Birth and Baby Conversations

Different considerations and strategies are needed for an induced labour and it can make a difference to ask questions, to know more about your options and the maternity unit's facilities. I have an induction guide and you can also arrange a conversation with me to talk this through. __________ Ways to work with me include: • 1:1 sessions • Digital content • Subscribe I see parents locally, fr...

It really does make a difference to know where the challenges can lie in labour and birth. This means you are more informed and it gives you more options. And this is not about emergencies or medical complications, it's about labour being unpredictable and being better prepared for that. If labour is longer or shorter than you expect, if you need to be induced, if your waters break first, if y...

Positions for labour and birth is simply about walking, standing, leaning, sitting and kneeling. And you can use gravity on and off the bed! Use different positions in pregnancy to be comfortable and to make positions more familiar and natural to use. And there's real strength in going with what feels comfortable and right for you. Let me know if you have any questions. Jx

Women can move from being alert, chatty, distracted, and engaged with their environment to focused, quiet, responding to their instincts, and with less interest in their environment. Communication can become more urgent, reading body language becomes crucial, and the need for calm, reassurance, support, and feeling connected is the priority. With consultations and resources, I can help you prepare...

As part of your care in pregnancy, during birth and with your baby, it can be important to ask questions to have a better understanding of what's happening and of your options. Please don't be afraid to ask questions - this is how you are involved and included in your care. ______________ Every pregnancy, birth, baby and family is different and that is why I focus on you as an individual....

If you plan it in, you are prioritising rest and the support you might need. It really helps to take it easy in those early days and weeks after having a baby and these needs may be more intense depending on the birth of your baby and any bloodloss. ________ With antenatal & postnatal consultations and guides, I am here to strengthen your knowledge and to give you more confidence and reassuran...

I'm full of cold but I wanted to mention lack of confidence because this is mentioned all the time in conversations with pregnant women and new mums.

*This episode talks about babyloss My son was born 16 years ago with a complex range of issues, which we never truly understood. He needed surgery when he was 6 hours old and he died during during surgery when he was 3 days old.

We become parents carrying a lot of unrealistic expectations about how independent a baby 'should' be. Having a baby is a time of letting go these expectations, of getting to know your baby and adapting to life as a parent. _________ With consultations, courses and guides, there is something for every parent janine-smith.com hello@janine-smith.com

During pregnancy, birth and with your baby is can make a difference to have a voice, to be involved in your care. Please don't be afraid to ask questions and to say what you need. You can leave me comments and questions here as well as send them to: hello@janine-smith.com ___________ With consultations, courses and guides, there is something for every parent. janine-smith.com

As part of your plan for being comfortable, resting and working with contractions, include taking your ball in with you. This gives you flexibility and options and it means you have a familiar tool to use as you check in and get settled in your birth room. You can read more here about ideas for your birth bag: https://janine-smith.com/2019/10/01/birth-bag/ ------------- With consultations, courses...

Birth challenges are individual to each labouring woman and can include baby's position, exhaustion, the pace of labour, lack of gravity, feeling unsupported and unsafe. These can impact the decisions you make, your options and what you need. -------------- With consultations, courses and guides, there is something for every expectant and new parent. janine-smith.com hello@janine-smith.com

With a blend of tips, comment and information for different birth and baby topics, this is an informal podcast with useful episodes. I want to talk about the many different aspects of labour, birth and life with a baby so you can prepare, learn and think about what could make a difference to you and your family. After working with expectant and new parents for over 20 years, I know how individual...

Quick tips about birth plans conversations and resources for expectant and new parents janine-smith.com hello@janine-smith.com

A very specific podcast but one which is still relevant for expectant parents across the UK as birthing centre closures and the suspension of homebirth services is happening in many cities. Do get in touch with any comments or questions and we can also arrange conversations to help you prepare well for labour and birth: hello@janine-smith.com I want every expectant parent to feel confident about l...

The perfect birth doesn't exist because it's really subjective and personal - a positive birth is all about being supported, informed and treated like an individual. ___________ For more pregnancy. birth and baby information you can head over to my website: janine-smith.com Please do subscribe, share and get involved - I'd love to hear you pregnancy, birth and early parenting experienc...

This pregnancy toolkit has been designed to be useful, practical and informative – and to encourage you to focus on you! Here's a link to be sent your pregnancy toolkit, and please do let me have your questions. _____________ For more pregnancy. birth and baby information you can head over to my website: janine-smith.com Please do subscribe, share and get involved - I'd love to hear you pr...

It's really easy to carry tension and not really notice it because you are busy and because you get used to it. But it causes aches and stress and it isn't helpful for labour or with your baby. It helps to relax your muscles and slow your breathing several times during your day. You can head to Breathing Space on my website for a range of Relax & Breathe resources. _______________ For...

Antenatal appointments are offered throughout your pregnancy, as your baby grows and your body changes. These are your appointments and a chance to gather information and ask questions so it can help to be prepared for each one. ______ For more pregnancy. birth and baby information you can head over to my website: janine-smith.com Please do subscribe, share and get involved - I'd love to hear...

Water can be really soothing - a simple bath in pregnancy can be relaxing, using water in labour can ease contractions and a bath can help to settle your baby.

It's important to consider your needs during labour and birth, as well as when your baby is here. Say what you need so you can be more comfortable and supported.

If you are feeling exhausted as parent what needs to change? Do you need more support? Can you plan in a break or more rest?

Using gravity can make such a difference to how comfortable you are in pregnancy, during labour and when your baby is here. It helps labour to flow and it also helps with feeding. ____________ For more pregnancy. birth and baby information you can head over to my website: janine-smith.com Please do subscribe, share and get involved - I'd love to hear you pregnancy, birth and early parenting ex...

Using the loo can be really important in labour - not only so you regularly empty your bladder (your baby needs that space) but so you can relax your muscles, sit comfortably and have some privacy. It can work wonders! _____________________ For more pregnancy, birth and baby information you can head over to my website: janine-smith.com Please do subscribe, share and get involved - I'd love to...

Simple and effective techniques to use as you need them - to stay calm, to head off any panic and to manage nerves.