Have You Thought About Comfort in Labour? Two common worries come up again and again in my antenatal classes in West Lothian: How will I stay comfortable and calm during labour? Will I poop while giving birth? They might feel embarrassing, but both are worth talking about. In fact, labouring on the loo can be one of the most effective and comfortable positions you can adopt and passing a “number 2” is often a positive sign that your baby is nearly here. Photo published with

Have you thought about using a birth ball (also called a gym ball) during pregnancy, labour, and even after birth? These simple, inexpensive balls can make a huge difference in helping you stay comfortable, support your body, and work with your baby. Here’s everything you need to know about choosing, using, and loving your birth ball. Choosing the Right Ball Size matters. The diameter of the ball should match your height: 5ft 4” or shorter → 55cm ball Up to 5ft 8” → 65cm ball

The big day is just around the corner! Feeling a mix of excitement and nerves is totally normal, but here’s the good news: you can feel calm, informed, and even empowered heading into labour. Here are 10 simple, evidence-based ways to prepare so you can approach birth with confidence (and maybe even a little excitement 😉). 1. Patience is Your Superpower Labour takes time. Every contraction is progress, even if it feels slow. Try not to clock-watch. If you’re planning a hospi

Pacing Yourself: The Art of Coping with Contractions This Easter weekend in West Lothian, the sun finally made an appearance. Like half the street, I was out in the garden, tackling a spring clean-up. Weeding, mowing, scrubbing the patio and eventually, painting the raised beds we built a few years ago. After a couple of hours of painting, stretching, swapping hands, and shifting my weight to ease my aching joints, it struck me: this is just like labour. Labour and the Garden