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
The birth plan: a tool pioneered by childbirth activist and midwife, Sheila Kitzinger in the 1970s, who believed that women and not their caregivers, should be the focus of childbirth and be able to advocate for themselves with this document, which detailed their wishes for the delivery. In the wake of birth plans, the Better… Continue reading Own your birth: Why you need a birth plan
In July 2015, Eunice and Nathi Motha finally became pregnant via in-vitro fertilisation and their joy at the news turned to pure elation when they found out they were pregnant with twins; a boy and a girl. After an uncomplicated pregnancy until 18 weeks, the couple readied themselves for the arrival of their babies. Sadly,… Continue reading Prenatal Surgery: Saving a baby’s life in utero
Ruwa was nervous at our first meeting. Soft-spoken, she asked about my role as a doula for her birth. I walked with her in pregnancy and birth and when she went into labour, I met her at the hospital. Her birth changed everything. She was shown how powerful her birthing body was and that she… Continue reading Ruwarashe’s Birth Story
Hailing from New Zealand, I had never met Pip in person, but she was referred to the Relax Into Birth Hypnobirthing course by a dear South African friend of hers, who had also completed the course a few years earlier. She was so excited to share her story with me after she had given birth,… Continue reading Pip’s Birth Story
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
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
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