The Fit Midwife

The Fit Midwife A health and wellness platform for women in pregnancy and beyond.

Don’t throw away that unused breast milk!! Make it in to a soap and keep reaping the benefits of this amazing stuff! Bre...
29/09/2025

Don’t throw away that unused breast milk!! Make it in to a soap and keep reaping the benefits of this amazing stuff! Breast milk soap is very nourishing and gentle on the skin since it contains many skin-loving components of breast milk, like fatty acids, enzymes, vitamins and minerals.

Follow these simple steps to make your own:

1. Cut the soap base into small chunks and measure out 200g.

2. Melt the soap base in the microwave on 20 second burst stirring in between each burst or melt on medium heat in a double boiler or water bath.

3. Let the soap base cool down to about 130℉/ 55℃ in order not to burn the milk.

4. Add breastmilk and stir.

5. Whisk in honey and oatmeal until there are no lumps.

6. Add essential oils and stir.

7. Pour soap in to mould and spray rubbing alcohol on to minimize any bubbles.

8. Put in fridge until set and unmould.

How to store: In a ziplock bag in the fridge (or freezer if not using straight away).

How long will it last: The typical lifespan is around 6 months!

Have you tried breastmilk soap??

Pretty accurate tbf…
28/09/2025

Pretty accurate tbf…

This tylenol/paracetamol/acetaminophen causing autism nonsense is EVERYWHERE thanks to the tangerine palpatine and his b...
23/09/2025

This tylenol/paracetamol/acetaminophen causing autism nonsense is EVERYWHERE thanks to the tangerine palpatine and his band of concerningly stupid men, so let’s sort this out.

Paracetamol is safe in pregnancy. Especially when used to combat fever (please never ever ignore a fever in pregnancy).

Have a scroll for some actual real information about what we DO know and how we know it… also how to spot bull 💩 especially from media outlets sharing cherry picked info.

Babies don’t scream or cry to manipulate. They literally have no other means of communication. When this happens you may...
23/09/2025

Babies don’t scream or cry to manipulate. They literally have no other means of communication.

When this happens you may be having a rough time, who wouldn’t? Tying to figure out what is wrong, what they need, why they aren’t settling.

But a good reminder is that they are usually having a hard time themselves and have no way of telling you.

You are their safe space, their home, they know you’ll meet their needs and provide comfort. They physically are unable to manipulate this.

Whilst it may be a minefield of guesswork, you being there and trying already makes you an amazing parent, they do know that for sure! They feel it!

There are so many reasons why women have caesarean births but having one doesn’t mean you will need to or should be forc...
17/09/2025

There are so many reasons why women have caesarean births but having one doesn’t mean you will need to or should be forced to have another. ⁣
⁣
I see and hear a lot of scare tactics from some obstetricians when it comes to VBAC. One of the worst things a Doctor can do is withhold or manipulate evidence to suit their own preference. ⁣You deserve to know everything prior to making a decision.
⁣
So let’s break it down for you. ⁣
⁣⁣
🌸 The likelihood of achieving a successful VBAC is around 72-75%. More chance of succeeding than failing with the right support and medical team. Pretty decent chance huh? ⁣⁣
⁣⁣
🌸 Oh but “my Doctor said my caesarean scar might split”….. Well yes I guess it may if you are very unlucky. But you should also know that for a planned VBAC the risk of uterine rupture is 0.5% (Which is 1 in 200). With more than 1 CS the risk of rupture is estimated slightly higher at around 1–2%. I don’t know about you but I like those odds! ⁣⁣

🌸 There is very little evidence of a difference in outcome for baby between a vaginal birth or repeat abdominal birth! ⁣⁣Your Doctor should be informing you that the absolute risk of birth-related perinatal death associated with VBAC is extremely low and comparable to the risk for nulliparous (first time) women in labour. ⁣⁣

🌸 An IV cannula in your hand is NOT routinely recommended.
⁣⁣
🌸 In an otherwise uncomplicated VBAC pregnancy you CAN labour and birth in water.

🌸 Continuous fetal monitoring ⁣⁣should be offered but is not mandatory. All women should make an informed decision. Also consider telemetry and intermittent monitoring.

These points are general and you may have other circumstances that change your situation, this is always best discussed with your doctor and midwife.

Fear of litigation and fear of the unknown is usually what prohibits even discussing VBAC. A positive birth experience isn’t just how the baby is born but more how a person is respected and supported through her choices in the process!

With VBAC the truth remains, WOMEN DESERVE TO MAKE AN INFORMED CHOICE! Birth should be woman centred not fear centred.
⁣⁣

There are so many reasons why women have caesarean births but having one doesn’t mean you will need to or should be forc...
17/09/2025

There are so many reasons why women have caesarean births but having one doesn’t mean you will need to or should be forced to have another. ⁣
⁣
I see and hear a lot of scare tactics from some obstetricians when it comes to VBAC. One of the worst things a Doctor can do is withhold or manipulate evidence to suit their own preference. ⁣You deserve to know everything prior to making a decision.
⁣
So let’s break it down for you. ⁣
⁣⁣
🌸 The likelihood of achieving a successful VBAC is around 72-75%. More chance of succeeding than failing with the right support and medical team. Pretty decent chance huh? ⁣⁣
⁣⁣
🌸 Oh but “my Doctor said my caesarean scar might split”….. Well yes I guess it may if you are very unlucky. But you should also know that for a planned VBAC the risk of uterine rupture is 0.05% (Which is 1 in 200). With more than 1 CS the risk of rupture is estimated slightly higher at around 1–2%. I don’t know about you but I like those odds! ⁣⁣

🌸 There is very little evidence of a difference in outcome for baby between a vaginal birth or repeat abdominal birth! ⁣⁣Your Doctor should be informing you that the absolute risk of birth-related perinatal death associated with VBAC is extremely low and comparable to the risk for nulliparous (first time) women in labour. ⁣⁣

🌸 An IV cannula in your hand is NOT routinely recommended.
⁣⁣
🌸 In an otherwise uncomplicated VBAC pregnancy you CAN labour and birth in water.

🌸 Continuous fetal monitoring ⁣⁣should be offered but is not mandatory. All women should make an informed decision. Also consider telemetry and intermittent monitoring.

These points are general and you may have other circumstances that change your situation, this is always best discussed with your doctor and midwife.

Fear of litigation and fear of the unknown is usually what prohibits even discussing VBAC. A positive birth experience isn’t just how the baby is born but more how a person is respected and supported through her choices in the process!

With VBAC the truth remains, WOMEN DESERVE TO MAKE AN INFORMED CHOICE! Birth should be woman centred not fear centred.
⁣⁣

Why do we keep putting birthing women in surgical positions and then being shocked that it didn’t go “as it should”. Why...
16/09/2025

Why do we keep putting birthing women in surgical positions and then being shocked that it didn’t go “as it should”.

Why don’t we realise that we as practioners are probably responsible for a large amount of the problems in labour when we start to treat birthing women like they are about to go in to surgery, not give birth.

Having women flat on their back, legs in stirrups, blue drapes and betadine everywhere whilst the provider sits between their legs watching their v***a like a tv show is NOT natural.

How about we stop placing movement and birth restirctions on women and let them listen to their body, or help them understand what their body is telling them using our knowledge?

How about we work with our physiology and biomechanics to optimise birth... not control it?

How about we realise that when we place women in unnatural, undignified and unhelpful positions just for our comfort we robs them of the chance to see what could happen.

How about we are just more patient?

Whilst some more medical positions may be indicated to assist birth, suturing or may just be a womans preference the reality is that these positons are designed for provider comfort, not womens comfort.

Do you know what to do when your waters break?⁣⁣Whether it’s a big gush like in the movies or just a slow trickle making...
10/09/2025

Do you know what to do when your waters break?⁣
⁣
Whether it’s a big gush like in the movies or just a slow trickle making you wonder if you’re actually p*eing, it can be alarming!
⁣
𝗪𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐭 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞?⁣
Well... it may feel like a little pop, a big gush, constant leaking you can’t control (as you can with urine) or maybe just small amounts of water intermittently. ⁣
⁣
𝗪𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐧?⁣
Your waters can break anytime. You do not have to be in labour. You may or may not be having contractions. They may break as your baby is crowing or if you are super lucky your baby may be born in their waters (known as en caul). ⁣
⁣
𝗪𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞?⁣
They look like water. They should be clear/slightly beige coloured and may have white flecks in. It’s also normal to have some pinkish tint to them. And waters don’t smell (usually how we know the difference between waters and p*e). ⁣
⁣
𝐃𝐨 𝐈 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥? ⁣
If you have an uncomplicated pregnancy then no not necessarily. It is always best to call your midwife or labour ward to get the best advice suited to your personal situation. ⁣
⁣
𝗪𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐥?⁣
If you have anything below then you need to attend the hospital:
- if you are under 37 weeks pregnant ⁣
- The waters are greeny/black, blood stained or smell offensive⁣
- If you feel anything ‘hanging down’ between your legs⁣
- If baby’s movements are reduced or absent ⁣
- If you have tested positive for GBS⁣ and have chosen to have antibiotics
⁣
So the best things to do when your waters break are:⁣

💧 Don’t panic! ⁣
⁣
💧 Note what time they break: most women will labour within 24 hours of their waters breaking but if not you may be offered induction of labour.⁣
⁣
💧 Put a pad on! We like to see the pad when you come in and it helps identify colour and quantity. ⁣
⁣
💧 Note the colour: if it clear, then great. But seek urgent advice if the water is green/black stained or heavily blood stained. ⁣
⁣
💧 Call the midwife or labour ward at your hospital for the best advice ⁣
⁣
⁣

Who’s having a September baby??
09/09/2025

Who’s having a September baby??

This is important! Your baby is communicating with you. Babies communicate with cues signalling their needs but it can ...
05/09/2025

This is important! Your baby is communicating with you.

Babies communicate with cues signalling their needs but it can take a while for you to learn their language.

While you’re learning, your baby may resort to their last means of getting your attention – crying.

As get to know your baby, you’ll be able to anticipate and respond to their needs before they start to cry.  And even when they are crying, you’ll have a good idea what the problem might be, or will recognise their different cries.

Babies don’t cry to manipulate you, they are telling you they need you!

* Some research suggests that not attending to the child if they’re upset affects secure attachment and the ability to regulate feelings as an adult.

* Carrying out controlled crying or cry it out can be stressful for parents too as it generally goes against all their instincts to repeatedly not pick their baby up if they appear to be upset or in need.

However it can be super frustrating understanding their cries, their wants and their needs. But leaving them to cry seldom helps the situation. It can teach them that no one will meet their needs and they are literally helpless, they need us!

There is no one way to approach crying/soothing/settling techniques! Everyone will have something that works for them.

How did you handle it? Did you do cry it out or controlled crying?

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About The Fit Midwife....

Hi all, I’m Nikki.... I am a UK trained midwife living and working in Dubai. I have been here since 2016 and faced so many challenges in healthcare, as a woman and as a practitioner in my own right. These challenges gave rise to my blog ‘The Fit Midwife’.

It combines the two things that take up all of my time. Maternity care and fitness. And throughout all of the issues I cover I continuously reinforce informed choice, birth rights and the female voice!

I am a qualified level 3 PT and like to incorporate this in to my maternity work because fitness saved me in so many ways and has led me down a path in my life that, although not easy, is definitely the right one. I am a firm advocate that healthy women have healthy pregnancies and subsequently have healthy babies.

I have a no nonsense approach to maternity care. I do not sugar coat things and I do not hold back on saying what it is I really think on the lack of rights, choice and information in maternity care, especially in the UAE. I aim to educate and give women the tools to ask the questions and challenge what does not feel right when it comes to their care. To encourage them to empower themselves.