Natural Birth Hub
Who support you matters
Ultimately, who is present during your labour should be based on your wishes. Take some time to think about who will support you through each stage of labour and make this clear to your birth partner before labour.You might choose to have just your birth partner and midwife (and perhaps a doula) with you, or, depending on your culture, beliefs, and preferences, you may want to include whānau or other trusted support people to surround you during labour.In a Māori whānau, the people present are usually those closest to you and chosen by you, guided by whānau, tikanga, and whakawhanaungatanga (connection and relationships). This often includes your partner, mother, sisters, aunties, kuia (elder women), and sometimes other trusted whānau members. The presence of whānau is about more than support — it reflects the understanding that birth is a collective, family event, not something you experience alone.Choose the people who make you feel safe, supported, and truly at ease during labour. Whether it’s a small, private space or a room filled with whānau, what matters most is that you feel grounded, connected, and cared for. When your support circle reflects your values and wishes, it can positively shape your entire birth experience.
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Does induction hurt more? How to feel in control & prepared
If you’ve found yourself Googling “Is induced labour more painful?” — you’re not alone.It’s one of the biggest worries mums have when induction is mentioned. Not just what will happen, but how it will feel.And the honest answer is:It can feel more intense — but that doesn’t mean it has to feel overwhelming or out of control.With an induction, sometimes contractions can start more suddenly, become strong more quickly, and have less of a “break-in” period. But it’s not just about pain, it’s about how quickly things can build and how supported and prepared you feel.In spontaneous labour, your body gradually builds its own rhythm. Hormones rise slowly, contractions space themselves out, and your body has time to adjust.With induction, that natural build-up is often shortened. That’s why research shows induced labour is linked with higher rates of epidural use and further interventions — not because mums “can’t cope”, but because the pace can be more intense.But here’s what some mums don’t realise.You can prepare for this.Start pain relief early — not when things feel overwhelmingOne of the most powerful tools here is a TENS machine. Using it in early labour (including the induction “ramp-up” phase) can help your body release natural endorphins and stay calmer as things build.Understand your induction methodThere are different methods of induction in New Zealand and each feels different. Knowing what’s coming reduces fear massively.Stay involved in decisionsFeeling informed and included can genuinely change how labour feels.Keep your environment calmLow lighting, movement, and support all help your body work with labour, not against it.Induction doesn’t have to feel like something happening to you. With the right preparation, it can still feel grounded, supported, and manageable.
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Visualisation is POWERFUL!
Visualisation is a powerful, natural way to manage contraction surges. It’s frequently used by professional athletes to naturally enhance their performance, so why not in this highly physical performance!By mentally rehearsing birth, you prepare your mind and body to respond calmly and confidently. Instead of the unknown feeling overwhelming, it becomes something familiar, and that alone can reduce fear and tension.During pregnancy, take a few quiet moments to picture each stage of labour. Imagine how you’ll breathe, how you’ll move, and how you’ll stay relaxed as sensations build. See yourself coping, staying grounded, and working with your body.When labour begins, bring your focus inward. Visualise your cervix softening and opening with each surge. Picture your baby gently descending, your body guiding them down. Keep coming back to your breath—slow, steady, and rhythmic.You can also reframe contractions through imagery. Imagine each one as a wave, rising and falling, carrying you closer to meeting your baby.These small mental shifts can make a big difference to how labour feels.For even deeper relaxation, pair visualisation with a calming audio or have your birth partner guide you through it.Practise now, so it feels natural when you need it most.
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What does early labour feel like?
If you’re wondering “is this it?” you’re not alone. Early labour can feel uncertain, like a subtle shift in your body, and it looks and feels different for every woman.Most mums don’t suddenly “just know.” Early labour is often described as a slow build-up, or a stop and start, not a dramatic moment.It often starts like period painYou might feel dull cramps low in your tummy, or an ache in your lower back. These can come and go, a bit like period pain — sometimes mild, sometimes a bit stronger.Your tummy tightens, then relaxesContractions in early labour usually feel like your tummy going tight and hard, then soft again. At first, they might be irregular and far apart — even 20–30 minutes between them.It’s not constant painOne of the biggest clues is that the feeling comes in waves. Each surge builds, peaks, and then fades — with a break in between where you can rest.You might notice other small changesSome women also experience:A “show” (thick, sticky discharge that can be clear, pink, or brown)Lower back ache or pelvic pressureWaters breaking (a trickle or a gush of fluid)It can last hours… or even daysEarly labour can be long and stop-start. For some, it lasts many hours — for others, it can stretch over a couple of days.The most important thing to knowEarly labour is your body gently preparing for birth.One of the clearest signs labour is really underway is when your contractions become regular, stronger, and closer together.A gentle reminderIn early labour, you’ll often find it helps to stay gently distracted and relaxed—rest when you can, fuel your body with good food and water, take a warm shower or use a heat pack, and keep yourself lightly occupied with simple things to take the focus off each wave. As contractions gradually build, start using your TENS machine early to help boost your body’s natural endorphin release for when contractions intensify.
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When do I go to the hospital (or birthing unit)?
I’m sure you know it’s not like the movies where labour starts with one big dramatic contraction, a mad dash to the car, and a mid-birth arrival at the hospital doors. Real life is usually much less Hollywood. Most of the time, labour begins slowly and builds gradually. There’s time to breathe, to settle in at home, and to let things unfold while staying connected with your midwife. In fact, the usual advice is very clear: you don’t rush in at the first sign of contractions. You stay home in early labour, and go in once things are clearly established — with your midwife guiding you along the way. Early labour: stay at home Early labour is often slow, stop–start, and manageable in your own space. This stage can last many hours, so there’s usually no need to head in early. You’re typically still in early labour if: Contractions are irregular Intensity is mild to moderate You can still talk through them There is no clear, consistent pattern yet This is the time to rest, stay nourished, and use comfort measures like a warm shower, movement and your TENS machine for support. Established labour: time to prepare to go Labour is usually considered established when contractions become more regular, stronger, and harder to manage at home. A common guide is: Contractions about 5 minutes apart Lasting 45–60 seconds Following a consistent, ongoing pattern Needing full focus and stopping normal conversation At this point, it’s usually time to get ready to head in. Always call your midwife first Before leaving home, contact your midwife so they can guide you through what’s happening. They may suggest calling when: Contractions are around 3–5 minutes apart Each contraction is lasting about 1 minute You feel you’re no longer coping comfortably at home They’ll help you decide when to go and may meet you at the hospital or birthing unit. Go in sooner if something changes Don’t wait for contraction timing if any of the following occur: Reduced or unusual baby movements Waters breaking (especially green or brown) Bleeding beyond light spotting Severe headache, vision changes, or other concerning symptoms Strong urge to push or feeling like baby is coming These signs mean you should contact your midwife immediately. How the decision is really made There is no single “perfect time” that applies to everyone. Midwives look at a combination of factors: How regular and strong contractions are Whether this is your first baby (labour often progresses faster with subsequent births) Your comfort and ability to cope at home Distance from hospital or birthing unit Any risk factors or complications Your own instincts and birth plan The simplest way to think about it Stay at home while labour is manageable Call your midwife when contractions become regular and intense Go in when labour is established and after a discussion with your midwife Labour timing is flexible, and your midwife is there to guide the decision with you rather than leave you to figure it out alone.
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You Don’t Have to Fear Birth
For generations, pain has been front and centre in how we talk about childbirth. It’s in movies, in TV dramas, and often in the stories passed from one woman to another. But pain doesn’t have to define your birth experience. There are ways to prepare — physically, mentally, and emotionally — so you can move through labour feeling calmer, more confident, and more in control. A helpful idea to understand is the Fear–Tension–Pain cycle. It explains how fear causes the body to tense, which increases pain. That pain then fuels more fear — and the cycle continues. The good news is: you can interrupt this cycle. With the right knowledge and tools, you can reduce fear, release tension, and support your body in doing what it was designed to do. Here are five ways to shift from pain to power in your birth journey: 1. Learn How Your Body Works Understanding how your body is designed for birth is empowering. The more you know about the way your hormones work together, how your pelvis creates space, and how your baby moves through the birth canal, the more trust you’ll have in your body’s abilities. This kind of knowledge often replaces fear with awe — and confidence. 2. Use Your Breath Breathing isn’t just helpful — it’s essential. Deep, steady breaths help activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which calms your body and eases tension. A simple practice: breathe in slowly through your nose, then exhale gently and fully through your mouth, making the exhale slightly longer. Try 10 breaths like this. It’s one of the quickest ways to come back to calm during labour. 3. Shift Focus Pain is processed in the brain, so by distracting it, we can reduce how intense it feels. During labour, TENS machines are a common tool — they gently stimulate the nerves in your back to help block pain signals. Acupressure tools like Birth Combs or Acubirth Balls apply pressure to nerve points, triggering natural pain relief. These techniques shift your nervous system’s focus, helping ease discomfort. 4. Keep Moving Movement supports your baby’s descent and helps your body cope with contractions. Rocking on a birthing ball, walking, swaying, or leaning into your partner can all bring comfort. You might try different positions, use a peanut ball, sit on a stool, or even labour on the toilet — all of these options help create space in your pelvis and reduce pressure. 5. Use Affirmations Positive affirmations can be a powerful tool. They help shift your mindset and strengthen your inner confidence. An affirmation is simply a statement you choose to believe, like:“My body is strong. I trust in my body.”“I am powerful. I am safe. I can do this.”“My body is designed for this.” Saying them out loud, writing them down, or repeating them to yourself in the mirror or in the car helps embed them deeply into your belief system. Final Thoughts Birth doesn’t have to be something you just ‘get through’. With the right preparation and support, it can be something that leaves you feeling strong, proud, and deeply connected to your body and your baby. You don’t have to be fearless — but you can be informed. You can be supported. And you can absolutely be powerful.
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Don’t Be Quiet About It: Vocalisation in Labour
Vocalisation is a natural and powerful way to manage contraction pain during labour. It encourages relaxation, stimulates endorphin release, and helps women cope with the intensity of childbirth. By embracing vocalisation, women can navigate labour with greater comfort and confidence. Why Vocalisation can work wonders Vocalisation helps relax the body, especially the jaw and facial muscles, which are key to facilitating cervical relaxation and easing labour. Low-pitched sounds, such as humming or moaning, help to open the mouth and release tension, creating a more relaxed environment for both the mum and baby. Tips for Using Vocalisation Go Low and Slow: Focus on deep, low-pitched sounds like moaning or humming. These tones help relax your jaw and face, making the whole experience feel a bit more zen. Birthing Partner to the Rescue: If you find yourself slipping into high-pitched panic sounds, don’t worry—your birthing partner can step in. They can make calming low sounds for you to mirror, helping you shift gears and find your calm again. Keep It Supportive: Birth is your personal journey, and vocalising is a totally normal part of the process. So, don’t let anyone make fun of those groans and moans—unless, of course, mum is finding humour in it too. Vocalisation is Just One Tool: If other pain relief techniques aren’t working for you, give vocalisation a try! It’s another way to help you manage the pain and stay focused on birthing your baby.
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Is your birthing partner up to the challenge?
If you are the partner of someone who is pregnant or you have been asked to be a birth support person, you have been given a privilege and a responsibility: to provide emotional and physical support to a woman who will need your help through one of the most significant and vulnerable experiences of her life. Being the support person for a woman in labour is a wonderful experience, a great honour – and a particularly personal journey if you are the parent of the baby. Being a birth support person is also pretty scary – especially if you have never done this before. Many prospective birth support people report that they worry that they won’t know what to do, that they will be completely useless, that they will panic or faint, that they will be horrified and say or do something inappropriate. Sometimes they worry about things going wrong and about the health of their partner and the baby. These are all very common fears and it’s often really helpful if you can come out and say (or maybe write down) what you’re most worried about. It’s OK to be anxious. And a great way to combat this, is to gather as much information as you can about what is going to happen, so that you can help as best you can. The best person to ask is of course, the pregnant mother. She probably has certain expectations of what your role will be; ask her to explain them to you if you feel unsure. A few minutes of conversation can clear up lots of uncertainty. Getting ready for the birth Ideally, you will be able to attend antenatal classes together, where you will be able to be involved in demonstrations of different techniques to help cope with the waves of contractions in labour. The Birth Plan Some pregnant women will write down a birth plan that will clearly set out her expectations and the decisions she has made about the birth. If she does not have a written plan, make sure that you take time to sit down and talk about some of the decisions she has made. These are just some of the things a birth plan may or may not contain. Discuss these with her prior to the due date: Place of birth – home or hospital birth, when to go to hospital and how to get to there Support people – people present while labouring Contacting your midwife – when and how Pain relief – TENS set up and operation, the use of water, other methods of pain relief Surroundings – music and lighting, aromatherapy Positions in labour – breathing support, massage Nutrition & Hydration – during labour and after the birth Baby at birth – skin-on-skin contact Who will be at the birth? Birth is an incredibly private and intimate experience. It is strongly impacted by the psychological state of the mother; and it’s really important that the labouring woman feels completely comfortable with the people who are in the room with her. Mothers, big sisters and mothers-in-law frequently assume that they will be a great help in a birth when actually the labouring mother would be far more relaxed without them there. Be prepared to act as gatekeeper for her. You may be tempted to use your phone during the long labour to let people know what is happening. For some women, nothing is more annoying than a partner consumed in sending text messages and taking calls while they are dealing with painful contractions! Discuss this before hand and remind yourself to turn off your phone. There will be plenty of time after the baby is born to let friends and family know all is well. What does a birth support person do? Labour has distinct stages and there will be different requirements of you in each stage. All women (and all labours) are different, so your role might be just to be there having a chat in the quiet early stages; later, you might have a physically demanding role, holding her upright during painful contractions; you might need to help with showers, massage, getting drinks, ice – or she may want you just to be there, quietly holding her hand. Although you may feel anxious, particularly when she is in obvious pain, it’s best to keep your own anxiety about the pain she is experiencing lest you discourage her. If you are feeling panicky, call on another support person or perhaps the midwife, to stay with her and take a few minutes break. Never leave her alone for more than a minute, but most midwives will understand if you need to take ten minutes out to get some fresh air and pull yourself together and will step in for a while to cover for you. Preparation Bags Packed – if you are birthing at hospital, make sure the bags are ready to go and you know exactly where to find them. If you are planning for a home birth, make sure you know where to locate everything you need. Car seat – if you are going to a maternity hospital and need to move from one hospital to another, make sure the carseat is correctly fitted into the car (you may need to practice this a few times well before the due date). Food & Drinks – make sure you have a supply of cold drinks and food at home or to take to the hospital (for yourself and the labouring mother). During the Birth The labouring women will tell you what she needs. If you’re not sure – ask, but don’t hound her. Be guided by her mood and fit in with her. Don’t be hurt or offended if she says or does something that is out of character or if she is sharp or aggressive with you – this is usually because she is in pain and perhaps exhausted. Moral Support Some women want their partner to stand by quietly through each contraction and don’t want to be touched at all; other women will find comfort from you stroking her hair, massaging her back or holding her hands tightly. Some women need constant encouragement and want to hear your voice, others prefer to labour in silence. Eye contact and quiet approval may be all that she needs. Your biggest role is to provide emotional support, positive encouragement and praise. You will be her guide, reminding her of how far she has come, how well she is doing, how proud you are of her; it’s important that you avoid any criticism or negativity. Remember to think back to the birth plan and the things discussed together. Think about the environment (dim lights, music, hydration, heat packs, massage). Massage Part of the Birth Plan may include the request for massage. Read the following information: Don’t Rush Your Massage StrokesUse gentle, smooth strokes to avoid irritating her. A labouring woman will often find that rushed and choppy strokes are annoying to her. Think about keeping firm pressure and working in long, even lines across her back, belly, hand, foot or leg. Use Oil or Lotion if NeededThere is nothing more annoying than having your skin rubbed off by rough hands or “burned” from excess friction. Use a good quality massage oil or massage lotion as a lubricant to avoid hurting her skin, or irritating her emotions. Remember that a little bit of lotion goes a long way so just use enough to keep from hurting her skin, but not so much that you make her feel greasy and sticky. Using massage oil or massage lotion can be an excellent way to introduce essential oils that can help a labouring mother feel calm, centred or relaxed. It’s important for the birth partner to make sure the fragrance is pleasing to the mother before using it. Be Prepared for the Mother to Change Her MindA labouring woman can change her mind from contraction to contraction, especially as she enters the transition phase of labour. A birth partner should not take this personally, but rather see this as a sign that things are progressing and the mother is taking control to help herself cope with labour. A labouring woman may want you to rub her back one second and then tell you not to touch her during the next contraction. Two contractions later she may ask you to massage her feet or legs. A birth partner should just continue to support her and remember that she is working extremely hard – a labouring woman may only use one or two words without typical politeness. “Please massage my leg” might become, “Leg!” during an intense contraction. Practice Ahead of TimeA birth partner will often have a better idea of what coping techniques a mother find helpful by seeing what she prefers to use during her everyday stresses. When the labouring woman bumps into a chair what is helpful to her? Firm pressure? Distraction? When the mother has had a very stressful day what helps her unwind? When she gets a regular massage, what techniques and strokes does she find most enjoyable? Knowing some of these answers can help give a birth partner a general place to start, but remember the tip above. Stay flexible! After the Birth VisitorsAfter the baby is born, you and the mother may well be exhausted. Rest and sleep are very important at this time to aid recovery and help with the first few days of being a new mum. When the baby is born and you send out your announcements to friends and family, politely say that ‘mum and baby’ need some rest and that visitors will be invited when they are ready. You then avoid visitors arriving unexpectedly when all the mother wants to do is breastfeed or rest. Be guided by the mother when it comes to who, if and when visitors are allowed. It is a good idea to put a sign up on the door saying ‘Do not disturb – mum & baby sleeping’ and this will prevent cleaners coming into the room to empty rubbish bins or work colleagues turning up to meet the new baby! Phone calls, text messages & emailsIt is a wonderful time to finally let everyone know that mum and baby are well and announce the arrival of a beautiful baby boy or girl into the world. There is plenty of time to do this, so enjoy the precious time with mum and baby before letting the world know…and don’t forget to check with mum before sending out photos…there may be one or two she wishes to delete first! Nourishment for the new mumAfter giving birth and beginning breastfeeding new mothers declare their hunger loudly! Make sure you have plenty of healthy snacks and drinks available. Hospital food may not be enough, so bring in extra food if requested. Many women need snacks during the night to keep them going! Baby Blues Many new mothers tend to have an increased sense of anxiety because of the new responsibility a baby brings. Not surprisingly, this anxiety can have a negative impact on her mood. The fatigue and lack of sleep that affects all new mothers only serves to compound the problem. She may also be finding it difficult to breastfeed and cope with interrupted sleep.The baby blues usually occur on day 3 or 4 after giving birth and is attributed to the sudden, quick change in hormones. The emotional and physical stress of giving birth along with any general physical discomfort she may be experiencing can also contribute to her feeling a bit down for the first few days/weeks after birth. Symptoms of the baby blues are generally mild and can include crying, mood swings, irritability, anxiety, loneliness, restlessness and impatience. These symptoms should ease quite quickly within a day or so, but try to be patient and understanding during this time. Provide support, listen and be as helpful as you can. If the ‘baby blues’ do not seem to be disappearing then speak with your LMC, doctor and partner. How you can get involved in caring for baby Once bub has arrived, there’s plenty of opportunity for you to offer support: When the baby is delivered, if Mum is busy (with the third stage of labour for example) be on hand to hold the baby. Skin to skin contact is just as important for you and baby, as for mum and baby. Don’t be shy –take your shirt off if you want to. Once your new baby has arrived, take every opportunity to burp and change the baby’s nappy. Don’t feel discouraged if you need a bit of practice to get it right – mum may look as if she’s sussed it, but she’s probably just getting more opportunity to practice than you! Have lots of skin-on-skin cuddles with the new baby. The baby not only gets tummy time, but you get to bond too. Help as much as you can around the house to lighten the load on the new mum and fend off visitors if necessary, so mum can get some rest and have the necessary time to get breastfeeding going. Be as supportive as possible of your partner if she is feeling hormonal, weepy and depressed. Look after yourself too – you may feel a bit left out, anxious, angry or moody. Talk to your partner or your friends and get support. Acknowledge that you are tired and need to rest too. Don’t try to be superhuman! Claim bath time as your own special time with baby or try bed time reading and daily walks for quality time. Put aside some of your own hobbies and enjoy the company of your child while he or she is still young. Golf will still be there, but the baby years will fly past.
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What Helps During Early Labour at Home?
Recently a friend told me about his wife going into labour. "We went up to the hospital, bags packed, ready to get the show on the road, but then we were told she hadn't dilated enough and we were sent back home," he told me. "She was so disappointed." It's a story that would be familiar for many first-time mums. Knowing when you've reached established labour is hard to gauge - and as the pain continues to escalate, you're not sure how much you can take before heading to hospital. But if your pregnancy is low risk, riding out the early stages of labour (which can quite often be many hours!) at home is really important, according to midwife Sam Ghazi. "Most midwives tell you to come to the hospital when you're having strong and regular contractions," she says. "If you come to the hospital too early, when you're not in established labour, they'll suggest you go back home because your home environment is less stressful, and you're more likely to progress your labour more comfortably and naturally." While this can seem quite daunting as you're left to manage the pain by yourself, don't despair - there are a number of natural pain relief options you can prepare for in advance, to help you cope until you get to hospital. Heat packs Many women swear by using a heat pack on their lower back during labour to help manage pain. "This can help ease the tension and backache in early labour by relaxing the muscles," explains Sam. Hot water bottles or wheat bags are good options. Labour TENS machine "When I was gritting my teeth and breathing my way through early labour at home, I wouldn't have coped half as well without a labour TENS machine. Not only did this help manage the pain, but it also worked as a good distraction and allowed me to feel like I had some control over the situation." TENS machines are small, battery-operated devices with pads you place on your back, which transmit tiny electrical (and safe) impulses. These impulses flood your nervous system, reducing its ability to transmit pain signals through the spinal cord to your brain. Essentially the TENS interferes with the pain signals running through to your brain. "It is most effective in the early stages of labour," advises Sam. Hot baths and showers Hot baths and showers help during labour for two reasons: they help manage the pain, and they also help you to relax. When Emma Runciman went into labour at home she was constantly jumping in and out of the shower to help lessen the pain. "I would go in for periods at a time until I thought the pain had eased," explains Emma. "Then I would jump out and do something else, but I never sat down." When the pain became too much again, she would jump back in the shower. She said by standing up with her back under the hot water she felt like a lot of the weight was lifted off her, which helped alleviate the pain. Deep breaths While in labour with her first baby, Leanne Milner used a combination of natural pain relief options to manage the pain while at home. One of these options was slow, deep breathing while bouncing on a fit ball or leaning over her kitchen bench. Taking deep breaths during labour has a number of benefits, including sending extra oxygen to the muscles, which helps release tension and allows your muscles to relax. There are many different breathing techniques you can try, so do some research to work out which one best suits you ahead of time. Massages This is where a good birthing partner comes into play. Having someone massage you can help stimulate the release of your own natural painkillers (endorphins) - and anything that kills pain will be your friend during every stage of labour. However, Sam says to communicate with your birthing partner throughout your labour, as being touched may begin to annoy you as your labour progresses. Distraction The simple art of distraction has proven to be a great way of coping with pain. In the early stages of labour, occupy your time. Fold washing, watch Netflix, wander around your garden, pick flowers, read a book. If you're able to, keep quietly busy and active, and you'll find the time goes quicker. Relax Lastly, it's vital to relax while in labour. (You may already have realised that from all the information above!) "Feeling as relaxed as possible is important because feeling anxious can make the pain and discomfort worse," explains Sam. "Women can try music, relaxation tapes, aromatherapy, and breathing techniques to try and stay relaxed." None of these pain relief options will completely alleviate the intense pain of birthing a child, but they will hopefully help you manage it to the point where you reach regular, strong contractions and established labour. Source: Exerts from Essential Baby
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What’s Happening Down There? Postpartum healing
Even if you cruised through your pregnancy and had the easiest delivery on record, your body has been stretched and stressed to the max, and it needs a chance to recover. There is no time limit on postpartum healing, so take your time. We’ve come up with some practical advice on postpartum care for ‘down there’. Ouchy! The perineum is the area between the anus and the vagina and if you’ve had a vaginal birth then this area could be sore, swollen and/or stitched. Try the following: Add Epsom Salt to your bath water or use a postpartum healing bath soak to ease pain and help healing. Fill your Peri Wash Bottle with lukewarm water and 5-10 drops of Witch Hazel and squirt down there when you go to the toilet. This helps prevent infection and aids healing to reduce the stinging when peeing. Use the Peri Wash Bottle again after finishing your wee and pat dry with a clean soft towel. Apply Postpartum Ice Packs to the perineum area to soothe pain and reduce swelling. You can purchase specifically designed ice packs or make your own and add a blend of Witch Hazel and Aloe Vera for cooling, instant relief and reduced swelling. Change maternity pads regularly. Move around as often as possible, to increase blood circulation and speed the healing process. Keep the perineum area dry and wear cotton, breathable underwear. Avoid lifting heavy objects or strenuous activity as the strain may cause bleeding and break the stitches. Going ‘Number 2’s’ There are so many topics not talked about before giving birth and discussing your first bowel motion after a vaginal birth, is one of them. When 'down there' is raw, sore and swollen, for some women, the thought of 'going number two's' can be terrifying. With a little help from nature, you can make things a whole lot more comfortable. In the first couple of days after giving birth, drink lots of water and try eating kiwifruit and high fibre foods such as leafy green vegetables. Apples, citrus fruits, lentils, beans, wholegrains and dried fruit are also good options to have on hand. You may need to bring these to the hospital with you. For many women Kiwi Crush is a god-send and is a 'hospital-bag must-have'. Health food stores and pharmacies also generally stock good quality natural laxatives. The key is to be prepared with what you need to help make things a little ‘softer’ and a little more comfortable. Bleeding after Birth Vaginal bleeding after labour is normal. Initially the bleeding can be quite heavy and you’ll need maternity or heavy flow pads (do not use tampons). Change your pads regularly and wash your hands before and after. You may notice the bleeding is redder and heavier when you breastfeed. This happens because breastfeeding makes your womb contract. You may also feel cramps similar to period pains. The bleeding will carry on for a few weeks. It will gradually turn a brownish colour and decrease until it finally stops. If you're losing blood in large clots, tell your midwife. You may need some treatment. Just like pregnancy and childbirth, your postpartum recovery is personal and unique. During this time, focus on your new born and your own well-being. It’s more than OK to be easy on yourself during this time. If you’re having difficulties during your postpartum recovery, don’t be afraid to contact your LMC at any time. And don’t hold back on sharing your feelings with your partner, or reaching out to close friends and family members for help with the baby. Your physical and emotional health is important, so make sure to give yourself a break when you need it the most.
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Getting Ready Down There! Your Perineal Massage Guide
If you’re reading this you’re most likely in your third trimester, and first of all we just want to let you know you are doing an incredible job and so is your body. Secondly, if you're ready to give perineal massage a go but you’re not quite sure where to start, don’t worry we’ve got you mama! A great time to begin is around or after 34 weeks. (If you find out about perineal massage later in your pregnancy, it is totally fine to start anytime after 34 weeks). It’s good to try massaging your perineum 2-3 times a week (or more if you feel comfortable doing so) for about 3-4mins at a time. (If you have any medical conditions it might pay to talk to your LMC before starting perineal massage). BENEFITS OF PERINEAL MASSAGE Helps prepare the perineum for birth by increasing elasticity. May help to reduce the risk of tearing and episiotomy. Can help with scar tissue from previous births. Increases blood flow to the area preparing skin tissues. May help mama relax and mentally prepare for birth. LET'S GET PREPPED 1. TAKE A WARM, RELAXING SHOWER It’s best to massage the perineum immediately after a bath or shower as the blood vessels in the area are already dilated, making your perineum more stretchy and more comfy to massage. The idea is to get the tissue and muscle used to stretching which will help ease the pain as your baby moves down the cervix and crowns. At first, this may feel a little uncomfortable, (perhaps a slight burning sensation) but this should improve after a few massages. 2. FIND A COMFORTABLE POSITION Having had a shower/bath and washed your hands, grab your massage oil. Find a position where you are able to reach your perineum. You could try: Reaching hands in front of you or behind you. Leaning back with your legs apart with cushions supporting your back. On your side with cushions supporting your leg at the knee. With one leg up on a support i.e. a small stool. *Feel free to use different positions on different days or even change positions during your massage if you become uncomfortable or tired. Once you’ve found a comfortable position, place both hands on your perineum and take a few breaths here, releasing any tension. Your perineal area and pelvic floor are working double time to carry your baby. 3. OKAY, LET’S DO THIS Pop some massage oil on your hands and rub them together. Start by applying the oil to your perineal area to lubricate, gently massaging around the internal and external perineal region. Making sure your thumbs/fingers are well-lubricated, place your thumb or finger up to your first finger/thumb knuckle into your vagina and use it to gently stretch the perineum wall out to each side. Think of this as 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock for positioning. Remember to start slowly! Holding this position/action start stretching outward (towards your hips), slowly sweep down to 6 o’clock (towards the anus) with each hand on each side and then back to 3 o’clock. Continue to sweep in this motion, for about 3-4 minutes. You can use your breath to guide you. As you breathe out apply pressure. On the in-breath sweep your fingers along and remember to relax your jaw as this relaxes your perineum. 4. LISTEN TO YOUR VULVA As you feel more comfortable you can try increasing the pressure and push back towards the anus. You will feel a stretch in the muscles around the vagina, which may tingle and burn a little when you start but this sensation should ease and it should not be painful. If you feel pain during the massage, stop and try again another time or seek further advice from your LMC. As with every pregnancy, mama and vagina are different. Make sure you listen to your body to decide what feels right for you. Try to fit this massage into your weekly routine and aim to do it twice a week. 5. A HELPING HAND As you near the end of your pregnancy your beautiful belly can make it harder to move around or get into some of these positions comfortably. This might mean you get help from your partner to do the perineal massage. Make sure to communicate during the massage and follow the instructions above, but instead of using their thumb use their index finger. 6. CAUTION When NOT to do a perineal massage: Do not try a perineal massage if you think you may have a vaginal infection and avoid it if your waters have broken. It’s always best to consult with you LMC before trying if you have any concerns. NATURAL GOODNESS Our Perineal Massage Oil ingredients have been carefully hand-selected to make the massage easier without messing with your vaginas natural flora. There is only natural goodness Grapeseed oil Avocado oil Apricot kernel oil Vitamin E Jojoba oil Calendula oil CREDIT: VIVA LA VULVA - we love your products!
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