The Modern Midwife's Guide to Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond: How to Have a Healthier Pregnancy, Easier Birth and Smoother Postnatal Period

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In conclusion, this article has presented a clinical update on caring for those childbearing with hEDS/HSD throughout the perinatal period, where management remains complex. Yet, cases should no longer be considered rare, only rarely diagnosed. The latest insights presented here may crucially explain the origins of some precipitate labours and births seen in practice along with other outcomes. They may also be used to galvanise change in perinatal services, whereby educational resources, policies, practices and guidelines are updated to reflect a new reality in which the needs of those childbearing with hEDS/HSD (approximately 1 in 20) are effectively accommodated. Such updates may also ensure that staff are better prepared to deliver the high-quality and safe care they aspire to, thus also further contributing to professional wellbeing overall. Key points Key to the success of this service is the local parents who have the passion, skills and commitment to train as Birth and Beyond Community Supporters and volunteer in their local community supporting other parents.

Postnatally, some with hEDS/HSD can struggle to recover from birth, both physically and psychologically ( Pezaro et al, 2020). For example, tissues compromised by hEDS/HSD can be problematic to heal ( Hakim and Grahame, 2003; Hakim and Sahota, 2006; Castori, 2012). Our previous review also highlighted specific complications in relation to abnormal scar formation, haemorrhage, pelvic prolapses which may be associated with episiotomy, deep venous thrombosis, complicated perineal wounds, and coccyx dislocation ( Pezaro et al, 2018). Complicated lacerations and increased episodes of postpartum haemorrhage have also been reported elsewhere ( Volkov et al, 2018), along with further episodes of coccyx dislocation and separation of the pubic symphysis ( Gilliam et al, 2020). Healthcare practitioners should be aware of the risk of these potential complications, along with the potential for increased risk of urogenital and pelvic complications such as recurrent urinary tract infections or incontinence, and gynaecological symptoms such as pain or prolapse ( Gilliam et al, 2020). As in the antenatal period, early physiotherapy based interventions along with early input from the multidisciplinary team may be useful in the management of such complications. We believe that that the Birth and Beyond Community Support programme helps us to connect with our vision of a world where no parent is isolated and all parents are supported to build a stronger society. Where is the service running? This book is REALLY good! It’s not patronising and it gives you a really good breakdown of what to expect and what’s going to happen and all your options from pain relief to cutting the cord."(Recommended by Mumsnet user MrsRose2018) Strategies that promote spontaneous pushing in favour of directed pushing for those with POTS are recommended ( Pezaro et al, 2018). Though for this group, decision making in relation to labour and mode of birth should be based on obstetrical considerations, rather than simply a diagnosis of POTS ( Morgan et al, 2018; Ruzieh and Grubb, 2018). Nevertheless, frequent monitoring of hemodynamic parameters may be advisable during the second stage of labour, as pushing, pain and fluid loss may result in a worsening of symptoms ( Ruzieh and Grubb, 2018). It may also be useful to consider the administration of early analgesia for those with POTS to reduce tachycardia and associated complications ( Morgan et al, 2018). To this effect, birthing environments that promote calm and relaxation will also be highly valuable. Postnatal care considerations This interview was recorded nearly two years ago and with floods, and other events, it is only now we are airing it.The BBCS Programme in Peterborough, Fenland and East Cambridgeshire is funded by Peterborough City Council and the Evelyn Trust. Actively listen to the needs of the mother and offering encouragement, support, information and ideas without giving advice What are your preferences?: You may already have some opinions and preferences about the pregnancy and birth experience you want, and this may dictate the kind of book that's right for you. If you have your heart set on a natural labour, a hypnobirthing book may be the obvious choice, whereas if you already know you're going to bottle feed, the breastfeeding specialism options may be ones to avoid. Since completing the NCT Birth and Beyond course, I have been given the opportunity to volunteer at one of our local feeding clinics. This has been so helpful, not only in giving me more confidence in putting everything I have learnt in to practice but also an insight of how useful this programme could be for mums and family’s in our community. - Jo, Fenland

I loved Hollie McNish's 'Nobody Told Me'. It’s a mix of poetry and prose, her thoughts through pregnancy and the early years. Made me cry in the post-pregnancy haze.” (Vetted by Mumsnet user Mogtheexcellent) Our verdict I have Your No Guilt Pregnancy Plan by Rebecca Schiller, which is great if you want something that won't panic you and tells you what your rights are in pregnancy, what you're entitled to, etc. It also has some lovely real-life stories from women with both negative and extremely positive experiences, which I found reassuring."(Recommended by Mumsnet user Miller2021) Straight to the point, factual and science-based. It goes into detail about exactly what is happening in your body and why, without being patronising or dumbing things down for the reader.” (Reviewed by Mumsnet user Turtleturtle81) Our verdict

12. Best humorous pregnancy book: Pregnancy: The Mumsnet Guide

The service is currently available to pregnant women or mothers with a child under the age of two living in one of the following areas:

It's worth noting, however, that hypnobirthing does not guarantee a natural labour if that's what you want - unfortunately you can’t prepare for every eventuality and medical intervention is sometimes required. That said, using these techniques can help you feel calmer and more prepared about the prospect of giving birth. Milli Hill is the founder of The Positive Birth Movement, a global network of antenatal discussion groups that championed positive births for all women. The groups aimed to create spaces for women to consider what they really wanted from their childbirth experience and to challenge any fears or negative expectations they might have.Area of focus: Are you looking for one book that covers everything from conception to childbirth, or are you happy to read a book focused on a specific area such as nutrition, breastfeeding or labour?

So far he has written and published; 'Heart to Heart Parenting', 'Parenting for a Peaceful World', and a chapter in a book called 'Social Ecology, Applying Ecological Understanding to our Lives and our Planet'. As with previous care considerations ( Pezaro et al, 2018), it is recommended that those childbearing with hEDS/HSD should not be discouraged from birthing their babies vaginally. Yet, in one American cohort of 13 881 592, births to women with a variety of EDS subtypes, 910 were found more likely to be via caesarean section (OR 1.61 (95% CI 1.41–1.85)) compared to those without EDS ( Nicholls-Dempsey et al, 2019). Conversely, other evidence suggests that those with joint hypermobility, defined by a Beighton score ≥4 are less likely to birth via caesarean section or vaginally with the aid of instruments after complete cervical dilation [odds ratio (OR)=0.51; 95 % confidence interval (CI):0.27–0.95] compared to those without ( Knoepp et al, 2013). In any case, gentle handling of tissues and meticulous attention to haemostasis will be important in any surgical interventions. Optimal maternal positioning and joint support is also encouraged throughout labour and birth to avoid unnecessary trauma to joints and ligaments ( Pezaro et al, 2018). In cases where episiotomy would otherwise be clinically indicated, birth via caesarean section may be preferred to avoid an increased risk of pelvic organ prolapse ( Wiesmann et al, 2014).Filled with month-by-month guidance, information on birth plans and advice on preparing to support labour, this book can help dads feel more prepared and less overwhelmed, helping them navigate through some of their own personal fears or anxieties around parenthood. This book also includes lots of practical tips and guidance for dads and birthing partners, making it a great option for couples to share. To learn more about how to get involved as a volunteer, please see the 'How can I volunteer for BBCS' section. Samantha has been working for over six years, contributing to the field of menstruation by way of workshops, comprehensive online education programs, private mentorship and circle facilitation. Samantha is within a new wave of menstrual educators, approaching the field slowly and carefully with the utmost sanctity and respect; researching and writing while based in the Northern Rivers of New South Wales, Australia. Anita Lambert (she/her) is a Pelvic Health and Orthopaedic Physiotherapist with a focus on prenatal and postpartum care as well as a Certified Pilates Instructor and Certified in Acupuncture / Dry Needling. She graduated from McMaster University with an Honours Bachelor of Kinesiology and a Masters of Science in Physiotherapy. Anita is one of the select few physiotherapists in Canada to receive advanced training in labour support, which blends orthopaedic physiotherapy expertise with birth doula support.