Birth Related Information

This is a page for Birth related information, including a list of reports and articles that we have written and received for publication as well as links to reports on other web sites that you may find of interest.

We will also include some articles, short book reviews on topical books and answers to some frequently asked questions.

The list of birth related links can be found on the dedicated Links page.

The list of Doula, Midwives, Breastfeeding consultants, Childbirth Educators and Birthing centers is on the Providers page.

Our articles

These report files are available in Adobe Acrobat and/or other popular formats.  Fair use details available.

• Typical Birthing Options available to mothers in South Africa .doc.
• What is a Doula gives  good reasons for considering the use of one .doc.
• Philosophical assumptions and Guiding Principles of Birthing From Within .doc.

Topical reports

• Touch in labour and infancy – tactile and emotional support during labour

• Treatment of breastmilk – For  HIV positive mothers using Pretoria pasteurisation

• Pelvises I have known and loved – Read the history of the too small pelvis myth

• The benefits of hiring a Doula – An article on documented benefits with statistics

• Hormones in labour – How they help by natural birth advocate Dr. Michel Odent

• Underwater birth and dolphins – History and therapeutic use of water

• Continuous support in childbirth – Cochrane review of non-medical support
  
• Preventing Violence or Developing the Capacity to Love – paper by Michel Odent
• Breaking the bond - Stress inhibits bonding process by Joseph Chilton Pearce
  
• Perspectives on normal birth – how a birth centre can have a caesarean rate of 1%
  

Books

• Birthing From Within by Pam England and Rob Horowitz
  The best book about the art of birth preparation that we have ever found, it impelled us to take the courses, receive training and pioneer the system here in South Africa.   It is a gripping read and a thorough workbook that takes you by the hand and leads you on a path of self discovery and empowerment.
• Immaculate Deception 2 by Suzanne Arms
  Examines modern childbirth practices, arguing that current hospital and medical procedures interfere with and unnecessarily complicate the birth process, and discusses available alternatives to hospital childbirth
• Childbirth without Fear by Grantly Dick-Read
  The obstetrician who gave birth to the natural childbirth movement, unpicks every possible root cause of western woman’s fear and anxiety in pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding and does so with overwhelming heart and empathy. In an age where birth has often been overtaken by obstetrics, Dr Dick-Read’s philosophy is still as fresh as it was when he originally wrote this book. Essential reading for all mothers-to-be!
• Mother Rising by Yana Cortlund, Barb Lucke and Donna Miller Watelet
  Different from a baby shower, where gifts are lavished upon the soon-to-be-born child, a blessingway ceremony honors the mother-to-be and creates a circle of support that will cradle her as she prepares to give birth. Surrounded by the most important women in her life, she can explore the challenges and joys that lie before her, gaining a sense of power and confidence that will help her rise to motherhood. MOTHER RISING shows women how to organize and personalize a blessingway for the expecting friends and family-an experience that will give the mother-to-be the best possible gifts of deep happiness, serenity, and abundance of love

FAQ

• Do I need a Doula?The answer to that is very personal.  However we can say that almost all moms who have made use of Doula services have been very happy they made the choice to do so.  The Doula does not replace a midwife, doctor or obstetrician but does allow you to have a better voice in what you want to have done at a time when you are emotionally vulnerable during the actual process of labour.

• I have just given birth and am breastfeeding now my nipples are sore what is going on?
  The number one reason for sore nipples is baby not latching on properly.  Get breastfeeding guidance on this if you have any doubts.  There are other medical reasons of which thrush is the most common and if you have ruled out nursing niggles then investigate and correct any other underlying causes.

• My baby is x years old, is a Blessingway Ceremony still relevant?
  
  There is no time limit. A blessingway ceremony is an event that marks any life transitions therefore it can be done at anytime that is relevant to you. There are many other relevant ceremonies that can be adopted for other special events in an individuals progress through life.

• I have read the BFW book but some of the activities seem to be too daunting for me to do alone, what should I do?
  
  You can ask a friend or family member to assist with some of them. Alternately taking the BFW course (6 group sessions) or some of the more relevant morning seminars may suit you.  One on one mentoring is also available.

• I still have questions?
  
  Please give us a call on (011) 646-3774 or (082) 780-8965 or email Rosalia at birthing.co.za