Boldly going…
The trouble with consent
Consent is on everyone’s lips. From media discussion about ‘enthusiastic consent’ to medical requirements for ‘informed consent’, it seems pretty clear there is a problem with ‘consent’. If consent was what mattered, we would not need to prefix it with a qualifier. The language we use matters, science communicators spend their time trying to determine the…
Keep readingSeven Ways to Facilitate Informed Decision Making
There once was a woman in a Labour Ward, Who was not feeling very assured Her dignity was left Upon clinical request Outside the room , where it was to be ignored. –it doesn’t have to be like this! Seven Ways to Facilitate Informed Decision Making 1. Encourage Questions Allow time for questions to be…
Keep readingwant a positive birth? say please
In birth, you must make informed decisions, you must provide consent But if you insist to plan it and communicate intent, then we really must insist, that the only way we’ll listen is if you make your wording sweet enough to glisten. So many websites on ‘how to birth plan’ tell you your plan…
Keep readingThe Language of Birth Plans
The language you use in your birth plan is as important as the decisions that back it up.
Many a well researched birth plan has been discarded because the language was passive.
Have you got an Active Birth Plan?
Keep readingIn your grandmother’s womb: The egg that made you.
Within my mum, within her mum, a tiny egg was developed*, Within my matriarchal line this egg was enveloped, The time came, this awesome egg received it’s spark And Two new humans formed, ready to make their mark. Two within, and within them seven who came to be And within five of them were eggs…
Keep readinglatest posts
Context-based Maternity Care
We hear a lot about evidence-based care, but just as with ‘share-decision making’, it is often misunderstood. Evidence-based care is comprised of 4 components: The best available research evidence (ie population level understanding, which requires multiple sources) The level of skills, training and experience of the care provider The values and circumstances of the decision …
Baby Led Weaning (Introducing Solids)
Research strongly supports exclusive breastfeeding for 6mths (WHO guidelines are quite specific and say 180 days). At this point, introducing family foods whilst continuing primarily breastfeeding is recommended. There is only one rule when it comes to baby-led weaning: watch your baby eat! Allow your baby to play with whatever food takes their fancy. No need …
Elimination Communication
Cloth or Disposable…that is the Question….or is it? When I was expecting my first, I weighed up this question. It seemed to be a decision about cost, environment and convenience. Then, one day, a few months into Parenting, I was changing my daughter’s nappy and she was mid-poo. So I held her over the …
Let’s talk about sex (after) baby
PLEASE do reach out to me or someone you feel comfortable with.If you or someone you love is impacted by sexual assault or family violence, call1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732). In an emergency, call 000.When I work with couples putting together their Birth Map, we cover more than just the birth. One of the most important …
Understanding ‘Fed is Best’: Information and Marketing (3 facts and a warning)
Lactivists and breastfeeding supporters are often criticised for forcing the issue, or ‘guilting’ mums in some way. They may even be accused of having some sort of agenda. It is important to see through this emotional ‘debate’ to the facts beneath it. Breastfeeding is biologically normal. The lactivist does not stand to benefit personally from …
Understanding ‘Fed is Best’: Information and Marketing (3 facts and a warning) Read More »
Maternal IV Fluids and Weight Loss in Newborns
If your baby is born in a hospital, there may be a sense of urgency to weigh the baby. This is not an evidence based practise, but rather a clinical habit that may cause harm.The evidence supports an uninterrupted period of skin to skin contact between mother and child of at least an hour. This …
Birthing through The Ring of Fire
The BEST bit of advice I ever received before giving birth was an almost throw away comment about ‘The Ring of Fire’. It didn’t make much sense at the time, as I was expecting my first baby. The comment was something along the lines of: If you feel the Ring of Fire, don’t push. Just …
Protecting the Perineum
Many women ask about how to avoid tearing during birth. Midwives pride themselves on achieving ‘intact perineum’. This post looks at why tearing occurs and whether or not it is possible to avoid. Some women describe a Ring of Fire during the final moments of birth. At this point, you body is saying ‘slow down’. Pant, actively …
The Balancing Act
‘Self Care’, OR ‘FITTING YOUR OWN MASK FIRST’ is the catch cry of the modern woman. We are expected to have it all and to do it all. All the while the menfolk are not under this pressure. This blog post offers you an insightful TEDTALK that may just blow your mind! It addresses the …
About this blog
This blog is a collection of articles written or compiled by Catherine Bell. Generally, these posts cover topics relate to pregnant, birth and mothering. Maternal feminism is a common theme, as is informed decision making. As with any blog, these are my thoughts, my ideas, my poems…you are encouraged to draw your own conclusions. There is No One Way.
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