Birthing By Heart

Grantley Dick Read, is regarded by many as the father of “modern natural childbirth” meaning that he instigated the movement away from the rigid obstetric model of childbirth in place at the time (early 1900s)
Dick-Read believed that women were capable of naturally birthing their babies, and that the interventions of the “modern” obstetrical system were [...]

Birth without Trauma, Dr Frederik Leboyer’s book, outlines his principles for a gentle birth.  He believed that babies born into calm surroundings were more content.
Some of the principles involve birthing the baby into a room of hushed voices, dimmed lights, and a warm bath. Placing the baby on the mother’s chest, allowing the cord to [...]

The Lamaze Method, was established in 1951 by Dr Fernand Lamaze. It is a childbirth philosophy, that centres around the idea that birth is normal and natural.
The Lamaze Philosphy is:
Birth is normal, natural and healthy.
The experience of birth profoundly affects women and their families.
Women’s inner wisdom guides them through birth.
Women’s confidence and ability to give [...]

Choosing the team of people to support you through your labour and birth is one of the empowering and proactive things you can do in preparation for your birth. It’s  your choice as to how many people  you wish to have at your birth. Some people prefer an absolute minimum - enough people to make [...]

Your baby’s first moments in life, are worth celebrating - and what better way, than with a delicious, first birthday cake, shared between you and your birth support team.
My favourite alltime cake is carrot cake - and here is a beautiful, yummy recipe
Carrot Cake
Ingredients
Olive oil, to grease
3 carrots grated (should work out to be approx 1 [...]

Supplies for Homebirth (as recommended by REAL mums)
Pain Relief:

Cloth Nappies, and a bucket of steaming hot water (Put them on your back and tummy)
Wheat heat packs, and hotwater bottles.
Cold packs and cool flannels
Icecubes, and icey poles to suck on between contractions
Tennis ball, rolling pin, or massage tool for counter pressure massage
Massage oil or lotion

General Supplies [...]

Rice Sock - Fill a sock with rice, and place in the microwave for 2 or 3 minutes, use for heat massage. You can make the sock as big or as small as you like - and it can also be used as a cold pack, by placing it in the Freezer for a few [...]

 
A Rebozo, is a traditional Mexican Shawl or Scarfe, used in pregnancy, and labour by traditional Mexican midwives, to massage the pregnant woman.
Rebozo Massage can be used to turn a posterior baby, at term, or throughout pregnancy to encourage optimum foetal positioning.
Post birth, the Rebozo shawl can be used as a baby carrier that you can [...]

Sometimes, for any reason, a homebirth may end up as a hospital transfer. While this is statistically unlikely, if this turns out to be your birth - there are a few things you can do to prepare emotionally, and intellectually for the event.

Have a supportive, and understanding birth team.
Hire an independant midwive, who will act as [...]

Truly, to have a baby, all you need is a mum, and a baby… but there are several things that might make you feel nurtured, more comfortable, safe, and relaxed!
Pain Relief
Most of us, at some point experience some level of discomfort in labour. There are many women who can interpret the sensations as pleasant, or [...]