Often women birth their babies into water in a birth pool. There are birth pools at both birth centres and I also have a portable birth pool and gas califont that is available for women to use in their own home free of charge. The water helps to support a woman’s body, reducing pain and enabling her to better cope with labour and move freely. Water provides comfort and has been shown to reduce the use of pain relief such as an epidural. This in turn reduces the incidence of forceps / ventouse delivery, perineal trauma and better supports a baby as it transitions into life outside the womb.
Generally women choose to birth at home or at one of the local birth centres in Hamilton such as Waterford Birth Centre or River Ridge Birth Centre. Occasionally a circumstance arises in which it is safer for a woman to birth in hospital; for example a pre-existing medical condition, twins, a previous caesarean section or a previous traumatic birth. In cases such as these I am happy to support a woman to birth at Waikato Hospital.
Delayed Cord clamping and skin to skin
Once baby has been born I encourage delayed cord clamping and lots of uninterrupted time together. Waiting patiently for the baby’s cord to stop pulsating means that the baby’s blood volume is increased and the baby is less likely to suffer from anaemia. Keeping a baby skin to skin with its mother after birth helps the baby to stay calm and warm as it is welcomed gently into the world. Snuggled in with mum the baby is happier, its temperature, heart and breathing rate more stable and the baby’s blood sugar is elevated. This also helps with breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding
Breast milk is best for your baby, and the benefits of breastfeeding extend well beyond basic nutrition. In addition to containing all the vitamins and nutrients your baby needs in the first six months of life, breast milk is packed with disease-fighting substances that protect your baby from illness. Exclusively breastfeeding helps lay the foundations of a healthy life for a baby. Many mothers and babies can achieve this with only a minimum of help however sometimes it can take a bit more effort. I am committed to helping women with this important art that is both rewarding and invaluable for both mother and baby. Of course it is a woman’s choice whether or not to breastfeed, however, exclusive breastfeeding is recommended until babies are around six months.