5 things you need to know about a breech birth

1. Most babies are born headfirst, but 3-4% are breech (bottom first).
2. Conditions that may make a breech birth more likely include a premature baby or a baby that isn’t your first, womb abnormalities, such as fibroids; multiple pregnancies; and a low-lying placenta.
3. Most hospiltals offer an electrive caesarean for first-time mums whose baby is breech
4. If you opt to have your breach birth vaginally, you’ll be supported in your choice.
5. All breech babies are given a hip X-ray at six weeks as hip displocation is more common in breech babies

How to feel relaxed using the Circle of Calm

1. Imagine a large circle on the floor.
2. Recall a time when you felt calm.
3. Imagine a holographic representation of your calm self in the circle.
4. Picture yourself stepping into the image – notice what you are saying, hearing, seeing, smelling and feeling
5. Intensify that feeling. Now choose a ‘trigger’ to associate with it (eg the word ‘calm’)
6. Step out of the circle. Use your trigger word to recapture the feeling

More midwives needed

According to figures from the Liberal Democrats, the workloads of some labour staff in the UK are up by 25%.
The number of UK births has risen by 12.5% since 2001, but midwife numbers have gone up by just 5% since 1997.

Pregnancy style tips

Your favourite jeans are ideal for a day spent hitting the shops. A Lycra cami creates a smooth line and supports your bump. But don’t suffer with ill-fitting jeans – you need comfort when you’re shopping.

Five steps to stress-free breastfeeding

1. Be led by your baby, as he’ll feed as often as he needs to.
2. It’s important to be relaxed when you’re feeding, so take your time.
3. Don’t insist on a rigid routine, new babies aren’t used to one and need to be fed when they’re hungry.
4. It will take time for you and your baby to get it right.
5. Breastfeeding gives your baby the best start in life, it helkps to protect him from common infections, it is quality time when you can bond with your baby and it will help your uterus to return to normal more quickly. Women who have breastfed are less prone to breast cancer and osteoporosis too.

5 tips for travelling in pregnancy

1. Take your antenatal notes in case you need to see a midwife or doctor
2. Check with the airline or ferry company as to when they allow pregnant women to travel
3. Don’t sit for long periods – have frequent breaks where you walk around and consider wearing support stockings for the journey
4. A European Health Insurance Card is important when you’re holidaying in Europe
5. Drink plenty of fluids to avoid getting too hot

What not to say to your child-free friends

“Do you want to see my stitches?”

“It’s so painful. I’ll never have sex again”

“I’m too tired for anything except daytime TV”

“Oh, that feels like a big one…I’ll just change this squishy nappy, then we must have lunch!”

“…Well I had trouble latching her on, and my nipples were sore, and I was still pretty uncomfortable down below – but how are you anyway?”

I know I’m pregnant because

….. complete strangers suddenly feel they have the right to point at my tummy and ask personal questions like “are you going to breastfeed, dear?”

Pregnancy style tips

Out for a (non-alcoholic) drink? Choose a cosy cross-over cardigan to accommodate your bump, teamed with neat heels and a matching handbag to smarten up the look – and don’t be afraid of stripes to show off your bump.

Did You Know…..

22% of pregnant women in the UK would opt for a home birth given the choice