Embracing_mothers

17/07/2024

15/09/2023

03/06/2022

Posted • New research has added to our knowledge that it is better to wait for a while after a baby is born before clamping and cutting the umbilical cord.

We now know that it is safe to wait six minutes after birth, even when an oxytocic drug is given.

Waiting, which is sometimes called optimal or delayed cord clamping, means that the baby has the chance to get all the blood that they need from the placenta before the supply is cut.

We have known for many years that it is better to wait than to interfere, but it is taking a while for things to change in some areas.

This is because, in recent decades, there has been a tendency to interfere with birth.

But a new research study further confirms that there are advantages to waiting.

Winkler et al (2022) carried out a study in Sweden in which they compared the outcomes of 904 mother/baby pairs whose cords were clamped and cut at different times after birth.

These were the key findings:

Research shows that it is safe to wait six minutes before clamping the cord.

(It may be safe to wait longer, and many women choose to do so. But a study can only report what it researched, and six minutes was the average time in this study.)

Waiting longer doesn't increase the chance of phototherapy being needed (for jaundice).

It doesn't matter whether oxytocin is given before or after cord clamping.

I have blogged about this study at https://www.sarawickham.com/research-updates/delaying-cord-clamping/

Winkler et al (2022). Cord clamping beyond 3 minutes: Neonatal short-term outcomes and maternal postpartum hemorrhage. Birth https://doi.org/10.1111/birt.12645

I’ll pop a link in my stories today.

Yes, you can share/repost, with the pic, text and credit intact. Please do not put Sara’s work/words into your own branding.

23/02/2022

Posted • .birth.club 📷

Everything you need to know about....

THE CERVIX

Did you recognise it from this photo? Good old, trusty cervix.

Birth stories are always littered with "I was 5cm when I was admitted", or "I was only 3cm so was sent home" (let's not start on the use of "only" at this point....that's a whole other post)

We are OBSESSED with how dilated the cervix is during labour (no one ever wants to know how effaced you were, or its position when you tell yous birth story), but do you have an idea of HOW It opens up?

Many of us often picture it as this hole that just gets wider and wider of it's own accord, but that's not entirely true....
..imagine you are putting on a jumper. The head hole looks pretty small when you get it out of your wardrobe, but as you pull the jumper over your head, the opening slowly gets wider and wider until *pop* your whole head comes through - THAT'S more like how the cervix works.

With each contraction the muscles of the uterus that run from the cervix to the fundus (the top) contract, and become slightly shorter each time. This shortening has 2 main effects:
1. A gathering of uterine muscle at the top of the uterus (fundus), and
2. The gradual opening of the cervix, pulling it over the head of the baby.

So what does knowing the dilation of the cervix tell us?
..............well.......not a huge amount in an uncomplicated physiological birth. Being 2cm dilated doesn't mean your baby can't be born in 15 minutes, same as being 9cm doesn't mean you've not got 10 hours left!

"Your cervix is not a crystal ball"

This is one of the reasons I encourage everyone to consider whether they would like to consent to routine vaginal examinations or not.

❤ follow me for more on the science of birth.

👇 Tell me below, did you consent to vaginal exams?

18/02/2022

Posted • / evidence in moving mothers legs apart into when she is pushing? - the problem is not the effect on the bones especially when she is in the position - that is very minuscule - it’s the knockon effects on so many other tissues like the ****is of the hip and tummy muscles and etc It’s why our campaign is not calling for - that can cause a whole other set of problems - rather we say and let and follow the sensations of - if legs are to be touched training is needed

04/05/2021

Having finally met my beautiful NB mentor yesterday, completely validated how supportive and amazing Nurturing birth support and nurture their doulas! I am so grateful, specially my gorgeous mentor Sarah Mosier ❤️

30/04/2021

Every birth strikes me to the core! The birthing people amaze me beyond words! Holding space really does enable my clients to totally surrender to their hormones and be guided by their instinct!! Having the absolute privilege of sharing such intimacy and greeting the miracle birth earthside is truly mind blowing!!!
I sincerely thank my amazing beautiful souls ❤️
blood

11/04/2021

Every birth is unique, as every birthing person!
The miracle of greeting new life into the world is beyond words! I honour the privilege I am given to share the amazing journey of birth.
Beyond words ❤️

22/03/2021

I am guided by you!
I support you, emotionally, physically, protecting your space!
I sign post you all evidence based information, so YOU, can make informed decisions!
I believe in you!
I am here for you to believe as well!!! 🌸

06/03/2021

Posted • Posted • As well as being a midwife, or rather as PART of being a midwife, I also show people how to wear their babies 😬 It’s a skill that is SO incredibly useful when muddling through parenting 👀 and I think everyone should try it. I’m not sure I would have survived motherhood without slings 🤔🤔 My face oddly completely BELIES my excitement at my new Earthy Rainbow Girasol wrap ❤️🌈❤️.....I guess I was concentrating 😂😂

06/03/2021

VERNIX | This baby has a really thick coating but on others you have to look for it in the folds of their skin. Vernix is like a natural body butter, it protects the skin from amniotic fluid whilst in the womb. It contains antioxidants and keeps the skin soft and hydrated❤
Vernix has endless benefits so it is usually encouraged to refrain from washing your baby for a good few days after birth and rub the substance in to the skin. It's the best moisturizer around!
Birth is amazing x

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