Your placenta is an amazing albeit odd looking thing. It is what sustains the life of your unborn baby. Most of you will have heard about it. But not many people know what it actually does, how it works, what it looks like or that you have to deliver it after the baby. To put this in to context here are some questions that I have had in past antenatal classes from both mums and dads…. ‘The placenta stays inside for the next baby right?’ ‘ It just comes out attached to the bab

This year I am feeling very home sick. I just want to be with friends and family. To enjoy and celebrate and be at peace after a pretty rough year. However that is not part of a healthcare workers job. We don't get to choose when we work. The longer I do this job, the harder each year becomes when it comes to missing events and holidays. So kindly remember those who are working this festive period. Yes it is part of our job. But that doesn't make it any easier. It often makes

Let’s talk about sex, baby! (Sings Salt n Pepper to myself every time I hear those 5 words). Why am I talking about sex in Christmas week? Well, it is the week midwives actually hate. Because everyone goes out, gets merry, has a really good time and 9 months later we are elbow deep in placentas wondering if the baby boom will ever end. Yes... the weeks of Christmas and New Year are when those dreaded Septmeber babies are made. So I will see you lot in 9 months. But right now

I know, I know..... It isn't the nicest thing to think about, I guess it is still pretty taboo for some. I have read so many posts and articles that don't even use the word VAGINA. So if it makes you cringe then I am sorry, but you should get used to it. You have either just had yours out whilst you birthed your baby or you will be doing so in future. Why are we talking about it? Well, you spend all pregnancy worrying somehow you will tear from hole to hole. That it will nev

“I can’t do this" "I want to go home" “I’ve changed my mind” “I don’t want to do this anymore” I am pretty sure most of you said or thought at least one of these things at one point during your labour. As midwives we generally like these moments in your labour. It usually indicates that you are progressing towards fully dilated and will be ready to birth your baby soon. And some of the things you say are pretty funny.... We call it ‘transition phase’. It does exactly what it