Bumps and Babies with Ruth

Bumps and Babies with Ruth https://linkin.bio/bumpsandbabieswithruth. I’m a birth & postnatal doula. Caring and compassionate doula helping you through pregnancy, birth and beyond

I serve South-West London

Contact
https://app.doulado.co/client?eyJpbnRha2VfaWQiOiIxMDQ4In0%3D=_

This!!!! Is why I had home births!!
28/08/2025

This!!!! Is why I had home births!!

This this this this this!!!!!! Best post I’ve seen in weeks! Posted • When it comes to offering induction towards the ...
05/07/2025

This this this this this!!!!!! Best post I’ve seen in weeks! Posted • When it comes to offering induction towards the end of pregnancy, women are often told that their placenta may fail to nourish their baby.

But women (and sometimes the same women) are also being told that their baby may get too big if they wait.

It’s clear that these things can’t both be true.

In fact, when you dive into the research and recommendations that relate to the end of pregnancy and the offer of induction of labour, this is just one of a number of paradoxes and things that don’t quite fit.

If you’d like to know more, I have a book which looks at these issues and many more.

It’s called “In Your Own Time: How western medicine controls the start of labour and why this needs to stop.”

You can find out more at www.sarawickham.com/time

Posted • 💧Your waters have broken, now what?You might feel pressure to call someone straight away, but here’s the trut...
02/07/2025

Posted • 💧Your waters have broken, now what?

You might feel pressure to call someone straight away, but here’s the truth: you can take a moment to pause, breathe, and check in with yourself first.

Once you say, “My waters have broken”, the clock often starts ticking. You may be offered an induction, told there’s a risk of infection, and suddenly feel things speeding up, even if everything still feels calm and normal.

But research, including the well-known TERMPROM study, shows that waiting 48–72 hours after waters break can be safe for many healthy women. The increased risk of infection is more closely linked to frequent vaginal exams than time alone. And most women will go into labour naturally within that window.

This post isn’t about avoiding communication. It’s about helping you feel confident and informed. You can absolutely tell your midwife and still choose to wait. You deserve time and space to explore your options.

As doulas, we don’t give medical advice. But we do offer context, calm, and support to help you navigate these moments.

Save this post for later and follow for more grounded, evidence-based support.

Being a postnatal doula sometimes feels like this! Everyone has difficult days and we are here to hold space for you in ...
02/07/2025

Being a postnatal doula sometimes feels like this! Everyone has difficult days and we are here to hold space for you in those days. 🫶🏼Today was a Difficult Day, said Pooh.
There was a pause.
Do you want to talk about it? asked Piglet.
Pooh thought for a moment. No, I don’t think I do.
That’s okay, said Piglet, settling down beside him. Pooh glanced at his friend.
What are you doing?
Nothing much, Piglet replied.
Just sitting with you.
I know what Difficult Days feel like.
Sometimes, talking doesn’t help, but knowing someone’s there does.
Pooh let out a small sigh and leaned just a little closer.
As the two friends sat in quiet companionship, Pooh realised—some burdens feel lighter when you don’t carry them alone 🫶🏼

I love this aspect of my work. 🥰 Having paid clients enables me to support those in most need of Doula support. Women he...
19/06/2025

I love this aspect of my work. 🥰 Having paid clients enables me to support those in most need of Doula support. Women helping women, like a beautiful circle! Posted • For refugee week we are sharing some quotes from our volunteers about their experiences supporting refugees through pregnancy, birth and postpartum 💙

“I supported a couple from Afghanistan a few weeks ago. They’d been in the UK for 9 months. Mum didn’t speak English but Dad did. They had 2 kids already, both born in Afghanistan . Men are not allowed at births there so it was Dad’s first birth. He was amazing, I think at the end he was so in awe of his wife. She knew what she was doing, didn’t want pain relief as she knew she could do it her way. She danced baby out and I was there more for Dad to be honest! It was a privilege to help them welcome their baby into a safe country.”

-Ruth, Volunteer Doula

This!! This is why a new mum needs a Doula! Tell all your pregnant friends! Posted • We talk a lot about what baby nee...
11/06/2025

This!! This is why a new mum needs a Doula! Tell all your pregnant friends! Posted • We talk a lot about what baby needs: feeding, changing, love, safety. But what about mom? 🤔

This graphic is such an important reminder: New moms need emotional, physical, and mental support, warm meals, rest, and time to heal. These aren't extras, they're essentials!

New moms, it's okay to ask for what you need. You can't pour from an empty cup! ❤️

What was your biggest postpartum need? Share below! 👇

Posted • Thought for the weekend...When we birth, we don’t just birth babies. We birth ourselves, we birth our familie...
02/06/2025

Posted • Thought for the weekend...

When we birth, we don’t just birth babies.

We birth ourselves, we birth our families and we reshape our lives.

It’s so important to get good information on which to base pregnancy and birth decisions.

Because they can affect us for a very long time.

Perhaps the rest of your life.

It's also important to understand that it doesn't matter what the guideline says, or what anyone else thinks.

What matters is what's right for you.

This quote comes from one of my books, which helps people understand birth-related decision making and how to navigate your options.

it's called What's Right For Me? Making decisions in pregnancy and childbirth.

More details at www.sarawickham.com/me

Posted • ‼️Is it “𝗼𝘂𝘁𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲”, or is it just asking for our maternity care systems to listen to our individua...
27/05/2025

Posted • ‼️Is it “𝗼𝘂𝘁𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲”, or is it just asking for our maternity care systems to listen to our individual needs and choices?

Too often, when women and birthing people make informed choices that don’t align with local or national maternity guidelines, their decisions are labelled as “outside of guidance.”

⚠️But what’s really happening? They are asking for care that reflects their needs, their bodies, and respects their rights and dignity.

At Birthrights, we firmly believe the priority should be on providing 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗱, 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀-𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 — not fixating on “outside of guidance” scenarios. We must ensure that personalised care and informed decision-making are embedded as standard practice for ALL, in line with our fundamental human rights. This is essential to delivering truly safe and respectful maternity care.

➡️Learn more about our SAFE Act campaign at: www.bit.ly/SAFEAct_BR, and if you have questions regarding your rights during pregnancy and childbirth, go to our website to access our FREE human rights factsheets: www.bit.ly/birthfacts.

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Sometimes my job is just hanging out with baby and cuddling! 🥰
22/05/2025

Sometimes my job is just hanging out with baby and cuddling! 🥰

It’s so important to give some thought to how baby is going to eventually come out! We can start early and really invest...
19/05/2025

It’s so important to give some thought to how baby is going to eventually come out! We can start early and really investigate the pros and cons such as induction of labour. Taking bookings now for the end of the year.

🤱 Postpartum Journey: You Don’t Have to Walk Alone 💕 I can help! Navigating the postpartum period can feel overwhelming,...
12/05/2025

🤱 Postpartum Journey: You Don’t Have to Walk Alone 💕 I can help!

Navigating the postpartum period can feel overwhelming, but a doula can be your lifeline during this vulnerable time. More than just birth support, doulas are emotional anchors who can help recognise and manage postpartum depression symptoms.
They provide:
• Nonjudgmental emotional support
• Practical help around the home
• Guidance on self-care and recovery
• A listening ear when you need it most
• Resources and connections to professional help
Postpartum depression is real, and it’s okay to ask for support. A doula can be that compassionate ally who helps you through the challenging days, validates your feelings, and reminds you that you’re not alone.
Investing in your mental health is NOT a luxury—it’s a necessity. Your healing matters. Your feelings matter. YOU matter. 💖

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35 Richmond Road
London
SW200PG

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