Empowering births and new parents, through pregnancy, labour & birth and beyond.
Urinary incontinence is common in pregnancy and is reported by about 60 percent of women. For these women, the severity of their condition can increase during the course of their pregnancy, especially peaking in the second and third trimesters. Of these women who experience incontinence in pregnancy, 70 percent go on to resolve the condition… Continue reading Healing from incontinence
If you have been trying for a baby for more than a year, but have been unsuccessful, you are one of at least 50-million couples who experience infertility worldwide. The number of children being born in South Africa is also on the decline and according to the Recorded Live Births 2013 to 2015 report, the… Continue reading Multiples: A dream come true through IVF
Petra is a very strong mama who I met when she was pregnant with her first baby. Firm and determined, she never gave up all through her two birth experiences. It was lovely getting to know her as a mama also living in the Valley and this is the story of her second birth, where… Continue reading Petra’s Birth Story
It was my honour to walk beside Aimee and Ryan for the birth of their baby girl Kenzy. Here is their story... When I think back on my “Birth Day” it was nowhere near what I expected, despite all my reading and “scenario-planning.” And to be honest, I wasn’t convinced I needed a doula in… Continue reading Aimee’s Birth Story
https://youtu.be/IwNagdrdeNw It's essential you choose your birth team with utmost care, empowering yourself with information, educating yourself on the birth landscape you find yourself in. You don't get to do it all over again. You don't get a retake... You only get to do this birth once, so that even if it ends up in… Continue reading It’s your ONE BIRTH. Choose your birth team wisely!
The power of each surge Flows through me Like water. Washing off my skin, Taking my breath away, Bringing forth life... And Opening me up. Stripping away the layers and layers Of holding back I leave my body Surrendering and merging with my baby's soul Hovering around me. Come my love I say... It's time.… Continue reading Surrender
Pregnancy Awareness Week takes place annually and this year's theme was about empowering parents for their journey to birth. I was there representing Relax Into Birth, talking about doula care and relaxation techniques. Many thanks to Sister Lindsay Donnachie, Carline and Vaughanine for arranging such an inspiring event. Sister Donnachie reminded women about their invisible… Continue reading Pregnancy Awareness Week at one of the best hospitals in town, Life Vincent Pallotti!
As birthworkers, we just cannot do this work without someone just there for us, waiting in the wings. Gayle is my mentor and friend and I have learnt so much from her. Here's ten reasons why I am thankful to Gayle (I'm sure there are more than 10!): 1. JUST BEING THERE: I know that… Continue reading Celebrating my doula sister, Gayle Friedman
It really is the parents who make this course what it is... One dad at the January course held at Birth Options in Plumstead, shared that one of the exercises we did made him feel more empathy and compassion for what his wife was going to face in labour. "It made me realise what she… Continue reading Doula dads for the win!
I'm about to share the the latest statistics from 2017 for the Birth Options Midwifery team - and they are unbelievably good! The team is comprised of Glynnis Garrod, Susan Lees, Angela Wakeford and Bernice Jehring Down. Birth Options Independent midwives can attend both home and hospital births at Vincent Pallotti and Melomed Tokai with… Continue reading Birth Options Midwifery Team Statistics 2017