Plymouth & West Devon The ‘birth’ issue...
Summer 2012
Inside: Hospital bag tips Birth stories galore... Where should you give birth? What’s On - Open Houses, Bumps & Babes and events in your area
Please don’t throw me away, pass me on to a friend today Plymouth & West Devon NCT Magazine—summer 2012
2 This issue is sponsored by Waterbabies Plymouth & West Devon NCT Magazine— summer 2012 CONTENTS REGULARS FEATURES
From the Branch Coordinator 4 Birth choices: statistics 6
Editors’ chat 5 Having a baby in 1952—Jubilee special 13
Readers’ book reviews—birth 9 My birth story - Chantal 14
Our NCT trainees’ update 22 Where should you give birth? 16
Branch contacts 27 Beccy’s birth story 18
What shall we do today? 28 Skin to skin 20
Ask the expert 38 Hospital bag tips 21
Meet the committee 44 Birth story - Sarah Jane 35
Cooking Corner 47 Coping strategies and pain relief for labour 39 Kids say the funniest things 48 Florence’s birth story 42 Plymouth Latch-on groups 51
What’s on 52
The NCT wants all parents to have an experience of pregnancy, birth and early parenthood that enriches their lives and gives them confidence in being a parent.
This newsletter is compiled, edited and distributed by volunteers within the Plymouth & West Devon NCT branch. All views expressed in this newsletter are personal and do not necessarily reflect those of the NCT charity. The appearance of an advertisement in this newsletter does not imply endorsement of the advertiser or its products by the NCT, not does it constitute a recommendation. The information in this newsletter is intended for the use of NCT members, only in connection with NCT activities and may not be used for any commercial purposes.
©NCT, Alexandra House, Oldham Terrace London W3 6NH. Registered charity no. 801395
This issue is sponsored by Waterbabies 3 Plymouth & West Devon NCT Magazine—summer 2012 From the Branch Coordinator
Well, I can’t believe we are heading into June already and officially halfway through the year… time flies frighteningly fast!! What a busy few months the branch has had. Another incredibly successful Nearly New Sale in March saw our highest number of visitors on record with almost 500 people through the doors. The tills took an astonishing amount of money and again smashed our records so far! The sales are bigger and better than ever and we are incredibly proud of such an achievement and the support of so many amazing volunteers without them it wouldn’t be possible.
Our weekly NCT groups are increasingly popular. Plymtots Plymouth started in January and has already had over 100 families visit us (fortunately not at the same time!) Bumps and babies started shortly afterwards and is proving to be another popular group. If you haven’t visited us yet, come and say hello. The groups are very welcoming and there’s so much to do and talk about! Both are held at Crownhill Family Centre (nr Crownhill Fort).
If you can’t manage a daytime meet up at one of our many groups or open houses, why not come and join us at our Mums’ and Bumps’ Night Out! The middle pullout page of each magazine shows all the dates of all of our events. You’ll notice our once a month night out dates and everyone is welcome! We try to alternate between Tavistock/ Yelverton area and Plymouth. Our last meet was at Nibana in Crownhill and attracted a crowd of 24 mums… quite spectacular!
Summer is the season for camping! Our NCT annual camping trip is just around the corner in July. So far we have over 40 families booked to come along to Woodlands on the 13t h July for a fun families weekend. For more information on the trip please email Amanda, our Membership Secretary on [email protected]. We truly can’t wait!!
Finally, we are always looking for new volunteers. The branch wouldn’t survive without the fabulous volunteers we are lucky to have help us. If you feel that you could give some time to the NCT here in Plymouth and West Devon, we’d love to hear from you. A few hours a week or even a month would be so valuable to us and would help to spread the load. Running such a busy and successful branch takes time and effort and we’d love more help. Whether its writing an article for our magazine, helping at one of our groups, supporting the Nearly New Sale or coming and joining the committee to find out more about what we do, we’d love to hear from you. I did this 5 years ago and here I am now as Branch Coordinator! I have loved every minute and made so many fantastic friends along the way!
Gayle x
4 This issue is sponsored by Waterbabies Plymouth & West Devon NCT Magazine— summer 2012 Editors’ Chat
Watching my two children racing around Squirrel Park (as they call it) after a butterfly, I realised that the summer was well and truly on its way. The sun was bursting through the trees, the grass was peppered with daisies and the children had kicked off their shoes as soon as they had got onto the grass. What a summer of celebration this will be and some great opportunities for barbecues and street parties so unravel the bunting and dust off the Union Flag!
The birth of a baby is always unique, memorable and incredible. We love talking about it too! This issue is dedicated to ‘birth’ and is full of stories, book recommendations, tips and ideas to help you prepare, relax or just to enjoy reading about the experiences of others. Take time to look at our exciting advertisements too as they are offering some amazing products and services that could be just what you are looking for. Whether it’s getting fit, having fun, relaxing or shopping, the businesses supporting us this summer really have something for everyone.
If it’s just filling a sunny summer’s day you want help with, then take a look at our What’s On guide (p.52) which will keep the family entertained. Your centrefold pull-out guide, What shall we do today? lists many social events and activities held by our branch with great turn outs at the monthly nights out.
With lazy summer days at the beach or beside a pool fast approaching, it is never too late to get your children safe in the water. Visit www.waterbabies.co.uk (see back page) to find out more about the innovative baby swimming classes across Devon and Cornwall. Their fully qualified instructors are world class and could have trained as private pilots – three times over – in the time it takes them to qualify. With a multi- award winning programme which teaches vital water confidence and safety skills from birth, their overall aim is to teach you to teach your baby to swim. They’ll always explain why they’re doing everything, as well as carefully demonstrate exactly what to do.
Kate Evans, of Water Babies, has just won the 2012 National Woman Franchisee of the Year award. Kate said teaching a baby to swim has obvious safety benefits, but added: "There's evidence that if you teach swimming from an early age babies develop hand/eye co-ordination and strength. It's about physical development and also being active." The Plymouth & West Devon NCT Branch would like to congratulate Kate on her achievement.
So have a brilliant summer time and we look forward to meeting you out and about. See you in the autumn!
Gayle, Amanda & Beccy The Editorial Team
This issue is sponsored by Waterbabies 5 Plymouth & West Devon NCT Magazine—summer 2012
Birth Choices – Statistics (Source: www.ons.gov.uk 2012)
Home Births (2010)
West Somerset 11.4% West Devon 8.6% South Hams 9.5% North Cornwall 7.9% Penwith 9% Out of 679638 births in 2012 16919 were at home which is 2.49% with the highest area for home births in 2012 being West Somerset with 11.4%.
Normal Births* (*defined as a normal birth as giving birth without induction, epidural, forceps, ventouse, c-section) 2010-2011 – 41.8% of women giving birth in hospital had a normal birth. 34.1% of women having their 1st baby in an NHS hospital or birth centre had a normal birth in hospital, compared with 49.1% of women having a 2nd or subsequent baby. Highest Rates for Normal Births – City Hospital in Birmingham. Lowest Rates for Normal Births – Victoria Hospital in Blackpool.
C-Section Within England in 2011 the rate for c-sections was 24.8% with 10.1% being elective c- sections and 14.8% being emergency c-sections.
South West 2011 – C-section rates Derriford Hospital Plymouth – 21.1% Torbay Hospital – 23.3% Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro – 22.2% Royal Devon & Exeter Wonford Hospital – 27.5% Local council cloth nappy incentive scheme
There has never been a better time to switch to cloth nappies. Parents in Devon can now access free trial kits, which they can borrow for one month. The kits contain everything you will need to try cloth nappies including liners, wraps and even a nappy bucket. The kits have been very successful and around 75% of parents who try them do go on to use cloth nappies. The kits are now available throughout the whole of Devon.
Parents wishing to buy cloth nappies can also get 20% off their purchase of nappies (subject to availability) by buying through a Devon Real Nappy Project Advisor.
Why use cloth nappies?
Modern cloth nappies are very easy to use and many go on just like a disposable. Flushable liners catch the poo so any solids are just flushed away. Cloth nappies can be hundreds of pounds cheaper than using disposable nappies and this includes the cost of washing. Washable nappies do not need to be soaked or boiled and there are no safety pins involved. There are proven medical benefits for children with clicky hips and those wearing cloth nappies potty train on average six months earlier than those in disposables. 6 This issue is sponsored by Waterbabies Plymouth & West Devon NCT Magazine— summer 2012
This issue is sponsored by Waterbabies 7 Plymouth & West Devon NCT Magazine—summer 2012
8 This issue is sponsored by Waterbabies Plymouth & West Devon NCT Magazine— summer 2012 Readers’ book reviews - birth
Birth Skills ~ Juju Sundin
Currently the favourite book with the NCT Plymouth Home Birth Support Group Juju Sundin’s birth skills takes a practical approach to coping with labour.
Juju is a physiotherapist and therefore she explains the anatomy of birth excellently and suggests a multitude of different skills for coping with the pain from marching on the spot to banging stress balls to singing. Littered with women’s birth stories it makes easy and fun reading which should boost anyone’s confidence prior to labour.
Hypnobirthing—Marie Mongan
One of the world’s top birth preparation sellers, HypnoBirthing by Marie Mongan has sold millions of copies all over the world. The reason it has stood the test of time is that HypnoBirthing takes a logical approach to birth. The book focuses on birth as a natural part of the female fertility cycle and explains in (easy to understand) detail why the female body is so expertly designed for birth. Coupled with this are a range of relaxation skills for women and their birth partners to perfect before labour. This book is designed to accompany the HypnoBirthing course but for those not wishing invest in the whole program the book stands up on its own as an excellent preparation for birth.
Breast Pump Hire To hire a hospital grade breast pump from the NCT, contact your local volunteer agent: Angela Greenslade on 0844 243 6242 or visit www.nct.org.uk/shop
This issue is sponsored by Waterbabies 9 Plymouth & West Devon NCT Magazine—summer 2012
10 This issue is sponsored by Waterbabies Plymouth & West Devon NCT Magazine— summer 2012
This issue is sponsored by Waterbabies 11 Plymouth & West Devon NCT Magazine—summer 2012
12 This issue is sponsored by Waterbabies Plymouth & West Devon NCT Magazine— summer 2012 Having a baby in 1952 - Jubilee special
It was a homebirth, as most births were at this time. The midwives were excellent and gave the best of attention. We were rested for 10 days after the birth and were not allowed to do much. My blood pressure went up on the 7 th day and I was put back to bed.
Our baby slept in a sort of canvas hammock on a wooden frame made by my father and she was bottle fed. There were no disposable nappies or washing machine and all washing was done by hand. The nappies we had were sewn by us and made from flannelette which was much softer than towelling. They were soaked in a bucket with napisan powder and then washed by hand.
My husband was not around much as he was in the Navy and did not see her for a few weeks after she was born. The prams were well sprung coach built and would not fit on the buses. If we wanted to go into town, we caught the train and travelled in the guards van and walked home.
I don’t remember having Health visitors or clinic. If anything was wrong, we went to visit the doctor and used common sense or advice from older experienced members of the family. However, we all survived!
This issue is sponsored by Waterbabies 13 Plymouth & West Devon NCT Magazine—summer 2012 My Birth Story – Chantal
I may sound naïve but I think I just concentrated on being pregnant and didn’t really think too much about the impending birth. One of this things that I did do was listen to the Maggie Howell CD before I went to sleep, Hypnobirthing. I am sure that I owe my calmness and positivity to that.
We went to bed as normal after having got Christmas, our 1 st Wedding anniversary and my 30th Birthday out of the way. Celebrating and waddling are not a great combination. Heartburn woke me as usual at about 1:30am so I swigged the Gaviscon on the bedside table, popped to the toilet and tried to get back to sleep but I was more uncomfortable than usual. A couple of hours passed and I woke up to a bad ache across my tummy. Off I waddled to the toilet again and eventually got back into bed, waking up again at 5:30 and also waking my husband with even more of an uncomfortable ache across my tummy, but it was coming in waves… was this it?
Charlie started timing the waves in between trips to the toilet and when we realised that they were 7-8 minutes apart each time we realised that this must be it. Friday 13t h isn’t unlucky for everyone. The pain was starting to get more intense so Charlie ran me a bath and I started to feel much better. With the pain seeming to subside a bit, I made the most of it, washing my hair, shaving my legs and having a nice little rest.
As soon as I got out the pain got worse so I knew I needed to get ready. It must have been about 7:30am by now and the contractions were about 4 minutes apart but we had in our minds that we had to wait until they were three minutes apart before calling the labour ward. When we reached that I rang. I was trying to sound as ‘normal’ as possible because after watching copious episodes of One Born Every Minute, I didn’t want to be one of those women that make a real fuss. I was told to try and stay at home for as long as I could as it was my first I could be in for a long wait. 45 minutes passed and I knew I had to go in when I tried to eat a piece of toast and I was sick straight into the kitchen sink.
Off we went, coldest day of the year so far and the windscreen was frozen solid. Sitting in the passenger seat in labour isn’t the nicest feeling. The 10 minute journey to the hospital was a bit of a blur but I do remember having to explain to Charlie that we were not, under any circumstances stopping at the post box to post his Granny’s birthday card!
Arriving at the Maternity Ward at 9:45 I was seen by the Triage Nurse and examined. She said “You’re not going to believe this, you’re 8cm”, then it hit us, only 2 more cm and then we were going to become parents. Charlie was then told to go and get our bags out of the car… this was really happening. At that point I was sick all over myself the contractions were getting more intense.
14 This issue is sponsored by Waterbabies Plymouth & West Devon NCT Magazine— summer 2012 Calmly I got dressed and waited by the door for the midwife, when she saw me she said that I didn’t look like I was in labour. It was the CD, the visualisations and the breathing techniques, it was keeping me calm and relaxed. We arrived in the birthing suite; there was a birthing pool but unfortunately they were understaffed so I could have the room, but not the pool. I tried to have an active a labour as possible so the pool came in handy; I leaned on it through contractions quite a few times.
Our midwife was incredible, talking to us about the pain relief available. Seeing as I had made it to 8cm with nothing I decided to just have gas and air. She showed me how to use the gas and air, pointed Charlie in the direction of the iced water and just made us both feel so safe. Checking the baby’s heartbeat every 15 minutes with the Doppler, the sound of galloping horses filled the room reassuring us that everything was ok. As the time passed there wasn’t a moment that I didn’t seem to be attached to the gas and air and then I had the overwhelming feeling to push. I was 10cm but my waters still hadn’t broken and then they couldn’t trace the heartbeat because our baby was so low down. Our midwife said that they needed to attach a clip to our baby’s head but would need to break my waters first. Gushing all over the floor, the midwife shouting to Charlie to press the button and then our baby was born. As her head was crowning I touched it and it was surreal ( I want a mirror next time). We wanted Charlie to announce whether it was a boy or girl, but we were both so overcome with emotion and love that he cried through tears of joy “It’s a baby!”.
Our daughter was born 8lb4oz at 12:22pm. We had skin to skin contact straight away and I couldn’t believe that she found my breast straight away and started feeding; the most wonderful experience in our lives and a love that you can’t explain. I couldn’t have done it without my husband, he was so strong and calm too. It must be so hard seeing the one that you love in pain. He was amazing. I felt incredible afterwards, gas and air and a couple of paracetamol for the after pains - total labour time 6 and a half hours. Midwives said it was textbook. Friday 13th isn’t unlucky for the Churchill Family. This issue is sponsored by Waterbabies 15 Plymouth & West Devon NCT Magazine—summer 2012 Where should you give birth?
In England there are currently four options for women when choosing where to give birth. These are:
Consultant Led Unit (CLU). Hospital based unit staffed by midwives, doctors and anaesthetists. Open to all women; women with a high risk pregnancy will be strongly advised to birth here. Full range of pharmaceutical anaesthesia available but natural pain relief such as birthing pool may be restricted. Emergency care available on site.
Alongside Midwifery Led Unit (AMLU). Hospital based unit staffed by midwives. Emphasis on normality therefore limited pharmaceutical anaesthesia but more availability of pools, balls, mats. Admission is restricted to women considered to be low risk. Transfer to CLU for emergency care will be within the same building.
Freestanding Midwifery Led Unit (FMLU). As above but located away from a hospital with emergency facilities; often in a small local hospital. Transfer to CLU for emergency care will be via ambulance.
Home Birth (HB). Women are cared for by a community midwife. As labour progresses a second midwife will be called so that two are present for the actual birth. Entonox and diamorphine are available for home births although the latter is very rarely required. Women can choose whatever comfort measures they want and birth pools are readily available for purchase and hire (why not look at the NCT Plymouth Home Birth Support Group for more information http://www.homebirthplymouth.co.uk). Transfer to CLU for emergency care will be via ambulance.
In 2011 the biggest study into Place of Birth for women with a low risk pregnancy in the UK was published. Almost 70,000 births were included in the research. The authors concluded that birth was safe in all four settings available to UK women. For women having their first baby there was a slightly increased risk of an adverse outcome in the home birth setting (0.9% compared to 0.5% in a CLU) but the risk is still considered to be small and women
16 This issue is sponsored by Waterbabies Plymouth & West Devon NCT Magazine— summer 2012 should be supported in their choice of place to birth their baby. There were stark differences in the risks of medical intervention between the various locations. The likelihood of having a birth without medical interventions (e.g. induction, instrumental delivery and Caesarean section) was 88% for home birth, 83% for FMLU, 76% for AMLU and only just over half of women in CLUs (58%) had a natural birth. Simply put, the more easily available a medical intervention is the more likely it is to be used whether or not it is always necessary.
Facilities in Plymouth and West Devon
CLU For most women in this area the local unit will be Derriford Hospital. Women do not, however, have to attend their local unit and you can ask to book into Torbay, Treliske or the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospitals. Not all units have the same facilities and there are significant variations in rates of medical intervention so do some research before making your choice. A good place to start is http://www.birthchoiceuk.com
AMLU Currently this is not available in this area. This is, however, a facility that the maternity department at Derriford Hospital are keen to provide and a plan is currently under consideration with the hospital management and budget holders.
FMLU Plymouth does not have a FMLU but these are available at the community hospitals at Okehampton, St Austel (Penrice) and Newton Abbot. All have birth pools. Newton Abbot’s facility is for birth only but Okehampton and Penrice have small post natal wards where mum and baby can stay for breast feeding support. If you would like to consider birthing in a FLMU talk to your midwife.
HB Home Birth provision in Plymouth is about to move to a new system called “Caseloading”. This means that women who book for a home birth will be allocated a named midwife who will provide all her antenatal care (usually in her own home). It is expected that this midwife will then attend your homebirth or care for you in hospital if circumstances change and you choose, or are advised, to have a hospital birth. Lots of research has shown that most women prefer this level of continuity of care and are much less likely to require medical interventions.
This issue is sponsored by Waterbabies 17 Plymouth & West Devon NCT Magazine—summer 2012 Beccy’s Birth Story
Having been four days early with my daughter, I wasn’t really prepared for the daily texts and phone calls asking whether I had had the baby yet, after all, I was only three days late. When I woke the following day, I took my seventeen month old daughter to the childminder and decided that I wasn’t going to respond to any texts today and that I was going to have a lovely peaceful day eating, shopping and being pampered! I had decided to forget that I was pregnant and just let it happen when it happened.
Amusingly, my credit card bill tells the tale of that day: some lovely salon shampoo and conditioner; some useless but pretty things from Treat, a potty from Toys ‘r’ Us; and a bag of scrumptious food from M&S!! You get the picture, I’m sure! I had a great day and had pampered myself, done my hair, put some nice (but large) clothes on and was now heading to Gayle’s house armed with my goody bag from M&S. I was telling her how chilled I was and that I wasn’t thinking about it anymore. So chilled in fact, that I suddenly realised that I was late to pick up my daughter from the childminder. I rushed to pick her up and eventually got home to give her some tea.
As I lifted her up into the high chair I felt a strong pain in my tummy and thought ‘Mmmm, is this the start?’ I had had Braxton Hicks regularly for the last few weeks and each night I had thought that I was going into labour. On my due date, the midwife examined me and said that I was three centimetres dilated already! Because of this, I didn’t think too much of the tweak that I had felt – until I had another one about ten minutes after. It was 5.50pm and I called my husband, Matthew, to say that I wasn’t sure if I was in labour but it was too uncomfortable to lift our daughter up so could he please come home from work. When I felt the next contraction, I knew this was it so I called back to say to come NOW! His mum, by chance, was on her way to a chiropractic appointment and very near our house so she was diverted and came to the rescue. I just didn’t want my baby daughter to see me in pain and I didn’t want her to be scared so I laboured on the stairs quietly (very hard!!) whilst Grandma played with her.
My husband arrived home and I phoned the labour ward who asked how long I had been in labour. When I said forty minutes, they suggested that I should stay at home for a little longer. Matthew just put me in the car and said that we were going!! On arrival to the triage ward, I was embarrassed that we were there but the contractions were every five minutes and I was managing the pain by putting my head against the wall and marching to The Grand Old Duke of York– much to the amusement of 18 This issue is sponsored by Waterbabies Plymouth & West Devon NCT Magazine— summer 2012 my husband! The idea comes from a great book from Gayle!!
They wanted to put monitors on me to see if I was having such regular contractions and I was not very cooperative as I wanted to be mobile. After about half an hour of contractions they were now coming every two minutes. At 7.00pm, I felt the need to go to the toilet and once I had shut the door, I realised that it must be the baby coming! I got back to the bed and told the midwife who said that they needed to monitor me for longer as I had just ripped it all off! I said that the contractions were really close so she reluctantly examined me and was shocked to see that I was 9cm dilated.
With my husband carrying my knickers, trousers and bag, we all rushed down the corridor and I had the sheet off the bed wrapped around my waist – my dignity had long gone!! I was received by a new team of midwives and they helped me onto the bed. I was on the bed on all fours and it was now that I needed some gas and air. It was really effective and helped me through the contractions. After a quick examination, the midwife said that my waters were bulging and should she burst them. She told me to get ready for a sudden and very strong contraction – she was not kidding, wow! When she told me to start pushing she noticed that the baby was big and called for a doctor. That was all the incentive that I needed as I wanted to avoid intervention if possible. The birth of my daughter was a little chaotic and her head crowned without anyone being ready, so when the midwife was guiding me through this time telling me to stop pushing and to pant – I did exactly what she said as I was scared of tearing. It only took three pushes and he was out, all 9lb 5oz of him at 7.45pm, just over an hour after we had got to hospital! I had always known it was a boy but had kept this a secret from my husband so he was thrilled when he cut the cord and said it was a boy. He knew that I had always loved the name Benjamin, and he was named.
The midwife, Claire, who delivered him, was amazing and listened to me all the way through. I can’t speak highly enough of her. I didn’t need any stitches and I put that down to the care that she took helping me to birth him. They all left us for a little while and it was so lovely to sit, just the three of us, and have tea and toast, although my husband nearly collapsed when he tried the gas and air! I remember the whole experience of the birth of Benjamin and for me it was simply perfect.
This issue is sponsored by Waterbabies 19 Plymouth & West Devon NCT Magazine—summer 2012 Skin to skin
Nowadays skin to skin is promoted to mothers for the first hour after birth. Why? From the Plymouth Latch on leaflet ‘Skin to skin’:
It keeps your baby warm
It helps to calm you and your baby
It promotes bonding between you and your baby
It regulates baby’s breathing and heart rate
It promotes early feeding
It stimulates the hormones needed to pro- duce breast milk
It provides mum and baby with an opportu- nity to get to know each other
Mothers need skin to skin to help them start the bonding process, counting all the fingers and toes etc. The hormones released just after birth assist in this.
For the baby, they can get colonised by mum’s friendly bacteria, helping to get their im- mune system up and running. The warmth of your chest will keep them at the perfect temperature, and the familiar heartbeat will soothe them. If mum is breastfeeding it will help release the hormones to get milk production started, and if the pair are left undisturbed for at least an hour them many babies will latch on spontaneously.
‘The emphasis should be on providing a quiet environment, and making sure the process is unhurried. Like all mammals, human mothers and babies’ exhibit set patterns of be- haviour, including the mother stroking, quietly talking to, and examining her baby. The baby has a period of rest, and then begins to show signs of readiness to feed.
If the baby is not hurried to do so, it will begin to root and salivate, then lift and move its head in search of the breast. Given sufficient time, many babies will even crawl unaided to the breast, self-attach and then breastfeed.’ (BF self directed learning manual Plymouth NHS).
So is it just for the post birth period? Or breastfeeding mums only? Definitely NOT! 20 This issue is sponsored by Waterbabies Plymouth & West Devon NCT Magazine— summer 2012 Skin to skin is a very effective way of soothing a fractious baby any time after birth. Ba- bies love and need touch, and the more cuddles they get the more secure they will feel. It is impossible to spoil a small baby, they need to be held. Imagine how it feels if you are upset and you get a hug – babies need this comfort too.
If you are breastfeeding and experiencing any issues, then skin to skin can ‘reset’ you and your baby to that post birth time. If you can, go to bed, have you and your baby in skin to skin and feed as often as you can, this can sort out many common supply issues. If you are not breastfeeding it is still a great way to reconnect and bond with your baby. If for some reason you cannot have skin to skin after birth, another caregiver such as your partner can do it. This can be a great way for them to be- gin bonding and just as comforting to your baby. You can start skin to skin for yourself when you are able.
Mandy Chapman, student Breastfeeding Counsellor Your Hospital Bag
The awaited due date is fast approaching and everyone keeps asking you if you have packed your hospital bag. So what are those essential bits and bobs that you’ll be glad that you squeezed them in? Our readers have told us about their ‘must-have’ items:
A good bra - I didn't pack one and was stuck in hospital for a week in a really uncomfortable bra, couldn't wait to get out and get to a Latch-On to be measured and get a new bra!!! Jenny
IPod - it was a long, long wait... Lizzie
I forgot a muslin, never thought about it, but that would be my item. Fiona
A big bar of galaxy to have with a cuppa after baby was born!! Mmmmm, lush!! Vicki
Phone charger! By the time baby was born I'd killed my phone battery and couldn't update Facebook with the news everyone had been waiting for! Emily
Warm socks and slippers... Tracy
Something to eat!!! I had a long labour so food was good!!! And when that had gone, the bag of wine gums did the trick!!!! Rachael
A camera for those first pics. Mel
A hair band is really helpful to pack in case your hair is down and all over the place if you have to make a dash into hospital. Beccy This issue is sponsored by Waterbabies 21 Plymouth & West Devon NCT Magazine—summer 2012 Breastfeeding Counsellor Trainee’s update
I am nearly at the end of the course now. I have two more essays and my final portfolio to put together and am working on these now. The end is finally in sight!
I am looking forward to starting my new role, it is all getting very real now! I would like to take this opportunity to thank my branch for all the support over the past three years, they have been fantastic.
Mandy Chapman, BFC Trainee - [email protected]
Antenatal Teacher Trainee’s update
It’s been a busy time for me. Since the last update in January of this year, I have completed both sections of the Reflective Unit, which has now been sent through for the University Exam board.
The next unit involved exploring and understanding the Maternity Services and NCT services in my local area (Plymouth & South Hams), and compare them to national levels. This was a difficult unit to complete, but with the help of the NCT committee, the MSLC, and a community midwife, it is now done, and off for second marking. Thank you everyone for your support. I also had to prepare and undertake a group discussion with my fellow students on an aspect of Maternity Services.
For my next unit, Facilitated Learning, I observed a complete Antenatal course in Exeter, and reflected on my observations of this, and another course I observed last year, by considering the role of the facilitator and the group development. To complement this, I taught a 30 minute session of a potential Antenatal class again with my peers. This unit is now complete and just waiting for marking, before sending to the July Exam board.
I am now undertaking the Year of Birth unit. This unit involves a compulsory 3 day course (over 3 months) on Obstetrics - the physiology of normal / abnormal labour and birth, based in Manchester. I have completed 2 days, and will complete the last part at the end of May. I will be undertaking an interactive teaching session in my next tutorial based on complications in pregnancy, and aim to take the Year of Birth Exam on 2 nd July in Cornwall.
Whilst doing all of that, I will need to start to prepare the content of my first course, later this year.
The new course with the University of Worcester is now nearly ready to go, aiming for a September start. The NCT are now taking applications to start the course, so if anyone is interested, please contact them the NCT for further information. (see their website http://www.nct.org.uk/nct-college).
Nicky Wooderson, ANT Trainee
22 This issue is sponsored by Waterbabies Plymouth & West Devon NCT Magazine— summer 2012
This issue is sponsored by Waterbabies 23 Plymouth & West Devon NCT Magazine—summer 2012
24 This issue is sponsored by Waterbabies Plymouth & West Devon NCT Magazine— summer 2012
This issue is sponsored by Waterbabies 25 Plymouth & West Devon NCT Magazine—summer 2012
26 This issue is sponsored by Waterbabies Plymouth & West Devon NCT Magazine— summer 2012 Branch Contacts - Plymouth & West Devon 398 General Enquiries 0844 243 6242 Email: [email protected] Treasurer Emily Steed / Rose Holt TBA Membership Secretary Amanda Beck 0844 243 6242 Antenatal Bookings Sarah Baker 0844 243 6950 Email: [email protected] Maternity Services Liaison Gitte Lindberg 01752 881259 Committee Parent Support Coordinator Rachel Kilpatrick TBA Breast Pump Agent Angela Greenslade 0844 243 6242
Nearly New Sale email: [email protected]
Magazine Editors Gayle Roberts & Amanda Beck Advertising Coordinator Beccy Skuse 0844 243 6242 Email: [email protected]
Local Area Contacts—phone your nearest contact for information Plymouth Gayle Roberts 01752 656811 Tavistock Amanda Beck 01822 855662 Ivybridge Emma Prowse 01752 690799
NATIONAL NCT Enquiry Line 0300 33 00 770 Breastfeeding Helpline 0300 33 00 771 Postnatal Line 0300 33 00 773 Pregnancy & Birth Line 0300 33 00 772 www.nct.org.uk for useful information for pregnant women and parents. See www.nct.org.uk/plymouth for local branch information. To join the NCT, please visit www.nct.org.uk/support-us/join.
Search for NCT Plymouth & West Devon twitter.com/#!/NCTPlymouth This issue is sponsored by Waterbabies 27 PULL OUT AND KEEP
call details for call – details for call details for call – –
AREA Tavistock Whitchurch, Tavistock TBA Plymouth Woolwell, Yelverton Plymouth Woolwell,
TBA Yelverton Plymouth Woolwell, Tavistock nr Chillaton, Dartmouth nr Woodlands, Tavistock Whitchurch, TBA Yelverton Tavistock Whitchurch,
HOST Lara Emma Gayle/Amanda Angela Rachel Angela
Gayle/Amanda Rachel Angela Carry Amanda Lara Gayle/Amanda Rachel Lara
EVENT DETAILS EVENT House Open & Babes Bumps Nightout Bumps’ & Mums’ House Open & Babes Bumps House Open
Nightout Bumps’ & Mums’ & Babes Bumps House Open & Babes Bumps Weekend Camping House Open Nightout Bumps’ & Mums’ & Babes Bumps House Open
12:00noon -
4:00pm 4:00pm 11.30am 11.30am - - - -
12:00noon 12:00noon - - 11.30am 4:00pm 4:00pm 4:00pm
- - - - TIME 2:00 2:00 8:00pm 9.30 10:00 9.30
8:00pm 10:00 9.30 2:00 Weekend 2:00 8:00pm 10:00 2:00
Sun
th th th th st th – nd
th th t h th th th
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th DATE JUNE 5 Tues 6 Wed 7 Thurs 11 Mon FrI15 25 Mon JULY 4 Wed 6 Fri 9 Mon 10 Tues Fri13 15 17 Tues AUGUST 2 Thurs 3 Fri 21 Tues What shall wedo shall today? What PULL OUT AND KEEP
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call details for call –
Church IvybridgeMethodist Ch. Baptist Ivybridge Evangelical FamilyCentre Crownhill FamilyCentre Crownhill
Whitchurch, Tavistock Whitchurch, Tavistock nr Chillaton, TBA Yelverton Plymouth Woolwell, Centre Children’s Plymbridge Tavistock Whitchurch, Plymouth Woolwell,
Adele Emma Gayle/Vicki Gayle/Vicki
Carry Gayle/Amanda Rachel Angela K Gayle/Rachel Lara Angela Lara
Babes Ivy& Bumps IvyTots Tots Plym & Babes Bumps Plym
Open House Open Lunch Picnic Family Nightout Bumps’ & Mums’ & Babes Bumps House Open Party Tea Monkey Cheeky House Open House Open
2:00pm - 11:30am 11:30am 12:00noon 11:30am - - - -
12:00noon - 4:00pm 11.30am 4:00pm 11.30am
- - - - 10:00 10:00 10:00 10:00
2:00 12:00noon 8:00pm 10:00 9.30 8:00pm 2:00 9.30
st th th th
t h th nd th Tues 21 Tues SEPTEMBER 2 Sun 5 Wed 7 Fri 10 Mon 15 Sat 18 Tues 24 Mon GROUPS WEEKLY EveryTuesday EveryTuesday EveryWednesday EveryFriday For full host details see reverse of this pull out section. Please phone the host before settingbeforephonehost section. detailsseeFor host o pull full outof the reverse Please this iseventtheaddress for andfullstill details.on HOUSE, PLEASE CONTACT IF ORBABES BUMPS IN & YOU’RE HOSTING OPEN YOUR INTERESTED OWN (TAVISTOCK (IVYBRIDGE AREA)AREA). AREA), GAYLE CONTACT (PLYMOUTH AMANDA OR EMMA DETAILS ARE OVERLEAF. Plymouth & West Devon NCT Magazine—summer 2012 Bumps & Babes / Open House Hosts Host Area Telephone Host’s pre-school child(ren) Angela Woolwell 01752 695873 / 07737 996359 Lucy 3 years, Evie 15 months Lara Whitchurch 01822 617012 / 07817 105101 Sophie 3 years Rachel Yelverton 01822 855198 / 0790 5538747 Isaac 7 months Emma Tavistock 07793 498167 Isabella 7 months Carry Chillaton 07768 053022 Olivia 2 months Open Houses - All welcome at these get togethers. Bumps & Babes - Primarily for mums-to-be & babies/toddlers under 18 months.
Please telephone before setting off to check that the event is still on and for directions. Most attendees choose to give a small donation (e.g. £1) to the NCT via the host. If you are interested in hosting either type of event, please contact Gayle or Amanda. Weekly Groups Group Contact Telephone Venue Ivy Bumps & Babes Adele 01752 401379 Ivybridge Methodist Church Ivy Tots Emma 01752 690799 Ivybridge Evangelical Baptist Church Plym Bumps & Babes Gayle 01752 656811 Crownhill Family Centre Plym Tots Gayle 01752 656811 Crownhill Family Centre
30 This issue is sponsored by Waterbabies Plymouth & West Devon NCT Magazine— summer 2012
This issue is sponsored by Waterbabies 31 Plymouth & West Devon NCT Magazine—summer 2012
32 This issue is sponsored by Waterbabies Plymouth & West Devon NCT Magazine— summer 2012
This issue is sponsored by Waterbabies 33 Plymouth & West Devon NCT Magazine—summer 2012
34 This issue is sponsored by Waterbabies Plymouth & West Devon NCT Magazine— summer 2012 Birth Story - Sarah Jane
You very kindly printed my long and arduous birth story two years ago, I'd like you to consider my second birth story for your summer issue this year as it was as different in every way as it could possibly have been. Very briefly I laboured hospital after my membranes ruptured on the morning of my due date but I did not start to contract until 24 hours later by which time I was already admitted to the ward. I was on the list to go down to the delivery ward for induction but they were extremely busy so I endured 26 hours of slow progressing labour on the ward which was horrible even with diamorphine (or especially with diamorphine!) then was finally taken down for induction and an epidural and Oliver was born 9 hours later to a very drugged up and sleep deprived and dazed mummy.
This time my due date came and went and I woke on the Monday after with same period type pains that I'd been having at night occasionally for weeks. I ignored them for a while mainly wanting to go back to sleep. At half four they were still fairly gentle but were building and fading in a familiar way with no pain in between. Deciding not to get over- excited I timed them over the next half an hour, each one was a bit longer and a bit more painful. I woke my husband up at 5 when they were too painful to stay lying down. The first thing he said when he woke up was the same question he'd asked me about eight times a day for the past two weeks "Are you having a baby yet?". He was so excited when I said that I thought I was that he immediately started timing the contractions using an iphone app (!) which displayed your average duration and interval over the last 30 minutes or 1 hour.
After 30 minutes more the display said that they were lasting 1 minute every four minutes and were feeling more intense. I was finally convinced that I was actually in labour now so we decided to go downstairs and have some breakfast. The contractions continued to come quite fast in between mouthfuls of cereal and Ryan had in his mind that second labours can progress quite quickly so he convinced me to call the community midwife. Despite not having been contracting for very long, Claire decided to come out to see where we were and at 6:30 am I was 3cm dilated. My mum came over so she was there when our 2 year old, Oliver woke up and on Claire's advice Ryan started blowing up and filling the pool in preparation for later when we might need it. We had prepared for a home water birth and although I wasn't 100% set on it I thought it was a good option to have if things were going smoothly and I was coping okay. My husband was quite firmly against a homebirth but I'd stuck to my guns about keeping it as an option and our agreement was that we'd play it by ear. Once Oliver was up and about he came to say goodbye and went out for the day. Hearing him awake upstairs and then seeing him had quite a strong biological response and my contractions more or less completely stopped. Once they were gone I went up and had a shower, dressed into my maternity tankinI and a dressing gown and stripped the bed while shouting down to Ryan so he could still time the contractions. They were getting stronger still by this point but further and further apart. I was getting through each contraction by swaying or marching on the spot and blowing long outward breaths. I had bought and read Birth Skills by Juju Sundin on the
This issue is sponsored by Waterbabies 35 Plymouth & West Devon NCT Magazine—summer 2012 advice of the lovely ladies I had met at the NCT homebirth groups as they said it had really helped them during their deliveries. The whole book had made so much sense to me when I read it and I made notes for my husband so he could understand the techniques and help me on the day. I don’t know whether it was the fact that I knew what to expect from the pain or that I had started from the beginning using Juju's techniques but the movement really helped. However once I came back downstairs at 8 o'clock the contractions completely stopped. After about 20 minutes of being stared at under pressure I said we should just do something else. Claire said if we were happy she would go to the clinic and come back when we called her. She had been monitoring the baby at intervals since arriving and was confident that he was happy.
Ryan and I went into the living room and put on a DVD while I tried every antenatal yoga position I could remember to try to restart the contractions. At half 9 Claire telephoned to ask how we were doing but I hadn't had a single contraction in that time. She said not to worry or put pressure on myself and the best thing might be to go back to bed. Well it certainly was because I'd been lying down for less than 5 minutes before I leaped up with an almighty contraction! These were not swaying and breathing contractions, they had gone up a gear. I lay down between contractions but as soon as one started I leapt up and had to pace the hall touching the wall at one end and the door at the other while vocalising with a loud but controlled Ahhhhhhhhhhhh. When even this technique became less effective I asked Ryan to call the midwife back to see if I was established enough to get into the pool. By the time Claire arrived back at around 11 the contractions were too painful to even walk through and I was standing in one spot stamping one foot and banging my stress balls against the wall trying to drown out the pain with the sound of my Ahhhhhhhhhhh. Although I was only 5cm dilated Claire decided that the pain was now enough to warrant getting into the pool for the pain relief so after the baby had been monitored and I had my blood pressure checked I got into the pool. Well what a relief it was. All the weight was taken off my bump, the warm water relaxed all my muscles and as I reclined against the pool wall I thought "this is going to make things much easier". How wrong I was!! The contractions started to come more frequently and stronger almost immediately. And in between the contractions the pain never abated it was always there with the pressure in my pelvis.
That hour I was in the water seemed to fly by, I went into a sort of trance, silent between contractions and very loudly Ahhhhh-ing between, alternating the sound with forceful blowing. My husband at this point was incredible, he could see that I'd managed until now with the techniques learned from the book but that they were no longer enough so during each contraction he came very close to my ear and counted loudly while tapping my shoulder quite firmly with each count. Even though he sometimes got to 80 or 90 concentrating on his voice and the sensation on my shoulder made the pain much more manageable. At some point over that hour between half 11 and half 12 the second midwife Dee arrived although I don’t remember it, I was on a different planet. The baby kept moving between contractions despite being very low by this point. Each time Claire or Dee used the sonicaid to listen to the heartrate it was in a different place and the movements themselves were additional pain. After a time the pain became so much I 36 This issue is sponsored by Waterbabies Plymouth & West Devon NCT Magazine— summer 2012 began to feel very panicky and desperate. I tried a few breaths of gas and air but having been so focussed throughout the labour so far it was unnerving to feel relaxed and woozy so I put it down. Little did I know it at the time but I started to trot out all the cliches of "I cant do it" "I'm scared" "I've changed my mind, I want an epidural" etc etc etc which signal the progression into transition and with the next contraction felt a very strong urge to push. I say that I felt it, in fact my body just began to push on its own during the contraction and I started making an extremely weird noise, like a constipated cow!! Claire asked if I was pushing, to which I said "I'm not trying to" and she suggested it might be the pressure of my bulging waters, if I give a little push they might burst and I'd be more comfortable. She was right about the waters part but as soon as they'd burst the urge to push became ten times stronger. Just over an hour before I had been 5cm dilated, surely this couldn't be 'it'?
The harder I pushed the more the pain went away so I pushed as hard as I could and to my amazement felt the baby moving down. My god it felt huge! The last time I had done this was under epidural so it was completely unfamiliar. As his head began to emerged I suddenly felt uncomfortable so quickly turned from kneeling to squatting. I breathed the head out and with the next push Jonah Patrick came literally whooshing into the world. Claire virtually dived into the pool to scoop him up and put him on my chest. What an incredible feeling. Ryan just stood there with his hands on his head gobsmacked - we'd both expected it to be hours yet but after 12 minutes of pushing here was our baby, contused from the rapid descent but calm and beautiful with loads of dark hair. We didn't even look to see if he was a son or a daughter until Dee suggested she take him to towel him off and check his colour (he did look extremely purple from the congestion). I delivered the placenta in the living room then got cuddled up on the sofa with blankets and towels. I couldn't believe it, an 8lb 12 baby born that fast and no stitches!! The magic of water once again. I don’t think I could have done it on dry land! Then Jonah was handed to me by my husband followed by a tiny glass of Moet and my brand new baby fed for 20 minutes. I have never in my life felt so elated and euphoric. I had done it. I will never top that if I live to be 100, it has been the best thing I have ever done.
The midwives left at around half two or three and I felt so well that I got up, made sandwiches for myself and my husband and together we emptied the pool and put the house back together. You'd never have known that a baby had just been born there. It was only then that I realised I had taken no pictures throughout the day which I always do to help me remember significant events. No matter, that day will be crystal clear in my mind for ever and ever as being amazing and perfect and powerful. This issue is sponsored by Waterbabies 37 Plymouth & West Devon NCT Magazine—summer 2012 Ask the expert - midwife
Each issue we feature questions and answers from experts in their field. Send in your questions by 10th August in time for the autumn issue.
I'm 8 days over my babies due date and my midwife has booked me in for an induction of labour on day 12. I'm not keen on this and would rather wait for my baby to come naturally. Is there an alternative? (and what does an induction involve?)
Most pregnancies end naturally between 37 and 42 weeks. However, Induction of labour is generally offered to all women by midwives, from 41 weeks in a normal pregnancy within the NICE Guideline. Individual hospitals have their own guidelines and locally, induction of labour is offered around 12 days after your due date. There will also be individual variations depending on clinical indication. If a woman does not wish to have her labour induced then she will be offered a discussion at the hospital to discuss the potential risks of post term labour and birth and a personal plan of management made, which may include regular fetal monitoring and scans.
Induction of labour includes assessing your cervix to see how ripe it is for labour and generally done at the same time as a sweep in community. A date will be mutually discussed and you will be advised to attend the hospital as arranged. If there is still cervical ripening to do, such as shortening and softening, then a long acting pessary may be inserted beside the cervix and this can be left in for 24hours. Labour may start with this alone but may also ripen the cervix enough to break your waters and commence an intravenous infusion of artificial hormones to start labour. Fetal monitoring will be undertaken regularly throughout the process. Breaking the waters is only undertaken on the labour ward and once the induction process has commenced you will be advised to stay within the hospital. This can be a lengthy process so do not expect to go in the morning and have your baby the same day! Your labour maybe a little more painful than a natural onset, however, you can have the same pain relief options and this does not always mean needing an epidural with induced labour.
Is there anything I can do to help start labour?
Membrane sweeps via an internal vaginal examination by your midwife may help ripen your cervix and stimulate labour. These are offered at 40 and 41 weeks on your first pregnancy and at 41 weeks in subsequent pregnancies. You may need more than one! Some women find sweeps very uncomfortable whilst others pain free, however at any point you find it too sore the midwife can just stop. NICE do not advocate complementary therapies because there is not enough research to prove their effectiveness, however do recognise that women do access them and report them as being effective.
If you decide to look into complementary therapy, ensure the practitioner is qualified with a special interest/qualification working with pregnant women.
38 This issue is sponsored by Waterbabies Plymouth & West Devon NCT Magazine— summer 2012 Coping strategies and pain relief for labour
Environment
Labour is controlled by a suitable dance of hormones. The most important of these is oxytocin also called “the love hormone”. Environment can play a key role in stimulating the birthing mother to produce this hormone and keep at bay stress hormones. Animals know this instinctively and choose quiet, dark places where they won’t be disturbed to give birth.
Whether you are at home or in hospital, keep your birth room dim, listen to calm and peaceful music. Don’t forget your other senses: have a soft blanket or throw to wrap yourself in and your own pillow to lie on. Certain aromatherapy oils can have a relaxing or stimulating effect during labour or simply something that smells of your home rather than disinfectant can be comforting.
Pool
The use of water during labour and birth is a fairly modern phenomenon in the Western world but in some cultures it has been used for centuries if not millennia. Water helps by enabling the birthing mother to remain very mobile and reducing the weight of her “bump”. Warm water is also very relaxing which, contrary to popular belief, can sometimes speed up a labour as the birthing mother’s body is able to work more efficiently when relaxed. Even if you don’t want to actually give birth in water it can help to spend some of your labour in a warm bath or shower.
HypnoBirthing
HypnoBirthing is a programme designed for couples and the birthing partner is given a really important role to play during labour. A lot of emphasis is put onto helping parents understand the natural processes of labour; how the hormones control each part of labour and how the baby navigates its way through the pelvis. Knowledge of how labour works can significantly reduce the stress hormones which can inhibit natural labour and make it more painful. The couple then learn a variety of relaxation techniques to help them achieve a calm and gentle birth.
This issue is sponsored by Waterbabies 39 Plymouth & West Devon NCT Magazine—summer 2012 Active Birth/ Yoga
Yoga can help women stay fit and mobile during pregnancy but most classes will also teach birthing mothers positions and exercises which can help the birthing process. An essential part of yoga is tuning in to breathing rhythms and learning to use these to relax and these techniques can be very useful during labour and birth.
Massage/ acupressure
Massage and simple acupressure techniques can be learnt by birth partners. As well as helping the birthing mother cope they can help partners to feel that they are playing an active and supportive role in the labour. There are many possible beneficial effects which can be learnt from qualified practitioners or books: stimulation of the skin nerves can help boost endorphin production (the body’s natural pain killer); muscle work can relieve painful tension; techniques can improve the birthing mother’s mobility and help the baby get into a good position for birth; it can help calm the birthing mother reducing anxiety and fear.
Complimentary therapies (e.g. reflexology, aromatherapy, acupuncture, homeopathy)
Complimentary therapies may help the birthing mother by enabling her to stay calm and focussed. They may also help maintain the mother’s energy levels and possibly stimulate the body’s natural birthing process. Some therapists may agree to accompany a birthing mother during her labour or teach a birthing partner appropriate techniques.
TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)
TENS work by activating the nerves in the skin with a gentle electrical impulse. This results in disruption of pain messages along the nerves in the spinal column so that the perception of pain is reduced. The birthing mother has four sticky pads placed on her back and a simple control unit which allows her to increase the intensity as labour progresses and boost the effect during contractions. TENS is a little bit like Marmite; some women dislike the tingling sensation but lots of women love them and find them invaluable during labour.
Entonox (Gas and Air)
Entonox is a mixture of Nitrous Oxide (Laughing gas) and Oxygen. It is inhaled using a mask or mouth piece and the effects are felt very quickly. It also leaves the body very quickly so if the birthing mother does not like the effect she simply stops inhaling the gas and will feel back to normal within a minute or two. Although entonox
40 This issue is sponsored by Waterbabies Plymouth & West Devon NCT Magazine— summer 2012 does not remove the pain completely most women find that the “slightly drunk” effect that it produces enables them to cope with labour better and it is the most popular form of pain relief for labouring women in the UK. Entonox is available for home births as well as hospital and can be used in conjunction with a birthing pool.
Diamorphine
Diamorphine is a member of the opiate family (like morphine and codeine). Its other name is heroin. It is administered as an injection during labour and has an effect on the central nervous system reducing the perception of pain. Most women find that it makes them very drowsy which can be very useful in enabling the birthing mother to sleep during a long labour but can mean that some women will not be alert when their baby is born. Diamorphine does cross the placenta and sometimes babies will be very sleepy and reluctant to feed following birth. Diamorphine can be administered by midwives at a home birth but due to the doping effect women cannot remain in a birth pool.
Epidural
An Epidural is the only form of labour anaesthesia which has the potential to totally eliminate pain. It can be used for pain relief during a normal labour or for an instrumental delivery or caesarean section when it is particularly useful because it enables the birthing mother to stay awake so that she can meet her baby immediately after birth.
Epidural actually refers to the space in the spinal column into which a small plastic tube (catheter) is inserted. Local anaesthetic is pumped slowly down the tube to numb the nerves in the spinal column and due to gravity it only affects the nerves below the insertion point in the lower back. As well as stopping the birthing mother feeling pain it may also stop other sensations: a urinary catheter is usually inserted so that her bladder can be emptied; legs become heavy and immobile so that she will need to remain in bed often in a semi-sitting position (not ideal for giving birth); she may not feel any sensation of the contractions making it hard for her to push her baby out and instrumental assistance may be needed.
Epidurals are inserted by an anaesthetist and the baby’s heart beat must be continuously monitored as there is a risk of fetal distress; for these reasons they are only available in a consultant led hospital unit. This issue is sponsored by Waterbabies 41 Plymouth & West Devon NCT Magazine—summer 2012 Florence Annabelle Russell Banfield-Birth Story
I was convinced I was going to be overdue with my first baby as my mother and mother- in-law had both been 2 weeks late with all 5 of their collective children. Imagine my surprise when I started having contractions 6 days early...in Homebase! It was Easter Bank Holiday Monday morning (not a great time to be in a DIY store at the best of times...) and started getting really intense back pains, but because I wasn’t due till the Saturday (and generally quite stressed trying to find the items that were, naturally, not in stock) I didn’t really believe this was “it”.
But by lunch time we were home and I was in a hot bath, considering the possibility that this was not false labour after all. By 2pm I was having contractions about 10 minutes apart and my husband, Steve, and I decided it was time to get out the TENS machine – a scary prospect at first (who wants to voluntarily give themselves electric shocks?!) but, little did I know, this little machine would become my best friend over the coming days. Following all our antenatal sessions I knew the best option was to stay at home for as long as possible, so while Steve packed the last few bits and pieces in the hospital bag (“don’t forget my toothbrush!”), I knelt on the stairs, pressing that all important Boost button on the TENS machine and trying to remember all the breathing techniques I’d learnt in our NCT classes. By 8pm we were driving across Dartmoor at as great a speed as Steve dared, with the contractions coming at a consistent 3 minutes apart. It was therefore a great disappointment when I got to triage and they found me to be only 1cm dilated. But having observed the frequency and intensity of my contractions, they allowed me to stay the night. However as I was not in ‘established labour’ I was packed off to the Maternity ward with only a jab in the bum of diamorphine (ouch!) and my TENS machine for company. Steve was sent home, and so began a long night of Boost-button- pressing, deep breathing (more like mooing!) and very little sleep.
By Tuesday lunch time I was 4cm and allowed into the Labour ward, where there were lovely things like gas and air waiting for me. Steve and I could finally start feeling excited about the pending arrival of our baby – all the more wonderful as it was our 2nd wedding anniversary that day. However as the afternoon and evening progressed, my
42 This issue is sponsored by Waterbabies Plymouth & West Devon NCT Magazine— summer 2012 labour did not, and following every strategy to get things moving, such as breaking my waters (which in itself took forever!) and hooking me up to the hormone drip, finally by midnight I (enthusiastically) accepted the offer of an epidural. This took the edge off the pain, but the baby had her foot lodged under my ribs, and my legs swelled up quite a lot, so even though I couldn’t feel the contractions, I was still extremely uncomfortable, and so began the second sleepless night (with poor Steve on the bare floor, using a towel as a blanket and the hospital bag for a pillow).
After spending Wednesday morning at only 6cm, finally the good news came at noon that I was 9cm, but this soon turned to further disappointment when they found that the baby was so far up the birth canal, lying at an angle, and back to back, that actually she still had a long way to come. By 6pm, with the baby still not budging, as well as the fact that I had not eaten or slept since Monday morning so was physically exhausted, the option of a c- section was discussed, though by this point there was no real discussion needed – I was very keen. Shortly afterwards I was wheeled up to theatre for an emergency c-section… and at 7.01pm baby Florence was born at a very healthy 8lb 5oz.
In truth, the c-section itself was quite a strange physical sensation, but the staff made me feel so at ease, and chatted to me the whole way through, so I never felt any fear or apprehension. As soon as I heard my baby cry for the first time, all the pain and disappointment of the previous 50 hours completely disappeared and I knew everything had been worth it. She was the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen in my life and I was totally in love with this amazing little bundle. Despite my sleep deprivation I pretty much stayed up all of that first night in the Maternity ward just looking at her perfect face. I know it’s a cliché but you really do forget the pain of labour so quickly and knowing the amazing care I received from all the staff at Derriford, both before and after the birth, as well as the support from all the wonderful people I have met through the NCT, I really would not fear labour next time round.
I pretty much experienced every aspect of labour with Florence, though next time I might make sure all my DIY is done MUCH further in advance! Georgie Banfield This issue is sponsored by Waterbabies 43 Plymouth & West Devon NCT Magazine—summer 2012 Meet the Committee - Beccy Skuse
Position within the NCT: Advertising Co-ordinator
Family details: Married to Matthew and mum to Hermione aged 3 yrs and Benjamin aged 1½yrs.
Employed or SAHM: I have the best of both worlds as a part time primary teacher and then as mummy again for the rest of the time!
What does your role within the NCT involve: Since December 2009, I became involved with the branch magazine (formerly newsletter) along with 2 other committee members. My role involves securing advertising from various businesses, both large and small, in order to fund the publication costs of the magazine. It is also a great opportunity to get to know local businesses and what they are able to offer in Plymouth and west Devon. These businesses are invited to distribute leaflets at our local events and have the opportunity to attend events in person too.
How did you get involved with the NCT? My husband and I attended antenatal classes with Denise in April of 2009. A few weeks after my daughter was born, I responded to an advert in the newspaper for volunteers to join the branch. I decided I would like to get involved as I really enjoyed my antenatal classes and the NCT events that I went on to attend. Since then I have hosted Bumps and Babes groups, worked on the magazine and supported all the events that the branch hold.
What do you like about the NCT? I love how everyone has a common interest (babies and children!) despite being from so many different backgrounds. It makes it really interesting to hear how everyone approaches parenting differently and it is so supportive to swap stories, ideas and successes. There is so much happening in the branch that there is always something to be getting stuck into!
What is your favourite pastime? My husband and I have always enjoyed travelling and we were maybe a little over-enthusiastic when we took our three-week old baby on a camping weekend! We try to go camping, when the weather is warmer, and we have braved Australia twice too (not for the faint-hearted!) We love sharing the weekends with grandparents and friends, loving seeing our children exploring this gorgeous part of the country that we live in. Otherwise, we can often all be found supporting Plymouth Albion: explaining the rules of rugby to our 2 year old; keeping our 1 year old out of mischief and having a great family day out. 44 This issue is sponsored by Waterbabies Plymouth & West Devon NCT Magazine— summer 2012
This issue is sponsored by Waterbabies 45 Plymouth & West Devon NCT Magazine—summer 2012
46 This issue is sponsored by Waterbabies Plymouth & West Devon NCT Magazine— summer 2012 Cooking Corner - Carrot Cupcakes
Making cupcakes gives toddlers a more manageable “personal” cake than the traditional large, sliced carrot Ingredients cake. Try this moist and delicious carrot cupcake 170g self-raising flour topped with a tasty maple icing. You could also bake 1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda these in ring moulds on a baking tray so that they look 1 tsp mixed spice like minI carrot cakes with a swirl of icing on top… they Pinch salt would look very impressive for a tea party. 170g (6oz) butter, room Preheat the oven to 190c/375F/Gas 5/Fan 170c. Line 2 temperature muffin tins with paper cases. 170g (6oz) soft light brown sugar Sift together the flour, bicarbonate of soda, mixed 3 eggs, beaten spice and slat and set aside. Put the butter and sugar in 1/2 tsp vanilla extract a large bowl and beat until fluffy. Add the eggs, vanilla, sour cream and sifted dry ingredients and beat until 2 tbsp sour cream or Greek just combined. Fold in the carrot and raisins. yoghurt 140g (5oz) grated carrot (2 Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tins, filling large or 3 medium carrots) each paper case around 3/4 full (an ice-cream scoop is 110g (4oz) raisins good for this). Bake for 18-22 minutes, until a toothpick Icing inserted into the centre of the cupcakes comes out 140g (5oz) icing sugar clean. Cool for 5 minutes in the tins, then transfer to a 4 tbsp maple syrup wire rack to cool completely. 3/4 tsp water To make the icing, put the icing sugar in a bowl and stir 30g pecans, chopped in the maple syrup. Add the water, a few drops at a (optional) time, to make an icing which will thickly coat the back of a spoon. Spread onto the cupcakes and sprinkle over the pecans (if using).
The iced cupcakes will keep in an airtight tin for 3-4 days. Baked, un-iced cupcakes can be frozen for up to 1 month. Defrost for 2-3 hours at room temperature.
Information Makes 16 - Suitable from 18 months Not suitable for freezing - Preparation: 15 minutes
Recipe courtesy of Annabel Karmel. Annabel’s chilled range of meals for toddlers are now available in major supermarkets.
This issue is sponsored by Waterbabies 47 Plymouth & West Devon NCT Magazine—summer 2012 Kids say the funniest things…
I tried to carry too many shopping bags into the house, and one of the bags ripped just as I walked in the front door. My 3- year-old looks at me and says, "Well, that was an epic fail."
When asking my son if the point I made was "crystal clear," he turned to his brother and said, "I wonder what she'd do if I said she was a little blurry." Harry – 6yrs
“Your teeth are beautiful, your lips are beautiful, and your nose is kind of all greasy.” End of my ego trip. Megan – 4yrs
Bedtime-stalling tactic: “I dropped Mummy's kiss on the floor; I need a new one.” Josh – 3.5yrs
My five-year-old just asked where babies come from. I said a stork, and she said, “No, your tummy explodes and then you poo it out.”
Vivian’s latest random gem (she’s 3 ½): “My bones are my people, and my body is an airplane.” Whoa, deep.
48 This issue is sponsored by Waterbabies Plymouth & West Devon NCT Magazine— summer 2012
This issue is sponsored by Waterbabies 49 Plymouth & West Devon NCT Magazine—summer 2012
50 This issue is sponsored by Waterbabies Plymouth & West Devon NCT Magazine— summer 2012 Plymouth Latch-on Groups GROUP ADDRESS CONTACT Crownlands/Popin * Crownlands/Popin Children's Centre, (01752) 770321 Every Mon 1:00 - 2:00 Crownhill Family Centre (01752) 761007 Cattedown * Nomony Children's Centre, (01752) 667869 Every Tues, 1:30- 3:00 27 St Johns Road Devonport * Green Ark Children's Centre, (01752) 565555 Every Mon, 1:00—3:00 Leander House, Fore Street Efford * D.E.L.L. Children's Centre, (01752) 306334 Every Wed, 9:15– 11:15 High View Primary School, Blandford Rd Honicknowle * Tesco's Cafe, Transit Way (01752) 366795 Every Tues, 10:30 - 12:30 (contact Four Woods Children's Centre) Stonehouse Manor Street Children’s Centre, (01752) 208650 Every Thurs, 12:00 - 1:00 25 Manor Street, Stonehouse North Prospect * Surestart Community Room, (01752) 313293 Every Wed, 9:15 - 11:15 Ham Drive Nursery, Ham Drive Peverell * Sweet Pea's Children's Centre, (01752) 290559 Every Thurs, 10:30 - 12:00 Brandreath Road, Mannamead Plymbridge * Plymbridge Children's Centre, (01752) 786444 Every Wed, 1:00 - 2:30 Miller Way, Estover Plympton * Plympton Clinic, by Ridgeway Shops (01752) 283826 Every Thurs, 12:30 - 1:30 Plymstock * Plymstock Children's Centre, (01752) 407496 Every Wed, 10:30 - 12:00 Dunstone Primary School, Shortwood Crescent Barne Barton/St. Budeaux * The Barne, Kit Hill Crescent, (01752) 431600 Every Wed, 9:30 - 11:00 Barne Barton
Southway Southernway Children’s centre (01752) 314879 Every Wed - 9:30 - 11:30 Beechwood primary school, Southway
* indicates Bra Fitting available at this group.
Please check the website for up to date information about your local Latch on groups - www.plymouth-latchon.org.uk.
Don’t forget ‘Boobie Babies’ at Tavistock Children’s Centre every Wed, 10:00-12:00. Call 01822 614210 for more details. This issue is sponsored by Waterbabies 51 Plymouth & West Devon NCT Magazine—summer 2012 What’s on - summer 2012 DATE PLACE EVENT CONTACT JUNE 1st Crownhill Library Jubilee Tea Party 01752 668000 2nd Plymouth City Museum Diamond Jubilee Joy 01752 304774 2nd - 5th South Devon Railway Diamond Jubilee Weekend. 0843 357 1420 2nd-10th Saltrum House, Plymouth Family Fun: Den Building 01752 333503 6th St Aubyn Library Jubilee Tea Party 01752 668000 7th Efford Library Jubilee Tea Party 01752 668000 16th Plymouth City Museum Make and Take: Father’s Day 01752 304774 28th – 1st July Theatre Royal Plymouth The Gruffalo 2012 Tour 01752 267222
DATE PLACE EVENT CONTACT JULY 7th Ford Park Cemetery Wild about Plymouth: Bug Hunt 01752 668000 13th - 15th Woodlands, Dartmouth NCT Camping Weekend 01822 855662 21st Devonport Park City Spiders 01752 668000 21st – 28th Kingsbridge Kingsbridge Fair Week - www.kingsbridgefairweek.co.uk 21st – 29th Plymouth Sound/Barbican Plymouth Regatta - www.plymouthregatta.co.uk 25th Yealmpton Yealmpton Show - www.yealmptonshow.com 25th Saltram House, Plymouth Inquisitive Insects Day 01752 333503 29th Totnes Totnes & District Show - www.totnesshow.com
DATE PLACE EVENT CONTACT AUGUST 12th - 19th Totnes Totnes Carnival Week 01803 863168 14th - 15th Plymouth Hoe The British Firework 01752 668000 Championships 25th Portland Square Building, Wild about Plymouth: Dinosaur 01752 668000 University of Plymouth Day
Let us know if you’re running an event you’d like included here in a future issue. Email us at [email protected] with the details. Publication dates and copy deadlines can be found on page 53.
52 This issue is sponsored by Waterbabies Plymouth & West Devon NCT Magazine— summer 2012 Would you like to advertise in this magazine?
The Plymouth and West Devon branch covers Plymouth and the surrounding areas including Tavistock, Ivybridge and South East Cornwall. The branch organises a wide range of social and fund-raising events for members and non-members, including coffee mornings and evening events, runs antenatal classes and provides one-to-one support for new parents.
We now produce 500 copies of our quarterly magazine, which is distributed to members, potential members, antenatal class attendees and other interested parties such as various healthcare professionals. Each issue is likely to be read by parents, parents to be, grandparents, child carers and professionals within the Plymouth and West Devon area. Our magazine is a very cost effective way of reaching a clearly targeted audience with a strong interest in pregnancy and childcare.
Cost Size Orientation Maximum size Colour Price Price per per annum issue (4 issues) Half A5 Landscape 130mmx95mm Black & white £26 £84 Half A5 Landscape 130mmx95mm Colour £36 £116 Full A5 Portrait 190mmx130mm Black & white £41 £132 Full A5 Portrait 190mmx130mm Colour £66 £212 Issue Back page A5 portrait colour advertisement, £102 n/a Sponsorship mention in Editor’s Chat and company name on footer of each page. Flyers cost will vary depending on the weight of inserts. Price on application
All prices include VAT at 20% (as of January 4th 2011).
Publication dates
Spring issue - copy deadline 10th February - distributed from 1st March Summer issue - copy deadline 10th May - distributed from 1st June Autumn issue - copy deadline 10th August - distributed from 1st September Winter issue - copy deadline 10th November - distributed from 1st December
The preferred format for adverts is electronic, with most formats accepted (jpg, png, pdf, psd, Word etc.). We can also offer a design service for new adverts and an amendment service for your existing advert if required. When compiling your advert, please remember that where we print in black and white, we cannot guarantee the print quality of adverts which are sent to us in colour. To advertise or discuss an idea with us please email [email protected]. This issue is sponsored by Waterbabies 53 Plymouth & West Devon NCT Magazine—summer 2012 In our next issue - autumn 2012
The theme for our next issue is “Weaning”. Send us your stories, experiences and advice. All contributions received will be entered into a draw to win Wedela goodies! Not forgetting our regular features:
Ask the Expert - Send us your questions for our midwife, teacher or child psychologist.
What’s on - Send us details of events in your area or that you are planning
Kids say the funniest things - What have your little ones said that made you laugh?
Keep those birth stories coming - our readers love them! We would also love to read any Dad’s stories about their experience of birth or parenthood in general.
Send your submissions to [email protected] or call us on 0844 243 6242 by 10th August 2012.
54 This issue is sponsored by Waterbabies Plymouth & West Devon NCT Magazine— summer 2012
This issue is sponsored by Waterbabies 55