The Jeremy Vine show on Radio Two yesterday highlighted the problem of women being pressurised into agreeing to a vaginal examination before their partners are allowed to be with them in hospital when they give birth.  This is not acceptable and we need to look very seriously at how our maternity services are functioning at the moment.  We know that birth workers are fully committed and caring, but is the system working effectively for women?  

You can listen to the show here.  The maternity discussion starts at 35.30 onwards.

Below are some extracts from an email I received this week from one of the mums I taught recently. It really highlights the awful situation woman are being put under right now:

I was delighted to hear that Sky News presenter, Sarah-Jane Mee and her partner Ben Richardson have welcomed a beautiful baby girl! I had the privilege of teaching KGHypnobirthing to Sarah-Jane and Ben.

We had planned to do this in their home, but when the Covid-19 pandemic meant she had to self-isolate at home, we caught up virtually via Zoom to teach her KGHypnobirthing! They remained wonderfully calm throughout her pregnancy and has been planning a homebirth with an independent midwife.  

At KGHypnobirthing we have been taking so many calls from worried pregnant women who are having to attend their antenatal visits without their partner and whose partner will only be allowed into the hospital for a short time when they give birth.  We have tools to relieve stress and build confidence, but that’s not the same as having the person you love by your side at this very special time.

I have come up with a solution.  Not as good as actually having your partner there, but an excellent and creative substitute – virtual antenatal appointments! 

This year, more than any other year, we want to acknowledge the amazing work of our midwives on International Day of the Midwife 2020.

In every KGHypnobirthing parents’ course, I stress to parents how fortunate they are to live in a country that has a strong, autonomous midwifery profession.  Because of our midwives we as a country are in the forefront of normality. 

With the majority of hospitals cancelling their homebirth services, it is no wonder pregnant women are concerned about what to do next. When we teach KGHypnobirthing, we discuss all places of birth but, with the evidence showing that giving birth at home is in fact the safest place for mum and baby in terms of a lower likelihood of interventions and infection, why have hospitals taken this step? 

We would like to re-assure all our parents and teachers that we are taking Covid-19 and your health seriously. We understand that some of you will understandably be feeling more anxious at this time. At KGH we are here to help and support you and although the situation is fluid and changes almost daily, it is important - for both you and your baby - to stay calm in these unprecedented times. You can still use the KGH techniques you have available to release any fears and anxiety. All our free resources can be found here.

Making Love on Valentine's Day!

On Valentine's Day, the focus is on love, love, love and lots of it! If you’re expecting a baby, then making love happen (and not just in the biblical sense) can support you and your birth partner in experiencing a positive pregnancy and birth.

Sharing the Love - Valentine's Day Flash Sale!

To share the love on Valentines Day we will be sharing a coupon code for a one off 24 hour sale for our online course.  Watch our social media channels for more details.

The discussion on the Jeremy Vine's Radio 2 show today (Tuesday 28th January 2020) expressed various different views, most were from individuals talking about their personal experiences, all of which are valid.  But let’s look at the facts. 

For most women birth is the most agonising and painful experience of their lives.  Healthcare professionals are kind people who want to relieve the pain.  One of the ways of doing this is with an epidural. 

Why are women requesting epidurals?

The Royal College of Midwives conference 2019 was, as ever, the biggest gathering of midwives of the year.  This year it was in Manchester.  I wondered why there were ten police vans parked outside and police on rooves, down manholes, everywhere.  Surely midwives are not so very likely to be the object of a terror attack?  Then I realised it was in preparation for the Conservative Party Conference in the same conference centre the following week!

The KGHypnobirthing stand in the exhibition was inundated with attention. 

Our trainer and KGHypnobirthing teacher, Nancy Keen from Birth Right Hypnobirthing, has a go-to biscuit recipe which she can whip up quickly and is always popular with parents attending her course.  Nancy says making these biscuits is quicker than going to the shops to buy some! Here is Nancy's recipe. Enjoy!