Birth Bliss Midwifery

08/22/2025

07/29/2025

Hope to see you all this Friday!

06/22/2025

A 2024 study looked at maternal and neonatal outcomes in midwife-attended planned home births versus planned hospital births in Spain.

Researchers analysed data from 3,463 low-risk births between 2016 and 2018, including 2,713 hospital and 750 home births.

They found several differences between the groups, which is often the case in this type of study.

“Women choosing home births typically had higher education levels and were predominantly Spanish. They were 3.43 times more likely to have a spontaneous birth and significantly less likely to undergo instrumental births than those in hospitals.

“Home births were associated with higher utilization of non-pharmacological analgesia and a more pronounced tendency to initiate breastfeeding within the first hour post birth. stronger inclination towards breastfeeding.

“Hospital births, conversely, showed higher use of the lithotomy position and epidural analgesia.” (Alcaraz-Vidal et al 2024).

“There were no significant differences in neonatal outcomes between the two groups.” (Alcaraz-Vidal et al 2024).

The researchers conclude that:

“Home births managed by midwives offered better obstetric and neonatal outcomes for low-risk women than hospital births.

"These results suggest home birth as a safe, viable option that promotes natural birthing processes and reduces medical interventions.

"The study supports the integration of midwife-led home birth into public health policies, affirming its benefits for maternal and neonatal health.” (Alcaraz-Vidal et al 2024).

We have added this to the ever-growing list of studies evidencing the safety of home birth on our home birth information hub.

You can find that, and the link to this study, at https://www.sarawickham.com/research-updates/is_home_birth_safe/

You can sign up to get my email updates (in which I share lots more than I post on social media) at https://www.sarawickham.com

06/13/2025

🤍 The First Days 🤍

There’s nothing quite like the quiet, sacred moments after birth — when a new family breathes each other in for the first time. Heart to heart, and completely wrapped in love.

Bonding isn’t something you have to “do” — it’s something that simply is. It lives in the kisses, the stillness, the way parents instinctively cradle and protect. These early moments build the foundation for a lifetime of connection.

At home, in your own space, this magic unfolds without rush. Time slows down. The room softens. And love expands in every direction.

Welcome to the world, little one. You are so very loved. 🤍

06/11/2025

🌿 Let’s Talk About Pregnancy Tea 🌿

Pregnancy tea — often made with herbs like red raspberry leaf, nettle, oat straw, and alfalfa — is a gentle, nourishing way to support your body during pregnancy. But when is it safe to start sipping?

✨ First Trimester: Best to hold off or use very mildly (if at all), especially with red raspberry leaf. While nutrient-rich, this herb can have a slight uterine toning effect, and early pregnancy is all about gentle rest and settling in.

🌱 Second Trimester: Begin slowly! Many mamas start drinking pregnancy tea around 16–20 weeks, with one cup per day. This is a great time to build up nutrients, hydrate, and gently support your growing uterus.

🌸 Third Trimester: This is when red raspberry leaf shines! Known for its toning effects on the uterine muscles, it may help prepare the womb for more effective contractions and a smoother labor. Many midwives recommend 2–3 cups a day from 34 weeks onward — but always listen to your body (and your midwife, of course!).

🤱🏽 Every body is different — so always check in with your care provider before adding herbs to your daily routine.

06/09/2025

Hi Cutie 😍

❤️

06/07/2025

🤍 Growing Together 🤍

Pregnancy is not just about growing a baby — it’s about growing as a team, deepening connection, and preparing together for one of life’s biggest transformations.

A supportive partner can make all the difference. Whether it’s a hand on your belly, a shared laugh during a prenatal visit, or just being present in the everyday — that steady love is felt by both mama and baby.

These are the moments that strengthen the foundation of your growing family. You don’t have to walk this journey alone — love is a powerful kind of medicine. 💞

Tag a partner who’s been your rock during pregnancy. 💫