The stage prior to becoming pregnant is called ‘preconception’.
The health, nutrition and lifestyle of you and your family before conception is important not only for pregnancy outcomes but also for the lifelong health of your children and even the next generation. In addition, childbearing individuals with more complex health needs should consider appropriate planning to ensure optimum health prior to pregnancy if possible.
Your body & becoming pregnant
Articles
Book Review: Growing Up Pregnant by Deirdre Curley
Factsheet- Balancing Work and Breastfeeding: A Guide for Returning to Work
Book Review: Reclaiming Childbirth as a Rite of Passage By Rachel Reed
Factsheet- Planning a Pregnancy? A Comprehensive Guide to Timelines and Key Focus Areas
Factsheet- Understanding Estimated ‘Due Dates’: Their History, Comparison with Other Animals, and Why They Aren’t Set in Stone
Book Review: The Womb: The Inside Story of Where We All Began by Leah Hazard
Factsheet- Understanding Mastitis: Navigating Through Breastfeeding Challenges
Freeflow Article – We are Human Beings not Humans Doings
Factsheet- The Power of Antenatal Education: Why Every Expectant Parent Should Consider It
Book Review: The Fourth Trimester: A Postpartum Guide to Healing Your Body, Balancing Your Emotions, and Restoring Your Vitality by Kimberly Ann Johnson
Navigating Physiology in the Fourth Trimester
Unveiling the Marvels of the Third Stage of Labor: Understanding Physiology and Anatomy of the Birth of the Placenta and Optimal Cord Clamping
Another fantastic video! Read the caption below🔗
Posted @withregram • @lindseymeehleis Don’t love the thought of what mama & baby were subjected to this during labor. But super cool to see how miraculous our bodies are.
Repost: @badassmotherbirther
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And look at how the baby has to travel under the Symphysis pubis while trying to go completely against gravity.
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Birthing on your back is generally much harder on the parent, baby and closes the pelvis by 30%.
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But this is the most utilized position for birth despite it being the least favorable.
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And it’s mostly due to provider preference and convenience.
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If you’re wanting to birth with gravity and movement your team needs to be aware on how to support you.
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There’s a very good chance that alot of your providers have never caught a baby standing up or hands and knees.
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And since they don’t know how to do it, were not taught how to catch in any position, they tend to coerce folks to flip over onto their backs.
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And surprise, surprise, we then have a baby in distress amongst many other issues that can arise just from this position alone.
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Being on your back should be a chosen positon by you and not forced by your providers even with an epidural!
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🌸 Expecting young and feeling unsure? Dive into Deirdre Curley’s heartfelt journey in Growing Up Pregnant—a blend of personal stories and expert advice that’s both comforting and empowering. 🤰✨ Discover why this memoir is a must-read for young mothers. Read our full review on All4Birth! 📚💖 Click the link in our story or Linktree to read the full post!
#PregnancyJourney #YoungMothers #BookReview #GrowingUpPregnant #Empowerment #MotherhoodStories
🌟This week is Birth Trauma Awareness Week🌟
Experiencing birth trauma is more common than you might think. Research shows that about 4-5% of women and 1% of fathers and partners develop PTSD after a traumatic birth. It’s a deeply impactful experience, but there is hope. Therapies like trauma-focused CBT and EMDR can help. 💪✨
Want to learn more about birth trauma, its symptoms, causes, and treatments? Read the full post via the link in our story or Linktree. Let’s raise awareness and support each other. 💗👶 #BirthTrauma #MentalHealthMatters #HelpingMeHeal
🌟 Welcome to Parenthood 🌟
Written by Helen @essential_parenting , founder of Essential Parenting, here to guide you through the wild ride of the fourth trimester! 🍼✨
Reality check: you won’t love every moment and that’s okay! Social media shows bliss, but real life is a roller coaster. 🎢
Create your village: seek support from fellow parents, professionals, and mental health resources. 🏡💬
Remember, YOU are the expert on your baby. Trust yourself. 🌸👶
Feeling overwhelmed? Struggling with PND? You’re not alone. Reach out and talk to someone. 💛
Read more in the link in our bio or story! 📖🔗
#EssentialParenting #FourthTrimester #NewParents #ParenthoodJourney #YouAreNotAlone
✨ Navigating Your Pregnancy Journey ✨
📚 Based on UK guidelines by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), Alice at guide highlights key points for plus-size care during pregnancy. Remember, these are guidelines to start conversations about your choices and care. Always check with your midwife or doctor for local specifics. 🌸
🔹 Risk Detection: Midwives focus on identifying risks, but it’s crucial to balance this with positive aspects of your pregnancy. Overall risk of complications in plus-size pregnancy is LOW.
🔹 Blood Pressure: Ensure a large cuff is used for accurate readings.
🔹 BMI: Your care plan may be tailored based on your BMI.
🔹 Folic Acid: Recommended higher dose if BMI > 30.
🔹 Vitamin D: 10mcg supplement recommended.
🔹 Glucose Tolerance Test: May be recommended if BMI ≥ 30.
🔹 Aspirin: Might be advised if BMI > 35.
🔹 Thrombosis Prevention: Individual assessment for blood clot risk.
🔹 Diet & Weight Gain: Focus on healthy eating, no formal UK guidelines for weight gain.
🔹 Ultrasound Scans: Routine scans at 12 and 20 weeks, possibly more to monitor growth.
Midwives and doctors are there to help you have a healthy and happy pregnancy. Ask questions, stay informed, and enjoy this special journey. 🌟👶💕
To read the full post click the link in our story or Linktree in our bio!
#PregnancyJourney #PlusSizePregnancy #PregnancyCare #HealthyPregnancy #NHS #MaternityCare #ExpectingMoms #PregnancyGuide
🌟 Returning to work? You got this! 🌟 Balance breastfeeding and career with these tips! 🤱💼
🗓️ Plan Ahead: Know policies, talk to HR, get a great pump (if you plan on expressing)
🕒 Routine: if you plan on pumping, try and pick the same time and find a comfy space.
🗣️ Communicate: Advocate for your rights, request breaks.
🤝 Support: Join other breastfeeding mum’s in promoting continuance of breastfeeding for yours and baby’s long term health!
Rock both roles! 🌸✨
🔗Click the link in our story or Linktree to read more! #BreastfeedingAndWorking #WorkLifeBalance
🌟📚 “Reclaiming Childbirth as a Rite of Passage” by Rachel Reed @dr.rachel.reed is a game-changer! 🌿✨
This book redefines childbirth as a physiological, empowering process, urging women to trust their bodies and embrace the journey. Rachel Reed, a renowned midwife and academic, offers deep insights into the history and cultural significance of birthing practices, advocating for a return to nature. 💪👶
Ready to transform your perspective on childbirth? Dive into our full review—click the link in our story or Linktree! 📖🔗 #Childbirth #Empowerment #BookReview #ReclaimingChildbirth
Resharing a fantastic feel from Sally over @pregnancy.chiropractor , Sally has a selection of fab videos on her instagram 🔗✨
Posted @withregram • @pregnancy.chiropractor The last time I shared this post, it went viral! 1.2 million people viewed it, and over 800 commented! So many women shared their experiences of birthing on their back, sometimes by choice, but often not.
Others shared how much easier they had found birthing in other positions, standing or kneeling, for example.
Anatomically, upright birth positions allow much better movement of the pelvis (the movement I show in the video is exaggerated for demonstration!). There’s also research to show that contractions are more effective, blood flow to the baby is better, and chance of severe tearing is reduced.
Pushing on your back can be difficult! But it’s still very much the norm in most places around the world 🌎.
If you’d like to birth in upright positions rather than in your back, have this conversation with your care provider in advance.
#birthposition
#hospitalbirth
#birthchoices
#birthtips
#thirdtrimester
#birthprep
#pregnancychiropractor
How was it for you?? What position did you give birth in, or if you’re currently pregnant, what would you like to do?
Got a breech baby? 🤰🏻✨ Chiropractic care can help create space for your little one to turn naturally! 🌟 This factsheet, written by Sally over @pregnancy.chiropractor discusses focus on releasing tension and improving alignment to give your baby the best chance to move into the head-down position. Remember, chiropractors don’t turn babies, they make space for them to turn themselves! 🤱🏽 Click the link in our story or Linktree to read Sally’s full post including some beautiful illustrations! #PregnancyChiropractic #BreechBaby #ChiropracticCare #ExpectingMums #NaturalPregnancy #BabyTurning #WellnessJourney
This week we celebrated World Microbiome Day! 👶✨ 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! 💕 click the link in our bio to read 🔗
Resharing this again as it’s always so popular and an incredibly helpful visual for hand expressing!
Posted @withregram • @all4birth This fantastic video demonstrates antenatal colostrum harvesting! As a midwife, I’m finding more birthing people are interested in colostrum harvesting and it’s great to see!
One of our upcoming factsheets will be focused on AN colostrum harvesting, it’s benefits and top tips! To do this, it would also be great to have a real life story from someone who found this useful and why they did it so other parents can learn to! Get in touch if you’d like to share your experience!
-Abbie, Digital Lead at All4Birth
#all4birth #ColostrumHarvesting #Breastfeeding #optimisingphysiology
Posted @withregram • @goldilacts ANTENATAL COLOSTRUM HARVESTING 💛 This is collecting colostrum in the late weeks of pregnancy. This is not required, but if its approved by your medical team, and your liquid gold greatness is dripping out, we say YES! Collect every drop 😍 This is a gentle way to hand express colostrum during this time. We love the silicone reusable collector used in this video by @haakaausa ✅ Expect TINY TINY drops! Remember that colostrum is RICH in nutrition, there is sooo much greatness in one tiny drop. Put directly in freezer. Newborns cannot get too much colostrum in the early days 😍 Extra colostrum collected can be especially helpful if there is a concern with sweet babes weight, jaundice etc. Did you collect colostrum before giving birth? IMPORTANT: If you are not leaking or able to express colostrum it is NOT an indicator of milk supply or the potential for breastfeeding success. Sometimes our bodies keep the gates closed until sweet babe is delivered 💕 Be sure to have your lactation team ready prenatally!! 👩🏽⚕️This video is from the amazing @haakaausa ✨ #colostrum #colostrumharvesting #newborn #breastfeedingtips #chestfeeding #chestfeedingsupport #newparents #fourthtrimester #thirdtrimester #childbirtheducation #givingbirth #babyontheway #ibclc #lactationconsultant
🌟 Planning for Pregnancy? Here’s Your Ultimate Guide! 🌟
Preparing your body and mind for pregnancy can be both exciting and daunting. Whether it’s your first time or you’re trying for another child, a healthy start is key! 🍎💪 From understanding your cycle to maintaining a balanced diet, we’ve got evidence-based tips to ensure you’re ready for this incredible journey. 🍼✨
🚶♀️ Track Your Cycle: Know your fertile window with apps and ovulation kits.
🏥 Health Check-Up: Essential for addressing any preconception health issues.
🥗 Nutritional Prep: Focus on folic acid, a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy weight.
🚫 Lifestyle Changes: Quit smoking, avoid alcohol, and manage stress with yoga or meditation.
❤️ Partner Involvement: Support each other’s health and well-being
🔗Read the full post to dive deeper into each step! Click the link in our bio or story to get started. 📖✨
#PregnancyPlanning #HealthyPregnancy #FertilityTips #ParenthoodJourney #HealthAndWellbeing #SupportEachOther #Preconception
Reposting to get the word out about this study currently seeking participants!
Posted @withregram • @thebirthexperiencestudy_uk ✨ Understanding what we’re looking at in the Birth Experience Study and why✨
I’ll be sharing different insights about what the BESt study will be exploring over the coming days - today focuses on models of care and types of maternity services 💐
#birth #childbirth #birthexperience #pregnancy #pregnant #midwiferycare #obstetriccare #privatemidwife #independentmidwife #freebirth
Posted @withregram • @mmhalliance This #InternationalFathersMentalHealthDay, we’re highlighting the importance of recognising and supporting new and soon-to-be dads’ mental wellbeing.
Being able to identify early signs of mental ill health like difficulty focusing, low mood, irritability, and disinterest in daily activities is crucial. These signs might be subtle at first, but acknowledging them and providing a safe space to talk can make a big difference.
Prioritising self-care is essential for any new parent. It doesn’t have to be extravagant — simple activities like exercise, hobbies, or connecting with friends and family can greatly improve wellbeing. Joining local groups, clubs, or teams can also provide much-needed social interaction and support.
If you know a new dad who might be struggling, please encourage them to reach out to their GP or a peer support service. More groups are popping up for dads across the UK, so see what’s available near you. Let them know that focusing on their mental wellbeing isn’t selfish. If anything, it will help them be the best dad they can be.
Help us ensure every dad feels supported and valued this #InternationalFathersMentalHealthDay!
Visit new @MMHAlliance member organisation, @dadpaduk, for more information and resources for new and soon-to-be dads.
#HowAreYouDad #AskTwice #FathersMentalHealth #DadsMentalHealth #SupportDads #MentalHealthAwareness #DadPad #ReachOut #MensMentalHealth
Happy Father’s Day! 🎉👨👧👦
Becoming a dad is an incredible journey, filled with joy, challenges, and endless learning. 🌟 As we celebrate today, let’s remember the importance of open conversations about mental health and well-being.
Mark Williams from @fathers_reaching_out shares invaluable insights in “A Father and Partner’s Guide to Support Through Pregnancy and Beyond.” It’s crucial for dads to express their feelings, seek support, and stay informed. Whether it’s attending scans, joining antenatal classes, or just talking to your partner, every step counts. 👶❤️
Remember, it’s okay to feel anxious or overwhelmed. You’re not alone, and help is always available. Let’s break the silence and support each other through this beautiful journey. 💪👨👩👧👦 Click the link in our story or Linktree in our bio to read Mark’s full post #FathersDay #MentalHealth #Fatherhood #Support #PregnancyJourney #NewDads #FamilyFirst
NEW💡 Struggling with back pain during labour? Discover how sterile water injections (SWIs) can provide relief! 🌸
SWIs involve small amounts of sterile water injected into specific points on the lower back, offering significant pain relief. You may have seen the controversies online, here we summarise the evidence! Studies show:
1️⃣ Cochrane Review: 50-60% of women reported substantial pain relief.
2️⃣ SATURN Trial: Ongoing research on SWI’s effectiveness.
3️⃣ BMC Study: Both single & multiple SWI techniques reduce pain within 30 mins.
4️⃣ Meta-Analysis: Reinforces SWI’s safety and effectiveness.
Empower your birth experience with informed choices. Read more to understand the benefits and guidelines from NICE! 💪👶
#LabourPainRelief #SterileWaterInjections #Pregnancy #BirthOptions #Empowerment
👉 Click the link in our story or bio Linktree to read the full post!
Posted @withregram • @lindseymeehleis ❤️The Breast Crawl ❤️
No matter how many times you see it… it is still one of the most miraculous things to witness on this planet ❤️🥰
Please know that in a normal physiological birth this is part of a baby’s reflex. Note a couple amazing things:
This baby is free to move as intuitively needed. There is no hat, her vernix is fresh on her body. There are towels but only because they had just gotten out of the tub.
The cord is still attached. 🪢 each step reflex the baby makes she gently presses on mama’s belly to help her placenta release. Tell me that isn’t part of the perfect design of this. ⭐️
Mom’s nipples are making colostrum which smells like amniotic fluid. A familiar smell for baby to seek and find. ❤️
There is also a couple other things the help in this process… the darkening of mom’s nipples, the pheromone smell of moms body odor, maybe even possible the línea negra on mom’s belly. It’s all part of this incredible system.
I always encourage parents to be intuitive, you can see how dad reaches out his arm so she didn’t fall. There is no right or wrong way to do this. ❤️
All you need is the patience and trust to allow this to all unfold ❤️
#breastcrawl #breastfeeding #breastfeedingmom #physiologicalbirth #breastmilk #breastisbest #breastfedbaby
🤰📅 Embracing the fluidity of due dates! From ancient lunar cycles to modern Naegele’s Rule, explore the fascinating history behind estimating baby’s arrival. Remember, it’s not just about a date, but a window of anticipation. Let’s celebrate the journey of pregnancy with flexibility and trust in nature’s timing. Click the link in our story or Linktree bio to read the full post! #PregnancyJourney #DueDateDynamics #NaturalTiming
Breastfeeding isn’t just nourishment; it’s a journey of love, learning, and sometimes, challenges like mastitis. 🤱💪 From recognising the signs to managing symptoms and preventing future issues, every step we take is about nurturing both our baby and our own health. Here’s to the mothers navigating this path—you’re not alone! Click the link in our story of bio Linktree to read the full post #BreastfeedingJourney #MotherhoodUnfiltered #MastitisAwareness
