Tag Archive for: Adelaide baby

Best options for pregnancy exercise in Adelaide

Best options for pregnancy Exercise in Adelaide

Exercise in pregnancy is not only safe ( unless otherwise advised) it is beneficial for mums mental and physical wellbeing

Best options for exercise include aqua classes / yoga/ pilates and Adelaide active can provide you will options during and after pregnancy for you and your baby

AquaBumps Class

Exercising in the water during pregnancy provides gentle resistance and relief from pressure on your joints. AquaBumps classes are tailored to expectant mums, helping reduce swelling, improve circulation, and provide a calm space to relax while staying active.

Benefits

Relieve pressure on joints and back

Experience relief from musculoskeletal discomfort with targeted techniques that address pain and tension, helping you move freely and comfortably.

Improve circulation and reduce swelling

Boost your circulation with our therapeutic methods, which help improve blood flow, delivering vital nutrients and oxygen to your muscles and tissues.

Relax and feel weightless in the pool

Unwind and rejuvenate as our class promotes relaxation and reduce stress, allowing you to feel calm and centred

Clinical Pilates Classes

Clinical Pilates is a safe and effective way to support your body through pregnancy and beyond. Led by experienced physiotherapists, these classes focus on posture, stability, and controlled movement to help you stay strong, mobile, and confident as your body changes.

Benefits

Reduce back and pelvic pain

Targeted exercises help relieve common pregnancy discomforts, supporting your spine, hips, and pelvis for easier movement and daily comfort.

Strengthen your core and posture

Gentle core activation and alignment work help stabilise your body, improve posture, and prepare you for labour and recovery.

Feel energised and confident in your body

Build strength and body awareness in a safe, encouraging space designed to help you feel capable and supported.

Mums & Bubs Clinical Pilates

Our Mum & Bubs Clinical Pilates classes are designed to help you recover safely after birth with your baby right by your side. These sessions rebuild strength, stability, and confidence while creating space to bond and connect with other new mums.

Benefits

Safely restore strength after birth

Rebuild your core and pelvic floor through gentle, guided exercises that support recovery and reduce postnatal discomfort.

Bond with your baby during exercise

Enjoy the special connection of sharing movement time with your little one. Your baby can lie beside you or join in for gentle interaction.

Connect with other supportive mums

Be part of a community that understands the ups and downs of early motherhood, where encouragement and laughter are always part of the class.

Find out more

The seduction of induction at Xmas

We are coming into silly season

The time when Xmas plans are being made and when you’re pregnant you’re most likely hoping for your baby’s sake he or she is not born on Xmas day

If your baby is due around Xmas there is often the seduction of being induced to be sure your baby doesn’t have to share hospital birthday

With that concern comes the seduction to accept an induction of labour

Ask any midwife in a private hospital and they will be dreading the week leading up to Xmas as they know the “induction book” will be bursting at the seems with inductions

Of course any one would rather keep Xmas day and the days either side quiet so that more staff can spend the day with their families .

But Xmas ( Easter etc etc ) are not valid reasons to induce a baby .

Induction of labour techniques were introduced with the good intention of ending pregnancy early when there is valid medical reason .

Valid reasons can include hypertension of pregnancy and or a baby who doesn’t seem to be growing and thriving in utero .

Induction of labour comes with risk . When the benefits of induction ( such as reducing risk of hypertension for mum or slow growth for baby ) outweighs the risks – then of course induction should happen in a timely matter – no matter what day of the week it is .

When the reason for induction is – Xmas day / Easter / weekend / Doctor going on holiday – the benefit probably doesn’t out weigh the risk .

What are the risks of induction of labour ?

More discomfort during the labour process and therefore more use of pain medications

More risk of baby becoming distressed during the “artificial” contractions leading to increase risk of instrumental birth ( forceps or c section

Increased risk of infection

Increases risk of postpartum bleeding

Increased risk of baby needing special care nursery due to distress / infection / lung immaturity

Increases risk of baby needing care for jaundice a associated with being born before due date and the use of forceps

Decreases breastfeeding rate – due to pain relieving medication and baby immaturity

Increases risk of perineal tears

Decreased satisfaction of birth experience ( due to increased levels of discomfort )

There have been studies over the past decade which have resulted in higher number of women being “offered” induction of labour – the study did not look at the impact of induction on baby’s in short and long term .

The rates of induction over the past 2 decades have increased dramatically

The percentage of stillbirth has NOT decreased ( and therefore induction of labour at 39-30 weeks can not be claimed to reduce stillbirth rates

Many women are also offered / encouraged induction due to their baby being “large” . This estimate is based on ultrasound which is not effective at predicting size and can over ( or under) predict by 10-20 percent .

Having an induction of labour to avoid Xmas day may seem very enticing BUT keep your eye on the longer term effects of unnecessary interventions .

Gaining more knowledge about your options for birth is vital for you and your baby ( physical and mental wellbeing)

My positive birth classes provide you and your partner with the knowledge , tools and confidence to advocate and take charge over your pregnancy and birth

 

Induction of labour tips

When is THE best time to begin Hypnobirthing ?

When is the best time to start a hypnobirthing class ?

All too often I have messages from mums at 36 weeks ask if it’s too late to do Hypnobirthing !!

While it’s never too late ( I’ve had a mum start at 38 weeks – we had to do a full day intensive to be safe) it’s ideal to begin between 20-30 weeks gestation .

By starting as early as 24 weeks – you gain a great deal of knowledge and confidence about your options throughout pregnancy.

I’ve had a few couples , who have reevaluated their choices in care provider after beginning their Hypnobirthing classes . The reason- they started to follow their gut – that the care provider was suggesting interventions around birth before there was indications !

Hypnobirthing is more than just feeling calm and in control of your options – it’s about developing an understanding that each birth is different BUT it IS what your body is meant to do . We emphasise that yes interventions are great IF we need them BUT all too often – our society is over medicalising birth . When you are armed with knowledge you have the confidence to demand individualised care and only accept interventions when they suit your individualised situation .

What’s more – your partner and you will be able to work as a team – fully confident about what you need during pregnancy and birth to have a positive experience .

To have a better idea of why I am so passionate about private childbirth education classes – watch a birth documentary called birth time – it’s gives a personal perspective of birth from many women in Australia .

If you’re ready for a positive birth- BOOK NOW

If you have any questions please call me direct 0409480493

When should i start hypno-birthing classes ?
Learning techniques for a calm birth

Are you ready to throw in the towel ?

Are you ready to throw in the towel ?

Breastfeeding can be incredibly hard in the early days- but also very rewarding. It’s very common to face difficulties along the way. There’s a lot of support available, from lactation consultants to support groups and online forums. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you need it, and remember that each baby and situation is different .

Remember -You’re doing a wonderful thing for your little one!

Heres some tips for when things get tough

  • Just enjoy some time with your baby skin on skin at times when baby is NOT looking for food
  • Many mums feel as they don’t get a chance to just enjoy holding their baby -especially if they have to express to boost supply or to enable baby to have a top-up.
  • When you cuddle your baby against your chest you release endorphins (happy hormones) and oxytocin (love hormones)-so youll feel more relaxed and so will your baby
  • Have a bath with your baby-they love the warm water -it reminds them of being safe in utero.
  • Allow your bbay the chance to self attach -baby led attachment is more gentle and can allow baby to attach in a more relaxed manner-remember -breastfeeding is instinctual for your baby .
  • If your baby is unsettled, offer a topup feed-even if your breasts feel soft -they are never empty and sometimes sucking on a breast that felt quite”empty” allows baby to gain the higher fat milk whihc helps them settle
  • Go for a walk with a support person (with your baby in a sling) .Getting some fresh air helps baby and you.

Seek some support from your midwife or a qualified  https://myprivatemidwife.com.au/postnatal-lactation/ consultant who can work with you to overcome the overwhelm and support you through the first 6 weeks

Cuddling your baby

Babys who are crying benefit from skin in skin

Remember all new skills take time and breastfeeding is no exception

Call/Email for a home visit or phone consult

 

 

 

Be THE most supportive birth partner ever

How you can be the best birth support

Be THE most supportive birth partner ever

Many partners feel as though pregnancy and birth is a time where all the attention is focused on the mother growing her little bundle .Partners can often feel as though they are on the outside and dont know what thie role is .

In fact your role IS vital- you can make such a difference to a mothers experience of labour and you can set yourself up to be the person she attributes to her amazing experience (no matter how her birth pans out)

By being involved and knowledgeable , she will likley brag about how amazing you were in supporting her through a very challenging but rewarding day .

One of the best things about hypno-birthing classes , is that partners report they gained confidence and knowledge which wa snot available through the hospital classes.

  1. Educate Yourself: Knowledge is power. Learn about the stages of labor, comfort measures, and your partner’s birth preferences. Attend hypno-birthing childbirth classes together if possible.
  2. Stay Calm and Positive: Your calm demeanor can be contagious. Encourage and reassure your partner throughout the process. During my hypno-birthing classes we will cover many tools including ” positive affirmations” which help you adjust your mindset and your partners
  3. Advocate for her wishes : Be familiar with your partner’s birth plan and preferences. Communicate these to the maternity team and help ensure they’re respected unless medically necessary.
  4. Provide Physical Comfort: Offer massage, counter-pressure, or help with breathing techniques. A simple light touch or holding hands can also be comforting.During hypnobirthing classes we will show you both light touch and accupressure points
  5. Keep her  Hydrated and Nourished: Offer water and snacks as allowed. Labor can be exhausting, and staying hydrated and fueled is important.
  6. Create a Relaxing Environment: Dim the lights, play soothing music, or use aromatherapy if desired. Help your partner find a comfortable position.
  7. Be Present: Your emotional support is invaluable. Listen actively, offer encouragement, and be there every step of the way.
  8. Stay Informed: Keep updated on the progress of labor and ask questions if something isn’t clear. This shows your commitment to being involved and informed.
  9. Be Flexible: Birth plans may need to  change, if  unexpected situations  arise. Be adaptable and supportive of decisions made for the well-being of your partner and baby.
  10. Celebrate Together: Once your baby arrives, share in the joy and celebrate this special moment as a team. Your support doesn’t end with labor; being a supportive partner continues into the postpartum period as well.

When you attend my hypno-birthing/positive birth preparation classes either online or in person-you and your partner will gain knowledge tools and confidence to meet the challenges and triumphs of birth

 BOOK NOW