Tag: HypnoBirthing

Do you have the pregnancy glow?

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In pregnancy, your skin can exude a truly healthy glow because of a combination of factors, such as greater blood volume, which can give the cheeks a flushed look and more sebum on the skin, which can make the skin shine. While every woman experiences hormone changes in pregnancy, not every woman will get that pregnancy glow. It is well-documented that pregnancy brings with it a whole new set of skin concerns – not just the most common of problems, namely stretchmarks. Charlene Yared West spoke to Life Fourways Hospital Gynaecologist, Dr Abigail Lukhaimane, Life Mercantile Hospital Dermatologist, Dr Zinzi Limba and Genesis Maternity Clinic Maternity Coach & Spa owner, Tsholo Bless, to find out more about skin conditions in pregnancy.

Acne-oh-no!

What is it? “Acne is very common in pregnancy, especially in the first and second trimesters and in some cases can be quite severe. When your hormones settle by the third trimester it can subside for most women, but this is not always the case” says Dr Abigail Lukhaimane. “I do my best to reassure moms that it is a natural , cosmetic condition and that it will get better when hormones stabilise.” 

Primary cause: Dr Zinzi Limba explains that increased levels of androgen hormones, believed to be important for cervical ripening at full term, as well as for maintaining a healthy pregnancy, can cause acne. 

What can you do? “Managing acne in pregnancy can be tricky because many prescriptions and over the counter treatments are contraindicated for pregnancy and can cause birth defects,” says Dr Limba.  She encourages moms to talk to their doctor to plot the best and safest way forward before taking any acne treatment. 

Tsholo Bless recommends some easy drug-free options for managing zit outbreaks:

  • When washing your face, use an oil-free, alcohol-free cleanser, limiting washes to twice a day. Avoid over-cleansing as this stimulates the oil glands in the skin to produce more oil.
  • Change your pillowcases often – use cotton pillow cases which encourage the skin to breathe.
  • Keep your hands away from your face so that you do not spread bacteria from your fingers to your face. This goes for your mobile phone too – a device dripping in bacteria, even on the best days!
  • Avoid the temptation to squeeze or pop your pimples, as this can cause re-infection and scarring.
  • If you have clogged pores, treat yourself to a professional salon facial.

Chloasma: The Mask of pregnancy

Dr Lukhaimane explains that chloasma, also known as melasma, is a common skin problem where the condition causes dark, discoloured patches on your skin (hyperpigmentation).  Most common on the forehead, nose, cheeks and chin.  According to the American Academy of Dermatology, 90% of people who develop this condition are women.
Primary cause: “Estrogen and progesterone sensitivity often accompany this condition and can trigger it,” says Dr Lukhaimane. “Usually it is self-limiting and will fade after the pregnancy. Sun exposure can also predispose melasma. In addition, darker skinned people are more at risk than those with fair skin.” 

How do I know I have it? A visual exam of the area is often enough for your care provider to diagnose it, says Dr Limba. “However, dermatologists can perform a bed-side test using a Wood’s Lamp – a special kind of light that allows the doctor to check for any bacterial and fungal infections to determine how many layers of skin the melasma has affected.”

Living with melasma: Not all cases clear up with treatment, but there are methods of behavioural changes that can help minimise the worsening of the condition.  “Visit your doctor to discuss prescription options that are safe to use for pregnancy,” says Tsholo.

  • Use Paraben-free makeup if you are self-conscious to cover up areas of discolouration.
  • Wear Sunscreen containing Titanium Dioxide & Zinc Oxide – every day!
  • Wear a wide-brimmed hat and protective clothing when you are out and about in the sunshine.
  • Seek out support groups for your condition.

The Pregnancy Line

The pregnancy line is also known as linea nigra and is a normal and natural part of pregnancy. It is brown and darker than the skin tone of the woman and is a vertical line running down the middle of the belly, between the belly button and the pubis, explains Dr Lukhaimane. 

Primary cause: “It is understood that the linea nigra and the darkening around the nipples is caused by the hormones estrogen and progesterone, which stimulate the production of melanin, the pigment which darkens and tans the skin in pregnancy,” says Dr Limba. 

Does it fade? After pregnancy and birth  it goes away on it’s own – you do not need treatment. 

Stretchmarks? You earned your stripes mama! 

“Stretchmarks are very common in pregnancy, affecting about 8 out of 10 women –  and do not cause harm to the mother or baby, but can cause itching on the area for some women,” says Dr Lukhaimane. 

Primary cause: Dr Limba explains that skin is highly adaptable and can stretch and contract, but during pregnancy, the skin does not have enough time to adjust, which causes the skin to tear, which in turns results in a scar that forms – and this is known as a stretchmark. 

Who gets stretchmarks? “Lighter skinned women often get pink stretchmarks forming, while darker skinned women will have lighter stretchmarks than the surrounding skin area.  Stretchmarks can occur anywhere; on the hips, thighs, belly breasts, lower back and buttocks,” says Dr Limba. 

Treatment: Tsholo says that there is no absolute treatment for stretchmarks, but that women can be comforted to know that they will fade into paler scars and sometimes become less noticeable, but will not go away completely. “The best advice would be to make sure that you keep the skin well nourished and a cream or oil made from plant oils rich in Omega 3,6, & 9 can be very useful. A study published in International Journal of Molecular Sciences by T.Lin et al showed that the topical application of some plant oils can have anti-inflammatory and skin barrier repair effects. This also means that the itching is reduced. So it is wise to seek information from your skincare therapist,” she adds. 

TOP TIPS

Sunscreen is imperative. 

When pregnant, all medication should be cleared by your physician / gynaecologist. 

Own your birth: Why you need a birth plan

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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 Births Initiative was formulated as a way of educating caregivers on the general care of women in labour. The initiative was also rolled out in South Africa and expected to be adopted by all hospitals by 2015. Amongst the guidelines, it encourages respect, privacy and companionship for women in labour, pointing out that women should be able to labour and birth in whatever position they feel most comfortable, with as many birth companions as they choose to have. By Charlene Yared West. 

Birth plans inform and educate 

“Birth plans have become common practice now, as expectant mothers are more informed about their birth choices,” says Marié van Heerden, midwife and hospital manager at Genesis Maternity Clinic. “It is a good exercise for each expectant parent to inform themselves of their options through compiling a birth plan, so that they understand what they can expect, as well as benefit and risk of procedures and medication – and know where they can make certain choices. This applies to any type of birth, whether it is for a natural or planned caesarean section.” Laura Sayce, doula and lactation consultant at Genesis agrees; “I help my clients to compile their birth plans as a way of helping them make informed decisions. It also encourages them to do their own research into each element of the birth and then to make choices based on this information.” 

What should a birth plan include? 

According to a research paper Birth Plans, the good, the bad and the future by J.Lothian (2006), the focus of birth plans should be to answer three patient-focused questions: What will I do to stay confident and feel safe? What will I do to find comfort in response to my contractions? Who will support me through labour, and what will I need from them? “I encourage all my patients to write out their birth preferences and to make copies of it, one of which is placed into their file at the hospital and extra copies for the hospital midwife on duty for the day they go into labour,” says Dr Sean Drew, gynaecologist-obstetrician at Life Hilton Hospital. “It helps everyone onto the same page about what the parent’s intentions are for the birth, but it must also leave room for what happens in the event of having to resort to ‘plan b’ option, which is often not detailed in the plan, but should be.” Dr Drew explains that as medical professionals, their first obligation is to the safe and healthy delivery of baby and mother. “First we want to ensure life, then we can look at incorporating all the ‘quality of life’ elements from the birth plan. This is not to say we don’t observe what is written in the document. It is quite the opposite. We do try to fulfil the mother’s wishes to the best of our ability, within our scope of practice.”

Most important birth plan elements

Life Hospitals aim to work in an evidence-based way. Sister van Heerden points out that it is helpful to speak to your care provider and to do a hospital tour, so that you have a clearer insight into how the births are conducted at the hospital you have selected to birth at. “Once you have done that, you are ready to write your birth plan. There are so many templates on the internet, but here are some important factors to include,”: 

  • Labour and birth: freedom to eat and drink in labour, play music, dance, make labour sounds without inhibition, use aromatherapy oils (safe for labour and birth), have freedom to move into any position and birth in any position on the floor, or the bath or the bed. A mother should be allowed access to a doula or birth companion of her choice, who will provide non-medical pain relief options, including hypnobirthing, massage and general encouragement. Delayed cord clamping after the baby has emerged to allow for all the baby’s blood to be drained from the placenta to the baby. 
  • First hour: Uninterrupted, immediate skin-to-skin contact with the mother or the father (if the mom is unable to). Assistance with the first latch if requested, otherwise the baby should be allowed time to attempt a breast crawl. Weighing and measuring to be done after the first hour of bonding for the family. No separation of mother and baby unless absolutely medically necessary. 
  • Postnatal: Rooming in with your baby, no formula unless there is informed consent of the mother, provision of pain relief if medically necessary and assistance with breastfeeding. 
  • Plan B: In the event of an unexpected caesarean, there are still choices. The mother can request immediate skin-to-skin with the baby in the theatre after the initial checks by the paediatrician and no separation unless medically necessary. Early initiation and assistance with the first latch. If the baby has to go to the neonatal ICU, then the father may accompany the baby. 

What are the roles of each of the professionals present at a birth? 

  • Obstetrician-Gynaecologist: A medical doctor who is the primary caregiver for your birth and there to deliver the baby when it is time to push the baby out. He/She may also conduct vaginal examinations during labour, but this is more often performed by the hospital midwife on duty. It is also the role of the doctor to perform the caesarean sections either scheduled or emergency. 
  • Hospital Midwife: The hospital midwife performs nursing duties during labour and ensures the medical needs of mother and baby are taken care of by checking foetal heart rate, mother’s well being,blood pressure and other medical checks. She/he may also conduct the vaginal examinations, under the instruction of the primary caregiver, the doctor. In private hospitals in South Africa, the baby is delivered by the doctor and not by the midwife, unless the baby is born before the doctor’s arrival at the birth. The midwives at Life Healthcare hospitals are however trained to conduct normal deliveries. In government hospitals, the hospital midwives are permitted to conduct deliveries. 
  • Independent Midwife: She/he fulfils the same role as the hospital midwife, but may also deliver the baby and call on the obstetrician-gynaecologist in the event of an emergency. Independent midwives may also conduct homebirths, hospital births on low risk pregnant women, with confirmation and back up of a supporting gynaecologist-obstetricians. 
  • Doula: A doula is employed privately by the parents themselves and works independently of the hospital. She is non-medical and is there for the mother’s physical and emotional support throughout the labour process. She may not advocate on the mother’s behalf to her caregivers. Research supports the use of a doula for a more empowered and positive birth experience, no matter what turn the birth takes, whether the baby is born vaginally or abdominally.   
  • Anaesthetist: The anaesthetist is called in if the mother requests an epidural during labour and is also there for caesarean births to administer the spinal block and for ensuring adequate pain relief after the caesarean. 
  • Paediatrician: The paediatrician is called in after natural births to check on the wellbeing of the baby. They are also present during caesarean sections to ensure the health of the baby. 
  • Lactation consultant: Although the mother receives breastfeeding advice and assistance from the midwives in the maternity unit of the hospital, a lactation consultant is extremely helpful to ensure long-term breastfeeding success. 

Ruwarashe’s Birth Story

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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 could do anything. Here is her story of the birth of her son…

My name is Ruwarashe and I am 21-years-old and I come from Zimbabwe. I’m currently studying at UCT. I became pregnant in September 2018. Pregnancy was going to be a hard journey for me, as I didn’t understand anything about birth and even worse, I was a long way from home where I had friends and family to guide and support me. In Cape Town, I have little support. So many people recommended I get a doula, especially since I felt quite isolated in Cape Town without my family near. 

Choosing a doula for me was so important, because I needed someone compassionate and soft and when I went onto Charlene’s website, I knew she was the doula who would understand my fear and confusion of becoming a mother. ( I hadn’t even met her in person yet, but I just knew.) 

I remember I wasn’t sure if I was going to have anyone close to me at my birth, because my family and fiancé stayed so far away… And I had so many fears of becoming a new Student  mom. Charlene reminded me that she was going to be there for me – and that I would be ok, no matter what turn it took. She said this at our first meeting.

Charlene engaged with me every week reminding me to trust the process of the journey I was on, offering me her kind support along the way. I was at school from 8am to 5pm everyday and I was at school until I was 9 months pregnant.

She also made sure we were able to meet close by to where I lived, as I did not have a car. She did this without hesitation – and it was so kind of her. When I felt low, I would message her and we would chat and she would encourage me to keep my faith and to be strong. 
I think what especially helped were the Relax Into Birth visualisation tracks. Listening to them regularly helped me realise that birth wasn’t just an event, it was a process – a beautiful process… Finally I was learning to trust the process – and trusting myself to do it! I felt strong enough to birth my baby boy. The strength seemed to come from within me. A deep knowing. 

The Relax Into Birth classes made me realise I wasn’t just doing a duty a woman is required to do; no! My body was giving life to a soul, another human being. Although it was about birth, it also somehow helped me establish what type of mom I was going to be to my little boy. 

When I finally went into labour, the emotional support for me and my fiancé was tremendous! She always made sure I was as comfortable as I could be in those circumstances. When it was time for me to deliver, I remember I was very tired – and our doula Charlene never once wavered, always trying ways to help energise me and encourage me to bring my son down to earth.

During my visits to the doctor, I was told we had to schedule an induction, because they didn’t want me going over my due date, which was the 26th of May. I wasn’t so sure I wanted an induction considering the potential complications. It was really not what I wanted.

In my 39th week, I went for cervix check to prepare for my induction. I was notified that soon I was going to be in labour – and that it was likely I would not need an induction. On Thursday 23 May, my waters broke as I was going to bed. I remember I kept my calm. I took an Uber with my fiance who had arrived from Zimbabwe, even though my contractions hadn’t kicked in properly yet. I didn’t want to stay at home after that because I didn’t want to be under pressure to rush to the hospital when it became necessary. I didn’t want something dramatic! Charlene did join us at the hospital when my contractions got regular and intense. She was there the whole time and I held onto her. She created such a calming environment in such a tense situation. I remember I had moved 1 cm in 4 hours and all I wanted was an epidural. I asked the nurses for an epidural, but was refused by them, saying it was too early to administer. In the face of that, my doula encouraged me to keep going and to stay strong as I was birthing my angel.

We used other forms of natural pain relief. We used the shower and we counted together and breathed together and finally at 7 am they decided to insert a dose of prostaglandin gel to help my cervix open. Once that was given to me, five minutes later I was standing to go poo in the toilet and another five minutes later I was walking myself to the tub in the delivery room. During that walk I definitely felt my baby was coming! I got into the tub for a few minutes and notified both my fiancé and Charlene that the baby was indeed coming.

The delivery room not prepared by the hospital staff (as they didn’t expect me to push so soon), they quickly put me on the bed, and there was my baby crowning! They quickly set up the room as I involuntarily pushed him out. A few pushes and I had birthed my baby.

My birth taught me to trust my body and trust my baby. I have never felt as strong or as empowered as I did in those first days. I was blessed to have such a positive, empowered birthing.

Tamlyn’s Birth Story

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What a pleasure to be Tamlyn’s birth doula. From the moment I met her quite early in her pregnancy, she embodied a certain positivity and exuded a confidence I rarely saw in a first time pregnant mama. She shares her story of trusting the process for her home birth.

I’m a new Mamma, my baby boy Charlie is 4 months old. I’m just starting to emerge from my cocoon of love and bonding, embracing a new way of being and living, finding balance between motherhood and my purpose of serving you. What an incredible journey I’ve been on, from the start of my pregnancy to today, it’s been life changing on so many levels and I am looking forward to sharing it with you. 

It all started on the 8th of March at 2.30am when I woke up to a pop, and my waters releasing. I couldn’t believe it was the start of the journey to meet my baby boy. I wanted a natural, intervention free home birth, I was excited and had no idea how things would unfold but had a deep trust that things would happen as they should, a trust and surrendering I’d spent several months cultivating during my pregnancy.  

I spent the months leading to my baby’s birth doing the work to birth a new part of myself, a mother. I meditated, visualised, went to healers, coaches and massage therapists, did family constellations work, hypnobirthing, re-created my own birth, did inner child work, went on yoga retreats, painted, walked, prayed and wrote every day. I learned so much. (I have many pregnancy and birth related resources if anyone would like them, please just reply and ask. )

I knew that my pregnancy and birth would have a deep impact on me and my baby and I wanted to go as natural as possible.  I had many fears and doubts and whenever they would show up, I would go within and do the work to release them. I’d remind myself to pray for the highest good for all, to let go of control and to remain open to what life would present. 

The work for me here was about letting go of the outcome, of control, and also not putting it in the hands of someone else, but to lean in, trust myself, my body, my baby and nature. This was a pattern I’d been playing on repeat most of my life, forever trying to control the outcome of situations or just putting my head in the sand and letting someone else take over. This was my biggest test yet. This time I really wanted to be intentionally conscious of what I wanted to co-create and at the same time know that whatever the outcome, to remain open to what life was offering. 

For this reason, I chose my midwives and Charlene Yared-West from Relax Into Birth as my Doula. The moment I met with them, it felt right, very natural and mother and baby-led. I met Charlene at the The Birth Hub Antenatal classes and just loved her segment and felt so comfortable with her. I would highly recommend Charlene as a Doula, I couldn’t have done it without her. Throughout my pregnancy I formed such a beautiful bond with them all and I felt so safe and held with them as my birth team. 

So, back to my birth story…

After my waters released, I had very mild intermittent rushes which were not painful at all so I tried to sleep and in the morning I let my midwives know that things could be happening soon. I spent the day painting, watching funny shows and walking in nature to ground myself. I let go of trying to predict what was happening and allowed myself to fold into the experience.  I remember thinking to myself, this is easy, I’ve got this. The mild rushes continued on throughout the day and evening and at 10pm that night I told my midwives things were still the same and would get in touch in the morning. As I snuggled up to go to sleep, a strong surge rushed through my body, so strong I had to get on my knees. 

A few minutes later, another, I knew it was time. I told Matt to let my midwives and doula that things were progressing. I moved to my birth room where we’d set up the birth pool, affirmations, playlist and positive imagery. I knew now was the time to get out of the way, to let go and let my body and my baby do the work. I instinctively knelt on the floor in the corner of the room on my knees, my upper body resting on my ball. I focused on spiralling my hips and moving back and forth to help the baby move down. The room was dark and quiet and all I could hear was the beautiful kundalini music from my birth playlist which helped me go within. 

The surges were coming in heavier and faster now and I was struggling to breathe through them.  It was so intense so quickly. (My midwives later told me, I must have had a very good production of Oxytocin as things progressed very quickly in my active labour.) I was beginning to get more and more vocal, my groans and primal sounds getting louder and louder. Matt was sitting with me encouraging me gently, holding my hand which I was using to bear down on with each rush. At about midnight my Doula, Charlene arrived, I was so grateful to see her. By then I didn’t want to speak and was so focused on the surges. She knew exactly what to do to support me. I held her hand she began massaging my lower back which felt so good.  

In the meantime, Matt was preparing the birth pool. After a few hours of intense surges, I asked Charlene when she thought I would have my baby, she said soon soon, before the morning which encouraged me. I asked to move into the pool as the rushes were starting to feel unbearable. The moment I slid into the water it was a beautiful relief. It was so warm and took a lot of pressure off my back. However, when the next rush came, I’d forgotten all about the lovely water and roared through the rush. Nature had chosen wild and windy night for my birth which matched exactly what I was going through. 

I spent the rest of my labour in the birth pool, on my knees spiralling back and forth while resting my head on the edge of the pool. For each surge I needed to hold someone’s hand, I needed something to push down on, something strong.  My doula and Matt stayed by my side for most of my labour alternating for breaks. Giving me water, apple juice and honey to keep up my strength.  Charlene let the midwives know when they needed to come and they arrived around 2am, a few hours before my birth. I was hoping they could tell me how close. I asked my midwife, how much longer, and she said ‘’let’s wait and see’’, this was not what I wanted to hear. I wanted her to say any minute now.  I had chosen my midwives because they were very trusting in natural birth and in my body to birth my baby, with as little interference as possible however in that moment I wanted answers, my mind wanted to know the outcome, how much longer…! I knew they were doing exactly what they needed to do. I went within and let go.

I had no physical checks during my labour, my midwives spent most of my labour in the other room listening to my labour and doing the occasional listen to my baby’s heart rate which remained steady throughout.  My dog Zesa popped into the room a few times wondering what all the noise was about which made me smile to know he was there for me too. 

As time went on, I was getting more tired, I really needed him to be close now. My doula Charlene asked Matt what his name was, Matt said we hadn’t decided yet (which we had but he didn’t want to say). She said, if you knew his name you could call him and encourage him out. When I heard that I shouted CHARLIEEEEEE, and they both started laughing, I guess we knew the name after all. I started talking to him, encouraging him, telling him how much he was loved and wanted and that it wasn’t long now. That really helped me. It gave me a new boost of will power and determination. It was like I knew his birth was near. What also helped me was Charlene reminding me to relax and let go of each surge, this really helped me rest in between without tension. She would say one down, one less to go.  I could feel he was close now, I muscled up every bit of inner strength I had and focused intently on allowing the birth energy to move through me. I connected with the galaxies and imagined that energy spiralling through me, I knew I didn’t have to do anything, I just need to let go and allow. I looked up at my affirmations and read ‘’I feel the strength of all woman’’. I knew if millions of women had done this before me then so could I.  I had no idea who was in the room, and what was happening behind me, I was one with my body and baby. 

In my pregnancy I had also done a lot of work listening to Charlene’s Relax into Birth Tracks. In the labour I could hear her voice, saying those calming words over and over again, ‘’relax….open….peace…’’, reminding me to breath ‘’down and out’’.

The next rush brought a new sensation, an excruciating stinging and burning which was incredibly intense. I had read about this in many birth stories but experiencing it was a whole new story. I moaned to Charlene, ‘’IT’S STINGING’’. I remember the song playing at that exact time, ‘’The Power Is Here Now, By Alexia Chellun. 

The words to this song were divine timing…

The power of love is here now 
The power of now is here now 
The power of you and me is here 
To create magic on earth 
Let the water wash away your tears 
Let the fire burn away your fears 
Let the wind blow into your life such faith and trust 
Let the earth hold you, take care of you and nurture you

This song gave me the strength to get through the final few rushes. I didn’t need to be coached or told what to do. I just listened to my body and my baby. The body truly is built to show you how to birth your baby if you trust it and let it show you the way. Just like in life, you are always being guided, are you listening to that inner guidance.

Finally, after an intense surge, and a crazy burning and stinging sensations, my baby’s head came out, and immediate relief came flooding through me, this was it. I then had to stand up and get out of the birth pool and and gave one almighty push and Charlie was born at 4.25am on Monday 9th March weighing 3.92kgs. He slid out into my midwife’s arms. I remember her saying, hello baby, hello baby and rubbing his chest. Charlie was born to the song, Grace of God by Gurunam Singh. It was a special synchronicity that out of my entire playlist Charlie was born to two of my favourite songs and that they came on in the perfect time when I needed them most.

My midwife Lana and Doula Charlene helped me to lay back on the bed and passed my little baby Charlie to me. Matt was by my side through it all. I was completely exhausted and overcome with relief that it was over, and awe that my little man, baby G was finally here. Tears welled in my eyes as held him skin to skin and spoke softly to him. I had done it, we had done it, I had given birth just as I had intended to, at home, naturally, surrounded by love and all was well. 

The next few hours were pure bliss. Charlie never left my chest and Matt and I cuddled up in bed and just gazed at him and studied his tiny body. My midwives and doula were incredible, they made our morning even more special. They tidied up around us, brought us tea and left us to bond for a few hours until everyone had had some rest. A few hours later my midwives did all his checks while he lay on Matts chest. I cut the cord and saved my placenta to bury one special day. The next few days were just as incredible getting to know this little soul. He was feeding well, sleeping well and I was in good hands with my midwives coming back every day to check up on us. It couldn’t have been a better first week. I felt so grateful to be a mum and was loving every moment of it. Charlene also came back the week after and gave me the most beautiful foot massage, I felt so taken care of. 

Although my birth was pretty close to my dream birth. It wasn’t what I expected. I thought I would breath him out in a blissful meditation.  It was way more painful and intense than I ever expected. I could see how woman in hospital would end up with interventions and pain medication and I was just grateful that I was at home and none of that was available. It was just me and my baby working together. 

My midwives gave me homeopathic remedies including calendula and seaweed to help with the minor stitches. Charlene made me some beautiful bath salts to soak in.  It took me a few weeks to get my energy and strength back, but I am grateful I never had any baby blues or any baby problems. While I was tired, I woke up each day feeling sunshine in my heart so happy to see my little baby. He spent the first week in our bedroom and we didn’t leave home for 40 days. We had minimal visitors, (thanks to Covid-19) and spent our days sleeping, relaxing, singing and getting to know each other. I massaged him daily and he got daily skin to skin and sunshine. We bonded deeply with him and both had the best possible start to our new journey together. 

Charlie is now 4 months and thriving. He’s happy, calm, sleeps and feeds well, we’ve never had any issues. I’m so grateful he was born just before lock down, I’m grateful for the bubble it gave us. Just Charlie, Matt, my mum and me. My mum was supposed to be here 3 weeks and ended up being here 4 months, which again was divine planning. I don’t think we could have asked for a better start.  

I am incredibly grateful to my birth team. My midwives and Lana who joined on the day and my Doula Charlene. I couldn’t have done it without them. The space they held with me throughout my pregnancy, birth and the days and weeks that followed made this the most incredible experience for me. Their encouragement and trusting approach is what gave me the trust and faith to birth my baby and to be the mum I knew I could be. 

I am grateful to Matt for being a non-judgemental support through it all. His help doing everything else allowed me to focus on what I needed to do. We were also so lucky that he got to work from home and still is for this first part of Charlie’s life. 

I am grateful to my mum for the 4 months of being here throughout lockdown, her early morning time with Charlie helped me catch up on my sleep, her cooking, cleaning and care, really helped us thrive during these first few months. 

I am grateful to my baby Charlie, for being the gift of love and grace that he is. Thank you Charlie for choosing us. We love you. 

Thank you for reading my birth story and for joining me on this life-changing journey. A new chapter has begun in my life and I look forward to sharing many more lessons and learnings along the way in the hope that they will too inspire you to live your happiest life.