Archive : Questions & Answers

How can we find out more about belly dancing for birth? Following Maha’s article on Belly dancing, I have had so many emails from readers, asking how they can get more info about belly dancing. The good news is…as from NEXT WEEK I will have Maha’s book and DVD available from my website as I have ordered some in. If you would like to reserve your copy before they all sell out, just drop me an [...]

How can I develop a good support network? It’s important not only when you’re pregnant, or a new parent, but at all times to have a good support network around you. It can make all the difference between sanity and insanity.  I’m sure these networks have helped prevent many people, both male and female from plunging into the depths of depression when things get tough. Different places you may [...]

How can I get my baby into the best position for birth? As we come close to our ‘due date’ we become quite conscious of the position of our baby inutero. Is there an ‘Optimal position’ for the baby to be in?  Yes there is. Preferably we want the baby’s head to be down and bottom up (known as ‘cephalic’). Labour is generally quicker and easier too if the back of the baby’s head is towards [...]

How can I prevent stretchmarks? Everyone is different and as such it seems, some women are more prone to stretchmarks than others.  I don’t know that you can completely prevent stretchmarks from forming in all women, as it depends on your skins integrity and pigmentation. You can however, do a lot to help your skins suppleness and moisture level.  Often as our belly grows, the skin is stretched [...]

How can I keep my birth as natural as possible? If you want to keep your birth as natural as possible then practice regular relaxation, listen to your intuition and trust your body! Listen to what your body is telling you, not what other people are telling you. No-one knows your body like you do. If you feel comfortable with this and trust what your body is telling you, you will know if everything [...]

Am I too old to give birth naturally? I am often asked this question by women, who have been told by their caregivers that because they are over 35 years old, they are ‘high risk’ and unlikely to be able to birth naturally! Firstly, let me say…35 is not old!  Neither is 40!   I can say this because I’m older!!  But it totally depends on the individual and their health and flexibility. There [...]

What can I do to keep homebirth as an option for future births? The simple answer to this one is to read the article below and take URGENT ACTION…otherwise the option of homebirth may be lost to Australian women. Even if you don’t want a homebirth, many other women do and our children may…so help keep choice alive for ALL women…PLEASE!  

What do we do if our baby arrives before we get to hospital? Ever heard stories of people giving birth on the roadside on the way to hospital? If this happens to you, the main thing is NOT TO PANIC! Usually when this happens, everything will be okay.  You need to remain calm, ring for the ambulance and allow the birth to happen calmly and naturally.  Below is a full article on EXACTLY what to do. [...]

How do I decrease my stress levels while I’m pregnant? Stress is never good for us, but when we’re pregnant it is even more important to reduce stress levels, as we now have our baby to consider also. If you work in a stressful job, think about a change or taking on less stressful duties. Finish work as early as is practical in your circumstances so you have plenty of time to relax and prepare [...]

How do I calculate my ‘due date’ and when am I ‘overdue’? Due date is calculated by adding 7 days and 9 months to the start of your last menstrual period.  This is of course, assuming that you have a regular 28 day cycle! If not, the dates may be out by 1-2 weeks.  That is why ‘due date’ can be anywhere between 38 and 42 weeks gestation!  So don’t let your doctor tell you that you’re [...]