The Natural Midwife

1:7 mums and 1:10 dads suffer from postnatal depression (PND).
PND can be portrayed as emotional, physical and/or behavioural signs.
If you or your partner experience any of these signs please seek help from your midwife, obstetrician or GP.
Don't ever feel ashamed for seeking help.

https://www.panda.org.au/
https://www.gidgetfoundation.org.au/
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/postpartum-depression/perinatal-test

Clary sage oil can assist with labour by increasing the tone of contractions.

Clary sage (Salvia sclarea) originates from the North Mediterranean.

It has been used for centuries for the relief of menstrual cramps, particularly favoured in European folk medicine.

Do NOT use before 39 weeks. Always check with your health care provider before using.

Can also be used postpartum for afterbirth pains.

Babies cry for many different reasons, and it can take time to learn what each cry means. Working through the “5 B’s” can help you figure out what your baby may need from you:

• Breast / Bottle – baby may be hungry
• Burp – baby may have trapped wind
• Bum – baby may need a nappy change
• Bundle – baby may need comfort, warmth, or a cuddle
• Bed – baby may be tired and ready for sleep

I find that society often overcomplicates things when it comes to babies. Keeping it simple is usually the best approach. Trust your instincts, work through the 5 B’s, and remember that your baby mostly just needs comfort, care, and connection.

PURPLE crying also known as witching hour.

Can start from 2 weeks of age and peak between 6 to 8 weeks. The subsides from 3 to 5 months of age.

PURPLE crying is a normal part of development, not a reflection of bad parenting.
It can be triggered by baby being overstimulated, overtired or going through a growth spurt.

This can be quite overwhelming for any parent. Don't feel bad to ask for help from family and friends. If you need to have a reset place your baby in their cot or bassinet and step away for a minute.

If ever concerned speak to your GP, midwife or family & child health nurse.

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Just under one month ago, I gave birth at home to my fourth child. I wasn’t a midwife when I had my other three children, so experiencing pregnancy and birth as a midwife was both a blessing and a curse.

During labour, I found myself repeating the same words I tell all of my women: “Just breathe.” At times, it felt impossible, and it gave me a deeper understanding of birth than I’d ever known before.

My early labour lasted just over 12 hours, and for much of it I thought I was once again experiencing prodromal labour — something I had been dealing with since 33 weeks.

I was fortunate that my active labour was just under two hours. The intensity is something I’ll never forget, but my body handled it, despite using no pain relief.

I didn’t have a “calm birth,” possibly because I didn’t prepare enough for it, or maybe because after weeks of false labour, my body was simply done. But I wouldn’t change my primal birth for anything.

There were moments throughout the day when I doubted myself and doubted my body. It was unlike anything I had ever experienced before. I worried that the TENS machine and hot shower wouldn’t be enough. But in the end, I trusted my body, and it birthed my baby exactly as it needed to.

Happy Mother's Day
❤️

Happy Midwives Day

Only 4 to 5% of babies are born on their due date.
The last few days are the hardest.
As frustrating as it may sound, babies come when they're supposed to, not when we want them to.

Happy Easter

Threatened premature labour
Regular contractions before 37 weeks with no cervical dilation.
May be caused by infection (such as a UTI), history of smoking in pregnancy or even stress.
Please make sure to present to your closest birthing unit for assessment and investigation.