Women birthing with medical care providers such as doctors and registered midwives often have vaginal exams performed every 2-4 hours during a woman’s labour, depending on the care provider and birth location. I could go on and on about cervical exams and how important I believe it is to be extremely cautious with both choosing if or when to have routine cervical… Read more →
Someone asked me today (like almost everyday): “How often do you see complications arise in home births?” I gave them the same answer I always give:”Rarely. I see complications happen WAY more frequently in hospitals. And the odd time a complication does arise, in my experience, they are handled in a MUCH more smooth and calm fashion in the home… Read more →
What is an “Unassisted Birth” in BC? Under Vital Statistics Canada, births where there were not any registered medical professionals in attendance at a birth are called “unattended” births. Other names for “unattended” or “unassisted” births are free-birth or medically-unattended birth. Logistics to consider when planning a medically unassisted birth in BC: Birth supplies, including supplies for clamping and cutting (or… Read more →
There are many herbs and essential oils that are commonly recommended for childbirth. I always encourage my clients to treat any herbal or plant preparations as medicine. I typically do not recommend using herbs for inducing birth, and encourage people to avoid thinking that herbal inductions are “natural inductions”. Herbal medicines can be powerful, and as such, need to be… Read more →
Many people assume that OBs are the best trained professionals in birth. Depending on your circumstance, working with an OB may be the right choice for you. But if you are making plans for your upcoming birth, here’s a quick list of questions to think about. Don’t make assumptions; the answers may surprise you: Did you know: OBs… Read more →