Having support for labour and delivery in any hospital in India is a relatively new concept. Should you choose this option for yourself, it is important that the doctor and hospital are willing for this to happen.

In many hospitals worldwide there are rules that do not allow a labour support partner for the mother, but with good communication and explanation there is usually a way to make exceptions.

We are more than happy to accompany you when you talk to the doctor about this so that no confusion or misunderstanding takes place.

From the day you decide to employ our services, we provide a continuum of care throughout your pregnancy.  This includes professional care for you and your baby throughout pregnancy, labour and birth and in the early minutes and days after birth, by our trained and experienced midwives.

We aim to assist you so that you will be better equipped to make decisions for you and your baby¹s health, safety and comfort.

Our TENS machine is also available for use as a pain control measure during labour.  This is a device that uses impulses, through pads placed on your back in strategic positions, that helps reduce the sensation of pain.  The length and speed of these impulses are entirely under your control through a
hand-held device which also has a boost button for extra stimulus during a contraction.  This machine does not use any medication and often helps birthing mothers avoid the need for an epidural.

[ Click here for explanation of midwifery and doula ]

This course is held on an individual or group basis and covers a range of topics related to pregnancy and birth.
The aim is to prepare you, your birth support partner and / or family, practically and psychologically for your labour and birth as well as how to care for your newborn baby.

Group classes allow for discussions and have the added benefit of being a fun experience whilst providing the opportunity to meet other parents.  We have seen long-term friendships and useful support networks develop from these classes.

Topics covered are:

            Labour begins naturally.
            Rhythms, Movements and Relaxation through labour.
            Birthing Naturally.  Optimal Positions for Comfort.
            Continuous Support.  Role of Doula/Midwife.
            Avoiding Interventions whilst equipping for
                   alternative circumstances.
            Best Baby Care.  Bonding, Breastfeeding and Early
                   Days Care.
           

Handbook accompanying the course is available.

Days and times of classes will be adjusted according to client’s location and availability.  Spouses/Family members are welcome to attend the course.

There are many good resources available which we are happy to share with you, including online resources and a selection of birth videos, all useful aids in preparing for the big event!

We also assist you in preparing a list of questions pertinent to your unique situation, which you can ask your doctor.  These will help you decide on your care providers and the options available to you.

Newborn Care in the Labour/ Birth Support Package is provided until breastfeeding is established and the mother and baby have washed, eaten and are comfortable.
Home visits are also available in the first week and the third week to make sure breastfeeding is going well and to help with any concerns you may have. Timings of visits are flexible to fit your needs, and our midwives and doulas can be reached by phone.

If you choose to take the Newborn Care Package as an isolated service this will include:

           1. 1-2 Home Visits
           2. Breastfeeding Support
           3. Newborn Care
           4. Comfort Measures for Mum
           5. Practical Hands-On Assistance
           6. Phone calls and Texts 9am-7pm
           7. Emergency 24 hours available

The joys of having a new, little baby are often accompanied by lots of questions:
          1. How often should I feed him?
          2. What if she won’t wake up?
          3. What is this little rash?
          4. Why does she always cry from 5-8pm?
          5. Am I burping him properly?

Hospitals vary in their efficiency and support of breastfeeding. If you plan to breastfeed your baby here are some suggestions:

1) Tell the doctor before you go in to labour that you want your baby to be with you immediately after birth and not to be taken away for a bath or to be checked unless necessary.

The smell of a newborn baby causes a rush of hormones in the mother to stimulate the colostrum (this is the first milk and is very special as it contains many antibodies that will help protect your baby from illnesses).   Also, the baby is most aware and active for the first 2 hours after birth. This is the best time to keep baby at the breast and he/she will even move to the breast and “latch on” in his/her own timing!

2) Do not let the hospital staff give "top up" feeds to your newborn.
These are formula feeds and are not necessary.  Your baby needs nothing but the breast.

Formula milk is not the best food for your baby. Even one feed of formula may affect the lining of your baby’s stomach, so don’t let this happen!

3) If you have an operative delivery (also called c-section / caesarean section), you can still breastfeed within an hour of birth but it will take a lot of effort on your part!  Make sure your partner or labour support person can help you with this.

Even if the mother hasn't quite recovered from the surgery, the baby can be put to the breast to feed. This is so important as the longer time goes on, the more sleepy the baby will get and the harder it will be to feed later.  In addition, immediate skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby releases hormones in the mother which facilitate bonding, help initiate breastfeeding and counteract post-natal depression.

4) The baby does not need water, glucose or any other fluids. Breast is best and is enough.

The following document contains a very useful information sheet about the expected daily input and output of a healthy newborn baby for the first week of life.  It will give you confidence with breastfeeding and knowing whether or not your baby is getting enough fluid.  This is only a rough guide and if you are worried you can contact us.

Click To Download ( Breastfeeding-log-2 week. pdf )

Other helpfull links:

Click To Download ( Birth is not an illness. doc )

Click To Download (WHO Normal Birth Practical Guide.pdf )

Click To Download ( imbci 10 steps. pdf )

The possibility of having our midwives support you during a homebirth is also available.

Choosing to birth your baby at home allows for an uninterrupted childbirth experience.  You can enjoy the surroundings of your own home throughout your entire labour and birth, where you have freedom to choose how you will spend your labour and who will accompany you.

Our TENS machine is available for use as a pain control measure during labour.  This is a device that uses impulses, through pads placed on your back in strategic positions, that helps reduce the sensation of pain.  The length and speed of these impulses are entirely under your control through a hand-held device which also has a boost button for extra stimulus during a contraction.  This machine does not use any medication.

In addition, we have a birthing pool available for hire, should you wish to have a home waterbirth or, simply use it for pain control during labour.

The homebirth service is dependant on suitability.  Our midwife will travel and meet you at your home to see if your home setting and medical records to date are compatible to proceed with plans for a homebirth.  Our midwife¹s decision on suitability for homebirth is final and will be made with the
safety of both you and your baby in mind.

Please contact us for further details and to arrange a home visit.