Empowering births and new parents, through pregnancy, labour & birth and beyond.
I have a love/hate relationship with birth plans so we thought it would be a great topic to bring to our weekly chats about everything pregnancy, birth and beyond. In this episode we chat more about why birth plans became popular and the importance of using the right language when creating one so that what… Continue reading Do you need a birth plan?
Waterbirth is known for its pain relieving effects and the benefits do not stop there. Water helps the mother to be buoyant and gives her added capacity for mobility. The water softens the tissues as the baby moves down the birth path and provides the baby with a gentle landing, as it transitions from the… Continue reading Let’s talk about waterbirth…
Charlene had a call from a client in early labor on the morning of recording this episode so we thought it would be a great topic to chat about. Despite the call, we still managed to record this episode and have a few cups of tea and a chat before it was time for Charlene… Continue reading When should I call my doula?
This week we had a great question from a listener who is concerned about the size of her baby. She sent us a one liner message asking "Is a baby really ever too big to give birth to vaginally?" As always, we consider both facts and opinions and explore the different perspectives of doulas, midwives,… Continue reading Is a baby ever to big to be born vaginally?
In this episode, we cover the topic of induction as requested by a listener on our Relax Into Birth PLUS mom's whatsapp group. "Dear Charlene and Karen. I am 39 weeks tomorrow and this morning at my routine checkup, my doctor recommended that I come in for an induction of labor on Thursday. Part of… Continue reading Is induction of labour always necessary?
This was an uncomfortable topic to tackle. Unfortunately bait and switch tactics are common, especially in South Africa. The conversation was started by a query in our private Preggie-mama Whatsapp group which got everyone sharing their experience and encouraged us to open the discussion on our podcast. In this episode Karen and Charlene attempt to… Continue reading What does Bait and Switch mean?
If you've been wondering about using Essential oils during pregnancy, your'e going to love this episode with Gayle Friedman from Sunshine Health in Cape Town. Gayle is founder of the Sunshine Colour and Health Academy and Registered Member of Allied Health Professions Council of SA and WOMBS. Gayle has been in the Health Care Field… Continue reading Guide to Essential Oils during pregnancy
In this episode, Karen and Charlene chat about when the best time to leave for hospital is. Many parents start their journey of childbirth at home - and initially, labour in the home space and then eventually, at a certain point, leave home for hospital to continue their labour there. When is the best time… Continue reading In labour, when should I leave home for hospital?
In this episode, because we love it - we talk about a natural footling breech twin birth, weekends away in the mountains to recharge and last but not least, we answer a mom's question about tearing and episiotomies. We cover the full spectrum from what an episiotomy is, when is it necessary to perform one,… Continue reading Talk to me about episiotomy & tearing!
This week is the first in our interview series where we speak to birth workers making a difference around the world. Cecile and Karen trained at Addington Hospital in Durban, South Africa in 1980 something (yes! they are "that old"...) and then years later, they met up when they were both workingin the Middle East.… Continue reading Giving Birth in Dubai with Midwife Cecile de Scally