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"Thank you so much for your response...."

Do you see enough of your midwife during pregnancy?

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welcome parents to your midwives online

Are you trying for a baby, pregnant, preparing for birth, parenting a new family? Your Midwives online can help. As registered, practising Midwives, we want to empower you with relevant, professional information, so take time to have a good look around.
Catharine Parker-Littler / Midwifery Director

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

Can assisted delivery hurt the baby?

Forceps and ventouse can cause bruising, swelling and marks on the baby's head or face, which usually resolve with no problems. [read more]

I'm so busy being a shoulder for her to cry on I don't know what to do with myself - I've lost a baby too! How can I talk to her about this?

In the past, the effects of the loss of a baby on the father has not been considered. [read more]

Is it ok if I simply cut down on my smoking while I'm pregnant,rather than have to give up completely?

The carbon monoxide and nicotine that you inhale when you smoke passes out of your lungs and into your bloodstream. [read more]

We've had a few false starts and I think it's me panicking in case I don't get to the hospital in time. How can I calm down?

Your anxiety is understandable. However, not many babies are born on roadsides or hospital car parks. [read more]

Everybody is telling me I'm too small and that my baby isn't growing. The midwife says everything is all right. Can you explain?

The usual time to start taking measurements is between 26-28 weeks. [read more]

I'm a bit of a binge drinker - Is it OK as long as I stop when I'm pregnant

It would be far better for your health and your baby to stop the binge drinking before you conceive. [read more]

Does bleeding in pregnancy mean that miscarriage is inevitable?

Many women experience bleeding in early pregnancy but then proceed to have a healthy pregnancy and healthy baby. [read more]

I'm two months pregnant and feel incredibly tired all the time. Is this normal?

Tiredness is a common complaint in pregnancy. Most women feel a sudden loss of energy in the early stages of pregnancy. [read more]

What's the best type of exercise during the third trimester?

Exercise does wonders for you during pregnancy. It helps prepare you for childbirth by strengthening your muscles. [read more]

How long do the baby blues last?

The baby blues are a common type of depression, and it is the least severe of postnatal illness. [read more]

How overdue can I go before they want to induce me?

The main reason for induction of labour is when your pregnancy continues past your EDD (Expected Date of Delivery). [read more]

My partner is so worried about germs she won't let us visit my sister. How can I reassure her that it will be all right?

I can understand your partner's concern for the baby, as there is a lot of public awareness around bacteria and germs. [read more]

Does smoking stop you becoming pregnant?

It is excellent that planning a pregnancy is motivating you to consider stopping smoking. [read more]

Our newborn sleeps all the time at the moment. Should I be waking him for a feed?

Whilst many newborn babies sleep for what seems to be a very short time, there are those that do sleep for longer. [read more]

How many scans will I have, and when?

All women should be offered 2 scans in the first half of pregnancy 1, a dating scan that is done between 10 and 18 weeks. [read more]

I'm not employed and don't have a lot of money - do I need everything new?

Having a baby can place financial pressure on families, and so it is sensible to consider used items, whether these are handed down from friends and relatives or bought. [read more]

Is it ok to swaddle a baby?

Swaddling is a method of wrapping baby in cotton sheets in an effort to keep them feeling warm and secure in the outside world. [read more]

I'm going for my first antenatal appointment next week - What will happen there?

You will be seen by a midwife, and this first visit will probably be the most detailed you will have. [read more]

What are 'afterpains'?

The term 'afterpains' refers to discomfort felt as the uterus contracts back down to its normal, pre-pregnancy size. Women often describe afterpains as feeling like period pains. [read more]

My partner doesn't feel as if he's bonded with our son yet. What can he do?

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

When will the health visitor come to our home?

Usually health visitors do a home visit when the baby is about 2 weeks old, this depends from area to area. [read more]

My Pregnancy test was negative but I'm sure I'm pregnant. How can this happen?

Home pregnancy tests are between 97-99% accurate. [read more]

Two minute guide to... Life Insurance

What is life insurance? Without sounding too simplistic, it's insurance against dying. [read more]

Which formula milk should I buy?

This needs to be explored prior to the birth of your baby. [read more]

Should I put my baby to the breast as soon as she's handed to me after the birth?

Holding your baby close to you as soon as possible after the birth is usually recommended. [read more]

What will happen when I first arrive at the hospital?

Hospital 'routines' vary, so I can't say exactly what will happen when you arrive there in labour. [read more]

Are 'relaxation classes' and 'childbirth classes' helpful?

Relaxation and breathing techniques are extremely useful when used together and used at the correct times. [read more]

Different types of exercise

Please click here to see a table with details. [read more]

I'm 10 weeks pregnant and getting cramping pains; the Doctor says I should rest to avoid a miscarriage - Is this true?

Cramping pains on their own without any vaginal bleeding or spotting are possibly normal at this stage of pregnancy. [read more]

What are the success rates of fertility treatments?

It is important to understand the general fats about fertility before looking at specific treatments. [read more]

What is Colic?

colic is common in newborn babies, affecting around 20% of infants. [read more]

My midwife said I should avoid pate. Why?

The Food Standards Agency (www.eatwell.gov.uk) has recommended that all pates should be avoided. [read more]

Where will my baby sleep when we're in the hospital?

Many maternity units are guided by there advice and recommend Practise 'rooming-in'. [read more]

Will I get my job back after having my baby?

The law states that all employees on ordinary maternity leave (26 weeks) are entitled to return to their original job. [read more]

I've got a full-on career and I'm 6 months pregnant will this affect my baby and what can I do to bond to my baby?

Today, many women work full time during pregnancy, and afterwards. [read more]

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