Natal Care Naturally

14/04/2026

Why movement matters in labour 🧘🏽‍♀️

Labouring in upright and active positions can help your baby move down more easily while also providing comfort and easing pain. There are many ways to stay upright: walking, rocking your pelvis, using pillows for support, slow dancing with your partner, sitting and swaying on a birth or peanut ball, kneeling and leaning, or using a birth sling for support. Focus on moving, working through your contractions, and pushing in the positions that feel most natural and comfortable for you. Staying upright and active during the first stage of labour is linked with shorter labours and less need for pain relief, while pushing and giving birth in upright positions is associated with lower pain levels and a more satisfying birth experience. Lying down during childbirth can work against the labouring body. It is great for brief moments of rest and gives the mother a chance to catch her breath, but try not to stay flat for too long.

👉🏼 Learn more techniques to support a natural labour at www.tenshire.co.nz

10/04/2026

There’s nothing more meaningful than hearing how TENS supported you in labour — truly grateful 🤍 Congratulations & thank you for sharing Molly ###

09/04/2026

Your Control, Your Calm

Perhaps the most powerful benefit of using a TENS isn’t just the physical relief. You control the intensity. You
control the boost. You decide when to turn it up or down. That sense of calm, hands-on pain
relief — and real control — can be incredibly grounding as you move through each contraction

Simple technology. Steady support. And always — you in control.

Learn more about Labour TENS for your birth at www.tenshire.co.nz

05/04/2026

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05/04/2026

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05/04/2026

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FREE course!
May 23rd - 24th
Spaces available in Nelson.
Book now to join us!
Email Wendy:
Childbirthedu27@gmail.com

05/04/2026

Lovely explanation 🤍

You might have seen this little wooden tool floating around and thought… what is that actually for?

It’s called a birth comb.

And it’s one of those simple, surprisingly effective tools you can use during labour.

It’s not for brushing your hair.
It’s for squeezing.

During a contraction, you hold the comb in your palm and apply firm pressure. The teeth press into your hand, stimulating nerve endings and acupressure points.

Here’s the interesting part…

Your brain can only focus on so many sensations at once.

So when your hand is getting strong, steady input, it can help take some of the focus away from the intensity of the contraction.

It doesn’t remove the sensation completely.
But it can make it feel more manageable. More contained. More in your control.

This is linked to something called the gate control theory of pain. It’s a simple, drug-free way to support yourself in labour.

What I love about it:

• It’s small, lightweight, and easy to use
• Your partner can be involved and supportive
• It works alongside other comfort measures like movement, water, breathing and heat
• You’re in control the entire time

Like anything, it won’t be everyone’s favourite tool.
But having options matters.

Because labour isn’t about having one perfect technique… it’s about having a range of tools you can draw from when you need them.

If you’re curious about things like this and want to feel more prepared (not overwhelmed), I’d love to support you.

Send me a message.

02/04/2026

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26/03/2026

🤍🤍🤍!!!

Today the High Court released its judgment in a class action brought by the New Zealand College of Midwives on behalf of Lead Maternity Carer (LMC) midwives against the Crown. A copy of the judgment, together with background information and a media statement, is available on this webpage.

26/03/2026

It’s The Big Latch Day! ... so it feels like a moment to reflect on my own breastfeeding journey. I’m conscious that not everyone is fortunate to be able to breastfeed, but I’m so grateful to the wise women who supported me through those tough early days and I feel blessed to have had my own positive and precious journey.

I thought it would be fun to share some mind-blowing breastfeeding facts that might surprise you!

1. Breastmilk changes in real time
Your breastmilk isn’t static. It adapts during a feed, across the day, and as your baby grows — even adjusting its composition if your baby is unwell.

2. Breastmilk is packed with living cells
It contains antibodies, stem cells, and immune cells that actively help protect your baby from infections and support their developing immune system.

3. Night milk helps babies sleep
Milk produced at night contains higher levels of melatonin (the sleep hormone), helping your baby develop their circadian rhythm.

4. Breastmilk responds to your baby’s needs
When your baby feeds, their saliva interacts with your ni**le — sending signals back to your body to produce targeted immune protection.

5. Breastmilk supports brain development
It is rich in essential fatty acids like DHA, which play a key role in brain and eye development during those crucial early months.

Isn’t it amazing what your body can do!

Here’s to sharing and celebrating your breastfeeding journeys 🤍🤍

25/03/2026

Does a TENS machine actually work for labour pain?

For many mums — yes, it really can.

A Labour TENS works in two powerful ways. First, it helps your body release endorphins — your natural pain-relieving hormones. These are the same hormones your body produces during exercise and labour, and the earlier you start using your TENS, the more you can build them up as contractions strengthen.

Secondly, it works on something called the “pain gate” theory. The gentle electrical pulses from the TENS travel along your nerves faster than pain signals do. Think of it like this: the TENS sensations “crowd out” the pain messages trying to reach your brain — so what you feel is more manageable, more controlled.

And then there’s the boost button. As each contraction rises, you press boost — increasing the intensity right when you need it most. Many mums describe getting into a rhythm with it, giving them something to focus on and a real sense of control during labour.

It won’t take the pain away completely. But it can take the edge off, help you stay calm, and keep you feeling in charge — especially in those early and building stages of labour.

Learn more about TENS for supporting your natural labour at www.tenshire.co.nz