What to look for in a Midwife

May 8, 2011 By admin Leave a Comment
pregnancy test

Congratulations - you’re expecting a baby. You’re now looking around for the best person to provide you with care as you travel the path of pregnancy, birth and the first month after your baby is born. When you first look for a midwife, it can be confusing as midwives are all different. However, there are certain qualities that you should look for in a midwife and these are described below. Respectful treatment Gentle, supportive care that respects you, your family/whanau, your culture and your beliefs Respect for your informed decisions about tests, recommendations and interventions Willingness … [Read more...]

Filed Under: all swell articles, bumps & birth Tagged With: birth, labour, midwife, midwives, pregnant

Endo What? Endometriosis – a New Zealand Guide

December 18, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment
Endo what

Mention endometriosis to anyone and I guarantee they will have a friend, colleague, mother, daughter or sister who suffers miserably each month.  While some people may still not know exactly what it is, many of us certainly know women who suffer from it.  For approximately one in five women who have periods, it is a living nightmare that can rule their lives. What exactly is endometriosis? Endo is a condition where cells similar to those that usually line the uterus grow on other areas, like the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bowel and bladder.   This can in turn cause pain and inflammation … [Read more...]

Filed Under: all swell articles, bumps & birth, mamahood Tagged With: endometriosis, fertility, pregnancy

About Your Ovulation

December 18, 2010 By admin 1 Comment
Ovulation

What is ovulation? Ovulation is the release of an egg from a follicle that has developed in the ovary. The egg is swept into the fallopian tube where it waits to be fertilised within 12-48 hours. This is the most fertile period in your menstrual cycle and your chances of conception are at their highest. Knowing exactly when you ovulate (and your fertile days) can help increase your chances of conception. Ovulation is triggered by the release of Luteinizing Hormone (LH ). LH levels significantly increase 1-2 days before ovulation. This LH surge causes the egg to be released from the ovary. During … [Read more...]

Filed Under: all swell articles, bumps & birth Tagged With: fertility, getting pregnant, ovulation, pregnancy

Leaving Well Alone: A Natural Approach to the Third Stage of Labour

December 16, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment
Needle

Written by Dr Sarah J Buckley The medical approach to pregnancy and birth has become so ingrained in our culture, that we have forgotten the way of birth of our ancestors: a way that has ensured our survival as a species for millennia. In the rush to supposedly protect mothers and babies from misfortune and death, modern western obstetrics has neglected to pay its dues to the Goddess, to Mother Nature, whose complex and elegant systems of birth are interfered with on every level by this new approach, even as we admit our inability to understand or control these elemental forces. Medical interference … [Read more...]

Filed Under: all swell articles, bumps & birth Tagged With: birth, labour, physiological birth, third stage

Pain in Labour: Your Hormones are Your Helpers

December 16, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment
Labour Pains

Imagine this. Your cat is pregnant, due to give birth around the same time as you are. You have your bags packed for hospital, and are awaiting the first signs of labour with excitement and a little nervousness . Meanwhile your cat has been hunting for an out-of-the way place -- your socks drawer or laundry basket -- where she in unlikely to be disturbed. When you notice, you open the wardrobe door, but she moves again. Intrigued, you notice that your observation, even your presence, seems to disturb the whole process. And, wish as you might to get a glimpse into the mysteries of birth before … [Read more...]

Filed Under: all swell articles, bumps & birth Tagged With: birth, Childbirth, Hormones in BIrth, labour, natural birth
« Older Posts