TENS MachinesTENS is a very effective pain relief option during labour. Using electric pulse, it is a drug free pain management method which helps you to remain calm and manage contractions. TENS machines are available for hire at MAMA, through TENS Australia. They cost $140 and you will receive $40 deposit back upon return. You can pick them up at our Kensington centre. Please contact us should you wish to reserve a machine. Birth Plan/PreferencesThere are many formats of birth plans available on the internet. Some hospitals, doctors and midwives have their own forms you can fill in. It will depend on your chosen caregiver as to how much attention they pay to your birth preferences. Will it go in your file and never be looked at? Will it get lost in the system? Here are some handy tips to ensure your care providers pay attention to your written wishes.
Wether this is by writing a little blurb about you and your partner at the beginning, or providing a little photo or anecdote, having your birth preferences individualised in this way can remind your care provider that this is YOU writing the document, and these are YOUR wishes. 2. have a Plan A, B, C... By this we mean don't just put your 'ideal' (for example a natural birth), have preferences for in case of Caesarean section, as this will empower you in your decision making no matter what type of birth you have. 3. keep it simple Even writing dot point. The simpler the birth document, the more likely busy staff are going to read it! 4. put it on coloured paper Then it can't be missed in your file 5. keep a copy yourself For your birth partner to refer to, and in case your care providers copy gets lost!
MAMA says: birth plans are a good tool for a couple to use for education, and to discuss between you and your support team what you want in certain labour and birth scenarios. WaterbirthWe believe that the use of water in labour has many advantages. According to a cochrane review in 2009, there is no evidence of increased adverse effects to the fetus/neonate or woman from labouring in water or waterbirth. We provide waterbirth as an option to our clients who wish to have a homebirth, and use of the pool at home in labour for women who wish to birth in hospital. Different hospitals have different views on waterbirth; if you wish to have a waterbirth in hospital it is useful to discuss it with the hospital staff during your pregnancy. We hire pools and equipment for water birth if you have a MAMA midwife at your birth! ADVANTAGES:
DISADVANTAGES:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
BOOKS ON WATERBIRTH
JOURNAL ARTICLES ON WATERBIRTH
What do I need for a Homebirth?Items for a homebirth For the birth
For the baby
After the birth
Important notes
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