IBirth - Intimate Birth & Beginnings

22/07/2025

Imagine…

13/07/2025

11/07/2025

It is assumed that twins grow more slowly because the uterus can’t keep up with the needs of two babies. To determine when this is happening, twin growth is evaluated according to the same growth chart as singletons. This leads to high percentages of twins being diagnosed as growth restricted and to the consequent management, including early delivery, that may follow that diagnosis.

A new study challenges this assumption. What if, theorized the researchers, slower growth is actually an evolutionary adaptation to allow the uterus to nourish two babies to maturity? To test their theory, they did serial ultrasound measurements of growth rates in twin and singleton pregnancies and found that even at 15 weeks—long before the demands of two babies would challenge uterine capacity to nourish both of them—twins already had less fat compared with singletons. This finding supports their theory and argues, according to a commentary on the study,* for developing a fetal growth chart specific to twins.

*Melamed N, Hiersch L. New Insights Into Fetal Growth in Twins-Pathology or Benign Adaptation? JAMA Pediatr 2025;179(6):594-6.

https://bit.ly/3ZJ7U5A

06/07/2025

Letting a baby cry it out might sound like tough love but science says it’s tougher on the baby than anyone else.

Research now shows that ignoring a crying infant or frequently leaving them to self-soothe without comfort can have real consequences not just emotionally, but neurologically. A large-scale Japanese study involving over 100,000 mother-child pairs found a clear link between chronic non-response during infancy and developmental delays. These included setbacks in communication, social interaction, motor coordination, and even problem-solving abilities.

But it doesn’t stop at developmental skills.

When babies cry for extended periods without comfort, their bodies release large amounts of cortisol, the primary stress hormone. And while short-term stress responses are natural, prolonged elevated cortisol levels can disrupt brain development, particularly in regions responsible for emotional regulation, memory, and attachment.

This early emotional stress may also lead to weaker caregiver bonds, and increases the risk of anxiety, aggression, and lower IQ later in life. The baby learns not just that their needs won’t be met but that the world may not be safe or responsive at all.

Comforting a crying baby isn’t about spoiling them it’s about building their brain, shaping secure attachment, and laying the groundwork for emotional resilience. Every time you respond with love, you’re not just calming a cry you’re wiring a healthier future.

30/06/2025

The words “failed” do not belong anywhere in conversation about pregnancy, birth or postpartum 🙅🏽‍♀️

We have midwives, hospitals, birth centers, OBGYN’s and MFMs for good reason! In a percentage of cases, they are all very much needed 🧑🏼‍⚕️👩🏽‍⚕️👨🏾‍⚕️ we as birth workers and families are GRATEFUL for these resources being readily available to families when they are truly needed.

The #1 cause of home birth transfers is maternal exhaustion. This is why it is essential to rest, hydrate and nourish your body during early labor. A hospital transfer from a homebirth is by no means a failure. It is the responsible, proper use of the resources that are available to keep families safe. Please don’t place this in a negative light.💜💡
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27/06/2025

Giving birth at home used to be fringe but it's gaining popularity. Since 2019, delivering a baby at home under the supervision of a birthing specialist have doubled across Australia. So what's driving women to choose a homebirth? And what needs to be done to make it more accessible?

21/06/2025

The kind of quiet that finds you.
Salt on your skin.
Her breath against your chest.
Hands free, hearts full.

17/06/2025

Foot baths are a lovely way to calm, honor & connect with your little ones, Frankie and I find its a lovely after school activity to reset the day and energy🌹Frankie also allowed me to massage her feet and legs for this one with coconut 🥥 oil We add magnesium, flowers 🌹 and a lemon 🍋 scored and squeezed with lovely warmed filtered water 💦!
🤰🏼In pregnancy magnesium foot 👣 baths 🛁 are a great way to absorb this important mineral !