Birthwaves > Tips/References

Tips

January's Tip

Previous caesarean and considering your options for next time......?? VBAC is the term used to describe ‘vaginal birth after caesarean’. Depending on the reason for a first caesarean, most medical professionals advise that women should try for a vaginal birth the next time round. It is worth researching as much as possible on the best approach to take, and keep fit and healthy!! Try some form of active birth, yoga or other 'self-help' classes. See http://canaustralia.net/ for more information. (CANA = Caesarean Awareness Network Australia).

February's Tip

Route to successful breastfeeding......... Your baby has been born and she is healthy and well. Now the No. 1 issue is his or her feeding. Breastfeeding is proven to be the best for mother and baby, but it can be tricky to get going. Step 1 is to have studied the different aspects and how to approach it before birth. Step 2 is for the baby to be delivered straight to the mother’s chest, skin-to-skin. Step 3 is to allow the baby to self-attach and start feeding as soon as possible. Step 4 is to seek all the advice and support you need. Contact the Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) for their education, information and support services. http://breastfeeding.asn.au/

March's Tip

Pregnancy massage benefits........ Studies have shown that regular massage during pregnancy (once or twice a week) can hold significant benefits for mother and baby, particularly if the mother is suffering depression. Rates of antenatal depression are reduced with massage, which carries on postnatally too. The number of premature births and low birthweight babies have also been shown to diminish. So check out your local massage therapist now, always ensuring that they are experienced in treating pregnant women.

April's Tip

Wonderful water...... Water is one of the most popular forms of “pain relief” whatever the type of birth a woman is hoping for. Its wonderful pain relieving and relaxing benefits appeal to most of us and it has no adverse effects on the baby. Therefore, one of the key questions to consider when choosing a hospital or birth centre is whether or not there is easy access to a bath/pool or shower, preferably en suite. If not, you may prefer to try another hospital, or at least explore and practise other self-help ways of pain management (eg breathing, movement, relaxation, massage).

May's Tip

Using Your BRAINS........!!! Women who feel well supported and consulted during their labour and birth tend to have a positive view of their experience afterwards, no matter how easy or hard it was in reality.

One way of achieving this sense of empowerment is to use the 'BRAINS' approach when faced with a problem or hard decision. This means looking at the options from all angles as follows: What are the Benefits?; Risks?; Alternatives?; Instinct?; do Nothing?; and, if all else fails, Smile!

June's Tip

Baby Skin Care...... Studies increasingly highlight a link between chemicals in baby skincare and the development of eczema and rashes. So don’t be tempted So don’t be tempted by all the baby products lining the supermarket shelves. Instead, try bathing your newborn in plain water. Their fine hair doesn’t need shampoo either for many months.

July's Tip

Heartburn a problem?........ Eat little and often and avoid spicy, fatty foods. Need more information? See http://www.babycenter.com.au/pregnancy/antenatalhealth/sleep/heartburn/

August's Tip

Pelvic pain?..........If you're pregnant and experiencing sharp pain or discomfort in the pubic area of your pelvis, you could have symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD). You may also experience pain in other parts of your pelvis as a result of pelvic instability. This shouldn't be disregarded as a "regular pregnancy aches and pains". See the following web-site for more information on the self-help actions you can take: http://www.babycenter.com.au/pregnancy/antenatalhealth/physicalhealth/pelvicpain/. Ask your doctor or midwife about seeing a physiotherapist experienced in women's health. Specialist chiropractors and osteopaths can also help.

September's Tip

Don't forget your pelvic floor exercises!! ..... You should be doing at least 50 a day whilst pregnant. And keep them up after pregnancy too to avoid problems later on. For more information, see www.maternitycoalition.org.au and follow prompts to Pelvic Floor "INFOSHEET" via "Education & Support".

October's Tip

Birthplace Choices, Choices, Choices......... Are you puzzling over where to have your baby? For a full listing of hospitals and birth centres in Melbourne click here http://www.bubhub.com.au/serviceshospitalsvic.php. If interested in homebirth, see this site for a list of independent midwives: http://www.bubhub.com.au/servicesmidwives.php#vic

November's Tip

What about sleep?........ Worried about your baby's sleep habits? Research as much as possible before the birth to get a feel for how you'd like to approach it. Beware of any advice that seems too rigid. This is usually not favourable to breastfeeding in the early days and risks not following the baby's cues. THE most important thing you can do with your new baby in the first year is to BOND! Relax and enjoy it - this is such a short, precious period in your lifetime with your child.

December's Tip

Feeling low and anxious?......... Women can experience depression antenatally too. It is important to recognise this if you feel your moods aren't lifting. Seek help from your family and friends. Professional help is important as well. See http://panda.org.au/servicesFactSheets.html