Healing after a third / fourth degree tear or episiotomy Most women are told their tear or episiotomy cut has “healed” and sent on their way, but healing is about so much more than stitches closing. In this article, I walk you through what real recovery after a third-degree tear or episiotomy should look like:…
Read More
Active pregnancy: preparing the body, not just the birth plan The birth space feels crowded with information, yet strangely lacking in depth. I see so many women on social media saying things like: “I thought I was prepared until labour actually started.” “I did a hypnobirthing course, so I assumed I’d be fine.” “I wrote…
Read More
Get off your arse: preparation is not shaming I want to discuss something that often gets avoided, because we don’t want to be seen as “shaming” women. Any time someone suggests that women need to move more in pregnancy, sit differently, strengthen their bodies, or get off the couch, the immediate response from parts of…
Read More
When planning a VBAC with gestational diabetes feels like swimming upstream If you’re planning a VBAC with gestational diabetes and feeling unheard, dismissed, or worn down by repeated pushback, you’re not imagining it, and you’re certainly not alone. Many of you are quietly nodding along as you read this. You’ve done your homework. Your gestational…
Read More
The Christmas Induction Poem Christmas and New Years are looming amid party-season cheer, But none of that’s a reason To induce your baby this year. Your doc may look nervous, Your midwife may sigh, Because their turkey and trifle Are getting very dry. But hang on a second, Let’s keep this on track, Is there…
Read More
Induction myths: what women are being told and why awareness matters In maternity care today, the push for induction has become so normalised that many women assume it is simply part of the standard birth process. For some pregnancies, induction is absolutely appropriate and can be lifesaving, no one disputes that. But that is very…
Read More
Please click on the link to download the directory: 2025 BTBB Expo Directory
Read More
Over the past few days, the discourse around freebirth and the role of doulas has been clouded by miscommunication, misplaced blame, and blatant misogyny. Recent statements from Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) and Australian College of Midwives (ACM) have sparked what feels like a targeted witch-hunt of doulas; one…
Read More
Fluid, not failure: Understanding your baby’s first weight changes. Why babies often “lose weight” after birth (and why it’s not always a problem). Many babies look like they “lose weight” in the first few days after birth. In lots of cases, that early drop is mostly about fluid shifts, not a true loss of body…
Read More
The benefits of caesarean scar massage For many women, a caesarean birth brings not only a new baby, but also a scar that needs both physical healing and emotional care. Gentle caesarean scar massage can support the recovery process from the inside out. The layers of a caesarean section When a caesarean birth is performed,…
Read More
The problem with birthing on your back – and the racist history of pelvic stereotypes For many women, the default birthing position in hospitals is lying flat on the back. This practice has become so routine that it is rarely questioned, yet it is one of the least effective positions for labour and birth. Sometimes…
Read More
When language erases women: “pregnant people” versus “pregnant women” Language isn’t neutral. It carries history, identity, and power. For centuries, women fought to be recognised in pregnancy and birth after being dismissed, excluded, and silenced by medicine and society. That fight was not about being called “people.” It was about being named and seen as…
Read More
When a VBAC leads to regret – is it the birth, or the system? I sometimes hear or read how disappointed or even regretful some women felt after their VBAC. It’s disheartening, because on the surface, it seems like they “got” what they were aiming for – a vaginal birth after caesarean. But when I…
Read More
Wait for white: why optimal cord clamping matters for your baby In the moments after birth, there’s often a flurry of activity: checking the baby, cleaning, measuring and of course, cutting the cord. But before that clamp clicks shut, there’s a critical opportunity to support your baby’s transition in a simple yet powerful way: by…
Read More
What does radical responsibility mean in childbirth? We often hear that “birth is unpredictable,” and while that’s true, what’s often left out of the conversation is how much power women actually do have in shaping their birth experience. This is where the concept of radical responsibility becomes so important. Radical responsibility in childbirth doesn’t mean…
Read More
Perineal massage: Is it really a massage? As you approach the final weeks of pregnancy, you may be exploring different ways to prepare your body for birth – and one practice that often comes up is perineal massage. This technique involves manually stretching and massaging the perineal tissue (the area between the vaginal opening and…
Read More
VBAC or repeat caesarean: navigating the “what ifs” at the end of pregnancy As women approach the final weeks of pregnancy, even the most confident and well-researched birth plan can begin to feel uncertain. For those planning a Vaginal Birth After Caesarean (VBAC), it’s not uncommon to feel a strong pull in another direction –…
Read More
Navigating ‘Foetal Distress’ During Labour: Empowering Your VBAC Journey One of the most emotionally challenging moments during labour is when a care provider tells you, “Your baby is in distress.” It’s a phrase that can feel frightening and disempowering, and for many women planning a VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Caesarean), it’s a scenario they dread,…
Read More
Your Guide to VBAC in Australia – Be Prepared and Confident For many Australian women, the decision to pursue a Vaginal Birth After Caesarean (VBAC) is both deeply personal and transformative. With the right support, accurate information, and a trusting birth environment, VBAC can be a healing experience after a previous caesarean. This guide brings…
Read More
Using a TENS machine during labour: how it works and why timing matters When it comes to natural pain relief during labour, a TENS machine is one of the most underrated tools in the birth bag. TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, and although it may sound a little clinical, it’s actually a simple,…
Read More
The “big baby” threat: why induction for a suspected large baby is often unnecessary and unsupported by evidence If you would like to listen to our podcast instead of reading: CLICK HERE BIG BABY – It’s something I hear from women far too often: “My doctor said my baby is measuring big, so they want…
Read More
When is the right time to go to hospital during labour (including VBAC)? One of the most common questions women ask as they approach the end of pregnancy is: When should I go to hospital? It sounds like a simple question, but the answer isn’t. That’s because labour is not linear. There is no set…
Read More
When VBAC doesn’t go to plan – it’s not failure “Failed VBAC” — it’s a phrase that gets tossed around far too commonly in medical records, hospital corridors and social media groups, yet it carries a heavy emotional weight for the women it refers to. For many women who have planned a vaginal birth after…
Read More
When birth becomes business: what we’re not saying about high caesarean rates News broke this week about the retirement of Dr John Love, a well-known Perth obstetrician who has “delivered” over 10,000 babies during his long career. The tone of the reporting, particularly in this Channel 9 News segment, was overwhelmingly celebratory — portraying Dr…
Read More
Why “maternal alignment” matters more than foetal positioning When we hear the term Optimal Foetal Positioning (OFP), the focus is often on encouraging the baby into the ideal position for birth, usually anterior, head-down, and slightly to the left, which is written in birth text and has become gospel. While this makes sense in theory,…
Read More
Investing in your birth: why childbirth education matters According to the Australian Bridal Industry Academy (ABIA), the average wedding in Australia costs approximately $41,400, with couples spending over 250 hours planning every detail of that one special day. It’s a meaningful celebration – but it’s just one day. Now consider this: childbirth is not only…
Read More
April is Caesarean Awareness Month: Highlighting Australia’s Caesarean Section Trends April is Caesarean Awareness Month – a time to reflect on how this major abdominal surgery has evolved and what it means for birthing women today, especially here in Australia where caesarean rates are among the highest in the developed world. It’s a moment to…
Read More
When it comes to choosing an obstetrician for your pregnancy and birth, you’re not just choosing a care provider – you’re choosing someone who will influence one of the most vulnerable, raw, and powerful experiences of your life. And while there are many excellent obstetricians who genuinely care about supporting women and providing evidence-based care,…
Read More
Preparing for childbirth is a deeply personal journey, and the support you receive can have a profound impact on your birth experience. While traditional hospital-based childbirth education classes focus on medical procedures and hospital protocols, independent childbirth education offers a more holistic approach. These classes often integrate essential tools such as massage, acupressure, the use…
Read More
This post is long, and interesting! You get 2 in 1. I hope it helps some of you trying to navigate your way through your journeys. I was born with a uterine anomaly called Uterus Didelphys (UD). I discovered this when trying to use tampons, which I was desperate for because of all the sport…
Read More
I feel it is important to share birth stories of when things don’t go to plan, because even though you may be preparing yourself for a physiological birth, in my classes I discuss also being prepared for “any” birth, because birth is unpredictable. We discuss the deviation to the ideal plan, and how it is…
Read More
Fat vaginas can’t give birth! Being a childbirth educator, I get to hear the best and the worst from my clients of our maternity care system. This seems to be the new thing with obstetricians telling women with higher BMI’s that they can’t give birth vaginally because their vagina is too fat, and babies will…
Read More
Exhibitors Join us at the Pregnancy, Birth and Postpartum Expo 2025 **All our Exhibitor & Speaker spots have been filled** If you would like to go on the wait list in case anyone cancels, please send an email to [email protected] Are you committed to supporting expectant parents and young families? We invite you to be…
Read More
Vicki Hobbs from Back-to-Basics Birthing and the Strength to Progress Conference are proud to be hosting Dr Hazel Keedle with her VBAC Workshop for Birth Workers. Dr Hazel Keedle is a Lecturer of Midwifery and completed her PhD in 2021 at Western Sydney University, Australia. Hazel has more than 25 years of experience as a…
Read More
Jenn Fontaine is one of a handful of people worldwide who have been personally trained and mentored by Penny Simkin and accredited to present and facilitate the When Survivors Give Birth workshop and she is coming back to Perth to present another workshop. This important client care workshop focuses on understanding and healing the effects…
Read More
When I found out I was pregnant I immediately felt partial to having a home birth. I was born at home myself in the early 90s, as were many of my cousins and my brother four years later (which my mum encouraged a very excited me to be present for – my interest in pregnancy…
Read More
During the Middle Ages women continued to use natural medicines and holistic care for the wellbeing of their families and pregnant women, while men attended university to become physicians, which then started the restrictions on natural healers who were considered “witches” if they were performing healing without formal accreditation. The Church declared that anyone using…
Read More
I am so fortunate and honoured to have met and learnt from Ginny Phang-Davey from iBirth Professionals, who shares her knowledge and experience with us on how to use the basic OMP PROTOCOLS during pregnancy, labour and birth for a better birth experience. The great thing about Ginny is she is so authentic about these…
Read More
I just wanted to put down some words to share my experience, love and respect for Vicki, Doula Extraordinaire. What would be the day my son was born all began in the early hours of a Sunday morning. My wife woke me to tell me to go and turn the heater on in our front…
Read More
Hi Vicki, I just wanted to share with you our amazing VBAC experience we had at SJOG Subiaco. We were open about having a VBAC birth at a private hospital and knew some things we may not achieve, but others we could be confident in asking for. I had prepared our birth plan based on what…
Read More
Have you given any thought to birthing your placenta? Yes, that’s right, after your baby is born it doesn’t just stop there – the placenta needs to come out too. The placenta is an incredible organ and has been the lifeline of your baby for the duration of your pregnancy and it needs to be…
Read More
As we continue to brace ourselves for the changes that are occurring on a daily basis, we are all faced with fears, concerns and uncertainty. These circumstances are rare and unusual here in Australia, and we now more than ever have to show solidarity and work together to get through this as best we can….
Read More
Our birth story was one that did not go to plan AT ALL. I know I will miss some information out as it was a very long day and I was running on very limited sleep but here is what I remember… Both Adam and I had our hearts set on a natural birth, to…
Read More
Making informed choices to suit your set of circumstances for your birth is one of the key messages I promote in my Hypnobirthing Classes. It’s also important to note that two women can look at the same set of circumstances and make completely different decisions. It doesn’t make one right and the other wrong. In…
Read More
Your birth plan is more powerful than you know. A birth plan is not a legal document, but it can serve as evidence in a court of law to demonstrate how a woman expected to be treated and supported by her care providers during labour, birth, and the immediate postpartum period. It outlines preferences and…
Read More
The Natural Alignment Plateau phrase was first used by Marjie Hathaway, who is an independent childbirth educator and author of several books, as well as a practitioner trainer for the Bradley Childbirth Method. She highlighted that it is not uncommon for women to get to a point in their labour where their cervix stops dilating….
Read More
Stop taking offence to every little thing – it is so exhausting! Not everything is about you – and that’s actually a good thing We live in a time where offence is almost a currency – but constantly feeling offended is exhausting, and let’s be honest, it’s not good for your wellbeing. Not every post,…
Read More
We have some really incredible bodyworkers in Perth, so I have put together the Perth Bodyworkers Collective and these are all practitioners that I know, like and trust and regularly refer my clients to who have had amazing results. I always suggest having regular massage during pregnancy with a Pregnancy Massage Specialist who has done…
Read More
I’ve been waiting for this incredible vaginal breech birth after caesarean story as I was so privileged to be a part of this birth as a doula, which meant being a part of the preparation, the fears, the tears, the excitement and the unknown as even though I have supported many VBAC births, I had…
Read More
This birth story is the perfect example of how hypnobirthing classes encourage mums to trust their body and their innate wisdom. I am so proud of Sharna and Scott and how they used all their hypnobirthing knowledge and techniques to create that perfect birthing environment and drew on the experience and midwifery skills of their…
Read More
Hypnobirthing in Perth is becoming more popular, and we love sharing our positive birth stories – whether that is home birth, water birth, land birth, hospital birth and even caesarean birth. My hypnobirthing classes are not about natural birth at all costs. This comprehensive childbirth education program is about preparing women and their partners for…
Read More
The curse of the due date and the eviction notice for your baby is clearly etched in every woman’s mind after she has confirmation of her pregnancy. She marks that date on the calendar with excitement and shares this with all her family and friends. This is when her baby will come. Then as the…
Read More
My Hypnobirthing classes can help you feel calm and in control no matter how your baby is born. These classes are about recognising that birth is unpredictable, and there is no one size fits all. It is all about being educated, confident and calm so you can still feel you are in control and can…
Read More
Updated 17/09/24 I’m pleased that since originally writing this blog on 31/08/2019, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) announced on 4th September 2024 the deregistration of home foetal dopplers following a safety review and states: “Home-use foetal dopplers Foetal dopplers are handheld devices used to detect or monitor the heartbeat of a baby during pregnancy. These…
Read More
Traditionally women supported women after birth – mothering the mother with postpartum support because it was recognised that newborn mothers are just as vulnerable as newborn babies. Family members would look after the new mother after they gave birth, feeding them, supporting them, unburdening them from day to day activities and ensuring they were well…
Read More
When I got pregnant, everyone said “you must find an Obstetrician immediately! All the good ones book up quickly.” I was in a panic. I had no idea what I was doing so I went out and dutifully found an Obstetrician ASAP. At my first appointment, something didn’t feel right. I don’t think our Obstetrician…
Read More
My hypnobirthing journey is so special because within 18 months I birthed two absolutely beautiful little boys. Each birth was completely unique, but both were guided by the hypnobirthing philosophies so here is my journey. It really began a good 6 years before I even became pregnant; whilst I was watching the show ‘One Born…
Read More
One of the main concerns women have about their labour and birth will be whether or not they will be able to cope with the intensity of pain. Here are some medical pain relief options for labouring women to give you a starting point of what is available, but also what you need to do…
Read More
Choosing a care provider for your birth can be a daunting task. Many women feel they are going to get a better birth by going with a private Obstetrician, but statistics show that women are more likely to have inductions, interventions or end up with a caesarean by going private, so it is important for…
Read More
The clitoris and the perineum – the holy grail of womanhood. We know episiotomy can impact the function and healing of these two sacred parts of the female anatomy, so it is important for women to be educated on what you can do during labour and birth to reduce or eliminate the risk of tearing…
Read More
I originally wrote this blog back in 2018, but with the chatter (propaganda) the last few days, I decided this was a good one to update. Once again, the crusade to replace actual midwifery care with flashing lights, beeping monitors, and glossy brochures continues – this time with a shiny new device hailed by WA…
Read More
Knowing what your choices are and making informed decisions is the best start to any labour. Adrianna shares her birth story, where she was initially booked in for an induction, yet after looking at all her options and evidence-based resources and confirming that she was well and her baby was doing well, she then used…
Read More
Even the best planned births don’t go to plan. Congratulations to Christine and David on the birth of their gorgeous Sophia who was born 10 days before her estimated due date and was very healthy and happy. Christine shares her experience in the hope of helping other women feel calm and relaxed, even when birth…
Read More
Introduction by Vicki…. I have waited a year to get this birth story from a woman I admire so much, and when I read this it brought tears to my eyes yet warmed my heart. Yes, it’s a long birth story but it is one that needed to be written that helped a woman heal…
Read More
With Christmas fast approaching the word around social media pregnancy groups is that their Obstetrician has booked them in to be induced at 38 weeks before Christmas to avoid the rush and lack of staff or because their Obstetrician is going on holidays. Christmas and holidays are not medical reasons for induction of labour but…
Read More
Sheryl shares her birth story after completing my Hypnobirthing classes and highlights how she only just made it to the hospital in time as she started to get the urge to bear down on arrival at the hospital. Sometimes mums can second guess themselves because they are handling their surges so well, breathing and moving through…
Read More
On the 28th of April at almost 35 weeks pregnant we had a wonderful surprise when we welcomed our baby girl into the world. It certainly wasn’t in the way we expected and yet given the chance I wouldn’t change a thing. I had just finished up work and was enjoying my first week on…
Read More
Women do not need to be told “all that matters is a healthy baby” because she is the one growing and nurturing her baby. You can be sure that she is thinking and feeling that her first priority is a healthy baby – nobody needs to tell her this and she will forever be grateful…
Read More
The Australian Institute of Health & Welfare (AIHW) have released the Australian Mothers and Babies 2016 report and it is disappointing to see that the national caesarean rate continues to rise and is well outside the World Health Organisation recommendations of between 10%-15%. This data provides an overview of mothers and babies, maternal demographics, the…
Read More
I didn’t realise I needed a doula until I didn’t have one at the birth of my first child. Although my first birth was ‘successful’ I deeply missed having an advocate and was left feeling bullied, disempowered and like I had been robbed of the beautiful experience I had heard about. Going into my second…
Read More
Your birth choices will have a huge impact on the way you give birth and may also affect your postpartum experience so you have to be prepared. Anastasia shares her birth story and how important it was for her to do independent childbirth classes and have an independent midwife so that her and her husband felt…
Read More
Thank you to Deb and Pete for sharing Oliver’s birth story, which didn’t quite go to plan but with the tools and techniques they had learnt from my Hypnobirthing classes they were able to adapt to their change in circumstances, so they still had a positive birth experience and were able to avoid having drugs and interventions….
Read More
I was 38+6 on Tuesday the 7th November 2017 when our wonderful midwife Linda visited in the afternoon. The previous weekend we had held a birthday party for our not-quite four-year-old, I’d had my last day of work on Monday and I had joked that once I’d sorted out the house on Tuesday baby could…
Read More
It’s interesting to see the responses from women to women who share what they are planning for their birth or their experience of having a “good birth” on social media. Natural birth – what are you trying to prove? You won’t get a medal. These are just some of the responses women are subjected to….
Read More
Well, baby no. 3 made his appearance and what an entry he made into the world thanks to Vicki Hobbs and Hypnobirthing. I wanted to thank you for your fear release session and to let you know how much it helped leading up to the birth and also during the intense surges. It really pulled…
Read More
A caesarean is major abdominal surgery, so you can expect to experience some level of pain afterwards. Your healthcare provider will ensure that you have medications to help you cope with the pain. It is important that you have support after you leave the hospital to ensure a speedy recovery. It can take anywhere between…
Read More
After quite a few weeks off work, I was getting impatient for my baby to arrive. As a first time mum, I was quite anxious and excited. Regularly listening to my Hypnobirthing tracks and preparing my affirmations helped keep me calm. I was booked in for a scan at 41 weeks but the night before,…
Read More
Orgasms release copious amounts of oxytocin therefore I am a big advocate for female orgasms during labour when things start to slow down or stall. If it is a choice between synthetic oxytocin and real oxytocin, what would you rather have? Just put a sign on your door saying, “Please keep out – orgasm in…
Read More
Every woman should write a birth plan, but for a VBAC mother it is even more important! This is because many women who are having a VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Caesarean) are now more educated and have identified that there may have been alternatives or different options they could have chosen instead of the interventions…
Read More
Bit of a ranty blog this one about understanding that your cervix should not be on a timer – what we need is for women to go back to basics birthing. That Friedman’s Curve from the 1950’s has a lot to answer for and is outdated and inappropriate to be used in this day and…
Read More
We have several Hypnobirthing couples who have generously given us permission to share their birth videos and photos for training purposes in our classes. During a recent discussion in our practitioner group, we noticed a fascinating pattern—many Hypnobirthing babies are being born “en caul” or “in the caul.” An en caul birth occurs when a…
Read More
There is something about a royal baby that has the whole world excited. I know…. not everyone gets excited, and if you are not that interested, well just go on by, but I think you will agree that there really is a lot of excitement once we know that a Royal Princess is in labour,…
Read More
The cervix (from the Latin cervix uteri, meaning “neck of the womb”) is the lower, narrow part of the uterus where it joins with the top end of the vagina. The cervix is cylindrical in shape and during most of your pregnancy your cervix is long and thick and is generally between 2cm and 4cm…
Read More
Are you a doula, midwife, childbirth educator, body worker or other health care professional that would like to learn more practical and evidence based tools and techniques to teach or prepare women during their pregnancy for an easier labour and birth? Spinning Babies integrates the art and science of giving birth to give the mother…
Read More
I love this positive induction birth story I received from Anna who used her hypnobirthing techniques to help her cope with the intensity of her labour and the deviation to her birth plan. Here is her story….. I started bouncing on my fit ball, listening to my Hypnobirthing tracks and practicing nipple stimulation from 38…
Read More
Sometimes it can be really hard for your partner or birth support person who is a friend or family member to see you in pain during labour. Having the right people there can really make a difference with the outcome of your birth. Let’s be clear here – the most important person in that birthing…
Read More
I was 36 weeks and 5 days pregnant. I’d finished work 5 days earlier and was finishing off all my “jobs” so I could have a few weeks to relax at home. On this day I was finishing painting the nursery. I was taking it slow but at 4.30pm I felt a little twinge in…
Read More
In sharing my experience, hindsight is a wonderful thing. Sebastian was born at 9.03am on the 8th September weighing 8-pound 3.5 oz. Even with the knowledge you gave us, I suppose you don’t truly know how it will be until you go through it. Next time I don’t think I’ll go private. As you warned…
Read More
Thankyou Vicki for sharing your knowledge and experience with us during our Hypnobirthing classes in Karratha. We ended up having a great experience at the hospital especially after we contacted you while we were at the hospital, and you emailed with additional information and support when we were unsure of what to do. It was…
Read More
There are so many things to consider when you are planning your vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC) and these are just the ones I wanted to put together quickly to get you started, but you have to do your own mind-mapping to work out where you need more information, where you feel strong and confident…
Read MoreYour Pelvis One of the important physical aspects of the body during pregnancy is the pelvis. Your pelvis is not one fixed bone; it is made up of 4 separate bones: sacrum; coccyx two iliac bones, one on the left and one on the right, which are joined to the sacrum at the back at…
Read More
For the most part, I feel so positive about the new VBAC guidelines just released by ACOG this month (ACOG Practice Bulletin #184) and wanted to share a few highlights that potential VBAC women can really push for with their own care providers here in Australia. We seem to be so far behind in Australia,…
Read More
What are the “absolute” risks of stillbirth? Many healthcare providers create fear in women when they say, “the risk of stillbirth doubles by the end of 42 weeks.” This is the “relative” risk of stillbirth. It is important that you obtain the “absolute” risk before making any decisions. The “absolute” risk means how often does…
Read More
No two women are the same; therefore, no two births will be the same even with your own subsequent pregnancies. There is no text book that can tell you when you will go into labour, what you will experience and what the outcome will be. Independent childbirth education is about preparing you for your labour…
Read More
Introducing our little man Lennox Jack Brodie, born at home Friday 28th July 2017. The birth of Lennox was completely different to that of our little girl Jorja, who graced us with her presence at 35 weeks. The private hospital pressured me into an induction with my FIFO partner only just making it home in…
Read More
Are you having trouble convincing your partner on the benefits of having a Doula at your birth? One of the main reasons a couple may not hire a Doula is because the partner thinks the Doula may take over their role, but it important to know that the Doula will be very inclusive of the…
Read More
We completed our Hypnobirthing course in March with Vicki Hobbs in preparation for an end of May / early June due date. My pregnancy had been perfect, no complications, the dates had never changed with each scan, my baby and I were in perfect health. Towards the end of May, in preparation for our birth,…
Read More
Updated 10/03/2026 We’re incredibly fortunate here in Western Australia to have a growing number of exceptional Privately Practising Midwives (PPM’s) offering personalised, woman-centred maternity care. When I first created this directory, only a handful of midwives were working privately, and now the list continues to grow, which is such a positive shift for women across…
Read More
There is no doubt that synthetic oxytocin has its place in maternity care, and can be instrumental in saving lives, but even the companies who develop this synthetic oxytocin state that it should not be used for routine inductions and augmentation of labour unless medically necessary. For the use of synthetic oxytocin the woman needs…
Read More
The words “every second counts” will always have significant meaning to me and my family. I’m sharing my daughter Holly’s experience of contracting Pneumococcal Meningitis in 2012 when she was just twenty-six months old in the hope that you too will remember the words “every second counts“. This was one of the most traumatic times…
Read More
In 2013, I got a referral to a well known OB/GYN, and during the 3 month wait for my appointment, I fell pregnant. Being my first pregnancy, I was relieved that I was already in the hands of an Obstetrician and I didn’t feel the need to look any further into care providers or birthing…
Read More
Amniotomy also known as “artificial rupture of membranes” is where the membranes are ruptured / released by the midwife using a gloved finger that has a hook on the end (amnicot) or a little device called an amnihook. This allows the amniotic fluid to be released. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that in normal…
Read More
A synthetic version of prostaglandin hormones is inserted into your vagina either as tablets, gels, suppositories or pessaries. You will need to remain in hospital for this and once inserted it is recommended that you lie down for at least 30 minutes so the gel can stimulate the cervix. The dose, number of doses and…
Read More
The aim of using the balloon catheter is to try and avoid a pharmaceutical induction and is recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The Foley’s catheter is a single balloon inserted inside the cervix and the Cook’s device is a double balloon, one inserted inside the cervix and one left on the outside of…
Read More
Your medical caregivers will tell you that a stretch and sweep is not considered an “intervention” because it doesn’t involve drugs, so it is natural. This is not true and anyone putting their fingers up inside your vagina and pulling, poking, stretching and sweeping around the inside of the cervix is not natural and more…
Read More
Don’t be fooled – Hypnobirthing is nothing new! With a lot more exposure and media around hypnobirthing, there’s a lot more awareness of this amazing program, but something has been bothering me, and this has bothered me ever since I started teaching hypnobirthing, so let me share my thoughts with you about hypnobirthing. Hypnobirthing is…
Read More
Thanks to Vicki and her amazing hypnobirthing classes I was able to birth my first baby naturally. We cannot thank her enough for all the knowledge both my partner Mark and I gained from hypnobirthing. On the 16th September 2016 (one week after my estimated due date) I went into labour with my first baby….
Read More
Our son Elijah was born in a public hospital in Perth on the 11/12/16 at 9:46pm. Actually, Elijah was born in the carpark at the front entrance to the hospital on the front seat of Vicki Hobbs’ car and I am so grateful for everything that she taught my husband and I in her hypnobirthing…
Read More
Thank you to Rory for sharing his experience and it is brilliant to hear how he viewed the effectiveness of hypnobirthing and his role leading up to and during the birth of his son. My wife Katie was diagnosed with gestational diabetes early in the pregnancy. Due to meticulous diet control, she lost a heap of…
Read More
There is a lot of confusion around the safe diffusing of essential oils and the use of traditional oil “burners” (vaporisers) and diffusers during labour and birth. It is not just about the smell. Essential oils are made up of chemicals – even chemicals found in nature can have adverse effects on the mind and…
Read More
The perineum is the area between the vagina and anus, made up of skin, tissue and muscle and stretches incredibly as the head emerges. Many women become fearful about the perineum tearing or needing an episiotomy and wonder how their baby is going to fit through their vagina. An episiotomy is where the Obstetrician or midwife…
Read More
Being a neonatal nurse in a high risk maternity hospital, I had seen my fair share of medicalised births, so when I found out I was pregnant; I always knew I would never have a birth plan. I would accept whatever needed to be done to ensure the safety of my baby and myself. I…
Read MoreI am so proud of myself and beyond grateful for everything I learnt at hypnobirthing!! I was diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes and my Obstetrician wanted to induce me and had even set a date for the 4th December, which would’ve made me 41 weeks. Originally he’d spoken about inducing at 38/39 weeks and thanks to…
Read More
The rights of a pregnant woman anywhere in the world must be taken seriously, but for the purpose of being Australian and educating my local community I have put together some really important resources so that women have an easy reference point to go to and know that they do have rights, they can refuse…
Read More
We heard all the horror experiences of childbirth from our friends, which gave us a shiver in the spine. I am a person who is scared of needles, and I felt childbirth was way beyond my capacity. In February 2016, we had the positive results of our pregnancy but along with the happiness; there was…
Read More
The best advice I can give you for your labour and birth is to enjoy it. You are only going to get the opportunity to birth this baby once. How you prepare and educate yourself and practice your knowledge will make a world of difference to the way you birth – regardless of how your…
Read More I have been busy creating my online childbirth education program called “Back to Basics Birthing” and as part of my research I posted a request in a Facebook group asking the women in the group what were things that they wish they had known about “the first few hours after birth.” We have so many…
Read More
Do you want to try and prevent colic and wind, therefore pain and distress in your baby? Every time you pull babies up by their legs to change their nappy you are pulling the nerve roots that go into the intestines out of place. These roots have a direct link to the small and large…
Read More
Decreased foetal movement, deceased, three days of being in hospital waiting for baby to come, induction, health complications, breech baby, stillbirth. Massage, laughter, relaxation, meditation, movement, music, dancing and love. All these experiences, actions and feelings I would never have imagined to occur in the same week as each other, but approaching birth with these…
Read More
The first hour after birth of skin on skin and bonding is an important and sacred time for the newborn baby, mother and partner and needs to be protected and supported. You cannot get this time back so it should not be interfered with unless the mother or baby need medical attention immediately. Many hospitals…
Read MoreWho would have thought that someone would create “lactation cookies” and that they would help to burst those boobies with a bounty of breast milk? Unfortunately, I have tried a few recipes to make for my postpartum clients, but just hadn’t found one that made me salivate. Not that I needed them, but who wants to…
Read More
A ground-breaking Australian study on effective childbirth education was recently released by Dr. Kate Levett and Dr. Hannah Dahlen (who were also key-note speakers at our annual conference). This study highlighted how important it was to not only participate in independent childbirth education classes but to also find a program that included complementary therapies to…
Read More
Many hospitals still have a policy of no eating during labour in case you have to go for surgery. Like so many of these hospital policies this is now outdated information and is based on work by Dr. Mendelson in the 1940s that indicated that under “general anaesthesia” there was a possibility of acidic stomach…
Read More
“I wish I had done some classes or prepared myself for what to expect when I went into labour, and maybe my birth would have been very different.” This is what so many women tell me when they’re preparing for their next birth or VBAC (vaginal birth after caesarean) – they want a more positive…
Read More
I went into labour at 4am on 25th Of March 2016. I was in bed fast asleep and suddenly felt like I was peeing myself so I tried to hold it in, which just didn’t work. I slowly moved out of bed and it trickled down my legs. I was too embarrassed to wake my partner Adam at this…
Read More
My birth was truly amazing! It was all thanks to the amazing support I received from my husband, my Hypnobirthing practitioner Vicki Hobbs and two amazing midwives, hypnobirthing and believing in myself, my body and my baby! I wanted to share my (very loooooong) birth story with you, in the hope that it will help/encourage…
Read More
My husband Stewart and I were encouraged to learn hypnobirthing by my mum who has a background in nursing and is currently a counsellor who uses hypnosis in her practice. My sister also had two successful natural births using relaxation and self-hypnosis techniques. I decided to post on Facebook asking friends for recommendations of local…
Read More
This myth that vaginal exams is beneficial has become conditioned into the minds of pregnant women so they think it is a necessary part of their labour. Because of this myth, most hospitals will have a policy that women are to have vaginal exams every 4 hours in a risk-free birth and more frequently in…
Read More
Group B Streptococcus (or more commonly referred to as GBS or Group B Strep) is a bacteria that is normally present in our bodies. Around one fifth of women carry the bacteria without even knowing they have it. In RARE cases GBS can cause serious illness and even death in newborn babies, but more commonly it…
Read More
So you have just tested positive for Gestational Diabetes. What now? Well first of all you need to find out as much as you can about this condition and how it affects you and your baby and your birth preferences. But where do you start? What is going to be helpful and what is going…
Read More
During your labour and birth, it is important that you feel comfortable, safe and calm in your birthing space. Music plays an important part in this. Everyone is different of course, and during labour and birth what you think you might like to hear during your labour and birth may be totally different when you…
Read More
I just have to share my beautiful birth experience with you all! I took hypnobirthing classes with Vicki and these classes totally changed my perception around birthing! Not only did they educate me and my partner, but they gave me so much confidence and empowered me to trust my instincts and to trust that my…
Read More
Just wanted to share my successful VBAC story. I ended up being induced because my waters started leaking on Tuesday morning, but I wasn’t getting any surges so spoke to my midwife and she had said to stay at home as long as possible because they would keep me in once I got to hospital. So I went…
Read More
I am so happy that I found and hired Vicki to be my Doula. My husband was unable to attend, making it very important that I had the support of someone, who I felt confident in, to help me through labour. Vicki was amazing, calming, confident and supportive throughout the whole journey of pregnancy, labour…
Read More
Greetings fellow hypnobirthing virgins. I am offering you my thoughts via Vicki on the classes that you may be about to attend. Firstly, a little on myself – I am halfway between a sceptic and a believer in processes that may fall under the umbrella of new age. A sceptic, for I do not like…
Read More
Choosing your health care provider for birth is so important and should be high on your priorities along with childbirth education. Obstetricians are highly trained and specialists in surgical procedures. They would be the first to admit that when it comes to “normal birth” then the experts in this area are midwives. Midwives are highly…
Read More I was over my estimated due date, and we were at times quite stressed about when this baby was going to come and were feeling the pressure from people around us. I found going back to the hypnobirthing principles, especially listening to the affirmations, really helped me with this and I kept reminding myself “he’ll…
Read MoreHey mummy, please be patient….. Please mummy, let me stay for a little while longer, I feel safe and calm and loved. I know you are tired, I know you are sore. I’m sorry I am putting all this pressure on your body. But I’m not ready to be born just yet. Please be patient…..it…
Read More
So you see all these babies with the pretty coloured beads around their necks and mums are swearing that they make a difference to their bubs teething – what a load of rock, right? Actually, you will be surprised to know that for most babies they can be very therapeutic. Now before you think “oh…
Read More
So, you have just been for your 20-week scan and your sonographer has told you that you have a low-lying placenta, and you will be monitored to see if you can birth vaginally, or you may have even been told to prepare for a caesarean. It is important NOT TO STRESS! A low-lying placenta can…
Read More
Why is it so important to choose an independent childbirth educator and attend classes such as hypnobirthing or active birthing classes? Because over time women have forgotten that birth is a natural and normal physiological event! Women have become more accepting of medical interventions. Caesareans are the highest they have ever been, and it is…
Read More
There is so much to write about Aromatherapy; however this is just a very basic overview of aromatherapy in pregnancy, labour, birth and the postnatal period highlighting the important things to help mums and their birth partners understand how they can use essential oils confidently and safely Aromatherapy is the use of 100% pure essential…
Read More
This oil has long been associated with alleviating menstrual discomfort and like me many women have used it for relief from irritation and pain. In birthing contexts, its aroma and muscle-calming effects have made it a staple in natural birth practices. In saying this, I always suggest women use it cautiously because it is very…
Read More
The Unique Connection between mother and child – does it exist? I loved watching the video which went viral in 2015 on social media. It has everyone talking about how clever the children are to find their mums, and it got me thinking about how so many couples don’t understand the importance of that skin-on-skin bonding…
Read More
What is that “gross” stuff on your baby? (And why you should absolutely love it) Your baby has just been born, and as you gaze in awe at your little miracle, you might be surprised to see their delicate skin covered in a thick, creamy, white substance. It might look like they’ve been lathered in…
Read More
There is no such thing as a “natural induction” of labour. Anything that is trying to make your baby come before it is ready is a risk. So, you think it is time to evict your baby? You have had enough. You are tired, uncomfortable and just want to meet your little one…..NOW! However, have…
Read More
Every pregnant woman deserves some pampering. Pregnancy Massage can provide that much needed pampering in addition to reducing stress and anxiety, promoting relaxation and preparing muscles and joints for childbirth. It is a much needed therapy to ease some of the aches and pains experienced during pregnancy and labour, and should be regarded as a…
Read More
There are many natural induction methods that may help to trigger the start of labour, but these too can also create stress and frustration when they don’t work. It is also important to remember that you’re not designed to be pregnant forever, so you can trust your body to do what it is meant to…
Read More
Nearly 75% of pregnant women experience swelling during the last trimester of their pregnancy and most of the time it is relieved by good posture, massage, staying cool, elevation of legs and rest. However, when something like pre-eclampsia develops, severe swelling or” pitting oedema” is merely one symptom of sometimes a more serious condition known…
Read More
In our medically advanced society, massage can often be over-looked as an important part of pregnancy health care. However, this tried and tested tradition is one of the oldest forms of the healing arts and has been used for thousands of years in almost every culture. Every pregnant woman deserves some pampering and massage is…
Read More
Your hospital bag….. What do you need to take with you to the hospital? This is just a general guide of things you may need or want to have available when you are at your place of birth, and I have added to the list as other mums have recommended items they felt were essential. Now…
Read MoreIntroducing our hypnobirthing baby girl Roxy. I had the most amazing birth at King Eddies in Perth under the care of a fabulous obstetrician. He had no experience of hypnobirthing, but willingly tried to keep it as close to my birth plan as possible, with me having a heart condition. My baby and I were…
Read More
When I am performing pregnancy massage, one of the most common questions I get asked is how to turn a breech baby? I think it is really important that mums understand that sometimes they just need to be patient. Do all you can to encourage your baby into a vertex (head down) position early on,…
Read More
Preparing for birth is like preparing for a marathon. You need to prepare both your mind and your body. In your mind, you need to release fear, which creates tension, producing more pain, creating more fear, which starts a whole vicious cycle in the mind and body as described by British Obstetrician and leading advocate…
Read More
First of all I would like to thank Vicki Hobbs from the Hypnobirthing Centre WA for helping me release my fear of birthing and to also help me think positive all the way about everything – my pregnancy, my labour, the surges I would experience and moving my baby down. I was one person who…
Read More
Stretch marks – is there a miracle cure? Around 70% of pregnant women develop stretch marks during pregnancy and this is due to scarring that develops in the deeper layers of the skin. When there is a lot of stress, stretching and strain on the collagen fibres in the skin, and repetitive stress and tension…
Read More
The Hypnobirthing class helped me from the first session and weeks before my labour started. I have always had a huge fear of needles but I knew that it was all in my mind. The classes helped me to deal with that and my first blood test after starting the course was a whole new…
Read More
On the morning of the 15th April 2014, I went into natural labour with my first baby at 5 days past his guess date. At 5.00am I woke to go to the loo, and had my show. I knew this could happen days before labour so tried not to get too excited! However at 7.00am…
Read MoreI had a very good pregnancy and stayed very healthy and fit throughout it. I listened to my affirmations on a daily basis and focused on having a positive birth. When people asked me if I was nervous or dreading it, I could say with honesty that I wasn’t. Instead, I felt positive that I…
Read More
Although I originally wrote this article in March 2014, I regularly update it with new information as it arises. The popularity and education of prenatal massage has increased significantly over the past few decades. In tribal cultures, prenatal and labour support massage was common. Anthropologist George Engelmann documented these techniques in the mid 1880’s; however…
Read More
“Hypnobirthing” is just a fancy name for “hypnosis for birth” and the hypnosis part of this course is only one small component of the program. It is a full childbirth education program that covers so much in only 12 hours of session time. When I chat to women about hypnobirthing some of them have said…
Read More