Pregnancy & Birth Resource Sheets
Pregnancy & Birth Resource Sheets
In pregnancy and to achieve the best possible birth you need to make important choices. Sometimes you may feel under pressure and it is difficult to get factual and impartial information. We have put together these resource sheets on important topics such as induction of labour, breech babies, older mothers and many more to point you towards well-informed articles, blogs and books so you can have confidence that you have the knowledge to make the best choice for you and your baby. These are a useful addition to the information you receive in the KGHypnobirthing course, and they can also be used as a stand-alone resource that you will find enormously helpful. We do hope you find them useful. These resource sheets are up-to-date when published and we review them regularly to ensure you have the latest information.
To download any of these resource sheets, simply fill out the form at the foot of the page, select which sheet(s) you want and we will email them straight to you.
Big Babies
If you have been told that your baby is large, you will want to find out the facts. Some babies, like some people, are naturally large; some may need extra help. You can find the information you need to clarify your mind on your own situation by reading the evidence-based articles on this resource sheet if you are worried or if an intervention is suggested.
Download Big Babies Resource SheetWater Birth
Waterbirth is widely available in the UK. Emersion in warm water during labour fosters relaxation that in turn optimises the neuro hormonal response to birth - increasing oxytocin, reducing fear and tension and therefore promoting physiological birth. This resource sheet has links to articles discussing the benefits of water birth.
Download Water Birth Resource SheetIVF Birth
This resource sheet contains articles which answer questions that many people have surrounding the health and wellbeing of IVF births and babies.
Download IVF Birth Resource SheetTwins
The articles in this resource sheet discuss key issues which parents of multiples may wish to consider.
Download Twins Resource SheetBack to Back Babies
In the words of Mary Cronk, ‘a back to baby is unusual but normal’. The articles in this Resource Sheet give practical advice for antenatal positioning and posterior position during labour.
Download Back to Back Babies Resource SheetBreech birth
It may feel as if you have no choice if your baby is in the breech position, but you do. In order to exercise that choice, you need to be well informed. A breech presentation has been described as unusual but normal, and that is a healthy way to look at it. The old idea that a Caesarean Birth is the only option if your baby is breech is simply not true according to all the latest evidence and research. We have gathered together this simple list of useful and factual information to help you make an informed decision.
Download Breech Birth Resource SheetGestational diabetes (GDM)
It was Michel Odent (2013) who said that Gestational Diabetes is 'a diagnosis looking for a disease'! Gestational Diabetes has long been the topic of discussion and controversy between evidence and practice and as noted by Odent ‘It has the power to transform a happy pregnant woman into an anxious or depressed one’. Below are some excellent articles and resource to help in your decision making.
Download Gestational Diabetes Resource SheetGroup B strep
The information on this resource sheet enables you to decide whether to take the natural or the medicalised route if your waters break at the beginning of labour. Do read about it now, as when you are already in early labour it’s not the best time to start researching your options. It is important to be well informed on Group B Strep and these articles to help you to make an informed choice.
Download Group B Strep Resource SheetHome birth
Folklore and social pressure will tell you that hospital is safe and home is dangerous as the place to give birth. This is a very important choice that can affect the course of your labour, and how your baby is born can have lifelong effects. Don’t make assumptions. Find out the facts so that you can make a well-informed choice. For a normal healthy woman, giving birth at home is often the safest and most satisfying option. Don’t believe us when we say that, but read the evidence and facts on this resource sheet so you can come to your own logical conclusion about your place of birth.
Download Home Birth Resource SheetInduction of labour
There is currently an epidemic of Induction of Labour worldwide, and the pressure to agree to this significant intervention turns the last few days and weeks of pregnancy into a time of unhappiness and stress for very many pregnant women. The AIMS Guide to Induction of Labour says that ‘It is worth remembering that induction, whether medical or non-medical, is always an attempt to persuade your body to go into labour before your baby is ready to be born’; an excellent definition. These articles will help you be well informed when you make your choices.
Download Induction of Labour Resource SheetOlder mothers
Women over 40 (or sometimes over 35) are often told that interventions are advisable when they give birth. If you are told this, make sure you ask for the evidence to back it up. Her we give you the evidence on this important subject. Maybe you should not have been given the high risk label after all. Please inform yourself about this by reading the information below before you make this significant choice.
Download Older Mothers Resource SheetSmall baby (for gestational age)
If you have been told that your baby is small, you will want to find out the facts. Some babies, like some people, are naturally small; some may need extra help. You can find the information you need to clarify your mind on your own situation by reading the evidence-based articles on this resource sheet if you are worried or if an intervention is suggested.
Download Small Baby Resource SheetUltrasound scans (USS)
As scans are on the increase, it makes sense to be well informed. Here are some articles to help you.
Download Ultrasound Scans Resource SheetVaginal Birth After Caesarean (VBAC)
This resource sheet provides links to useful articles and Facebook groups for mothers who are considering a Vaginal Birth After Caesarean.
Download VBAC Resource Sheet
