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"In depth answers to the questions asked and a varity of questions..."

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Hello to all our parents users,
Welcome to your Midwivesonline.
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Catharine Parker-Littler / Midwifery Director

hot topics today from our book Ask a Midwife all hot topics

I want an epidural but I'm afraid about having one - should I be worried?

Epidurals work by blocking pain nerves as they enter the spinal cord. [read more]

Should we put our new baby in bed with us?

This is up to you. Many new parents enjoy the closeness and convenience. [read more]

Do I need to take any supplements whilst breast-feeding?

Women who are Breast-feeding do need extra energy and nutrients... [read more]

Is it safe to use a microwave when pregnant?

Microwaves are a form of electromagnetic radiation - waves of electrical and magnetic energy moving together. [read more]

Should I practise possible positions for labour and birth beforehand?

Practising for labour is a good idea as you may find some positions really suit you. [read more]

I had a Caesarean birth, what type of exercise is safe for me and when can I start again?

Your Midwife and Doctor will probably recommend gentle exercises such as deep breathing and leg stretches. [read more]

My wife won't let me do a thing but I want to get better at it. How can I help?

It is well documented that a couple's relationship is strengthened when the care given to a baby is shared. [read more]

I'm a model and currently pregnant. What can I do to stop stretch marks?

I appreciate your concern about your body, especially as looking good affects your work so much. [read more]

How can you sterilize the bottles?

During the first year of life, babies are at their most vulnerable to viruses, bacteria and parasitic infections. [read more]

My baby cries continually and I'm really finding it hard to bond with him. Is this normal?

Bonding is the attachment that develops between parents and their baby. [read more]

Can I choose which hospital which hospital I'd like to give birth? or does it have to the nearest one to me?

You have an absolute right to choose your place of birth. For most this may be a choice of hospital or home. [read more]

Is it OK to exercise if I'm breastfeeding?

Yes, as long as the exercise is not too strenuous. [read more]

What exactly is a hospital birthing unit?

There are many different choices available to the pregnant woman. [read more]

I am a teenager and I'm pregnant. Do I have any extra dietary needs?

Young women typically have low intakes of essential vitamins [read more]

I'm having a Caesarean and have heard that it's harder to breastfeed at the beginning is this true?

Women who undergo a caesarean section are likely to be in more pain than those who have a vaginal birth. [read more]

Does taking folic acid increase the chances of having twins?

There have been thoughts recently that taking folic acid prior to and during pregnancy... [read more]

Am I allowed to take additional time off, unpaid, after my maternity leave ends?

Parents can take parental leave after maternity leave and will be entitled to the same terms and conditions as if she was returning after additional maternity leave. [read more]

Should we buy a special baby bath or can she use our big bath?

A baby bath is usually ideal, as you can use it in any room. Most parents are a little scared to bath their baby, as they can be fidgety. [read more]

What are the signs that it is too late to go to the hospital

In first pregnancies labour lasts for around 12- 14 hours, the contractions will gradually build. [read more]

I'm a really deep sleeper: I'm worried that I won't hear my baby crying. Is this likely?

This is a common worry for all new parents but it is highly unlikely that you will sleep through your baby crying. [read more]

I don't want to get pregnant yet but maybe next year - What should we be doing now to get ready?

Planning ahead is an important way of improving the chances of good outcomes in pregnancy. [read more]

I am in my first trimester and have little or no appetite. What foods can I eat to give me enough energy?

Foods high in calories are often high in fat so the food choices you make are very important. [read more]

I've had STIs in the past, but everything's fine now - Will that stop me conceiving? Should I be concerned?

Your chances of conceiving are affected by both your health, and by your partner's health. [read more]

My stitches hurt - what's the best way to ease the pain.

It is perfectly natural for your stitches to cause some pain and discomfort for a few days after giving birth. [read more]

I have been advised not to eat Tuna and other fish if I want to get pregnant. Why?

Certain fish contain high levels of mercury. [read more]

How often should I change her nappy?

The parent should be directed by the baby's urination and bowel habits as to when and how often a nappy should be changed. [read more]

What is a 'D and C'?

D and C stands for Dilation and curettage (D&C), method in gynaecology to remove some of the lining of the uterus wall. [read more]

I'm going to be on my own when I go home and I'm worried I won't manage.

It's only natural to feel anxious about your new responsibilities when you arrive home with your new baby. [read more]

I want to breastfeed but should I buy some bottles just in case I can't?

For women who want to breast feed, they are more likely to be successful if they do not have an alternative readily available. [read more]

Can my partner come along for the scans?

You will be offered two routine ultrasound scans in pregnancy as recommended by the NICE. [read more]

I'm so excited about seeing my baby on screen - will they give me a photo?

Ultrasound scans are part of routine antenatal care and as such are recommended. [read more]

Are there any foods/drinks I should avoid before trying for a baby?

Try to take care to ensure you do not exceed the recommended intake of alcohol. [read more]

Can my partner still cut the cord?

During a caesarean section, the procedure must be carried out under sterile conditions. [read more]

We go out for curries and love spicy food; I've been told I might go into labour early - is this true?

Many people believe that eating a curry will encourage the start of labour but this is completely untrue. [read more]

Should we put a dimmer switch in the nursery?

It is not essential to have a dimmer switch in the nursery, as long as you have access to a soft light. [read more]

Is surrogacy allowed in the UK?

Currently, although the law does not recognise surrogacy as a fixed agreement, it is legal in the UK. [read more]

Is it ok to combine breastfeeding with bottle-feeding?

Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended from birth by the World Health Organisation for at least the first six months of life. [read more]

I'm pregnant using a donor - what happens if my child wants to trace her biological dad?

From April 2005, any babies who were conceived using donor sperm have a right to find out their parent's identity. [read more]

Before trying for a baby are there any changes I should make to my diet?

The British Nutrition Foundation has recommended men should limit the amount of alcohol they consume before trying for a baby. [read more]

Can I use the birthing pool if I've had a previous Caesarean?

The use of the birthing pool can offer great benefits to the mother. [read more]

What is the 'nesting instinct'?

There is a phenomenon commonly seen in pregnant women which involves a to prepare for the new baby in your home. [read more]

My partner has been in hospital due to the increased risk of premature labour. What should I do about getting things ready at home?

We would suggest that the priority should be focussed on supporting your partner. [read more]

Do I need to do pelvic floor exercises if I had a Caesarean section?

Yes. Pelvic floor exercises are the most important of all. [read more]

Interfering Mum or Mum in-law - how can I bring them up to date?

This is not an uncommon scenario and never easy to deal with. [read more]

Now that I've had the baby, can I drink alcohol again?

If you are breastfeeding, it is recommended that you keep your drinking limits to no more than 1-2 units once or twice a week. [read more]

Can I ask for a private room in hospital after the birth?

There are very few general hospitals that cater for fully 'private' care. [read more]

What are the symptoms of post-natal depression?

Post natal depression is estimated to occur in 1 in 10 mothers. [read more]

How can they tell if they're identical?

Zygosity determination means finding out whether twins, triplets or more are identical. [read more]

I have been told I may have Gestational Diabetes. What is this and do I need to eat differently?

Gestational Diabetes is a type of diabetes occurring and detected during pregnancy. [read more]

My mum's coming to stay with me but I don't want her to take over - how should I approach this?

It's very natural to be worried about over-bearing mothers and this can be a big problem for a lot of women. [read more]

All I want to do is to cuddle and feed my baby. I'm not at all interested in being physically close to my husband.

How you're feeling is quite normal, especially in the early days following the birth. [read more]

How should we deal with nappy rash?

Nappy rash is very distressing for parents who may feel that they should have been able to prevent it. [read more]

Can I still drink coffee and tea whilst pregnant?

Yes, however it is advisable to limit you intake due to the caffeine content. [read more]

I am lactose intolerant. Could this be passed onto my baby - could she be allergic to my breast milk?

There are two types of lactose intolerance, primary and secondary. [read more]

Can moving around during labour help with the pain?

Providing the labour is straightforward, it is well documented that women should be as active as possible during labour. [read more]

Is it safe to go jogging when you're pregnant?

Exercise is recommended throughout your pregnancy. [read more]

I am overweight, will losing weight help improve my fertility?

Studies have proven a link between a healthy BMI and fertility in women, this may also be the case in men. [read more]

I am a vegetarian, what foods can I eat to make sure my baby gets all the nutrients it needs?

Similar rules apply to all pregnant women, whether you are vegetarian or not. [read more]

I've been having contractions at 28 weeks - Is my baby going to come early?

From early in a pregnancy, the uterus 'practises' contracting in preparation for labour and birth. [read more]

She is crying continually. I'm not having much success with breastfeeding - could she simply be hungry?

There are many reasons why a newborn might be continually crying. It is their only means of communication. [read more]

I keep hearing confusing reports about scans - should I be having one?

The choice to have a scan is yours but the choice should be made with informed consent. [read more]

Who will be in the operating theatre?

Although it may seem like a crowd, all of the people in the operating theatre have a role. [read more]

I've had three miscarriages and I'm scared of trying again - Is there anything I can do?

It is understandable given you experiences that trying to get pregnant again is a scary thought for you. [read more]

How many calories should I be eating each day when pregnant?

There are many guidelines which recommend different amounts of calories to be consumed each day whilst pregnant. [read more]

Can I have a bath after my waters have broken?

Using water in labour has been assessed in many trials and most show that women report a significant reduction in pain. [read more]

When will my midwife be able to hear my baby's heartbeat?

Your midwife should be able to hear your baby's heartbeat with a hand held device called a 'sonicaid' by the time you are twelve weeks pregnant. [read more]

How often should I change her clothes?

It is extremely important that babies are kept as clean and dry as possible. [read more]

My midwife says that we have a baby who likes to comfort suck. I'm very reluctant to introduce a dummy - should we?

Many babies like to suck for comfort. But it is not just those who are breastfed who comfort suck. [read more]

Will I get weighed at my antenatal appointments?

In 1941 routine weighing of all pregnant women at each antenatal appointment began. [read more]

SWINE FLU GUIDELINES - FOR PREGNANCY

Read our top tips to help you reduce your risk: [read more]

Why do I need a special mattress?

Buying the right mattress is very important for your baby's well being. [read more]

Guidelines for 1st 2nd & 3rd trimester of pregnancy

1st Trimester Specific guidelines: Reduced range of movement, Exercise as normal as long as there are no contra-indications... [read more]

What triggers labour?

It still is unclear what causes labour to begin, there are several theories. [read more]

This loss has devastated us. My husband is scared to touch me now and we've hardly had sex since - How can I help him?

Following a miscarriage, a couple's relationship can become strained. [read more]

Why are they often quite spotty to begin with?

Newborn babies have very sensitive skin and they have been protected in a safe environment during the pregnancy. [read more]

I want to have my baby at home, what will I need to get ready?

Discuss this with your midwife so you can discuss issues such as hiring a water birth. [read more]

I have been told I am anaemic. Which foods have lots of iron in them?

As a general rule, any red meat is a rich source of iron. [read more]

Is it ok to rock your baby to sleep?

If this is acceptable to you then it really isn't a problem. [read more]

What does a newborn baby look like?

Babies vary in appearance at birth and a variety of factors can play a part. [read more]

Can my partner be present throughout?

Yes your partner can be with you throughout your labour. [read more]

When should I pack my hospital bag?

Most midwives will advise you to be getting this organised by around 34 weeks pregnant. [read more]

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