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Back to Basics Birthing

Fat vaginas can’t give birth!

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...

PREGNANCY, BIRTH & POSTPARTUM EXPO 2024

Exhibitors Join us at the Pregnancy, Birth and Postpartum Expo 2024 Are you committed to supporting expectant parents and young families? We invite you to be a part of our Pregnancy, Birth and Postpartum Expo 2024, an exciting event designed to connect experts, businesses and organisations with the community. This is your chance to showcase...

When Survivors Give Birth Workshop

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...

Empowered first time mum switches to home birth

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...

Men, witches, machines and babies – mechanical birth

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...

I was excited and happy about what was about to come

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...

Birthing Your Placenta

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...

An opportunity for women to find their power and own their births

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....

Our birth story was one that did not go to plan at all.

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...

Your Birth Plan Is More Powerful Than You Know

Your birth plan is more powerful than you know. A birth plan is not a legal document, but it can be used in a court of law to show how the woman expected to be treated and supported by her care providers during her labour and birth and immediate postpartum period. The birth plan shows...

The Natural Alignment Plateau – stop blaming the cervix!

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....

Perth Bodyworkers Collective

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...

A storm was brewing but I got my vaginal breech birth after caesarean!

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...

Hypnobirthing classes encourage mums to trust their body

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...

Hypnobirthing in Perth is leading the way – for any birth!

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...

The curse of the due date and the eviction notice for your baby

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...

Home foetal dopplers and Apps are becoming more concerning

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...

Mothering the Mother With Postpartum Support

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...

When I got pregnant, everyone said “you must find an Obstetrician”

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...

My Hypnobirthing Journey is so special

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...

Medical Pain Relief Options for labouring women

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...

Choosing a care provider for your birth can be a daunting task

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...

The clitoris and the perineum – the Holy Grail of Womanhood

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...

Machines that go “ping” to replace midwives

Obstetricians and GP obstetricians are heading a push for machines that go “ping” to replace midwives. What this means is replacing real and dedicated continuity of care, touch, conversations, connections and experts in normal physiological birth with numbers, machines, computer screens and charts that lead to interventions and caesareans. The well-known skit from Monty Python’s...

Even the best planned births don’t go to plan!

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...

Christmas and holidays are not medical reasons for induction

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...

All that matters is a healthy baby!

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...

Your birth choices will have a huge impact on the way you give birth

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...

Natural Birth – what are you trying to prove? You won’t get a medal!

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....

Self-care and healing after caesarean

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...

Please keep out – orgasm in progress!

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...

Why do you need a VBAC birth plan?

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...

Your cervix should not be on a timer

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...

A baby born in the caul is a rare event

We have several Hypnobirthing couples who have given us permission to use their birth videos or photos in our classes for training purposes. In a discussion we had not long ago in our practitioner group we have noticed quite a few hypnobirthing babies being born “en caul” or “in the caul.” Being born en caul...

What is effacement and dilation of the cervix?

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...

Perth Spinning Babies Workshop

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...

The role of your partner and birth support people

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...

I handled the surges really well using the techniques we had been taught.

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...

Ten tips to plan a healing VBAC

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...

Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy

Your 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...

Stillbirth – the absolute risk

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...

What to expect during labour!

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...

Doulas versus Partners

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...

A Positive Induction Birth Story

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,...

Privately Practising Midwives in Western Australia

Updated 03/06/24 We are so lucky to have so many awesome Privately Practising Midwives available in Western Australia, and I am so relieved that the list has grown extensively since I first started this Directory and continues to grow, which is exciting for women of Perth and Western Australia. A Privately Practising Midwife (PPM) is...

Medical Induction Methods – Synthetic Oxytocin

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...

My intuition was screaming at me that something was amiss

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...

Induction Methods – Artificial Rupture of Membranes (AROM)

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...

Induction Methods – Prostaglandin Gels

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...

Induction Methods – Balloon Catheter

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...

Induction Methods – Stretch and Sweep

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...

Don’t be fooled – Hypnobirthing is nothing new!

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...

Your Rights as a Pregnant Woman in Australia

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...

What women wished they had known about the first few hours after birth!

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...

Hypnobirthing and Stillbirth

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...

That sacred time of skin on skin after birth

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...

Yes ….Back to Basics Birthing ticks all the boxes

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...

There’s an intruder inside your body

“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 say to me when they are trying to have a more positive experience with their next birth or VBAC (vaginal birth...

On Good Friday I gave birth to a beautiful little boy!

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...

“For this birth, I was determined to have a VBAC”

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...

Amy births hypnobub Vivie in assessment room

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...

Your fingers are not welcome in my vagina!

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...

Group B Strep – what you should know!

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...

What you need to know about Gestational Diabetes

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...

Music for you, your birth and your baby!

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...

The Hypnobirthing classes totally changed my perception around birthing!

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...

My labour was short and very intense!

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...

Birth Choices in WA

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...

Emily shares her caesarean birth of Oliver

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...

Hey mummy, please be patient…..

Hey 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...

My placenta is low lying….should I be worried?

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...

Aromatherapy in Pregnancy, Labour, Birth & Postpartum Handbook

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...

Clary Sage – Can it be used to induce labour?

I love the smell of Clary Sage, and prior to menopause I would use clary sage when I was feeling irritable and in pain during my menstrual cycle and it would provide a lot of comfort and relief. In saying this, I always suggest women use it cautiously because it is very powerful and can...

Smell, touch and bonding with baby – is this really important?

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...

What is that gross stuff on your baby?

Your baby has just been born and you look down to see what you have created and to your surprise you notice your baby looks like it is covered in white zinc cream and ready for a day out at the cricket. Vernix Caseosa (vernix) is the white, cheesy substance found on the skin of...

Natural Induction Methods – do they work?

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...

Pregnant and in pain? Need help?

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...

Do Induction Massages really work?

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...

What Are The Benefits Of Pregnancy Massage

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...

What Do You Take To Hospital or Birthing Centre?

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...

Julie rocks her hypnobirth with heart condition!

Introducing 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...

“I kept talking to my baby loudly” – when birth preferences change!

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...

Special Circumstances hypnobirth of Cooper

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...

Pregnancy Massage – is it safe?

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...

Hypnobirthing – taking the fear out of childbirth

“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...