourself, value your birth and value your experiences, you are worth it.

Kimberley Boyd

Birth & Postnatal Doula, Hypnobirthing Practitioner, Emotional Health Coach and Baby Massage Instructor in Lincolnshire.

www.kimberleyboyd.co.uk

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kimberley.boyd.doula/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doula_kimberley/

It’s Time to Talk Life Insurance | Financial Adviser Bolton

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At MyBump2Baby we are proud to work closely with trusted financial advisors throughout the UK. Today we share the expert article “It’s time to talk Life Insurance” from KBA Financial Services. If you are looking for financial advice in Bolton or Leigh, contacting KBA financial Services is a great place to start.

its time to talk life insurance financial advisor bolton leigh

Do you have dependants who rely on you financially?

If you have dependents – people who rely on you financially – then you should have life insurance. In fact, if you have dependents and don’t have life insurance, you are exposing them to grave financial risk. And who would want to do that?

Life insurance makes us confront uncomfortable questions

Life insurance tends not to feature on ‘to do’ lists because it makes us confront uncomfortable questions, such as what would happen to our loved ones if we were to die unexpectedly in the next few years.

Putting plans in place for those we are responsible for

However, we all carry a deep responsibility to ensure those we leave behind at least have sufficient funds to carry on with life if we’re no longer around. That means putting plans in place to address unpleasant possibilities.

Types of life insurance

There are two main types of life insurance. The one most people need is ‘term’ insurance. This pays out if the policyholder dies within a stated period – the ‘term’.

The other type – ‘whole of life’ insurance – pays out on your death, whenever that occurs. This is more of an investment vehicle than a financial protection plan and is typically used for estate planning.

Dealing with debt

Term insurance pays out money that can be used to clear debts such as a mortgage, lifting a huge financial burden and enabling your loved ones to stay in the family home.

It can also provide for day-to-day living expenses – everything from groceries to utility bills, and from school and university fees to family holidays.

Key points to think about with Life Insurance | Financial Advisor Bolton Leigh

GET ENOUGH COVER
Buy sufficient insurance to take care of your family until the youngest is financially self-sufficient.

YOU BOTH NEED IT
If you’re in a couple, you both need cover, even if one of you stays at home. The proceeds can pay for services such as childcare and keeping up the house.

BUY SEPARATE POLICIES
Joint life insurance covers you both under one policy, but separate policies are more flexible and provide greater protection, although they cost a bit more.

WORK COVER ISN’T ENOUGH
Many firms offer ‘death in service’ life insurance. However, once you’ve worked out how much cover you need, you’ll probably realise this isn’t enough and you’ll need a policy of your own.

THE SOONER THE BETTER
The older you are, the more expensive life insurance is, so bite the bullet and buy young.

PUT YOUR POLICY ‘IN TRUST’
Doing so places the proceeds outside your estate so it can be paid to your beneficiaries without any delay associated with probate. It also keeps the money from the clutches of the tax man.

REVIEW REGULARLY

Monitor your life insurance coverage to make sure it keeps pace with your circumstances. Events such as marriage, the birth of children and moving home might prompt you to increase the amount of insurance you have.

It is important to take professional advice before making any decision relating to your personal finances.

If you would like to find our more you can speak to KBA Financial Services, our trusted financial advisor in Bolton and Leigh.

 

 

Child Law Solicitors – What do they do? | Family Law Solicitor Sleaford

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MyBump2Baby is committed to ensuring that families have direct access to child law solicitors within the UK. This blog will tell you all you need to know about child law solicitors and what they do, brought to you by our Family Law solicitors in Sleaford, Ringrose Law Solicitors.

Child Law Solicitors – What do they do? | Family Law Solicitor Sleaford

Child Law Solicitors – what they do?

Child Law solicitors are specialists in dealing with the areas of law related to children.

The role of a child law Solicitor is to help with matters including working out arrangements for children following family breakdowns. This can include representing parents, grandparents, guardians and children.

More Specifically Child Law Solicitors typically can assist with

  • Child Contact Agreements
  • Childcare Proceedings
  • Child Maintenance Agreements
  • Emergency Protection Orders
  • Grandparents Rights
  • Child abduction
  • Parental Responsibility Orders
  • Adoption

Child Law Solicitors - What do they do - Family Law Solicitor Sleaford

Child Contact Agreements

It is of overriding importance for any children involved to have a stable and safe place to live. 

When a relationship does break down between two parents, it is more than likely that the child will live primarily with one parent and the other will maintain ‘contact’ at regular, pre-arranged intervals, for example, at weekends.

If a break-up is amicable this can be arranged quite easily, however, if there is animosity between the parents then arranging future child contact agreements can often end up going to Court.

The role of the Child Law Solicitor is to represent the parents through the process and ensure the best outcome for all, particularly the child.

Child Care Proceedings

The Local Authority has a duty to intervene and start Child Care Proceedings if there are concerns that a child is at risk, as a result of the care that they are being given.

If children’s services/social services are becoming involved with your family, the role of a child law Solicitor can help.

The Children law Team at Ringrose Law deal day in day out with families who are involved with the Local Authority and Social Services.

We cannot stress how important it is for you to take legal advice, even if you think you are managing the situation well with Social Services or the Local Authority. Things change quickly and they do have the power to apply to the Court for powers to make decisions to overrule you as a parent or carer for a child. They can only do this if there are grounds that the child is at risk of harm but the Family Courts do not take any risks and if there is even a small element of doubt then they will give the Local Authority the power they need, even on a temporary basis.

Grandparents Rights

Grandparents do not have automatic rights to have contact with their grandchild.  However, with the leave of the Court, they can make an application for contact.  The Courts will consider whether the grandparents have a valuable role to play in the upbringing of the child. The Courts will also enquire into the past of the grandparents to see if there is a history of violence or abuse, deeming it unsafe for them to have contact. If necessary, an Order will be granted so that the grandparents can have contact with the children or for residence if needed.

We can help

For all children Law matters it is strongly advisable that you seek the specialist advice of a child law Solicitor.

Ringrose Law Solicitors in Lincolnshire have a full team of Solicitors and Case Workers who can assist clients.

We are proud to be accredited by Resolution as a Specialist in the areas of Private Children Law and Domestic Violence.

Contact Ringrose Law in Sleaford: enquiries@ringroselaw.co.uk or call 01529 301351.

A Great Natural Labour after Induction by Emma Witten

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Disclosure: Some of the links within this article may contain affiliate links, meaning at no cost to you, we may get commission if you decide to make a purchase through one of the links within the article.

At MyBump2Baby we feel it is important to share real-life stories to raise awareness and support other people going through similar experiences. Today Emma Witten the founder of the wonderful Ecocobox shares her positive natural labour after induction birth story with us.

A Great Natural Labour after Induction by Emma Witten

I hate due dates! I’ve had two babies and gone over with both. First time around I woke up every morning and cried that I’d not gone into labour that night. It seems crazy because obviously I wasn’t going to be pregnant forever, but the anticipation was more than I could take. I thought about when it would happen constantly. I think it was a mix of anxiety and excitement, and I think it was probably the reason he stayed put; all that adrenaline probably had him scared of making his entrance!

We talked about refusing an induction because all I’d heard were horror stories, but after talking to the doctors, we decided to go ahead with a pessary and cross our fingers it would work. It was weird waking up on 18 March knowing that I was being induced that day, and we’d meet our baby soon. I’d already had a couple of sweeps, but putting the pessary in was more uncomfortable, and I felt crampy right away although it faded and I started to doubt it would work. But at 10pm, 7 hours after having it put in, I started with contractions. The NCT teacher had said to contact the hospital when there were 3 contractions in 10 minutes, which confused me because I had that pretty much from the get go (turns out it’s how I labour as it happened like that with baby 2 as well!). The hospital calmly told me to call back when they were more intense.

I told my husband I was in labour and we decided he should get some sleep until I needed him “it’ll probably take ages anyway”. I had a go with a tens machine (hated it) bounced on my birthing ball (hated it) and finally found my happy place in the bath. It was strange seeing the contractions – I could literally see the whole bump move upwards and could make out a sort of outline of my baby. I’m not sure what time I got my husband, but it was the point where I really couldn’t be faffing around with my phone, timing my contractions; things were getting intense. I felt pretty calm and was finding myself in my zone, mooing through the surges.

Finally I suggested we go to hospital and my husband said ‘why? What do they have that we don’t?’ GAS AND AIR! I’m glad I suggested we leave then, because it took over an hour to get to the hospital – a journey of only 15 minutes normally – because it took me so long to put clothes on and get to the car. I had been naked, and was now contracting frequently with only about a minute between them where I could do anything, so everything took forever!

Arriving at Hospital

We arrived at the hospital about 4am, and Neil ran to find someone while I contracted against a costa coffee machine. They brought a wheelchair but sitting down was horrendous and I absolutely couldn’t sit when I had a contraction, I needed to stand, so it took ages to get to the triage area. I was 4cm, and they dimmed the lights and I stood looking out over the Brighton coast, which was all lit up in the night time.

I remember suddenly feeling a gush down my legs and thinking it was my waters and feeling freaked out to see dark streaks of blood instead. Don’t worry they said, you can sometimes bleed when you’re cervix opens quickly. And it did – 4cm to 10cm in an hour!

It was weird because I thought someone would tell me to push, but I got to a point where it was this absolute undeniable urge to bear down. They asked me not to as they wanted to examine me, but to try not to was like fighting a war with every fibre of my being! There was a tiny lip of cervix that wasn’t out of the way the midwife said and I mustn’t push until it was moved or it could swell and cause issues; but thankfully it moved with my next contraction (and a little help from the midwife).

I pushed for 20 minutes and they could see a head but they were worried he was getting a little distressed and gave me an episiotomy, and he came out super fast then! And there he was, Ben, all 7lb 3oz of him, screaming like you see in the movies with a mouth like a cave. They put him on me and within just a few minutes he was bobbing his head around, and he latched and fed like textbook.

I felt like a superhero. People were coming in and out of the room while I was being stitched up and I didn’t care at all. It is the most confident I have felt in my own skin, ever. I remember turning to my husband and saying I could do it all again.

We didn’t make it to the ward. No one was arriving in labour so they left us in the delivery suite. Ben was feeding well so we went home that evening. My labour was 8.5 hours from start to finish, and it was really empowering. I’m so glad I read a hypnobirthing book as I think it helped me listen to my body and trust it, and I felt pretty calm overall.

I’d have liked a water birth but aside from that I was just thrilled that I’d done it, was ok, and had a healthy little boy. Ignore all the horror stories about induction, because they’re someone else’s story, not yours, and it’s totally possible to have a great natural labour after one.

My Veiled Birth Story by Billie Leanne

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Disclosure: Some of the links within this article may contain affiliate links, meaning at no cost to you, we may get commission if you decide to make a purchase through one of the links within the article.

At MyBump2Baby we feel it is important to share real-life stories to raise awareness and support other people going through similar experiences. Today Billie Leanne shares her rare Veiled birth story

Losing my Mucus Plug

I was 39+6 when I lost my mucus plug around 6am, at 11.30 I had a sweep, I wasn’t dilated and my cervix still needed to soften, my midwife said she didn’t think the sweep would be successful.

I had some aches and pains but they really weren’t that bad. The following day around 12.30am I rang triage asking whether I should go in as I had been having contractions for about 20 minutes lasting 30/40 seconds about 5 ish minutes apart. My waters had not gone at this point. The triage nurse didn’t want me to waste my time so told me to stick it out at home.

The Pain Gradually Got Worse

The pain didn’t improve and gradually got worse. I have never had a baby before so didn’t know what to expect, I couldn’t sleep and was biting down on my sofa whilst my partner slept as I didn’t want to wake him unless I needed to go to hospital. 

Time to Push

At 4.30 I really started having the urge to push, I was not thinking I was actually giving birth, just needing the toilet, I just thought it was my body wanting to pass a poo (naive).  I couldn’t move so I decided I needed to ring 999 at 4.46, I woke up my partner,  he called my mum and told her to come quickly.

As my mum arrived, the babies head was crowning, she was going to arrive at any minute! The paramedics arrived at 5.06 and baby was here at 5.10!

My waters didn’t break and my baby arrived in her sack. I didn’t have ANY time for even gas and air.

An en caul birth is also called a “veiled birth.” This is rare, happening in less than 1 in 80,000 births and is considered lucky in many cultures.

My Veiled Birth Story by Billie Leanne

Follow Billie Leanne on Instagram

My Positive Water Birth Story by Jess Beck

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Disclosure: Some of the links within this article may contain affiliate links, meaning at no cost to you, we may get commission if you decide to make a purchase through one of the links within the article.

At MyBump2Baby we feel it is important to share real-life stories to raise awareness and support other people going through similar experiences. Today Jess Beck shares her positive water birth story.

 

Stretch and a Sweep

2 days before I gave birth I went to be checked out at the hospital due to reduced foetal movements. Everything was fine with baby but as it was my third episode it was suggested by a doctor that I be induced soon. I wasn’t keen on an induction soon as wanted to go into labour naturally so I asked if I could have a stretch and sweep first. During my sweep the midwife said I was already 2cm dilated, my waters were beginning to bulge & she could feel baby’s head well!

The morning after the sweep I got some very mild and irregular contractions. I carried on with my day and went on a long walk with the dog, went for a coffee  and pottered around the house.

Contractions every 5 minutes

By 5pm contractions were every 5 minutes but not very intense. I rang triage for advice and the lovely midwife on the phone said to stay put, stop timing contractions and relax as I’ll instinctively know when I need to come into hospital.

Although they increased in intensity a little (everything was completely manageable using breathing techniques) nothing picked up until 2:30am when my waters broke. Immediately my contractions increased in intensity and I needed to concentrate more on my breathing.

I called for my husband who immediately rang triage and we went in.

Moving to the Birthing Suite

I was examined on arrival and to both mine & the midwifes surprise I was 7cm dilated! Which thankfully meant I was able to move to the birthing suite.

Getting in the pool was such a relief and so calming I would recommend a pool birth to everyone! The midwives also turned off the bright lights which helped make me feel relaxed also.

Basically as soon as I got in the pool I told the midwives I had a pushing down feeling. They just told me to go with my body which I loved!

I had a bit of gas and air for about 30 minutes when I got into the pool but the midwives thought this might be delaying getting my little girl out so they took it off me.

2 Hours of Pushing

Unfortunately we reached the 2 hour mark of pushing and the midwives began to coach me to push. They said we need to be getting her out soon else they’ll need to start thinking about giving me an episiotomy which I really didn’t want!

With all my effort I managed to birth her head. When she was very close to being born the student midwife monitoring her heart beat said it had dropped and on my next surge I needed to give birth to her body. She pulled the emergency bell but thankfully by the time people had rushed in my little girl had been born safely and was crying!

I had delayed cord clamping in the pool and skin to skin. I wish I had longer in the pool with her but the midwives started noticing a lot of blood so needed me out of the pool.

Due to the exertion of needing to push her out quickly I got a 2nd degree tear (which I didn’t feel) and this lead to me losing 1 litre of blood.

I can honestly say the most intense part of it all wasn’t actually the labour it was the stitches afterwards! And I think this was because with everything going on around me and with baby back on my chest I forgot to use breathing to help me get through it!

Once stitches were all done Adaline latched on to to feed perfectly with the help of the midwives. We sat feeding for a wonderful 30 minutes completely skin to skin!

I can honestly say I felt like I had a pain free and relaxed birth. Not everything went to plan but I look back on it so positively!

An Unexpected Caesarean Birth Story by Lauren Malone

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At MyBump2Baby we feel it is important to share real-life stories to raise awareness and support other people going through similar experiences. Today Lauren Malone from Lemon Tree Coaching and Development shares her An unexpected caesarean birth story with us.

An Unexpected Caesarean Birth Story by Lauren Malone

It was Thursday and I was 38+3 and I was at my antenatal yoga class. It was just me, one other lady and our teacher in class today, so all set for a focused and relaxing session. The other lady, Annabel, was due one week after me so we agreed to do lots of movements which would help our babies move into position and practice our breathing.

Only the week before Annabel had told us she had lost her mucus plug, I had marched home very disgruntled and told my husband it just wasn’t fair – my hadn’t I lost my mucus plug and I’d had no sign of a bloody show! (I don’t think my husband took my upset and the injustice of it all seriously!) I was therefore, secretly quite pleased to see her in class again, with nothing new to report – I know, naughty of me!

It was during some gentle standing spiraling movements that I felt a twinge in my belly, enough for me to call out in slight alarm. Sam, our teacher asked if everything was okay and I reassured her I was fine, just another Braxton Hicks. The class concluded without incident and Annabel and I walked together to our cars. We joked about her mucus plug as heavily pregnant women are inclined to do and waved goodbye with a ‘see you Sunday’ (we had both decided to up it to two classes a week – let’s get these babies moving! The remainder of the day continued without much to report and despite the Braxton Hicks becoming more uncomfortable  I carried on as usual.

The Following Day

The following day, Friday, my husband and I went for a nice walk in the forest behind our house. Luke decided today was a good day to explore a new, steep, muddy path…which it was, we saw a beautiful family of dear. ON the way back, I mentioned I was feeling more cramping in my tummy but again put it down to Braxton Hicks, my body had, I thought, taken it’s practice to the next level. That evening I decided on an early night, Luke coming to bed quite late. At 6am I woke up  needing the loo, nothing new there! So off I waddled.

When I stood up from the toilet I was still weeing!! Argh!!!! Nooooooo!!!! I pulled up my pelvic floor and it still came out! And that’s when it hit me – this was my waters! Oh golly! Oh wow!! Better wake Luke up!! Luke suggested I might just have been weeing still and I should lie down and try and get more sleep. I googled it and that wasn’t far off the advice so that’s what I did. At 7am I got up and felt the rush of liquid, well not quite a rush in the way the internet had given me the impression I would get but it was definite leakage all the same. I took myself off to the living room to call the birthing unit at the hospital. I explained that I wasn’t feeling any contractions just the odd bit of discomfort – but again, no where near what I was expecting! They advised me to call back at 9am to let them know how I was getting on. I think they thought I might have just weed as well.

The Contractions Began

By 9am the slight cramping at turned into definite contractions, they weren’t painful, but I was aware of the discomfort. I spoke to the hospital again and they advised I come in, but no rush. So, I had a lovely chat with my mum – the phrase ‘I have no idea why people make such a fuss, this is easy’ would come back to haunt me!, I text my yoga teacher and some other friends and I steam cleaned the kitchen. By 11am I was board and went to wake up Luke. I put on a load of washing and I made Luke sit there while I moved between cat-cow stretches to bouncing on the birthing ball to ‘ooo this discomfort is actually getting a bit sore!’ By 2pm Luke had had enough of this nonsense, he had packed the car and bundled me into it (despite my concerns that the washing cycle hadn’t finished and would he like some super fresh socks; ‘no the ones you washed me yesterday dear will do just fine, now get in the bloody car!’

More ball bouncing and cat-cows for me!

The hospital is a 40minutes drive from our house and by the time we arrived my contractions were pretty high up on the discomfort scale, lasting about 30 to 45 seconds and coming roughly every 5 to 10 minutes. I was taken into a lovely room at the birthing unit and I checked the time, nearly 3pm. Excellent, I’ll have the baby by 4 and we can be heading home by 6! The midwife came in and we agreed an examination was a good plan…2cm. Only 2 bloody cm! She did kindly tell me I was very convincing for someone who was closer to 5cm but there we go. More ball bouncing and cat-cows for me!

It is from here that the time becomes a blur. I had baths (multiple), I had pain relief, I refused food but was constantly thirsty. At around 4am the new midwife suggested another exam. I had had quite a few by now and we had made it to 3cm but hadn’t progressed for a while. I was desperate to get in the birthing pool and have a go on the gas and air and needed to be 4cm for that. I willed for 4cm, I said ‘Kayleigh, don’t you dare say 3cm, say anything but 3cm’ and she (possibly unconvincingly) said I was close enough to 4 for her to let me in the pool and on the gas and air.

Caesarean Section was Suggested….

Again the time escapes me but I enjoyed my time in the pool. I wasn’t a huge fan of not being able to wee and having a catheter, although I was a huge fan of the relief it gave me that I didn’t know I wanted! I was also not a huge fan of nothing over 4cm!!! By 7am the third midwife had consulted with the doctors and the general consensus was that I should move downstairs to the delivery suite and consider an epidural and induction. My husband and I talked it over and we agreed to follow the advice and off we went. I believe I got some resemblance of sleep after this. At 5pm, were on Sunday now (38+6), and the doctor came in. I had another examination and we were no further along. He advised me that my baby was pushing through but my cervix was thickening. He suggested I have a Caesarean Section.

We asked him what the alternatives were and he said there was a possibility the baby would be born naturally without complications but it may also take another 12 to 24 hours, but there was also the possibility of complications, for me or for the baby. My husband joked that I had tried all the drugs and been in most of the rooms in this maternity unit I might as well complete the birthing bingo and see the theatre as well! The important part to note here is we were given a choice. We discussed it and chose to go for an emergency c-section. I did not have to.

It’s a BOY!!!!

I was to go down to theatre at 7pm. I spoke to my parents who had been anxiously waiting for news for over 24 hours now (surprisingly patiently I might add to their credit), I brushed my teeth and admired Luke in his scrubs and at 7pm I was ready. When asked how I was I kept saying how excited I was. Excitement and fear feel the same in the body and I was not succumbing to fear. I was on my way to meet my baby!!! At 7:31pm on Sunday 20th October 2019 my baby was lifted up as Doctor Mike called out ‘Happy Birthday’! As with our wishes Luke told me the gender (’It is a boy!’) and I burst into tears. Tears of relief, joy, exhaustion and love. Moments later Luke brought our darling boy over to me, he was beautifully swaddled and I double checked that Luke had counted his fingers and toes (10/10) and I cuddled and kissed my baby for the first time. I was now a mum.

Gush of Wind….

The only other part of this story I want to include is shortly after in recovery. I am sharing this because I wish someone had warned me!!! I was lying there with Oak next to me and Luke stood beside me and our delivery doctor came to see how I was getting on, as he chatted away to us about recovery expectations all I could hear was the gush of wind, like someone slowly letting out a balloon…who was that? What was that? ‘I am sorry doctor but what is that? Is someone farting?’ I asked. ‘Erm..darling, Luke whispered in my ear, that’s you!’ – mortified. Dr Mike didn’t seem to care.

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