All4Birth provides information to optimise wellbeing throughout your childbirth journey
Take a look at our three key areas to access useful factsheets, blog articles and real life stories
We hope All4birth enables you to:
- Have an optimistic view of your pregnancy, birth and parenthood
- Participate and ask your childbirth provider questions specific to your needs so you can make informed decisions about your care
- Find and communicate with supportive groups to enhance your experience – should you wish
- Share your experiences with others in your friendship circles, in so doing promoting a culture of trust in women’s capacity to birth
You can contribute to this website
Please use the ‘Online Submissions’ area to share your real life experiences of any subject relating to preconception, pregnancy and parenting.
We will then use this to support an upcoming article.
We know a positive pregnancy, birth and postnatal experience brings many physical and psychological benefits for mum and baby. We can support this by sharing credible information to help you to make choices which feel right for you.
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Freeflow- Optimising Your Microbiome in Pregnancy
Abbie Tomson Midwife MSc, BSc, Yoga Teacher, Project Lead at All4Birth @enevlorel @All4Birth Summary The human microbiome, consisting of trillions ...
Freeflow- Perinatal Mental Health and Neurodivergence: A Call to Action for Suicide Prevention
Laura Spence Laura Spence, a seasoned Scottish Midwife, has over a decade of experience. Her journey, enriched by her lived experiences with autism...
Factsheet- Pregnancy Pilates: Movement That Supports You Through Pregnancy
Lena Bhohi Pre and postnatal exercise instructor, personal trainer and mat-based Pilates teacher Website www.lenaandfitter.com Follow me on Faceboo...
Factsheet- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Navigating Preconception, Pregnancy, and Beyond
Abbie Tomson Midwife MSc, BSc, Yoga Teacher, Project Lead at All4Birth @enevlorel @All4Birth Summary Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common e...
Freeflow- Pelvic Health
Sarah Kheirallah Sarah Kheirallah is a midwife, osteopath and acupuncturist specialising in providing holistic care during pregnancy and beyond. Sh...
Book Review: Breastfeeding and the Fourth Trimester by Lucy Webber
Book Review: Breastfeeding and the Fourth Trimester by Lucy Webber Review By Abbie Tomson, Midwife, Project Lead for All4Birth and Yoga Teacher Pub...
Factsheet- Fertility Series: Understanding ICSI As A Path to Parenthood
Abbie Tomson Midwife MSc, BSc, Yoga Teacher, Project Lead at All4Birth @enevlorel @All4Birth Summary In the journey of starting a family, many coup...
Freeflow- Expressing Breastmilk: A Guide
Abbie Tomson Midwife MSc, BSc, Yoga Teacher, Project Lead at All4Birth @enevlorel Summary Expressing milk has become an integral part of breastfeed...
Freeflow- Supporting Neurodivergent Perinatal Experiences
Victoria White Founder and Director of ND Birth, Birth and Postnatal Doula, Traumatic Birth Recovery 3-Step Rewind Practitioner, and Perinatal Emot...
Freeflow Article – Baby Carriers Are Like Jeans – How To Find The Right Carrier Or Sling For You
Nikki Baillie Nikki Baillie Babywearing Consultant Nikki is a Babywearing Consultant with over 8 years of experience supporting Parents and carers ...
Book Review: Growing Up Pregnant by Deirdre Curley
Book Review: Growing Up Pregnant by Deirdre Curley Review By Abbie Tomson, Midwife, Project Lead for All4Birth and Yoga Teacher Published: 2017 Pub...
Freeflow- Bringing your Baby Home and the Fourth Trimester
I’m Helen, the founder of Essential Parenting. I’m a Parenting Consultant, Private Health Visitor, Children’s Intensive Care Nurs...
Factsheet- Balancing Work and Breastfeeding: A Guide for Returning to Work
Abbie Tomson Midwife MSc, BSc, Yoga Teacher, Project Lead at All4Birth @enevlorel @All4Birth Summary Returning to work after maternity leave is a s...
Book Review: Reclaiming Childbirth as a Rite of Passage By Rachel Reed
Book Review: Reclaiming Childbirth as a Rite of Passage By Rachel Reed Review By Abbie Tomson, Midwife, Project Lead for All4Birth and Yoga Teacher...
Factsheet- Chiropractic Care for Breech Babies
Sally Scott Sally Scott is a prenatal chiropractor based in South Manchester. www.sallyscottchiropractor.com Find her on Instagram: @pregnancy.chir...
Factsheet- Planning a Pregnancy? A Comprehensive Guide to Timelines and Key Focus Areas
Abbie Tomson Midwife MSc, BSc, Yoga Teacher, Project Lead at All4Birth @enevlorel @All4Birth Summary Planning for pregnancy can be an exciting and ...
Factsheet- Exploring Sterile Water Injections in Labour
Abbie Tomson Midwife MSc, BSc, Yoga Teacher, Project Lead at All4Birth @enevlorel Summary Labour can be an intense and challenging experience for m...
Factsheet- Understanding Estimated ‘Due Dates’: Their History, Comparison with Other Animals, and Why They Aren’t Set in Stone
Abbie Tomson Midwife MSc, BSc, Yoga Teacher, Project Lead at All4Birth @enevlorel @All4Birth Summary When you find out you’re pregnant, one o...
Book Review: The Womb: The Inside Story of Where We All Began by Leah Hazard
Book Review: The Womb: The Inside Story of Where We All Began by Leah Hazard Review By Abbie Tomson, Midwife, Project Lead for All4Birth and Yoga T...
Factsheet- Understanding Mastitis: Navigating Through Breastfeeding Challenges
Abbie Tomson Midwife MSc, BSc, Yoga Teacher, Project Lead at All4Birth @enevlorel @All4Birth Summary As a mother-to-be or a new parent, the journey...
As a parent, you may feel the pressure to be perfect, checking off a daily list of activities for your kids—educational games, fresh air, balanced meals, and more 📝. But as Hela shares, perfection isn’t the goal! Some days, your child may stay up late, inspired to create their own music 🎶, or be so absorbed in play that you let the to-do list slide—and that’s okay. 💖
Parenting is about finding balance, not perfection. Give yourself grace, focus on love, and watch your children grow into confident, independent individuals. Reassuring, wonderful words shared by @helamarjan
Read more of this journey through the link in our Linktree or story! 📲💫 #ParentingBalance #LoveOverPerfection #LinkInBio
🌟 *Real Life Story Alert!* 🌟 Ever wondered how your midwife knows if your baby’s head is down or breech? 🤔 As a midwife passionate about the biomechanics of birth, I was always aware of my own baby’s position and at 32 weeks, I found out my baby was breech! 😮
After 10 weeks in breech, at 37 weeks I decided to go for an ECV (External Cephalic Version) 💪. It was nerve-wracking being on the receiving end of care I usually give, but the procedure was a success! 🙌
Curious about the full story and how things unfolded? Head to our Linktree or story to read more on All4Birth! 📲👶 #BirthStory #MidwifeLife #BreechBaby #ECVSuccess #LinkInBio
👶✨ The journey to healthy baby skin starts from day one! 🌈 Did you know that your little one’s skin is a powerhouse of protection, regulation, and development? From shielding against harmful micro-organisms to playing a crucial role in immune system development, it’s a superhero in the making!
🌿 Discover the wonders of the infant microbiome in this post from our very own Dr Anna Byrom! 🦠👶 We delve into the importance of nurturing your baby’s skin microbiome, the community of microorganisms that contribute to their overall health and well-being. From protection against infections to the synthesis of vitamin D, your baby’s skin is a multitasking marvel!
🌟 Here are some evidence-based tips to support your newborn’s skin microbiome: 1️⃣ Embrace skin-to-skin contact for a beneficial bacteria boost!
2️⃣ Give a shoutout to breastfeeding, a natural source of microbiome-friendly goodness.
3️⃣ Practice mindful baby hygiene – delay that first bath and choose gentle cleansers.
4️⃣ Handle antibiotics with care, only when necessary, and follow your doctor’s advice.
5️⃣ Nurture a healthy gut microbiome through wise food choices, setting the stage for a radiant skin microbiome!
📚 Dive into the science behind baby skin microbiome development and learn how to foster a diverse and balanced microbiome. Your baby’s skin deserves all the love and care, setting the foundation for a lifetime of well-being! 💕
🌱 Optimising Your Microbiome for a Healthy Pregnancy 🌱
Did you know that the trillions of bacteria, viruses, and fungi that make up your microbiome play a crucial role in your pregnancy? From reducing the risk of gestational diabetes to supporting your baby’s development, nurturing your microbiome can make a big difference! Here’s how:
🌾 Eat More Fibre: Load up on fruits, veggies, and whole grains to feed your gut’s good bacteria. A diverse, fibre-rich diet can improve your gut health and reduce inflammation.
🥦 Include Fermented Foods: Add probiotics to your diet with foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut. These help balance your gut microbiome, benefiting both you and your baby.
🍇 Diversify Your Diet: Aim for 30 different plant-based foods each week! This variety supports a diverse microbiome, which is key to overall health.
🚫 Limit Sugars: High sugar intake can harm your gut by promoting bad bacteria. Keep it in check to maintain a healthy microbiome.
💊 Use Antibiotics Wisely: While necessary at times, antibiotics can disrupt your gut microbiome. Discuss any antibiotic use with your health professional to protect your gut health.
🏃♀️ Stay Active: Regular exercise boosts beneficial gut bacteria and supports a healthy pregnancy. Even moderate activity can make a difference!
💊 Consider Probiotic Supplements: For extra support, especially if you’re at risk for complications like gestational diabetes, ask your health professional if a probiotic supplement might help.
Taking care of your microbiome during pregnancy can set the stage for a healthier you and a healthier baby. Click the link in our bio or Linktree for more tips on nurturing your gut health during pregnancy! 🌟 #PregnancyHealth #Microbiome #GutHealth #All4Birth
🌸 Perinatal mental health & neurodiversity 🌸
Laura Spence, a seasoned Scottish midwife with over a decade of experience, is on a mission to champion neurodiversity in women’s health. Diagnosed with ADHD later in life, Laura’s personal journey fuels her passion for supporting neurodivergent women. This #SuicidePreventionMonth, she highlights the critical link between perinatal mental health, autism, and ADHD.
With suicide being a leading cause of maternal death in the UK, Laura believes it’s time to create targeted support for neurodivergent mothers. Let’s elevate their voices and build understanding to reduce stigma and save lives. 🧠💜
📲 Follow @neuro_natal
#Neurodiversity #WomensHealth #MaternalMentalHealth #ADHD #Autism #PerinatalCare #SuicideAwareness #TheADHDMidwife
We LOVE Weleda!
Repost • @weledababyuk Here to nurture your skin throughout pregnancy and beyond 🤰
Stretch Mark Massage Oil and Stretch Mark Body Butter are infused with organic calendula, chamomile, and soothing essential oils like lavender, ylang-ylang, and neroli, are designed to gently care for and nourish your skin. 🌸
Free from synthetic fragrances, dyes, and preservatives, our natural formulas work in harmony with your changing body. Embrace every stretch with Weleda Mum & Baby.💖
#weleda #weledababy #pregnancyskincare #naturalskincare #stretchmarkmassage
🤰 Curious about pilates during pregnancy? 🤔 Our latest factsheet, written by Lena has all the answers! 🌟
💪 Did you know that Pilates is a low-impact exercise perfect for mums-to-be? It’s safe, helps with posture, boosts circulation, and even supports a quicker postnatal recovery! 🧘♀️✨
Whether you’re a Pilates pro or just starting, it’s never too late to join in. 🤱 Discover how to stay fit, prepare for childbirth, and keep your mind and body strong.
Ready to dive deeper? 📖 Tap the link in our linktree bio or story to read the full guide! #PregnancyPilates #FitMama #HealthyPregnancy
We LOVE Weleda products and think babies do too!
Repost• @weledababyuk “Firstly, the smell… the whole range smelt divine, as if your baby has a lovely sweet smelling perfume but without the harshness. Secondly, all products are gentle on the skin and left Elaia’s skin feeling silky smooth. And lastly, using all the products as quality one on one time, not just part of your everyday routine, talking and singing whilst using the skincare products, a real precious moment between you and baby.” - @alifewiththehills
Have you tried the Calendula range? We’d love to know what you think 🧡
#weledababy #weleda #calendula #babyshampoo #babyskincare #naturalskincare #pregnancyskincare
Reposting this hugely useful video shared by @veritypcos fied
Posted @withregram • @veritypcos What is PCOS?
This is a fantastic new video created by specialist PCOS team at The University of Edinburgh explaining the condition in a very clear and easy to understand way.
Take a watch and let us know if you learnt something you didn’t know about PCOS before by dropping a comment below 💬⬇️
Share this post with anyone in your life who you would like to understand more about your condition.
#pcos #pcosbasics #pcosawareness
🌸 Did you know that Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects 1 in 10 women of reproductive age? Understanding PCOS is crucial, especially if you’re planning for motherhood or navigating the challenges of parenting with this condition. 💪
From fertility struggles to pregnancy risks, PCOS can impact every stage of your journey. But with the right knowledge and support, you can manage it effectively. Our latest factsheet dives into the causes, symptoms, and evidence-based strategies for living well with PCOS.
✨ Get all the details via the link in our Story or Linktree! 💡 #PCOSAwareness #WomensHealth #FertilityJourney #Motherhood #HealthAndWellness
@oasi_mum shared her story with us at All4Birth ‘Sharing my story isn’t easy, but it’s important. As a midwife and a mother, I never imagined my journey would take this turn. The lifelong challenges I now face after a complicated birth are a reality many women endure in silence. It’s time we break the taboo, talk about these injuries, and support each other. Remember, it’s not just about the baby—mums matter too. 💛 #BirthTrauma #WomensHealth #BreakTheSilence #SupportEachOther
@carolinepackarddpt makes fantastic reels all about different aspects of pelvic health beyond kegels. Resharing this super practical one today 💜
Posted @withregram • @carolinepackarddpt Comment “workspace” I’ll send you a free handout with all these tips to implement.
Not sponsored content just sharing the chair we have, @anthroschair and how it helps meet these ergonomic considerations.
🪑✨ Optimize Your Workspace for Better Pelvic Floor Health! ✨🪑
Sitting hurts- and depending on what positions you trend toward, can increase your pelvic floor tension (like constant slumping on your bottom). It’s fine to do every now and then, but setting yourself up for better success with some guided workspace ergonomics can be helpful.
The more effectively can set up the rib cage over the pelvis, the more easily we tap into the diaphragm and pelvic floor working together with each breath. These concepts of chair and desk set up make it easier to maintain that.
🧘♀️ Here are some tips to create an ergonomic environment that supports your pelvic health:
🔹 Adjust Your Chair: Ensure your feet are flat on the ground, hips all the way back in the chair and back fully supported. A slight forward tilt of the pelvis (find this by finding extremes of forward and posterior) which is helped by a lumbar support.
🔹 Position Your Screen: Keep your computer screen at eye level to avoid rounding forward if too low or looking up for long durations.
🔹 Take Breaks: Stand up, stretch, and move around every 30-60 minutes to reduce pelvic floor pressure. I love these little breaks to improve breathing and opening especially the back of the pelvic floor which can get tight.
Small changes can make a big difference in how you feel throughout the day! 💪🌟 #Ergonomics #PelvicFloorHealth #WorkspaceWellness #PostureMatters #HealthyHabits
NEW
💪 Did you know that your pelvic floor plays a crucial role in your postnatal recovery? Yet, it’s often overlooked in standard care. 🤔
Pelvic health issues like leakage, prolapse, and discomfort can affect 1 in 3 women, especially after childbirth. But with the right exercises and knowledge, you can strengthen and protect your pelvic floor. Ready to learn how? We’ve got all the details on effective techniques, prevention tips, and more!
✨ Empower yourself with the full article – check it out via the link in our Story or Linktree! 💡 #PelvicHealth #PostnatalCare #WomensHealth #StrongCore #WellnessJourney
🌸 “Breast massage is one of the most overlooked forms of self-care, but its benefits are truly incredible—especially during pregnancy and beyond. From connecting with your changing body to preparing for breastfeeding, it can be a powerful tool for physical and emotional well-being. 💆♀️
As a midwife and massage therapist, I’ve found that incorporating this practice has brought me closer to my body during every major phase of life.” - @midwifenutt (author) Curious to learn more?
Read the full story in our Story or check out the link in our bio. 🌿✨ #SelfCare #BreastMassage #PregnancyWellness #WomensHealth
resharing this fab video from @lucywebberfeedingsupport_ibclc about flange sizing, something I see so many people have life changing expressing outcomes after realising the flange size was not right and this video is great 🤱🏽
Posted @withregram • @lucywebberfeedingsupport_ibclc Flange sizing, SO important!! Most people are using a flange waaaaaay too big.
📚 Looking for the ultimate guide to navigate the early months of parenthood? Lucy Webber’s “Breastfeeding and the Fourth Trimester” is a must-read for new and expecting parents! 🌟
This compassionate and evidence-based book offers everything you need to feel confident in your breastfeeding journey and beyond. With practical advice, personal anecdotes, and a holistic approach to the fourth trimester, Webber ensures that you and your baby are supported every step of the way.
✨ Don’t miss out – check out the full review via the link in our Story or Linktree! 💡 #BreastfeedingSupport #NewParents #FourthTrimester #ParenthoodJourney #BookRecommendation
Posted @withregram • @blkbfingweek Happy Black Breastfeeding Week! 🥳 This week (August 25th-31st), we celebrate the power of our stories & community. Join us as we Listen Up! and amplify the voices of Black lactating families by sharing your stories 👂🏾
Swipe through ➡️ to see how we’re reclaiming our narrative and centering our stories for breastfeeding justice with events this week:
📣 #BBW24 Signature Events:
Oakland Open Mic Night for Black Mamas
📆August 25th
⏰6pm
🎙️hosted by rapper/actress @tia.nomore
New York Open Mic Night for Black Mamas
📆August 28th
⏰6pm
🎙️hosted by comedienne @nickysunshine
Virtual Open Mic Night for Black Mamas
📆August 30th
⏰ 8pm est
🎙️hosted by comedian and global maternal health activist @angelinaspicer
📣 #BBW24 Webinar Series:
Listen Up: Storytelling as Critical Support for Breastfeeding Justice
📆August 29th at 1 PM ET / 10 AM PT
📣 #BBW24 Irth Birth Worker Pool Party:
📆August 31st
⏰3pm
📍Long Island, NY
Register online at linktr.ee/bbw24
#BBW24 #ListenUp #BlackBreastfeedingWeek
🌸 “When I found out I was pregnant during the pandemic, I was sure my birth story would mirror the traumatic experiences my mother and grandmother had. But what unfolded was something entirely different—beautiful, empowering, and nothing like I expected. 💕
Join me as I share my journey, from fear and anxiety to the unexpected joy of giving birth to my daughter, Lavender. Sometimes, things don’t go as planned—in the best possible way. 🌟 “
Click the Linktree bio or story to read the full story and find out how the birth of Lavender went from dread to dreaming of home births for the future. 🏡👶 #BirthStory #EmpoweredBirth #BreakingTheCycle #Motherhood
Following on from our new post on Monday- check out this fascinating video and caption!
Posted @withregram • @the.ivf.warrior IVF vs. ICSI: What’s the Difference?
IVF involves combining eggs and sperm in a lab to allow fertilization. ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) is a more targeted technique where a single sperm is directly injected into an egg.
In this video, you see a detailed step-by-step guide to injecting an egg during ICSI from the eyes of embryologist Alease @alease_the_embryologist
Have you done IVF or ICSI?
