hatcheddesigns, Author at Nurtured Birth

Pregnancy Pillow – Do I Need One?

Many mamas-to-be want to know if a pregnancy pillow is a necessity, especially when their belly starts to really grow. Having a baby bump is exciting but it does start to cause you extra aches and pains.

Rest is so important in pregnancy and it can be difficult to achieve, especially at night when you’re trying to sleep.

You might try different positions, add a few extra bed pillows…but eventually, you realise this is a situation that needs a specific solution.

To help you decide, we’ve answered the most common questions about pillows and even added our own recommendation.

What is a pregnancy pillow?

A pregnancy pillow (sometimes called a maternity pillow) is specially designed to support your body as it changes shape during pregnancy.

It provides support for your body through different positions when you’re lying down, making sleeping more comfortable during pregnancy.

During the later stages of pregnancy, lying on your back isn’t recommended and many pregnant women find sleeping in a normal position challenging.

Why should I use a pillow in pregnancy?

One of the most important things you need during pregnancy is rest and an expanding belly can really get in the way of that. But most pregnant women find lying down gets more uncomfortable as their belly grows. Pressure on certain parts of the body increases, and you’re more likely to have lower back pain and sore hips.

Back sleeping isn’t encouraged in late pregnancy particularly as the weight of your baby presses on a major vein that supplies blood to the uterus. There is also evidence that shows going to sleep on your back increases the risk of stillbirth in later pregnancy.

This means side sleeping is the best option but you are likely to find this position puts pressure on your hips and back – hence a pregnancy pillow can provide relief.

The pillow provides support to different parts of your body, to make you more comfortable and allow you to rest properly and not wake up to more aches and pains in the morning.

When should I start using a pillow?

You can start using a pillow at whatever stage of pregnancy you like.

About midway through your pregnancy, your belly will start to expand. As your baby grows, your ligaments and joints can become painful as the increase in weight puts pressure on them. Your body is making room for your baby but it can make it difficult to move and or get comfortable when in a lying position.

Do pregnancy pillows help with back pain?

Pregnancy puts a lot of strain on your muscles and ligaments and this is often concentrated in your lower back. Sleeping on your side in later pregnancy can also exacerbate back pain if you don’t use support.

Your neck, back, and hips should be aligned to support the natural curve in your spine, which is where a pillow can help. When you place the pillow between your knees, your body position is aligned and relieves the pressure from your back.

Which pregnancy pillow is the best?

Nurtured Birth has been recommending Dentons Pregnancy Pillow for over 10 years to clients who want to get a better night’s sleep and support.

The Dentons Pregnancy Pillow has been expertly designed to support the weight of your growing baby and uterus. It is easily wedged under your belly to relieve the pressure on your muscles and spine, allowing you to rest and sleep more comfortably.

You can order the Dentons Pregnancy Pillow through Nurtured Birth’s shop here.

Essential Oils in Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond

The use of essential oils in pregnancy has a range of therapeutic effects, from easing tension, anxiety and aching muscles to generating a positive mood, calming or energising.

Essential oils in pregnancy can be wonderful to support the changing body through each trimester, into labour and postnatally, but must be used safely and sparingly.

Jo Harris, founder of Soularoma shares her tips and guidelines for using essential oils in pregnancy.

What are the benefits of essential oils in pregnancy?

I obviously love and deeply believe in the benefits of essential oils during pregnancy, it is a very special time and usually happens only once or twice in most women’s lives.

A pregnant woman’s wellbeing (physical & emotional) is of utmost importance and thus it is a time to use essential oils for that extra boost if it is needed.

It is important for women to have complementary approaches available during their pregnancy to cope with the physiological and emotional issues that can appear. It is empowering for a woman to treat issues which don’t require medical intervention by herself with natural essential oils.

What are the considerations you apply when choosing essential oils for pregnant women?

Safety is always number one, but then also what the individual client likes and needs (emotionally, physically & spiritually) at that moment.

Unfortunately there is a lot of contradicting information with essential oils in pregnancy. With pregnancy it is best to be on the safer side and act with caution.

Why is it important to seek the advice of a trained aromatherapist?

To be sure what you are using is safe for you and your baby. This is of utmost importance at all times with essential oils but especially so when during pregnancy.

It is also important to use very little during pregnancy. So the dilution should always be half of a normal adult dose- a maximum of 1.5% dilution.

What do you include in your Birth Surges oil and why?

For establishment of labour – clary sage, a great uterotonic, helps relax (like a euphoria), and decreases anxiety, fear and panic. Clary sage also works to decrease irritability and strengthen the central nervous system. It also helps gain clarity.

For active labour – rose oil, it is a great uterotonic, rose is calming, decreases anxiety, fear and panic and works to promote love (opening the heart), concentration, patience and decreasing irritability. It also protects from negativity.

Birthing the placenta – jasmine helps promote confidence, helps to decrease anxiety and fear. Jasmine is also a great oil for gratitude & opening the heart. Jasmine also helps to reach a meditative state and to feel peace.

None of these oils should be used before 38 weeks of pregnancy.

Essential oils in trimester one

During the first 13 weeks of pregnancy a woman will undergo a variety of changes as her body begins to support her growing baby. These changes occur physically, emotionally and physiologically.

Although not all pregnant women will experience all symptoms, there are many common changes and complaints that can be experienced, such as nausea, fatigue, headaches, emotional vulnerability, hormonal swings. There is also a mixture of excitement and anxiety about pregnancy and birth.

With these changes in mind we need to find essential oils that are soothing and relaxing but also uplifting and revitalising. It is really important to use essential oils only if really needed during the first trimester – less is more. Safety is really important in this trimester especially.

For nausea – cardamom, mandarin, lemon, orange, ginger; and for headaches lavender or lemon.
For emotional health – lavender, patchouli, orange, vetiver, mandarin, bergamot, grapefruit, palmarosa, petitgrain, lime. These oils have soothing, refreshing, uplifting, tranquil qualities.
To counteract anxiety – petitgrain, bergamot, lavender, neroli, orange, grapefruit, mandarin., lemongrass (in low dosages), rosalina, vetiver, chamomile.

Essential oils in trimester two

As the pregnant woman enters into the middle of her pregnancy, weeks 14 to 27, she may find pregnancy symptoms begin to ease. She will begin to feel her baby move and often embrace the joy of her pregnant body and her baby growing inside her.

Common conditions that may arise in the second trimester include increased energy, sinus aggravation, less stable joints/muscles causing pain, spider/varicose veins, heartburn and constipation.

The oils that will offer the most benefit during this time will target the digestive system, balance and focus, easing pain.

For digestion or indigestion – ginger and lavender, sweet orange, coriander, mandarin, cardamom
Aching muscles – lemon, ginger, rosalina, myrtle, cardamom
Sinus – Rosalina, myrtle, lemon
Overall balancing – lavender, geranium (not for use in early pregnancy), mandarin, petitgrain, neroli.

Essential oils in trimester three

The last 13 weeks of pregnancy are known as trimester three. During this time the baby has grown so much it is having a significant impact on the pregnant woman’s physicality.

The common changes and complaints that occur include a decrease in energy, anxiety for impending birth, oedema, leg cramps.

For inspiration and to invigorate – geranium, lemon, ginger, lemongrass
To promote sleep – a citrus base such as orange, tangerine or bergamot blended with lavender
To unwind, destress, relax – a citrus base of orange, bergamot or lime blended with geranium, patchouli, ylang ylang, or petitgrain, lemongrass, lavender, chamomile, rose geranium.

Essential oils during labour and birth

Essential oils can offer support and calmness to the birthing woman, assisting her through each stage of labour, providing nurture, strength and positivity.

Inner power – mandarin, frankincense, ginger, rose, patchouli
Meditation – a citrus base or tangerine or bergamot, with lavender, frankincense, vetiver
Feminine – orange, ylang ylang, lavender, geranium, jasmine
Promoting contractions – clary sage, sweet marjoram, ginger, rose.

The baby can be greeted at birth by a mild pleasant aroma. The use of essential oils should be stopped close to birth to provide a more aromatically neutral environment as babies are very sensitive to smells. It is best for the baby to smell mum’s own scent to help with bonding.

Essential oils for the postnatal period

Common changes and complaints that occur after pregnancy and birth include exhaustion, physical tiredness and pain, emotional adjustments, hormonal changes, healing, breastfeeding issues.

Breast engorgement – geranium
Healing emotions – lavender, patchouli, mandarin
Emotional tension – neroli, palmarosa, mandarin, chamomile.

Postnatal application of essential oils to the skin:

To help reduce stretch marks, help the skin keep its suppleness and elasticity by deeply moisturising using rosehip oil, helichrysum, lavender.
To assist with healing the perineum (tears, fissures, etc.) a lavender compress or lavender in water in a spray bottle can be applied to the perineum after going to the toilet.
Soothe the skin for calming and relaxing – lavender, rose, roman chamomile.

Oils should be blended with a base oil or cream, diluted.

Always remember:

No ingestion of essential oils
Essential oils should always be packaged in dark glass and be 100% pure
Discontinue use immediately on an allergic reaction and seek professional advice
Do not ingest oils or apply undiluted on the skin
Keep essential oils out of reach of children
Oils contraindicated in pregnancy are: angelica, basil, bay, clary sage, cedarwood, cypress, eucalyptus, fennel, jasmine, juniper berry, myrrh, marjoram, peppermint, rose, rosemary, spearmint, Spanish sage, sandalwood, thyme, yarrow.

If you would like to get in touch with Jo Harris and find out more about her products and journey as an aromatherapist, please contact her at:

web: soularoma.com.au

email: hello@soularoma.com.au

Phone: 0457 698 480

Pregnancy Support And Dads: Supporting Your Partner

Most information about pregnancy focuses on the mama-to-be, but what about pregnancy support and dads? What role do dads take in supporting their partner during pregnancy?

Pregnancy is a time of celebration and excitement but there are also plenty of challenges. Dads play an important role in many ways during pregnancy, from conception all the way through to birth and beyond.

Believe it or not, dads supporting their pregnant partner is essential to her wellbeing, influences her birth experience and recovery afterwards. It also brings you together, strengthening your bond and creating a united team – your family.

How can you be the best support for your partner during pregnancy? Let’s focus on 5 important ways dads can offer support.

#1: Physical pregnancy support and dads

Pregnancy brings many physical changes, from morning sickness and tiredness to more physical effects such as sore joints and being unable to move easily.

You can provide physical support to your pregnant partner to help her cope with these changes. It might she needs to make lifestyle changes, such as healthy eating, giving up unhealthy habits or taking up exercise. You can join her in the move to a healthier lifestyle, and offer encouragement and support.

Pregnancy takes a physical toll on a woman’s body. Body aches and pains increase, she may get frustrated at not being able to do things easily, and feel generally uncomfortable all the time. Understand her physical limitations and be aware they will be constantly changing. Create opportunities for your partner to rest or provide caring support like a back massage or foot rub.

Some women may feel self-conscious about how their body is changing. This can change their feelings towards sex. Talk to your partner about how she is feeling and be positive with responses. There are many ways to be intimate within your relationship. Cuddles, hugs and kisses may be the perfect support plan for now.

You can also support your pregnant partner by promoting a slower lifestyle, such as reduce busy schedules andcut back on socialising. If there are other children in the family, you can take on more of their daily care to give your partner time to rest, meditate and prepare for birth, building a connection and bond with her baby.

#2: Emotional pregnancy support and dads

While often the attention is focused on the pregnant mama-to-be, dads can feel left out of the picture, a bit forgotten and ignored.

Announcing your pregnancy news is a shared joy and any other celebrations can involve you too. Pregnancy traditions such as baby showers or gender-reveal parties aren’t just for pregnant mamas – celebrating your new family together strengthens your bond as a couple.

Keep the lines of communication open. Often we wait until we’re asked to do something. Instead, specifically ask your partner to guide you in how to best support her. Make time to talk about how you’re both feeling about the birth and becoming parents. Ofter encouragement and reassurance and share your own concerns and worries, so you’re building a path of strength and resilience together.

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can make pregnant women emotional and teary one minute, but bubbly and vibrant the next. They can even seem completely irrational at times.

It is important to understand these hormonal changes are out of her control. They can cause mood swings, reduce her energy levels and increase her need for sleep. The best way to offer support is by being understanding, comforting and encouraging her to take breaks and naps. A show of affection by offering a simple hug can make her feel loved and supported.

#3: Practical pregnancy support and dads

Taking on the essential daily tasks is a great way for dads to take the pressure off their partner, especially if she is still working.

Pregnant women are giving so much of themselves to the growing baby they are often left depleted. You can assist or take over things like preparing meals, cooking, cleaning and washing, bathing other children.

Helping in this way is especially important when your pregnant partner is feeling particularly worn out or if certain cooking smells make her feel ill.

Brainstorm ways your partner is going to need support after the birth of your baby and plan ahead. Will you take on cleaning and cooking, or should you organise a cleaner and meal delivery? Go shopping with your partner for items like prams and car seats.

#4. Pregnancy support and dads

Being there from the start and being engaged is so important for dads. You can support your partner by attending pregnancy appointments such as ultrasounds and antenatal care check ups, helping to discuss options for care and planning your birth options.

Take a proactive interest in being informed about pregnancy, baby development and birth. There are many well researched blogs and websites for you to choose from.

Talk about the roles you will take on in parenting, what it means to you to be a parent and how you can share parenting roles. This can be a good time to work through any concerns about how you were raised and the things you want to avoid as a parent yourself.

Dads can talk to their unborn baby to begin building a connection. By the third trimester babies can recognise voices and love to hear talking and singing. You can talk to your baby in your partner’s belly, to help build a bond with the baby and start developing your family connection.

#5:Birth preparation support

Dads can be supportive by preparing themselves to be the birth partner their partner will need during labour and birth. Nurtured Birth offers a specific workshop for partners to encourage them to be the best birth partner.

You can read up on the process of labour, and the varied scenarios that can occur in labour. You can start to think about your role in the birthing process, making sure to ask questions during antenatal visits. This makes it clear to health professionals you’re involved and want to be included too.

Attend birth classes and be proactive in your involvement. Nurtured Birth offers tailored and in-depth private childbirth education sessions you can enjoy in the comfort of your own home. Having a doula support you and your partner through pregnancy can be a wonderful way to connect and work through your fears and expectations about birth.

During labour, make sure you are the best support by being her advocate and stay engaged with her choices and preferences. You can have an active role in birth by catching the baby, cutting the cord, supporting your partner to have a golden hour after birth, and enjoying skin to skin with your baby.

And finally…

You need to support yourself too. You still need to have some breaks yourself, if that’s time for exercise or visit friends or focus on a hobby. Make sure you self-care, whatever this might mean to you.

You can always reach out to other partners to share feelings, ideas and tips. This can be family and friends, or you can make connections through childbirth classes and parenting groups. There are lots of resources out there for expectant partners.

Need to talk to someone for more information and advice?

Call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby on 1800 882 436 to speak with a maternal child health nurse.

Raising Children Network, supported by the Australian Government, has videos, information and more available, such as the ‘Dads Guide to Pregnancy’. Go to raising children.net.au

Mensline Australia offers support and counselling services on 1300 78 99 78.

Beyond Blue offers support and advice for new dads on 1300 22 4636. You can download the book Emotional health and wellbeing: A guide for new dads, partners and other carers. There is a wealth of information and support on becoming a parent and what to expect.

PANDA National Helpline 300 726 306 for help for dads, parents and carers, specialising in prenatal and postnatal anxiety and depression.

Written by Sharon Clarke, Remedial Massage Therapist at Nurtured Birth

Fertility Massage: 5 FAQs About Fertility Massage

Fertility massage therapy can be an intrinsic part of the journey you will undergo as you travel towards motherhood.

When you begin to explore your fertility with the hope of becoming pregnant, you may introduce many practices into your daily life.

There is much research to support the many benefits of massage not only for our physical body but also our emotional wellbeing.

But even in 2020 there is still an absence of study and evidence-based research into the specific results of massage treatment on fertility outcomes. So much remains unclear. So what do we actually know?

In this article we will explore 5 frequently asked questions in relation to fertility massage and how it can help prepare your body for conception.

#1: Where do I find a fertility massage therapist?

At this important stage of your journey, it is essential to find the right people to support you.

A therapeutic or remedial massage therapist has the skillset and anatomy knowledge and experience to apply to fertility massage.

But it’s important to seek a therapist with specific experience in women’s health and pregnancy. They can offer holistic support, with greater understanding of the reproductive system and the menstrual cycle, the tests and procedures involved with gynaecology, and the processes used within assisted fertility.

Continuity of treatment is also an important factor to consider. A specialised massage therapist can provide treatment from fertility, through conception and pregnancy, and after birth.

#2: When should I start treatments & for how long?

Start fertility treatment when you have made the decision to start trying for a baby and you are ready to begin your journey into parenthood.

Regular massage treatment is important to help build a mind-body-spirit connection. Massage is a wonderful way to reverse the effects of stress, work, and the general busyness of our lives.

Massage helps the body in many ways:

Maintain muscle integrity
Improve posture and circulation
Relieve aches and pains
Stimulate detoxification
Assist many systems of the body including immune, nervous, lymphatic and endocrine
Assist with emotional and spiritual aspects – managing stress and tension, providing emotional relief and having a positive effect on your mood.

Stress triggers can increase when assisted reproduction methods such as IVF are needed. Massage can be complementary to IVF and work in conjunction to reduce these stress levels, allowing you to be at your best during the important times in your cycle.

The best way to support fertility and conception is to make lifestyle changes to support general health and wellbeing. This include a healthier diet, exercising, eliminating bad habits, introducing supplements and more. Massage can be included as it supports your focus towards a healthier way of life.

The best results from massage happen when treatments occur on a regular basis. So don’t just go occasionally – make it a habit, plan your calendar and book your appointments ahead of time. Keeping up the focus on your self-care is a vital part of your fertility plan.

#3: What should I expect from treatment?

Your massage treatment should be individually tailored to target your specific needs. Your therapist will initially want to know where you currently are on your journey, how you are affected, stress levels and what you realistically hope to achieve. A dedicated treatment plan should be formulated to guide the therapist and you through to an agreed outcome.

This tailored massage program should centre on being nurturing, gentle, non-invasive and pain free. The focus is on relaxing you, soothing your muscles and calming your emotions with the goal to destress the body, mind and spirit. Massage for the whole body is extremely important to achieve this.

At a minimum the treatment should involve the back, shoulders and neck. There will also be an aspect of massage on the abdominal, sacral and pelvic regions of the body. Some therapists may also include other specialities such as acupressure, reflexology, rebozo techniques and mobilisation and stretching.

#4: What physical and emotional benefits does massage have for my fertility journey?

Massage to the abdomen improves circulation to this region. As a result, this allows better blood flow to the organs and tissues within the abdominal area, including the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes, as well as to the digestive system.

Massage assists in the breakdown of scar tissue. Specifically in the abdominal region, this scar tissue can build up within and around the reproductive organs and digestive system.

Massage helps to align the structures of the pelvic region: the pelvis, sacrum and coccyx. This restores the balance between the structures – bones, soft tissues, organs and releasing trapped nerves. Massage allows this area to reposition, tone and strengthen.

Massage aids in hormonal balance. Negative energy can affect our hormones including the reproductive hormone progesterone, converting it to cortisol, the stress hormone. Using massage as a form of relaxation we are encouraging the body to destress and produce oxytocin, serotonin and dopamine for a positive mood and to be prepared and open for fertility.

Finally, massage allows the client to find emotional healing – providing the space to release tension held within the pelvic area. Massage can be a gentle way of addressing trauma and loss experienced in the past, anxiety, stress and the tension from invasive procedures such as IVF, curette, as well as previous pregnancy loss.

#5: Is massage just for the mother-to-be or can it also be beneficial for partners?

The journey of fertility does not involve just the mother-to-be. Your partner is also sharing the fertility journey alongside you, with the shared goal of parenthood.

Although this journey may have different effects for each person involved, the health and wellbeing of both partners is important and massage can support you both in individual ways.

As a partnership you can work to improve your general health and wellbeing with healthy meals, exercising together, getting good sleep and eliminating bad habits. Including massage therapy for you both is another way to share the journey in a positive and relaxing way.

When IVF is involved in the fertility process, it is the woman who undergoes the physical changes. But emotionally you will both share the stress of IVF. Your partner has a very important role in supporting you on your fertility journey and they should not be forgotten.

Nurtured Birth for Fertility Massage

In Australia, certified pregnancy massage therapists receive training beyond the national standards for massage therapists. They understand the pregnant body and how to address specific needs in pregnancy. They are equipped to care for women on their journey with fertility and conception and take a special interest in women’s health and wellbeing.

At Nurtured Birth our therapists are all trained and certified in massage and pregnancy massage, as well as being registered, insured and continually training and upgrading their skills.

We have a range of specialist practitioners to offer treatment and support with massage, osteopathy, naturopathy, doula birth and postnatal care, childbirth education, prenatal yoga, pregnancy meditation and mums & bubs yoga. If your problem is outside of our scope of treatment we will refer you to one of our recommended practitioners.

Imagine going through your fertility journey feeling supported and relaxed, both emotionally and physically. Our massage releases tension in your body, reducing aches and pains in muscles and joints. It overall improves your mood, your sleep and general sense of well-being.

How frequently you have a massage will depend on you and the plan of treatment you have with your therapist. If massage is going to be an integral part of your fertility plan, our knowledgeable practitioners will suggest what would best suit you, taking into account many factors, including your cycle. We can tailor massage therapy alongside our osteopath and naturopath to ensure your body is well supported during the challenges of fertility, flowing into pregnancy and after birthing.

Written by Sharon Clarke, Remedial Massage Therapist at Nurtured Birth

Osteopathic Treatment During Pregnancy

Women may seek osteopathic treatment during pregnancy for a variety of different reasons.

From helping the body adjust and adapt with ease to the changes of pregnancy, managing pre-existing conditions, treatment of new aches and pains, to preparing the body to encourage positive labour and birth outcomes.

Osteopathy is a manual treatment that embraces the link between body structure and wellness.

What to expect from your osteopathic appointment?

It is advisable to arrive a little early for your first appointment, as you will need to fill out some paperwork. You will also be asked to sign a general consent form, but you will have the opportunity to consider and consent (or not) to specific treatment in the consultation.

Your osteopath will initially take a comprehensive case history. This will b e followed by a full osteopathic assessment where motion tests are performed in addition to any necessary neurological or orthopedic testing.

Osteopathy takes a holistic approach to treatment, so your practitioner may look at other parts of your body, as well as the area that is troubling you during this assessment. We are also interested in what has worked for you previously, and whether you have any treatment preferences.

Following this an osteopathic diagnosis will be made and discussed with you, allowing you to ask any questions you may have. We will explain how we would like to approach the treatment, as well as gain your consent before treatment.

You should let us know immediately, even during the treatment, if you would like to change or stop and discuss the treatment we are giving you.

Every treatment is different and tailored to the individual’s needs and comfort levels. Osteopaths have a wide variety of manual techniques which they use to treat various complaints. Osteopathic treatment in pregnancy may include:

Soft tissue releases and/or massage
Gentle stretching
Gentle joint movements
Muscle energy techniques (used to lengthen tight, contracted muscles)
Counterstain (releases tight muscles by positioning the affected muscle in a shortened position to stretch the opposing muscles)
Joint manipulation where appropriate and only when the patient is comfortable with the technique
Taping where necessary
At home exercise and/or stretching advice.

Your position during treatment will vary with the technique being used as well as your stage of pregnancy.

Early in pregnancy you may be still comfortable lying on your abdomen. However as you progress through your pregnancy, most treatment is performed lying on your side, seated, or occasionally laying on your back with your right hip lifted slightly by a pillow.

At the end of the treatment, your osteopath will reassess the initial movements you performed so we can see how effective the treatment has been.

Your osteopath may organise a return consultation and may give you some stretches and exercises to do at home to help speed up your recovery or improve your body’s function.

How many treatments will I need?

The number of treatments needed depends on how long you have had the presenting problem, how severe it is, and how your body responds to treatment.

Through years of experience helping women through their pregnancy we have found women will often gain greater benefit from regular osteopathic treatment rather than seeking treatment with the sudden onset of pain.

This is usually every 4-6weeks during the early stages of the pregnancy and may be more frequent towards the end as your baby grows and as you start preparing your body for labour and birth.

Is osteopathic treatment safe in pregnancy?

Our osteopath has a passion for treating and supporting women through their pregnancy.

She combines her osteopathic skills with her knowledge and experience as a registered midwife, allowing her to compassionately and safely treat and support you through all the stages of pregnancy and the postnatal period.

The techniques used during pregnancy are carefully selected to minimise risk. These techniques are gentle and the comfort of the mother is always taken into consideration and may be adapted to suit each patient.

Please note, although osteopathic care is generally consider safe during pregnancy, if your pregnancy is considered high risk, we advise you check with your general practitioner, midwife or obstetrician before seeking care from any manual therapy modality.

What do I need to bring to my appointment?

Comfortable clothes. Depending on the area of your body requiring examination some disrobing may be required, but at all times you will be draped with towels.

It is essential you feel comfortable, so you may want to bring or wear a pair of leggings or stretching gym shorts to the session.

Medicare referral if applicable, private health insurance and any relevant imaging results (x-rays etc).

Should I have a postnatal osteopathic treatment after the birth of my baby?

The weeks after birth can be challenging as you embrace your new normal and connect with the amazing changes pregnancy and birth have gifted you.

Osteopathic treatment can also help with pain and discomfort associated with breastfeeding posture, lifting car capsules and prams, carrying and settling your baby, and bending over the bassinet or cot.

Osteopathy helps restore balance, posture and release tension, improving your health, recovery and mindset as you look after your new baby. A happy and healthy mother is the centre of a functioning family.

This is the perfect time to seek treatment to restore alignment and prevent ongoing issues, such as back problems, stress incontinence, constipation and menstruation issues. Abdominal muscle separation and pelvic floor weakness are also common problems after pregnancy and birth.

Many women are unsure if they are able to have treatment before their six week postnatal check up with their doctor.

Unless you have any significant postnatal complications we consider treatment before this time safe, even after a caesarean section, and will tailor all treatments to suit the women and the presenting condition.

Written by Katie Wood, Osteopath at Nurtured Birth

7 Benefits Of Meditation During Pregnancy

Meditation during pregnancy has many wonderful benefits for you and your baby.

Pregnancy comes with a huge range of emotional ups and downs. You can feel happy, sad, anxious and elated – all in the span of an hour.

The physical changes your body is experiencing and the life changes that come about with welcoming a new baby into your family – all this can make you feel worried and stressed, even though there’s so many positives too.

Meditation during pregnancy can bring you to a centred space that allows you to step back from the emotional rollercoaster.

#1. Reduce stress and anxiety

Being pregnant is so exciting. But let’s be real – it can also make you really anxious and stressed. Most pregnant women worry a lot about things out of their control, and even ones that they can do something about. Pregnancy hormones add their own special slant to things. It’s not uncommon for women to feel as though they’re bouncing between emotions.

Meditation and mindfulness creates a daily space where mamas-to-be can shift from being in a constant fight or flight state, to centred and calm. Research shows meditation during pregnancy can reduce your body’s stress response, helping to bring down cortisol levels. This allows your body to settle into a calm and peaceful state.

#2. Lower heart rate and blood pressure

Too much stress can elevate your cortisol levels and blood pressure. High blood pressure can have very negative effects during pregnancy, for you and your baby. When your blood pressure is high, it decreases the amount of blood flow to the placenta. This can mean your baby doesn’t get as much nutrient and oxygen, leading to slow growth, premature birth or low birth weight.

Meditation is a wonderful way to access your inner calm to keep your blood pressure at a healthy level. By promoting lower levels of stress, you are also keeping inflammation at bay.

#3. Up your inner resilience

As said earlier, pregnancy throws plenty of challenges into your path. Whether it is dealing with a different ache every day or the rollercoaster of moods that is pregnancy…meditation helps you to build and maintain your inner resilience.

Research has shown people who engage in meditation and mindfulness have higher levels of psychological resilience – in other words being able to adapt to stress and adversity.

Meditation won’t make a sore pelvis or crying at all-the-things go away, but it does make it easier for you to cope and deal with these ups and downs.

#4. Deep connection with baby

Mindful meditation allows you to create the space and time to sit quietly and restfully – providing the ability to dive deep into connection with your baby. You might visualise your baby, hold your hands over your belly or whisper positive affirmations.

This connection during pregnancy brings into play a powerful tool you can use in labour, when you are travelling deep into yourself during contractions – working with your body and baby.

#5. Body awareness

There is so much happening to your body during pregnancy it can feel overwhelming at times. During labour and birth, sensation can be all you know and being able to focus your attention away from feeling overwhelmed can be a positive benefit from meditation.This mindfulness on the space between contractions encourages and restores you in those moments when you feel challenged. Being aware of your body during pregnancy gives you the awareness to seek support if you sense something isn’t right. you to seek

#6. Postnatal recovery

Many new mamas are genuinely unprepared for how they will feel after giving birth. Elated and in love with their baby, but also exhausted and challenged by the responsibility of the tiny human they’ve created.

Many women experience baby blues in the week after they give birth, and reports show at least 20% of new mamas develop postnatal depression (with many experts thinking this number is actually much higher).

Mindfulness provides mamas with the opportunity to understand what their needs are and reach out for support.

#7. Face the birth fear

There are few women who aren’t at some point worried or even scared about giving birth. It’s a very normal part of pregnancy, even for mamas who have birthed before. Fear of birth can increase stress and create a situation where the brain gets in the way of the body during labour. Pain relief is more likely to be requested, and labour can even be prolonged when a woman is experiencing deep fear.

Meditation and mindfulness during pregnancy provides you with the opportunity to uncover your fears and bring awareness of your body and its capabilities. It’s also been shown in small studies to encourage women to be more aware of their bodies during labour and feel more satisfied with their birth experience after.

How to bring meditation into your life

Now you’re aware of how beneficial meditation and mindfulness is during pregnancy, how do you go about bringing more of it into your life?

First, start as soon as you can. It’s never too early or too late to weave meditative practice into your daily pregnancy routine. The benefits of meditation can be experienced immediately. However when mediation becomes a regular practice then you really start to experience the life-transforming benefits.

Nurtured Birth provides meditations sessions for pregnant women that are simple and deeply enjoyable. You don’t need to have any previous meditation experience, just a willingness to go deep into your inner space. All you need is a comfortable and quiet place to sit (depending on how pregnant you are this might be cross-legged on the floor, in a chair or even lying on your side).

To dive into this space of connection with Sarah at Nurtured Birth, please contact us.

Home Birth During Covid-19

Home birth during Covid-19 is a choice many women are considering as they search for safe and alternative birth options.

Pregnancy is an amazing time as your baby grows inside your body and you prepare to welcome a new person into this world and into your family.

As your due date draws nearer there can naturally be some apprehension and uncertainty of what is to come during the birth.

This is even more so in 2020 as women seek support and care during pregnancy and birth during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Juliana Brennan is a private midwife, director of Mamatoto Midwives and a mother of three. She shares with us an amazing insight into the world of private midwifery and home birth during Covid-19.

How are you at this time?

Well, a bit more settled now, but like everyone else there was so much upheaval and concern over the health of all our community, my family and especially my elderly parents.

My biggest fear was not knowing much about the virus, the panic buying, children being taken out of school, social isolation and my son is in year 12…what is this going to mean for him?

I am glad we have had some restrictions lifted but I am still very much practicing social distancing to keep myself, my family and my clients safe.

What is it like for you as a midwife at the moment?

I’ve always been very busy and my practice is consistently booked out every month, however now I have been inundated with enquiries from women wanting home birth – even from women with very serious risk factors which normally excludes them from homebirth.

These women have reached out because they were only allowed one support person in labour at the hospital and they really wanted that extra support person as well as their partner.

Also they are fearful of contracting Covid-19 from the hospital setting…after all that’s where the really sick people will be…in hospital! So I have referred many women on to other midwives as I am already booked out until the end of October.

Many of my hospital shared care/hospital support clients who are experiencing an uncomplicated pregnancy have changed over to a homebirth. This is because they couldn’t have the support they wanted in the current hospital setting, but also they didn’t want themselves and their families possibly being exposed to Covid-19.

It’s a tricky situation as you really have to want to have a homebirth, and feel safe at home to be safe for a homebirth. Merely wanting to avoid a hospital for birth isn’t a good enough reason to have a homebirth.

I will still be careful in choosing my clients who are suitable for homebirth, both physically and emotionally.

What’s it like for prenatal clients who want to home birth during Covid-19?

We have moved most of our education and appointments to an online format via Zoom. Women we are meeting for the first time we would only see online. Our clients needing a check up we would see first online, then they would come into the clinic for a 10 minute visit for a check of blood pressure, baby’s growth and heartbeat.

My clinic in Clifton Hill, where I work alongside natural therapists on the first floor, was closed down. Below us is a hairdresser that also closed down.

My sister came to the rescue and allowed me to use her clinic in Kew. She stopped seeing her clients face to face, so her offices were free for me to use. I must say, I really like the space. My colleague Danielle works out of one office and I work out of the other…so we are both doubly lucky to be able to say hello to one another’s clients and of course catch up in between clients!

My new clinic room in Elwood at This is Life also closed down, so the lovely midwives from Mama allowed me to use their rooms…but now the Elwood clinic has reopened, so I am back there seeing my Bayside clients on a Saturday morning.

My clinic room in Chirnside Park at Koru Natural Therapies has remained open, so I have still been able to see my clients there too.

Of course adhering to the strictest hygiene, washing down beds, tables and changing linen in between clients and of course lots of handwashing!

Overall my prenatal clients all decided to self isolate as much as possible. Especially from 37 weeks…this was my recommendation. Many women were anxious I may have to change their birth plans if they were planning a homebirth, but I reassured them if they were willing to self isolate and so was I, then we were at very low risk of contracting Covid-19.

What changed significantly for the hospital system was the decision to allow only one support person in hospital. This meant one of my clients wanting a vaginal birth after two c-sections (VBAC2C) chose me to support her in hospital instead of her husband! What a responsibility!

For others it meant dropping women off at the emergency department and staying in close contact via phone or Zoom. Not ideal, but I completely understand the issues surrounding social distancing and protecting clients in hospitals and also hospital staff.

I do think two support people should be allowed in birth suites from now on…as Australia seems to have the infection under control much more so than other countries.

Have you adjusted your postnatal care?

Postnatally I am still happy to do face to face appointments, as long as clients and their families don’t have a cough, fever, or sore throat.

If they do, I arrange testing for them and wouldn’t visit if they had symptoms. This actually hasn’t happened…probably largely because my families all isolated fairly strictly prior to their births.

What is home birth during Covid-19 like?

For my clients it is self isolation from 37 weeks of pregnancy then the birth at home is the same.

My recommendation for women that have a fever in labour be transferred to hospital. Usually we would transfer anyway, after eliminating other reasons for fever such as dehydration.

This guideline has been debated amongst my colleagues; some feel we should still keep women home if they have Covid-19 symptoms if they don’t seem too unwell. My concern is leaving four hours after the birth and not being able to supervise all the time as well as the unknown effects of the virus on the unborn baby. In hospital the woman and baby would have constant supervision and care.

It is definitely an issue for me if hospital transfer is required. I did have one first-time mother needing a hospital transfer in labour…and of course I had to hand her over to the hospital staff. I kept in very close contact with her partner and he called me regularly to ask for my advice. It still isn’t the same as being ‘with woman’ and it saddened me deeply…as I am her main care provider and I develop a strong bond with my clients.

How are you navigating any possible Covid-19 pregnant or birthing woman?

The first thing to do is arrange testing and to self isolate until the results come back. If the woman presents with symptoms in labour I do have full PPE available.

So far none of my clients have had respiratory symptoms, so I haven’t had to worry about it. I think self isolating since 37 weeks has made all the difference.

What are the pros of a home birth during Covid-19?

Well staying out of hospital is definitely a positive!

If hospital is needed, not being able to take your primary care provider with you due to the one person support policy is a real issue. Continuity of care leads to good outcomes in birth, but Covid-19 is a real threat and hospitals have to enforce the rules!

What is birth like for healthy and well women at this time?

They are being exposed to hospital environments, then discharged home very early, with NO follow up except phone calls from maternal and child health nurses (MCHN). Some MCHN refused to visit, some GP’s wouldn’t do contact appointments.

Thankfully one of my colleagues was able to offer postnatal face to face care to many of these women which meant breastfeeding could be fully supported and of course she could weigh babies and make sure they were thriving. My own clients had the same care as they would have had before Covid-19.

What are the main challenges birthing women are facing with these new protocols?

Women who wanted two or more support people have had major issues adapting…many women choose to have private midwives at a hospital birth to advocate for them, and then facing this loss often meant changing to a home birth.

What are the main challenges for Independent Midwives in during this pandemic?

Making sure we don’t contract the virus! Keeping our clients safe! Hospital protocols around one support person.

Nurtured Birth would like to thank Juliana for her contribution to our blog.

If you are considering an independent private midwife for your pregnancy and birth, Juliana Brennan is very experienced and deeply caring.

Juliana can be contacted at Mamatoto Midwives for a comprehensive choice of maternity care options.

Juliana Brennan

Mamatoto Midwives

juliana@mamatotomidwives.com.au

0419 253 778

At Nurtured Birth we love supporting independent midwives and working alongside them to enrich the continuity of care we know through research it results in better birth outcomes, improving mothers experience antenatally and postnatally.

We love it when our clients thrive therefore we have developed our practice to compliment maternity care by offering a range of pregnancy care options with pregnancy massage, osteopathy, doula support, childbirth education, naturopathy, pre & postnatal yoga, mothers groups too.

All this is our heartfelt vision to enrich, nurture, nourish and support a mama’s pregnancy, birth and beyond.

Written by Sharon Clarke, massage therapist at Nurtured Birth

Spectacular capture at the top by Bree Downes

Top 9 Benefits of Pregnancy Massage

Newly pregnant and heard the buzz about pregnancy massage benefits? Congratulations on your brilliant news – we’re excited for you!

Pregnancy is a special and exciting time. Nine months may seem a long time to wait to meet your little one, but we all know how quickly time flies – you will be holding your precious bubba in your arms before you know it.

So what’s next? What foods should you avoid? What kinds of tests will you and your baby need? Can you still exercise? How do you choose a doctor or hospital? What are your options? Is what you’re feeling normal?

The amount of information is overwhelming. And all of it feels vital. Pregnancy is a wonderful time but can also be the source of much apprehension and stress.

How do we deal with all of these essential questions and the many preparations that need to be made? How do we cope with the pressure we place on ourselves to already be the best parent possible for our unborn child?

Breathe…and just let our body do its thing. Be kind to yourself. One thing that is essential to put on your to-do-list is pregnancy massage. Read on to see how pregnancy massage benefits and nourishes your physical body and emotional wellbeing throughout the whole nine months of pregnancy.

What’s happening to your pregnant body?

Pregnancy affects the body in a variety of ways: physically, hormonally, emotionally, mentally. It has an impact on every system of the body.

1sT TRIMESTER

During the first trimester your body undergoes many changes. Hormonal changes affect almost every organ system in your body. These changes can trigger symptoms even in the very first weeks of pregnancy.

Pregnancy massage is safe in the first trimester but only with a specially trained therapist. Pregnancy massage can help relieve some of the common symptoms such as:

Fatigue or extreme tiredness
Nausea
Mood swings
Constipation
Headache
Heartburn.

Pregnancy massage will also assist in relieving pre-pregnancy aches and pains.

2nd trimester

Most women find the second trimester of pregnancy easier than the first. Often you have a renewed source of energy. You might notice symptoms like nausea and fatigue go away.

But other new, more noticeable changes to your body are now happening. Your abdomen expands as the baby continues to grow. And before this trimester is over, you will feel your baby beginning to move!

As your body changes to make room for your growing baby, pregnancy massage benefits include alleviating discomfort from aches and pains associated with: Back, hip, glute, abdomen, groin, sciatic, Carpal tunnel syndrome, oedema.

3rd trimester

You’re in the home stretch! Some of the discomforts you had in your second trimester will continue. Many women find breathing difficult and notice they have to go to the bathroom even more often. This is because the baby is getting bigger and is putting more pressure on your organs. Don’t worry, these problems will lessen once you give birth. Get excited — the final countdown has begun!

Pregnancy massage will help ease the discomfort and pain caused by:

Shortness of breath
Heartburn
Oedema
Insomnia
Back/hip/glute/sciatic pain
Pelvic girdle pain
Pelvic instability.

How does pregnancy massage assist?

Pregnancy massage has a long history in many cultures around the world. In countries such as Japan and Mexico, massage during pregnancy and even labour is deeply embodied in the normal care of pregnant women.

Pregnancy is an amazing state of being for your body, constantly changing and growing and challenging you. Regular pregnancy massage benefits and nourishes your physical and emotional wellbeing through all of these changes.

Massage during pregnancy is modified to accommodate and support your changing body, to ensure you reap the benefits of massage safely.

Top 9 benefits of pregnancy massage

MOTHER-BABY CONNECTION

During your pregnancy massage we can use visualisations and breathing techniques to promote and grow your connection with your baby. We can also use massage directly on the belly for a physical connection, to help blood circulation in the abdomen and promote that pregnancy glow.

INCREASED RELAXATION – REDUCED ANXIETY

Pregnancy massage can assist in reducing anxiety and stress in two ways – physically and emotionally.

Physically pregnancy massage is applying treatment to the muscles and tissues of the body to soften them, encourage healing and reduce pain levels. This brings about a feeling of increased relaxation and calmness.

Emotionally a pregnancy massage allows space for the mother to be calm and focused, remove herself from her busy day-to-day life, close down her thoughts and just be in the moment.

IMPROVED SLEEP PATTERN

Pregnancy massage acts on the nervous system, helping to soothe and relax nervous tension.

When muscular pain and discomfort is reduced through pregnancy massage, the mother will be more comfortable in bed and will be able to sleep more easily and more deeply,

REDUCTION IN OEDEMA

Pregnancy puts a lot of pressure on your upper and lower limbs. Swelling can occur in the feet, ankles, calves, hands and forearms. Massage can help relieve this pain and swelling by aiding the lymphatic system and flushing this excess fluid from the body. Removing the lactic acid and other cellular waste products from your system also reduces muscle cramping and muscle fatigue.

EASES PAIN AND DISCOMFORT

Muscular conditions common in pregnancy involve the back, shoulders, neck, joints, buttocks, legs and arms – just about the whole body. Pregnancy massage will reduce musculoskeletal pain, cramping, tension and stiffness. It can alleviate headaches, oedema, leg cramps, sciatica.

Pregnancy massage can treat complex conditions and presentations such as carpal tunnel syndrome, pelvic girdle pain and pelvic instability.

STABILISES HORMONAL CHANGES AND BLOOD PRESSURE

Pregnancy massage is a wonderfully natural way to aid circulation and the extra work of the heart during pregnancy. In turn this keeps the blood pressure in check.

Pregnancy massage works to eliminate waste products through the lymphatic and circulatory systems which combats fatigue so you feel more energetic. By improving the condition of the smooth muscles this normalises venous function and outflow. Better outflow, greater vitality; less fatigue, better nourishment for baby.

Pregnancy hormones cause many changes to the mother’s body, including depression and anxiety. Pregnancy massage benefits include relief from these negative effects and promote a more positive outlook for the pregnancy.

EASE SHORTNESS OF BREATH

As your baby grows and takes up more room in your abdomen, there is less room for your diaphragm and lungs. This can cause shortness of breath and even pain in the ribs. Pregnancy massage treats directly into the intercostal muscles of the rib cage and uses deep breathing techniques.

IMPROVED BODY AWARENESS TO SUPPORT BODY CHANGES

During pregnancy your body is constantly changing and needs to be supported throughout each trimester and during labour.

Pregnancy massage promotes overall body awareness. With regular treatments you will develop an understanding of your body, the origins of your pain and ways to self help.

Pregnancy massage benefits not only include tension release in muscles, it helps to realign your posture, improve your range of motion and increase your flexibility. This is especially important during the third trimester and in preparation for labour.

BIRTH PREPARATION FOR THE BODY AND MIND

Be proactive about preparing for labour by tapping into your inner resources of strength and mindfulness. Regular meditative breathing brings calmness and control, accessing your energy and focus; excellent skills to have in your labour toolkit. Pregnancy massage promotes visualisation and breathing techniques that you can use in preparation for labour.

Pregnancy massage helps your awareness and understanding of your pelvic space which helps prepare for healthy birthing. By working on your posture, strength and flexibility, your baby can find the best position for birth.

During labour, massage reduces the stress hormones and tension that interfere with the normal process of birth. You can improve your chance for a shorter and positive labour with less need for interventions and medications.

Pregnancy massage is a lush and lovely way to help your body ripen and prepare for birth.

NURTURED BIRTH PREGNANCY MASSAGE

Our therapists are all trained and certified in massage and pregnancy massage, registered, insured and have a special interest in caring for women from fertility and conception, through pregnancy, during labour and postnatally.

We have a range of specialist practitioners and supports to help with any particular issue that may arise during your pregnancy. Apart from pregnancy massage we also offer osteopathy, naturopathy, doula care, childbirth education, prenatal yoga, mums & bubs yoga. If your problem is outside of our scope of treatment we will refer you to one of our recommended practitioners.

Imagine going through pregnancy feeling relaxed emotionally and physically. Pregnancy massage relaxes tension in your body, reducing aches and pains in muscles and joints. This improves your mood and comfort. You sleep better and your skin glows.

How frequently you have a pregnancy massage depends on you, as each woman and pregnancy is unique. If you want massage to be a central part of your pregnancy care, we suggest you talk to one of our knowledgeable practitioners to find out what would best suit you. We can tailor massage therapy with our osteopath to ensure your body is well supported during the challenges of pregnancy.

Put yourself into the hands of experienced therapists with extensive knowledge of pregnancy and labour. Your treatment will be tailored especially for you.

WE ARE OPEN FOR BUSINESS AT NURTURED BIRTH FOR ALL YOUR PREGNANCY RELATED NEEDS

PREGNANCY MASSAGE – REMEDIAL AND RELAXATION

OSTEOPATHY

DOULA

NATUROPATHY

YOGA – PRENATAL, MUMS & BUBS

GIFT VOUCHERS AND PREGNANCY PRODUCTS

Nurtured Birth offers pregnancy massage at The Mother Baby Centre at Cabrini Hospital in Malvern and our clinic in Windsor.

To begin nourishing your body and mind, please contact us or book your appointment online today.

Giving Birth During Covid-19

Many women in our community are worried about how their maternity care will be affected by practices put in place when giving birth during Covid-19.

These protocols and procedures are due to hospitals and medical centres preparing for potentially large numbers of infected patients. Fortunately cases of Covid-19 have remained manageable in Australia.

For the pregnant, birthing and postnatal women in our community, Covid-19 has thrown them a curve ball. Even a straightforward and healthy pregnancy and birth comes with some apprehension. Now, women are concerned about how the new protocols and procedures will affect them and their connection within the health system.

So what does maternity care and birth during Covid-19 look like?

We asked Dr Danielle Wilkins, obstetrician and Director of Maternity Services at Cabrini Health, to give us an insight into what it is like for the women in her care during this pandemic.

Dr Wilkins answers all of our questions with an open and honest frankness relaying the message that pregnancy, birthing and the postnatal period can still be a beautiful and calm experience amidst Covid-19.

For women who are concerned about how their maternity care and birth during Covid-19 will look, this information can be a starting point to research options and make an informed decision about maternity care providers.

How are you coping during Covid-19?

What a roller coaster this year has been! The highs are seeing how optimistic, adaptable and focused pregnant women are when their lives are turned upside down.

The challenges are working with those who are finding these changes overwhelming and the lows are not knowing what is around the corner.

What’s it like for you as a doctor in the current situation?

This is such an emotional time. I found myself, like so many Australians, watching the international news in abject horror, unable to look away as my colleagues around the world try to fight this virus without protection, without rest and without success. I was losing sleep thinking about them day after day and night after night. So I had to listen to the same advice I have been handing out and I had to stop watching.

What’s it like for your prenatal clients in this time?

I have approximately 90 women who I am actively caring for at the moment. Since the restrictions in Australia started I have been keeping in touch with them much more closely than usual via a fortnightly email update. Through this I have kept them abreast of all the work that Cabrini has done to keep them safe and to keep them informed, negating any surprises.

I have introduced telehealth into Obstetrics which previously we thought would be of little or no benefit, and this has been pleasantly well received by those that have chosen to use it. I have encouraged all of my clients to make the informed choice themselves and to use the telehealth system as the safest option but if they prefer they can still come in for a face to face appointment.

I believe that providing them with relevant local information and also giving them options is helping them to navigate the situation.

What is the experience of women giving birth during Covid-19?

Fortunately we have yet to have a Covid-19 positive pregnancy in Victoria, nor have we had a positive partner or support person. Our women are able to have their one support person with them throughout their labour and their postnatal stay.

We are continuing to provide them with one-on-one midwifery support. The big changes have been for those women planning to have more than one support person with them, and for some women this was a very sudden change. But women are resilient!

We have received feedback about how comfortable it was just having the 4 people present for the birth. They are reassured they still have all the pain relief options available as needed.

Many of my clients were emotional about the postnatal stay, when relatives and friends would normally come to the hospital to meet the newborn. What has been striking is how rested the mums are, how connected they become with their midwife who has less juggling to do around visitors and how much easier they are finding it to breastfeed on demand.

What are the procedures in place for Covid-19 positive cases?

We have a statewide guideline for any Covid-19 positive pregnancy cases which we have adapted for Cabrini.

We have modified our largest room in the birth suite to accommodate anyone who is positive or suspected to be positive during labour and we have a guideline for partners and support people as well. These guidelines ensure the full support of the couple as well as the safety of all of our staff.

The trickier situation is the symptomatic Covid-19 positive partner or support person – this person will not be able to enter the hospital if they are symptomatic. This is a huge incentive for self isolation close to term.

Would the new mother stay together with her baby to breastfeed?

There was a wonderful success story out of Brisbane last week relating to this. The couple would need to wear gloves and a surgical mask when handling their newborn whilst they were considered to be infectious, but as long as they are well their baby will stay with them and they will be assisted with breastfeeding and encouraged to do so if that is their desire. We will encourage these families to return home as soon as it is safe to do so and provide them with telephone support once home.

What could a birthing woman expect during her time in hospital?

Women can expect one-on-one midwifery care, a large room to mobilise with an ensuite with shower. They will not be able to use nitrous and air for pain relief as it may increase the viral load in the room and put other staff at an increased risk.

The staff who provide their care will all be wearing full PPE (personal protection equipment). Whenever the woman and her support person move through a public part of the hospital they will be escorted by staff, will be required to wear a surgical mask, and asked not to touch anything along the journey.

We will discuss their wishes for pain relief and explain that there may be benefits to an epidural if they are considering one. This is because all procedures will take a little more time to be performed as safely as possible, and in the event of any emergency in obstetrics we like to be as prepared as possible.

A paediatrician will be present at the birth, as overseas data has suggested that the babies to Covid-19 positive women sometimes need some initial support to transition from inside to outside the uterus. This is only for a brief period in the vast majority of cases.

What is giving birth during Covid-19 like for women who are healthy and well?

Unchanged! We are wearing a little more PPE for births but that is not affecting our communication or support for women, nor our ability to provide one-on-one midwifery care. You can expect us to be wearing a clear visor, a surgical mask and a gown during the pushing stage of labour.

What are the main challenges women face with these new protocols? How are you finding their adaptation?

Women are finding their strengths, they are finding their way. Those that had different plans for support through their birth are spending prenatal time telehealthing with their support team and working together to develop strategies and plans for the different stages of labour and birth.

There is so much support for them already online and I have included a lot of this information in my newsletters to help support them. I am constantly impressed but not surprised by their determination and ability to adapt.

What is it like for women after they give birth during Covid-19?

This is a challenging time for first-time mums who are very nervous about not having the support of maternal and child health nurses, mother’s groups and in many cases their parents and families.

I am encouraging them prior to their labour and birth to make plans for accessing support, to be prepared and to know they can continue to link in via the phone and via telehealth. We may soon see an easing in restrictions which will put our first-time mums at ease I think.

Your final thoughts on what you believe it is important for people to know…?

Keep doing the right thing. Read what is relevant and don’t get overwhelmed by what isn’t. It is really important to remember that we are all in this together and we are all getting through it together because we are doing what is best. And remember to look up.

About Dr Danielle Wilkins

Dr Danielle is an obstetrician and the Director of Maternity Services at Cabrini Health. Her practice rooms are located at Cabrini Mother and Baby Centre. She offers individualised care to the twelve women she sees each month through her boutique obstetric practice.

Danielle graduated with honours from Monash University, trained at Monash Health and gained twelve months of obstetrics and gynaecology experience working in a busy unit in Ireland.

She spent nine years as the Director of Women’s Health training at Monash Medical Centre, and six years as the Discipline Coordinator for Women’s Health for Monash University. She was the Head of the Multiple Pregnancy Unit at Monash Health before moving to her current role at Cabrini.

Danielle has extensive experience caring for twin pregnancies and supporting women wishing to have a normal birth after a caesarean birth.

Dr Danielle Wilkins can be found at Cabrini Mother and Baby Centre, Cabrini Hospital Malvern, Level 2, 183 Wattletree Rd, Malvern

Boost Your Immune System During Covid-19

While we are spending a lot of time at home to stay safe, it is the perfect time to boost your immune system during Covid-19 isolation.

Take the opportunity to nourish and support ourselves and our families with nutritional food and immune boosting recipes.

Boost Your Immune System During Covid-19

There is plenty you can do to boost your immune system with simple and natural solutions you can practice at home.

Manage your stress levels

Many of us are feeling anxious and worried about Covid-19 and its effects. We’re exposed to a lot of media daily about the toll the virus is taking on our global community as well as our personal lives.

However, too much stress increases the hormone cortisol, which in turn acts to suppress the immune system. So reducing stress is an important step to keeping yourself healthy and well.

Consider limiting your exposure to social media and news media to lower your anxiety.

Daily mindfulness, yoga or medication are wonderful ways to reduce your stress levels and have a positive impact on your immune system.

Practising good hygiene habits

One of the best ways to prevent being infected is to practice good hygiene. This stops infection from being transmitted and spread to others as well.

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Avoid touching your mouth, eyes or face, dispose of used tissues in a closed bin, and ensure you sneeze or cough into the crook of your elbow or a tissue (not your hands!)

Rest and sleep

A healthy immune function is very dependent on sleep. Lack of sleep can suppress your immune system and people who are stressed or worried are more likely to be sleep deprived.

Give your body a chance to gather strength and make sure you get a good night’s sleep. If you feel rundown or if you become unwell, rest is vitally important to allow your immune system the energy to fight off infection.

Eat warm, nourishing foods

We’re now heading into the colder months which is a perfect time to focus on eating warm and nourishing foods. A balanced diet rich in protein, good fats, fibre, antioxidants and phytonutrients can boost your immune system during Covid-19 times.

This is as simple as eating two serves of fruit, six to eight serves of vegetables daily and including a variety of whole grains, healthy fats and protein at each meal. Following these basic guidelines ensures you receive a range of essential vitamins and minerals to support your immune system

Homemade chicken and vegetable soup can help break down mucus that often comes with colds and flus. If you don’t have an appetite, the broth alone will provide minerals and vitamins to give you strength.

Eat your vitamins and minerals

Eat the rainbow to get all those fabulous, immune boosting phytonutrients and antioxidants.

Yellow and orange fruit and vegetables such as sweet potatoes, butternut squash and beetroot are rich in beta-carotene which our bodies convert to vitamin A. We need vitamin A to keep the mucosal linings in our nose and lungs robust enough to defend against infection. Other foods to include are orange and red fruits such as oranges, mango, apricots and melon.

Zinc not only supports our immune system and exerts an antiviral action, it also helps maintain the integrity of the skin and mucous membranes. Which means zinc may reduce airway inflammation, along with vitamin A.

We know vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased susceptibility to infection. Keeping your levels primed is one of the most important measures you can take to boost your immune system during Covid-19. Vitamin D is essential for a healthy functioning immune system.

It’s believed that vitamin D helps stimulate the production of peptide – substances in the body that are able to fight off bacteria, fungi and viruses. We make vitamin D when our skin is exposed to sunlight. But this time of year it might not be possible to get enough sun exposure.

Dietary sources of vitamin D include eggs, butter and fatty fish but it is challenging to obtain recommended levels from food alone, so supplements are generally needed.

Move your body

To be immunologically fit, you need to be physically fit, so keep moving! Regular exercise is a great way to support the immune system, and this may be due to various different mechanisms.

As exercise can help support good circulation, this allows our immune cells to travel through the body more effectively. These immune cells seem to be stimulated by even mild exercise.

Another of the many happy side-effects of exercise is that it reduces stress, something that also keeps your immune system healthy and strong. Aim for a minimum of twenty minutes of exercise daily.

And exercising outdoors boosts the levels of good bacteria in your gut by up to 40%! Another excellent reason to get out into the fresh air and move around.

Reduce inflammation

It’s easy to reach for the unhealthy snacks that make us feel good momentarily, but we need to focus on what is better for ourselves in the long-term, making choices to provide us with protection, strength and energy.

The food we eat influences our immune responses to infection. So focusing on our nutrition is one of the best things we can do to boost our immune system during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Sugar, processed meat, vegetable oils, alcohol and white, refined carbohydrates tend to be inflammatory and can suppress the immune function.

Foods such as garlic, ginger, onion and chilli to help fight off illness, warm you up and reduce inflammation. So include plenty of these in your daily diet.

Stay hydrated

Remember fluids are very important to keep your immune system at its best. Water, bone broth or herbal teas are nourishing and help you to keep your fluid levels optimal.

A handy Ayurvedic tip from a special yogi friend of mine, Lisa Moor, and one that is practiced extensively in Japan called Ugai, is gargling. Gargling can assist keeping mucus membranes lubricated, or if you have a sore or dry throat.

Mix the following ingredients, then gargle the liquid for 30 seconds and spit out.

1/4 tsp of good salt
1 tsp of apple cider vinegar
Some warm water

Support your gut health

Up to 80% of our gut houses the cells that make up our immune system so it makes very good sense to support your gut health by boosting health bacteria.

Include fermented foods in your diet
Cut sugar
Eat a variety of plant-based foods, aim for 40 different types weekly!
Bone broth is rich in collagen and glutamine and naturally supports good gut health.

Clean your phone

If you are anything like me you will be touching you phone very regularly making it a bastion of germs and potentially the coronavirus.

So just as you would think of washing your hands regularly, you need to wipe down your phone with alcohol wipes.

Love Lindy xx

RECIPE

Chicken Broth from The Healthy Chef

INGREDIENTS

1.2 kg organic or free range chicken carcass
6 litres filtered water
½ teaspoon flaked sea salt
2 tbsp thinly sliced ginger
1 onion, cut in half and gently charred in a hot dry pan
300 g carrot
100 g celery
2 organic chicken breast fillets
¼ teaspoon toasted sesame oil

To serve:

600 g Savoy Cabbage, cut into 150 g wedges (see notes)
handful spring onion, sliced
handful coriander leaves to garnish

METHOD

Place chicken carcass into a stock pot with 6 litres of filtered water.
Add sea salt, onion, carrot, ginger and celery.
Simmer partially covered over a low heat for 5 hours, skimming the broth regularly to remove any surface fat and scum.
Strain the stock through a fine muslin.
Refrigerate overnight and remove all the excess fat that solidifies over the top.

To serve…

Heat the stock and add the Chicken breast.
Gently poach the chicken for 12 minutes or until cooked through.
Remove and slice thinly.
Trim the Savoy cabbage then cut into 4 large wedges.
Pour 1 cup of the chicken stock into a large pan and bring to the boil.
Add the cabbage wedges and cover with a tight fitting lid.
Cook for 5 minutes until tender but still crisp.
Transfer cabbage into serving bowls and add the sliced chicken breast.
Pour over the bone broth and garnish with spring onion and coriander.

Enjoy.

NOTES AND INSPIRATION

Add a little extra freshly grated or finely sliced ginger to garnish.

I love serving it in large bowls as a main course meal and add seasonal vegetables of the moment. I’ve used delicious Savoy Cabbage for this recipe, but it goes delightfully well with other garden vegetables such as baby carrot, wilted cavolo nero, snow pea or zucchini noodles

Author: Lindy Cook, Naturopath at Nurtured Birth