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10 Tips for Surviving Labour
Labour is an incredibly daunting and difficult journey for many Mums, We asked our readers to offer us their tips and suggestions for ‘Surviving Labour’, we then narrowed these down to our five favourites to help guide Mums through the most incredible moment of their lives.
Listen to your midwife and don’t rule anything out! – Sue Thompson- Stay active in labour, gently bounce or rock your hips while sitting on a birthing ball and visualise the baby moving down the birth canal with each contraction. Deep controlled breaths with each contraction will help you get through each one. Try not to lay down on the bed.- Rebecca McKay
- Reading lots (and watching a certain reality show) as well as talking to friends and relatives who have been through it helped me feel prepared. – Cheryl Jane Losty
- I would say the best tip is to keep an open mind and just go with it. Both of my labours were completely different and so even the first experience couldn’t prepare me for the next. – Karen Scotts
- Try not to panic as much as it is so painful try and stay focused and remember it will end soon and it will all be worth it. – Shelley Marie Kent
We would like to thank our wonderful readers for their positive contributions and look forward to sharing more of your ‘top tips’ in future. If you would like to be involved with some of our articles then be sure to ‘like’ us on facebook (www.facebook.com/mumsbabymag) and follow us on twitter (www.twitter.com/mumsbabymag). Alternatively why not join our forum www.mumsbabymagazine.com/forum and discuss your ideas and experiences, you never know we may just use your ideas in our magazine!
Bond Before Birth with Blooming Lovely Jewellery!
Blooming Lovely Jewellery produce a range of beautiful, handcrafted pieces of jewellery designed specifically to aid bonding with baby from before birth and beyond. The Bola Necklace features a chiming pendant traditionally worn by pregnant women in Mexico, the pendant would be worn on a long thread enabling it to be level with the unborn child. The soft tinkling chime of the pendant is said to gently serenade and soothe baby whilst Mum goes about her daily life. Once the baby has arrived, the same relaxing sounds of the Bola necklace are said to bring comfort and a sense of familiarity to the child.
It has been scientifically proved that babies within the womb (from around sixteen weeks onwards) are able to hear sounds from outside of the womb and over time build familiarity with those sounds they experience regularly. Once a child is born, they recognise and are familiar with voices and sounds that they experienced during their development within the womb.
Blooming Lovely Jewellery stock three designs of the Bola Necklace, all of which are silver plated and attached to lengthy natural cord measuring 200cm which can be adjusted to the required length. Whilst these necklaces are designed to be worn during pregnancy at a longer length, once your baby is born is is advised to wear this item at a shorter length for safety. The silver plated loop on each charm is wide, allowing thread to be folded and doubled to adjust length without causing any issues over rethreading the charm.
The Bola Necklace is the ideal distraction to be worn by Mums to entertain young infants whilst feeding or to listen to as a soothing charm whilst being rocked to sleep. Whilst this is a beautiful item to be worn during and after pregnancy it is also suitable for wearing once your child has grown as Blooming Lovely Jewellery is just that, blooming lovely! Each necklace comes beautifully wrapped and presented in a handmade jute pouched with a card detailing the story behind the Bola Charm
Mums Baby Magazine give the Blooming Lovely Jewellery ‘Bola Necklace’ 10/10 for beauty and charm. Blooming Lovely Jewellery Bola Necklaces are the ideal gift for Mums to be and are available from http://www.littlelilypad.co.uk from £18.00.
What does PREGNANT stand for? We asked you…
PLANNING
From the moment that you find out you are expecting onwards it seems that ‘becoming and being a parent’ requires far more planning than day to day life beforehand. It may well be worth investing in a notepad and pen to jot down ideas and lists when required, making notes can be especially handy during pregnancy as many women suffer from so called ‘baby brain’ and do tend to become forgetful.
REFLUX
Reflux is one of the main causes of heartburn, although not all women experience this problem it does tend to be a common issue throughout later pregnancy. During pregnancy the bodies levels of estrogen and progesterone increase, the reasons for this natural increase is to assist the muscles in your uterus to relax as your baby grows. However, these hormones also tend to relax the muscles in the lower oesophageal sphincter. When the sphincter relaxes it is then unable to prevent stomach acids from flowering into the oesophagus (the throat) which is the cause of reflux and heartburn.
Old wives tales suggest that those ladies who do experience heartburn and reflux are said to be having babies with lots of hair!
EMOTIONS
Finding out that you are expecting can trigger many emotions and feeling. Pregnancy hormones also tend to play havoc with our emotions.
GROWTH
Growing is a key aspect of pregnancy for both your baby and yourself. Whilst many people lavish the idea of ‘eating for two’ this isn’t necessarily the wisest idea. Recent research suggests that overeating and consuming the incorrect food and drink types can be potentially harmful both for you and your child.
During pregnancy the body becomes more efficient in absorbing nutrients from the food that you consume. Therefore doubling your food intake isn’t required, it is more likely to result in excessive weight gain for you and could cause serious pregnancy complications.
NEVER ENDING TRIPS TO THE TOILET
Carrying a child in your uterus does tend to put added pressure onto your bladder especially during the first and last trimesters of pregnancy. This added pressure will cause you to need to toilet more frequently. Also the hormones produced during pregnancy cause blood to flow an increased rate through your kidneys, filling your bladder more frequently.
During the later months of pregnancy ‘toilet trips’ tend to interrupt sleep. It is said that disturbed sleep during the later months of pregnancy is simply preparing the parent for interrupted sleep after the child is born.
ANTENATAL
Antenatal classes are workshops which expecting parents are encouraged to attend in order to learn ‘what to expect’ during labour, birth and beyond. Antenatal classes vary in frequency and time (some classes run over short periods of time, for example one full day class whilst other classes are offered on a weekly basis).
Antenatal classes help to prepare all involved for the journey of ‘parenthood’. Ask your Midwife for more information upon when and where antenatal classes are available for you to attend. There are now a range of online antenatal classes available for those who are unable to attend workshops.
NAMES
Choosing the name of your child can be one of the most difficult decisions you will ever make. Spend time contemplating how the name sounds, whether your child will or will not have a middle name, whether the name works in terms of initials and research the names meaning.
There are many websites now available to research baby names and list your preferred options.
TIREDNESS
Being pregnant is hard work! Many women tend to experience feelings of fatigue and tiredness especially during the first trimester of pregnancy.
Your body is working extremely hard throughout pregnancy especially during the first trimester of pregnancy whilst you are creating the placenta, your baby’s life-support system. Hormone levels and metabolism are constantly changing whilst your blood sugar and blood pressure tend to decrease, which in turn contributes to feelings of fatigue and tiredness.
Try to relax and take regular naps and eat healthily, most of all try to listen to your body and rest when you can.
Mama’s Belly Rub Stretch Mark Oil: The Ethical and Natural Stretch Mark Oil from Shea Mooti Products
The idea for Shea Mooti was conceived shortly after the birth of Violet Reid’s son, Alex (who is now five years old). Alex had very dry skin, cradle crap and was prone to eczema. Like all good Mothers, Violet hurried to get Alex examined by a Doctor who then prescribed steroid creams and treatment shampoos that contained harsh chemicals designed to ease discomfort. Violet later realised that this condition would be on-going and the creams prescribed could only offer temporary relief. Violet tried using many other organic and natural labelled skin products available on the market with Alex but they only seemed to exacerbate Alex’s condition, thus Violet began her journey to create a solution.
The only way which Violet could be absolutely certain as to what creams and body washes contained was to create them herself. Violet has a medical background and after intensive research enrolled in a natural soap making course and later a course upon making creams and potions. Violet became addicted to learning and soon discovered the most important ingredient which is now used within the Shea Mooti product range, Shea Butter.
Shea butter is an emollient in a pure form, which maintains and protects delicate skin (such as babies skin). The Shea Mooti product range uses the purest natural oils and ingredients to ensure optimum efficacy therefore guaranteeing great skin. Violet found that there was an improvement to her son’s skin after using the products that she created and at this point was expecting her second child and therefore decided to continue practicing making oils and body butters for herself and the new arrival.
Three years and two children later, Violet found herself expecting again. She began to test her products within a lab (not on animals but on her own children!). Family and friends began to make large orders for Violet’s products and it was at this point that Violet decided to share her idea Worldwide.
The company was named ‘Shea Mooti’ as every product contains the purest and natural form of Shea Butter and Mooti (derived from ‘Muti’ meaning ‘tree’ in Shona- the language spoken by Native Zimbabwe folk). The name seemed perfect as the ingredients are derived from trees and therefore Shea Mooti (‘Tree of Life’ ) was born.
Shea Mooti supports sustainable and ethical trade, the shea butter is ethically sourced from AfriKids’ Daughters, a multi-cooperate in rural northern Ghana. The self-titles women’s collection has been empowered by local charity. AfriKids, to secure a bright future for families through dignified income generation.
Shea Mooti products are designed specifically for Mothers and Babies, using high quality, natural ingredients that will provide you with the best possible results. The Mama’s Belly Rub Stretch Mark Oil is a non-greasy skin conditioning oil that is loaded with Omega 3,6 and 9 enriched oils. The Mama’s Belly Rub Stretch Mark Oil is formulated for use before, during and after pregnancy. Regular use of the Mama’s Belly Rub Stretch Mark Oil during pregnancy is said to maintain supple skin and optimum elasticity in order to promote growth throughout the months of pregnancy.
The Mama’s Belly Rub Stretch Mark Oil contains Organic Sunflower, Baobab, Rosehip, Shea Butter and Wheat germ Oils. The Mama’s Belly Rub Stretch Mark Oil has a rather distinct fragrance of wheat germ and once opened it is suggested that the Mama’s Belly Rub Stretch Mark Oil should be used within three months. This oil is to be used externally, it should be applied twice daily onto your bump, thighs and breasts, although it is suggested to avoid use upon the nipple area. Mamas Belly Rub Stretch Mark Oil should be stored in a cool, dry and dark place.
Mums Baby Magazine put the Mama’s Belly Rub Stretch Mark Oil to the test upon a postnatal Mother with scarred, itchy and stretched skin for one week. The Mama’s Belly Rub Stretch Mark Oil has a rather distinct fragrance of wheat germ and a little of this oil seems to go a long way, therefore making the Mama’s Belly Rub Stretch Mark Oil well worth its price.
After seven days we saw improvements to the condition of her skin. Firstly, she found that the itching seemed relieved and secondly the skin felt softer and far more moisturised. Although the stretch marks are still plainly visible, the Shea Mooti ‘Mamas Belly Rub Stretch Mark Oil’ has already worked wonders.
Mums Baby Magazine give the Mama’s Belly Rub Stretch Mark Oil 9/10. Shea Mooti Products including Mama’s Belly Rub Stretch Mark Oil (retailing at £14.99) can be purchased from www.sheamooti.co.uk
Nurture your child’s natural instinct to explore rhythm, beat and sounds with ‘Jazz Nursery Rhymes’ from Music for Baby.
Music is the food for life as the saying goes… Music can stimulate specific areas of the brain, as can movement and therefore moving to Music is a useful tool to stimulate brain development in the early years.
Movement to Music is a lively and fun activity for parents and children (from birth onwards), according to your child’s age stage you can vary the movement styles that you use. For example with a new-born baby, you may wish to hold them and sway to the beat of Music, bounce them gently upon your knee or move their arms gently to the motion of the Music, whereas toddlers will enjoy bouncing, jumping, swaying and spinning to to the rhythm and beat of Music.
There is no time too soon to introduce your child to Music, you can actually allow your baby to explore Music in utero! Whilst in the womb babies are able to hear ‘sounds from the outside’, although the sound may be muffled it allows children to build recognition of their parents voices and familiar sounds. Research has shown that parents who have chosen to play Music to their growing bump have found that the particular Music used will settle their child once born.
We have a natural instinct to move to Music (at all ages), Music is an excellent way to help memorise important information such as the alphabet, numbers, dates, and other important life skills through mnemonics, rhymes and patterns.
Music for Baby is a UK based company started by professional musicians who wanted to create the perfect musical soundtrack to their baby’s life. Music for Baby is a small independent record label, run by a husband and wife team. Music for Baby specialise in music designed to support development and different activities from pre-natal through to toddler and beyond. Music for Baby includes the following professionals:
Jacqui Hicks (vocals)
- Jacqui has worked with live artists Shakatak, Matt Bianco and Brian Dee. Jacqui has also worked on films including Tombraider II and Veronica Guerin
Mike Eaves (Guitars)
- Mike has worked in Film and TV performances and/or on-screen work including Hugo Cabret, Confetti, Miss Pettigrew Lives For A Day, Cold Feet and Pop Idol. Mike has also worked with live/ recorded artists John Williams, Will Young, Chaka Kahn, Shirley Bassey, Russel Watson, Lulu and Symphony Orchestra. Mike has also been involved the West End Productions of The Lion King, Mamma Mia, Les Misrables and Blood Brothers.
Andy Pask (Double Bass)
- Andy’s appearances include Henry Mancini, Carl Davies. Andy is also mentioned in the album credits for Freddie Mercury, Madonna and Tom Jones. Andy’s featured film appearances include Evita, Little Shop of Horrors and Gosford Park. Andy is also in the composing credits for TV Theme ‘The Bill’.
Karen Eaves (Music Education Consultant)
- Karen set and run the The British Academy of New Music, she is the Business Development Manager and the Head of Curriculum at Access to Music. Karen is Secondment to Specialist Schools and Academies Trust to train UK creative media and Music Teachers accross the East of England.
- Karen has also won the award for Culture and Diversity sponsored by Arts Council England, presented by Sir George Martin at the BAFTA awards. Karen is also a violinist and has worked on sessions with Granada TV, Natural History Museum and BMW.
Mums Baby Magazine were give the ‘Jazz Nursery Rhyme’s’ CD from the ‘Baby Explore’ range to rate and review. Jazz Nursery Rhymes features jazz arrangements of traditional nursery rhymes, introducing your little one to a sophisticated genre of Music through a familiar melodic and lyrical content. Jazz Nursery Rhymes features the following soundtracks (all written and produced in a beautiful Jazz style).
- Old Macdonald
- The Muffin Man
- The Teddy Bears Picnic
- Hush Little Baby
- Pop Goes The Weasel
- The Alphabet Song
- Incy Wincy Spider
- Baa Baa Black Sheep
- The Grand Old Duke Of York
- Do Your Ears Hang Low
- Little Bo Peep
- Humpty Dumpty
- This Old Man
We began by using this CD as backing Music for general day to day play within the household. The nursery rhymes are recognisable yet the Music itself is slower paced and far more relaxing for both parent and child to listen to. We found that the Jazz Nursery Rhymes CD is the ideal backing track for 
when carrying out activities such as painting, drawing, model making, cooking or any specific activity which requires concentration and patience. For younger babies, this is a beautiful soundtrack to play to promote a calm and relaxing environment whilst building recognition of well known nursery rhymes.
Jazz Nursery Rhymes is just one of many CDs produced by Music for Baby, Music for Baby have also produced an App for smart phones which can be downloaded and features much of the Music created by this company.
We greatly enjoyed listening to the material produced by Music for Baby as will you and your child! Mums Baby Magazine give the Jazz Nursery Rhymes CD 8/10. Jazz Nursery Rhymes is available from www.musicforbaby.co.uk for £10
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