The Mum Midwife

02/06/2022

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 A, Isacson M, Gustafsson A 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.

11/05/2022

Researchers from The Children's Hospital Westmead in Sydney, Australia released a study that confirmed not only how infants die from sudden infant death syndrome, but why.

05/05/2022

Happy International Day of the Midwife🎉🎉🎉🎉👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽💗💗💗💗💗

31/03/2022

The Ockenden report is a depressing and sobering read. My thoughts are with the families involved ❤️
Full report here: https://ed.gr/dzg3s

23/03/2022

Ok excuse me while I leave my professional disappointment at the door and get out my fully fired up unbridled OUTRAGE with swearing.

Here we have the British Journal of Midwifery being sponsored by TWO formula companies. Why is that a problem? Well buckle in cos I'm going to tell you.

Midwives are supposed to support, protect and promote Breastfeeding. How can you do that if your scientific journal's conference is taking funding from formula companies?

How in the name of all that is good in this world (or which at this point there seems to be little good left, let's be honest) can this organisation think oooh great idea, we'll let FORMULA COMPANIES sponsor a conference for midwives???

Formula - well known for its direct link to increased infant illness and even death, postnatal depression, increased risk of breast cancer, and crushing shame and guilt.

Formula - stopping 80%of mothers reaching their breastfeeding goals for fu***ng generations now. And DO NOT come at me with "but I didn't want to breastfeed", because with respect you are not the 80% then, are you? Also don't come at me about not every woman can, or "stop shaming formula feeding" UNLESS you have taken the time to 1. Read The Politics Of Breastfeeding by Gabrielle Palmer, 2. Watched the Film Tigers AND 3. Spent 8 years of your life actually working with new parents who have tried to breastfeed and not managed it because of the absolute BU****IT that happens when a society has had formula pushed down its neck for three generations, including FORMULA COMPANIES SPONSORING MIDWIFERY CONFERENCES.

How much money have Kendamill and Danone spent on this sponsorship?? Why haven't they used to to make their formula cheaper for parents who want or need it??

So off you go to your conference. And how NICE of Kendamill and Nutricia to sponsor it! How benevolent of them. How much they CARE! Then the next time a parent says to you "I'm thinking of using Aptamil" you think "ooh yes Nutricia, they gave me a free Danone yogurt* at conference." And you are SCIENTIFICALLY PROVEN to be more likely to be positive about them to the parent as a result. EVEN THOUGH all UK formulas are basically the same FFS and financially speaking there are much cheaper brands to consider, especially in a bloody cost of living crisis. And again, because I've been in this game long enough to know how offended people get with me when I share uncomfortable truths - if this is not you - GREAT! have a pat on the back for staying impartial. I am not talking to you.

Fu***ng sort it out BJM. I'd say I was shocked but honestly nothing about the commercialisation of formula surprises me anymore.

To summarize for the angry people guaranteed to turn up
1. Not shaming formula, shaming the influence formula companies have over people who are supposed to be impartial. Shaming the money ploughed into sponsoring this event which could instead have been used to reduce the cost of a VERY overpriced product, and yes, I am 1000% shaming the BJM who should BY DEFAULT do better.

*When I worked in my old job, pre lactation days, we were all put on a healthy diet for toddlers training by Danone Nutricia, and they gave us their yogurts in the break, plus a free lunch. If only I knew then what I know now...

23/03/2022

23/03/2022

A survey of over 4,600 new and expectant parents survey showed that 40% rate pods and nests positively after seeing them on social media.

They may be very popular, but baby sleep pods and nests are a type of product we wouldn’t recommend you use for your baby to sleep in. These items go against the advice that babies should sleep on a firm, entirely flat surface, and can increase the risk of SIDS by making it harder for babies to maintain a safe temperature.

To help make buying baby sleep products for your baby easier, we’ve put together a list of things we advise you DON’T buy.

15/03/2022

It's - we're sharing the co-sleeping guidelines published by UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative, in conjunction with Public Health England, Baby Sleep Info Source - Basis and The Lullaby Trust.

Done safely, co-sleeping (aka bedsharing) can be very helpful, especially when breastfeeding. These materials are intended to give parents all of the relevant facts so that they can make an informed decision and prepare to co-sleep safely.

This graphic shows a round-up of the key messages - click the link below for full details:
https://www.unicef.org.uk/babyfriendly/new-resources-safer-sleep-week/

23/12/2021

Love them birthing & peanut balls!!

Merry Christmas all 🎄❤️🎄

[masks are not required whilst in labour / birthing your baby 👶]

Our delivery suite elf demonstrating some fantastic birthing positions 😍

Please note women and birthing people are not required to wear masks when in labour. The elf had their mask on from a previous photoshoot where they were a member of staff.

21/12/2021

🎄Christmas birth🎄
How beautiful is this birth!! 😍🎄Babies are born with a beautiful substance called vernix.. it looks like Christmas frosting! ❄️

Video and below post This sweet babe turned 1 today. Christmas births really add just a touch of extra magic 🎄✨

20/12/2021

Beautiful 💜💖❤️

19/12/2021

Christmas tips

Christmas can be an overwhelming time of year for families with a new baby. Here are some tips suggested by our wonderful Peer Supporters and Breastfeeding Counsellors on how to survive the festive period:

Don't forget to feed the baby! With all the distractions and lots of people to hold them, feeding cues can be easily missed. Prioritse feeding and cuddling.

Christmas is a prime time for mastitis as these early feeding cues can be missed and babies can feed less than usual.

Keep baby close. Babies are not parcels to be passed around.

Invest in a sling. Wearing your baby can be a great way to help prevent overstimulation and keep baby close.

Babies may meet lots of new people. This can be overstimulating and unsettling which can make them want to feed more.

You can use "I need to go and feed the baby" as an excuse to escape if you or baby needs to.

You are your baby's voice. If they are uncomfortable, say or do something about it.

If you are away from home, find a safe space so you can disappear and feed comfortably.

Use your new baby as an excuse not to go to something if you don't want to.

Don't feel under pressure to have the perfect day.

All your baby wants for Christmas is you. No need for loads of expensive presents.

If you do need to "do Christmas", keep it simple.

Allow people to bring Christmas to you. Friends and relatives can bring food and help with the clearing up.

Give family and friends time slots so not everyone comes at once.

Be confident with your choice to breast or chest feed. If friends and family start suggesting otherwise, have some stock answers prepared. Don't be afraid to ask them for research to back up their statement!

You can have an alcoholic drink and still feed your baby. Enjoy! But co-sleeping is not recommended.

Agree some rules with your partner. Allow them to step in if necessary.

It's ok to not be ok at Christmas. It can be a very difficult time for some.

The is open 9:30am-9:30pm throughout the festive period, including Christmas Day. Please do call 0300 100 0212 if you need us.

What other tips do you have for surviving and enjoying the big day?

🖌