Top 5 rated articles

Choosing a Caregiver

Jul 9 2007

Tips and Tools for choosing a Caregiver

How can I explore my options before making my decision?

It is a good idea for you to meet with several caregivers to explore options and become informed before making this important decision. If you are unsure about which type of caregiver to work with, you can interview different types of maternity caregivers. If you know you want to work with a specific type of caregiver, it is a good idea to consider more than one individual before making this important decision as personal styles and practices can vary.

What should I ask myself about the experience of meeting with a potential caregiver?

When you go to interview a caregiver and during your antenatal visits, ask yourself how you feel about the experience:

Is this person listening to me and respectful of my wish to make careful decisions?
Is the person willing to take the time to answer my questions to my satisfaction?
Does this person share my vision for my maternity care and birth?
Do I think that I can feel comfortable with and trust this person?
Can I get what I want from this person?
Does this feel right for me?
This person will be working intimately with you and your family through one of the most important times of your life. Remember, it is a privilege for them to be invited to be there. Follow your instincts. Only you can make the decision that is right for you. If you have concerns, even if you are well into your pregnancy and antenatal care, it may be important to explore other options.

As the saying goes if you don't change direction, you'll end up where you're heading

How should I go about interviewing possible caregivers?

 

Your Options for Choosing a Place of Birth

Jul 23 2007

What are the main types of places of birth? What are my options?

What is it like to give birth in a hospital?

What is it like to give birth in an out-of-hospital (or "freestanding") birth center?

What is it like to give birth in my own home?

How do these options compare to a "birth center" in a hospital?

What are the main types of places of birth? What are my options?

There are several types of places of birth, or birth settings, in South Africa hospitals, out-of-hospital birth centers, and your own home.

 

The Art of Expressing Breastmilk

Oct 22 2007

Well the time has come for you to have to go out somewhere other than remaining within the confines of your home and possibly without your baby this will feel either completely daunting, an absolute relief or a strange mixture of both.

So, it's time to express this might seem easier said than done.
Don't feel alone in your absolute ignorance of not knowing where to start. You are only just getting the hang of breastfeeding and you've never done this before.
Many women come in to clinics or phone their midwives at various times in the first year trying to learn the ropes of expressing. So here are a few tips to help you unravel the mysteries of expressing. We hope you find them helpful, and pass them on to friends and relations, why struggle when others have gone through the struggle and can pass the info on to you.

 

Ceasarian Section-what to expect if you have an unplanned emergency Ceasarean

Oct 22 2007

October 2007

What needs to be done quickly when you come to theatre for an unplanned (non-elective) ceasarian operation.
If you are having a planned (elective) Ceasarian the same things are done but in a much more leisurely manner
If it is unplanned it may all may seem overwhelming to you, with people milling about, but this is what is happening (not necessarily in this order).
The baby's heartbeat is listened to get a baseline and to ensure that it is satisfactory. This is usually done with a continuous CTG machine, which is really useful in these circumstances. If you are having a CS because of concern about the baby, listening to it will help to ascertain the degree of urgency.

 

VBAC - going the extra mile

Jun 11 2007

Jenny Skillen

Increasing numbers of people have recently been asking for VBACs (vaginal births after Caesareans) and this has focussed attention even more acutely on what gives people the best chance of achieving a vaginal birth.