My first child, my daughter was born exactly 2 weeks overdue! I learnt so so much from you! I said no to being induced before this date as my body was preparing itself and my mind knew she would come when she was ready! I went into natural labour at 7am on the Saturday … laboured at home for as long as possible and when I went into hospital at 2pm I was 4 cm dilated. In the evening, admittedly, I became unfocused as my contractions were back to back from the start (which I found confusing and overwhelming) i was very tired and so I opted for a epidural…I was stuck at 6cm for a long time and her head was low but swollen, consultant offered me hormonal drip which I refused and wanted to wait till the morning to see if anything changed; during the night her heart rate was irregular and I also had signs of infection (blood in my urine, temperature etc) I was also still at 6cm - I was again offered normal drip or a c section. I really didn’t want a c section when I had been previously thinking about my birth but I felt that my body was doing what it felt was right and a hormone drip wouldn’t have had a positive outcome and I likely would need a c section anyway. Thanks to you I had a beautiful c section with a picture of my mum who had passed next to me and her perfume sprayed onto a cloth for me to smell during the surgery. It was really magical and such a positive experience, the nhs midwives were supportive throughout and loved my birth plan that I had created via your app! It didn’t all go to plan but to be able to walk away with such a positive feeling has been so empowering and I love sharing the knowledge you have taught me with my friends and family x If you want to be as prepared as this wonderful new mumma, then head over to our courses!

I’m sure you won’t see this, being inundated with wonderful messages from wonderful women. But you did so much for me in preparation for an incredibly similar labour to yours. I had my wonderful doula, which gave both my husband, James, and me so much strength and reassurance, not just during labour but in the tricky lead up of battling the bullying from consultants. Threatening words that I was doing harm to my baby by wanting to wait for labour to start etc. My boy eventually arrived 15 days "overdue" and via C section. But I went through 8 hours of what I felt was HARD labour, constant non stop contractions, thinking I was nearly there, to be told I was 1cm when I decided to have an exam. Another 10hrs later (and a few hours into an epidural so I could sleep) I was suddenly dilated to 6cm, two hours later I was 10 on one side and 9 on the other 🤔. 2 hours later I was 8. 2 hours after having waters broken I was 6!!!?! My waters dilated me, but he couldn’t come down. He was such a clever boy, the cord was around his neck. He knew not to come down. And he was born via c section. Long gorgeous boy, Billy. And I was grateful for experiencing so much, in so many ways. And I had the strength your voice gave me to cope with it all. When I said yes to a c section I felt such relief. No more wondering when. It’s time to be looked after. He’s now 17 weeks, a joyous giggling, farting, hilarious bundle of heaven. Sending lots of healing love. And as my mum always said. Smooth seas do not good sailors make. 🙏 If you want to be as prepared as this wonderful new mumma, then head over to our courses!

Check out this article by SheMazing about Lauren and I teaming up to boss the shit out of her birth! I can't wait to support her through this journey so she can feel empowered and supported. Everyone should feel this way about birth! https://www.shemazing.net/towies-lauren-goodger-hires-doula-ahead-of-baby-no-2-arrival/

Paired with perineum massage, it can help prevent tearing during birth! Here's the link If you want more great info like this then have a look at the app!

Not to worry there is a simple fix for this. Please head over to the 'Learn' tab where all your purchased content will be waiting for you!

YES - They are digital The cards in The Hypno Birth Bundle & The Ultimate Birth Worker Bundle are digital versions not physical versions if you want to order physical cards there can be found here

Just wanted to say I’ve had my beautiful twin girls at 36 weeks exactly and had the most amazing birth!!! The balloon induction went amazing and did the job by the following morning. Epidural put in (I was a bit worried if I didn’t have it something might happen to twin 2 and could be rushed to theatre for a c sec so decided it was better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it). Slept a couple hours after the balloon fell out, had an internal done and was 5cm, slept again and woke up at 6pm for another internal and was 10cm. 20mins of pushing for each twin, literally breathed the babies out using FFFF and downward breathing! Talking and laughing in between with my midwife and other nurses in the room. My partner got to deliver both babies and they were put straight onto my chest for skin to skin, delayed cord clamping and latched straight away. It was the best experience I loved it so much I even asked my partner if we should try for another 🤣🥰 xx I was so relaxed the whole process, my partner was amazing, making me laugh the whole time. So fun! Xx Even my midwife, paediatrician nurses and head obstetrician that were in the room couldn’t get over how calm and relaxed the whole thing was and said that every mum should have been there to see how amazing birth can be! X @magsgoldsmith Getting prepared for the most magical experience is key! Check out our courses here!

👶🏻 Third Baby 👩‍🦰Known Baby Girl - Harmoni Elizabeth Farrow 🗓 Due 29th Jan 2023 🗓Born 6th Feb 2023 (41+1 nhs dates 40+2 my dates ) 🏡 Plan - Home Birth with birth pool 🏡 Actual - UnPlanned Freebirthed with pool at home with paramedics and midwife attending late. 💊Pain relief - Comb only ⚠️ First Degree Tear, Physiological 3rd stage, blood loss. TW - mention of contractions (not a bad word for me) previous mention of induction. Finally it was our turn! My previous children were induced at 38+2 due to my PGP being so bad I couldn't face it anymore! I also have a clotting condition which apparently made me high risk so I was under consultant care. This also meant I had to have blood thinning injections for 6 weeks post natally. I was very uninformed about birth so very much went along with what they suggested or told me I could and couldn't do including where to give birth, how I would deliver my placenta etc. I was very much told I had to be on labour ward and I wasn't allowed a water birth because I was being induced, so I never made a birth plan because there didn't seem any point! During both labours I was very frightened and despite birthing in under an hour both times from transition I don't remember understanding much of what was happening. My second daughter I panicked so so much I don't even remember giving birth to her. Both my active labours were fast lasting 68 minutes and 27 minutes so I was aware that any other babies subsequently would be fast. After my marriage ended I didn't think I'd ever have anymore and here we are 💕 Harmoni. I was getting pretty fed up if I'm honest. I was determined not to be intervened with this time. I was under a different NHS trust after moving to a different county and they advised me my blood condition wasn't putting me at any further risk than anyone else so no blood thinners needed I was over the moon! I had never looked at any other birth locations and suddenly I felt supported that I could choose what I liked. My initial thought was a birth centre as my best option, having been so medicalised before. I initially didn't think I would be comfortable being at home, but the more I researched and thought about it, the more it made sense. I have plenty of animals and my other children, also my partner is autistic so would struggle in a hospital environment so it would save a lot of stress as well as the benefits I had researched. I advised my midwife that this was what I wanted to do and she was super supportive and said there's absolutely no reason why not and was very helpful advising me of all the practical risks rather than trying to put me off. We bought a second hand pool and we were prepped after my home birth assessment at 36 weeks. We had lights up ready and an oil diffuser and after the hypnobirthing course I felt like I might just not panic this time! At 40+5 (friday) I was getting a lot of tightening across my lower abdomen around 6pm, so I got my ball out and they were pretty consistent for a while so I started timing them. I went to bed around 10pm to get some rest incase it developed and sadly nothing came of it. I woke at 1am for a wee and they had completely stopped. I spent Saturday so miserable, my pelvis was sore and I'd got my hopes up but I went for a little walk with my fiance to cheer me up. He reminded me I needed oxytocin so we went to look at plants and for a bit of lunch. Sunday we went for a walk with the dog at a slow pace ha! My other children were due back from their Dad's that evening and one wasn't very well and we said you can guarantee I'll go into labour because she's got a temperature! Went to bed Sunday night no problems. Here We Go! I woke Monday morning at 2am for a wee and was totally normal. 5am - I awoke with pain all across my abdomen and went for another wee. I struggled to sit on the toilet because I had so much pressure in my bum and stood holding the sink to sway a bit as it was coming in a wave. I went back to bed and thought these pains were quite regular. I woke my partner at 6.10am and said I think we are having a baby today. He got me up and downstairs and made sure my ball was fully inflated (slow puncture aghhh). I couldn't use it though the pressure in my bum was too much. 7am - I started timing and I was already getting contractions about 4 mins apart and so I rang my mum to get my children at about twenty past to take them to school. I was OK talking then but when pain kicked in I was struggling. They were downstairs eating breakfast, but I remember explaining to them that I'm alright this is totally normal and I have waves of pain. I think explaining to them each pain brings her closer to coming out helped remind me as well. 7.48am - my partner rang labour ward to say I was struggling who then advised they would ring back but they are on shift changeover....! He reminded them I birth very quickly and we needed a midwife ASAP. We agreed he should start filling the pool which was already up in preparation. Mum arrived at 8am to get the children and could see I was struggling so she offered to stay and support my partner..I didn't know what was best at this point I remember asking her to reassure my children (they are 8 and almost 6) and remind them about what I'd prepped them for noise and pain and mummy is fine. She settled them upstairs with a film and they were totally not bothered apparently ha! I suddenly panicked and said I can't do it and I think that must have been the transition because they both encouraged me into the pool. 8.26am - still no call back, my partner rang them back as I was now in the pool and 2-3 mins apart and was advised to ring for an ambulance. Ambulance was despatched and the call centre lady stayed on the phone. I was on my knees over the edge of the pool with my partner and my mum at the business end seeing what was happening. I felt my waters go 'pop' and I was told afterwards they were discoloured but I then felt her head very quickly and the lady on the phone was helping my mum and my partner with how to deliver her not too quickly. I remember thinking really logically internally that I needed to stay calm and that I just had to get her out safely. Mum reassured me if noone came we could get her out safely and the call centre lady was very nice too. I struggled with her head I kept feeling her go back up and when she crowned and I wasn't sure I could get her head out, it felt impossible! I knew she would come and after 4 pushes she did. I remember hoping and praying she didn't get her shoulders stuck and she would be in danger. When she was finally born, Mum brought her out of the water as I forgot to say please pass her through my legs so I could bring her out slowly so I had to turn over lifting my leg over her and the cord to bring her to me. I was just so amazed to see her and it was instant relief. My daughters were creeping to come and see her and so Mum brought them in to see her and reassure them I'm alright! 8.55am - Paramedics arrived and tried to encourage me out the pool as they said baby was cold and they were worried about us all in there. She wasn't breathing brilliantly and hadn't cried but I wasn't that concerned as she was still attached and she had made noises. My midwife rang my partner saying she would be 10 mins and not to let the paramedics cut the cord. They were very good and just did obs on me. I stood to get out the pool and had to get my partner to hold the baby because I suddenly had a contraction which I struggled to stand through. Her cord wasn't that long so we shuffled to the sofa where the paramedics had put all the sheets and pads down. My midwife arrived as I was doing this and sat my partner on the sofa and I was knelt in front of him so he held the baby without the cord being tight. 9.05am - my placenta was born with no intervention (no time for that anyway) which I was so pleased about having had a retained placenta in the past after the injection I really wanted a Physiological third stage. Narrowly missed my partners slippers 🤣🤣🤣 she helped him cut the cord and then I just sat with her and my kids where she attempted her first feed. My midwife was concerned about my blood loss so she called for her manager at this point as she was on her own and paramedics were sent packing as they were happy with our obs. She monitored it as the other lady arrived (with a 3rd lady too who was just back off mat leave and shadowing). 10am - Blood was taken from my placenta to check her blood group (as I am resess negative to double check for anti-d) and they cleared up all the sheets etc. Mum took the kids to her house (they obviously never made it to school that day ha!) to give us some space and let them have some attention and bake cakes apparently lol. I was advised I had a 1st degree tear probably where I had one before which opened up again, but no stitching required. I was offered oxytocin injection to help with the blood loss which I agreed to as I'd achieved my placenta which was really what I wanted and I really did not want to be transferred in so I went with it. I had a wee while my partner weighed her with the midwives and I remember being sat on the loo being told she was 4170g (9lb 3oz) and being astounded I'd birthed her! My other two were 3lb/2lb smaller! 12pm - my midwife left after being happy with me and agreed to come back later in the day to do her newborn checks as apparently they like to do within 6 hours of birth. I went up for a bath which was the best thing ever while my partner held Harmoni and then I went to bed with her to feed her and he dealt with the pool. After lunch we all snuggled up and enjoyed the bubble. My Mum brought my girls back after their dinner and it was only then we sat down together and thought....wtf just happened h ! I genuinely think if I'd been in hospital (I would have had her in the car anyway I think lol) that I would have ended up being intervened with as I was worried she was getting stuck and I am so so proud of myself and my Mum and partner for getting through it especially as it ramped up so fast and he doesn't cope with change particularly well. It was perfect really thinking about it and now a week later its like she's never not been here xx If you want to be as prepared as this wonderful new mumma, then head over to our courses!

OVERVIEW The fight-or-flight hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline (epinephrine and norepinephrine in US literature) are part of the group of hormones known as catecholamines (CAs) and are produced by the body in response to stresses such as hunger, fear, and cold, as well as excitement. Together they stimulate the sympathetic nervous system for fight or flight. (AIMS) During labour, maternal CA levels slowly and gradually rise, peaking around transition. However, high adrenaline levels in early labour, which reflect activation of the woman's fight-or-flight system in response to fear or a perception of danger, have been shown to inhibit uterine contractions, therefore slowing or even stopping labour. Noradrenaline also acts to reduce blood flow to the uterus and placenta and therefore to the baby. (AIMS) After the birth, the new mother's CA levels drop steeply. If she is not helped to warm up, the cold-related stress will keep her CA levels high, which will inhibit her uterine contractions and therefore increase her risk of postpartum haemorrhage. (AIMS). In the late-labour stage if you perceive danger or stress, they may paradoxically stimulate contractions so you give birth more quickly. A rise in epinephrine when you’re in the later stages of labour increases your levels of prostaglandin and cortisol to help with contractions. This will make you feel a sudden rush of energy and will cause several strong contractions and will help you push.(NCT) Too much adrenaline can cause problems in labor and birth by: Causing distress to the baby before birth. Causing contractions to stop, slow or have an erratic pattern, and lengthening labor. -Creating a sense of panic and increasing pain in the mother. Leading health care providers to respond to these problems with cesarean surgery and other interventions. You can keep adrenaline down during labor and birth by: Staying calm, comfortable and relaxed. Being informed and prepared. Having trust and confidence in your body and your capabilities as a woman. Having trust and confidence in your care providers and birth setting. Being in a calm, peaceful and private environment and avoiding conflict. Being with people who can provide comfort measures, good information, positive words and other support. Avoiding intrusive, painful, disruptive procedures. INTERESTING INFO For the baby also, labour is an exciting and stressful event, reflected in increasing CA levels. In labour these hormones have a very beneficial effect, protecting the baby from the effects of hypoxia (lack of oxygen) and subsequent acidosis by redistributing cardiac output (blood supply) and by increasing the capacity for anaerobic glycolysis (metabolism of glucose at low oxygen levels). (AIMS) The baby experiences a marked surge in CA hormones, especially noradrenaline, close to the time of birth, probably triggered by pressure on the head. This surge plays a very important role in the baby's adaptation to extrauterine life. It aids newborn metabolism by increasing levels of glucose and free fatty acids, which protect the newborn's brain from the low blood sugar that can occur in the early newborn period when the baby loses the placental supplies of glucose.(AIMS). Early in second stage, when the cervix is fully open but the urge to push is not yet strong, a woman can feel the need to rest for some time. This is sometimes known as the “rest and be thankful” time. After this, she may quite suddenly experience the dry mouth, dilated pupils and sudden burst of energy that are all characteristic of high levels of CAs. This burst of CA gives a mother the energy to to push her baby out. (SBuckley) POST BIRTH & BREASTFEEDING -Catecholamines enhance respiratory adaptation to life outside the womb by increasing the absorption of amniotic fluid from the lungs and stimulating surfactant release. Surfactant is essential for smooth inflation of the newborn lungs. CAs also assist with the necessary newborn shift to nonshivering thermogenesis (heat production), increase cardiac contractility, stimulate breathing, and enhance responsiveness and tone in the newborn. (AIMS). High CA levels at birth also ensure that the baby is wide-eyed and alert at first contact with the mother. The baby's CA levels also drop steeply after an undisturbed birth, being soothed by contact with the mother, but noradrenaline levels remain elevated above normal for the first twelve hours. High newborn noradrenaline levels, triggered by a normal birth, have been shown to enhance olfactory learning during this period, helping the newborn to learn the mother's smell. (AIMS) CA levels drop quickly after the birth, which can make a mother may feel cold or shaky. (SBuckley) https://www.aims.org.uk/journal/item/undisturbed-birth http://www.childbirthconnection.org/maternity-care/role-of-hormones/ https://sarahbuckley.com/pain-in-labour-your-hormones-are-your-helpers-2/ https://www.nct.org.uk/labour-birth/your-guide-labour/hormones-labour-oxytocin-and-others-how-they-work http://www.mcht.nhs.uk/EasysiteWeb/getresource.axd?AssetID=15539&type=full&servicetype=Attachment

OVERVIEW Beta-endorphon also known as "pleasure hormones". (NCT) Beta-endorphin is one of a group of naturally occurring opiates (drugs derived from the opium poppy), with properties similar to pethidine, morphine, and fentanyl, and has been shown to work on the same receptors of the brain. (AIMS) It is secreted from the pituitary gland under conditions of pain and stress, when it acts to restore homeostasis (physiological balance); for example, by acting as a natural painkiller. (AIMS) Beta-endorphin also activates the powerful mesocorticolimbic dopamine reward system, producing reward and pleasure in association with important reproductive activities including mating, birth, and breastfeeding. (AIMS) When you face stress or pain, your body produces calming and pain-relieving hormones called endorphins. (CHILDBIRTH) Low levels of endorphins can cause problems in labor and birth by: Causing labor to be excessively painful and difficult to tolerate. Leading health care providers to respond to this problem with interventions. You can enhance your body's production of endorphins during labor and birth by: Staying calm, comfortable and confident. Avoiding disturbances, such as unwelcome people or noise and uncomfortable procedures. Delaying or avoiding epidural or opioids for pain relief. How do you release endorphins during labor? (THE FAMILY WAY) Yoga and relaxation strategies taught in childbirth classes such as guided imagery, progressive muscle relaxation, and massage can reduce high levels of stress. Epidural analgesia decreases levels of both oxytocin, which causes labor contractions, and endorphins, which decrease pain and stress. INTERESTING INFO Like the addictive opiates, beta-endorphin reduces the effects of stress and induces feelings of pleasure, euphoria, and dependency. (AIMS) Beta-endorphin helps in the final phase of your baby’s developing lungs too. (NCT) You may have higher levels of endorphins near the end of pregnancy. For women who don’t use pain medication during labor, the level of endorphins continues to rise steadily and steeply through the birth of the baby. (Most studies have found a sharp drop in endorphin levels with use of epidural or opioid pain medication.) (CHILDBIRTH) POST BIRTH & BREASTFEEDING Beta-endorphin is also important in breastfeeding. Levels peak in the mother twenty minutes after commencement, and beta-endorphin is also present in breastmilk. Researchers have found higher levels, at four days postpartum, in the breastmilk of mothers who have had a normal birth, compared with caesarean mothers; they speculate that this extra dose of beta-endorphin is designed to help the newborn with the stressful transition to life outside the womb. Beta-endorphin also helps with the release of prolactin during labour, preparing your breasts for feeding. (NCT) In this early postpartum period, endorphins are believed to play a role in strengthening the mother-infant relationship. A drop in endorphin levels at this time may contribute to the "blues," or postpartum depression, that many women experience for a brief time after birth. (CHILDBIRTH) FACTS Beta-endorphin levels, as measured in the mother's bloodstream, increase throughout labour, peaking at the time of birth, and subsiding in the first one to three hours. Levels in the new mother's limbic system are elevated for much longer, as beta-endorphin takes more than twenty-one hours to break down within the brain and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). (AIMS) Babies also receive beta-endorphins in the breast milk and this is to help them cope with the pain and discomfort experienced as their skull bones are moulded and pushed through the birth canal. (EVERYMUM) Endorphin levels are highest during vaginal deliveries in unmedicated mothers. They are lower in women who have a cesarean section after laboring on their own for some time and even lower in women who have a cesarean without experiencing labor. (HEALTH FOUNDATIONS) Endorphins can actually help regulate the pace of labor—high levels produced in the body and slow labor by lowering oxytocin levels, which can serve to regulate the intensity of labor and our ability to manage it. (HEALTH FOUNDATIONS). Endorphins behave differently from woman to woman, which is perhaps one factor in why women have different perceptions of the pain of childbirth. (HEALTH FOUNDATIONS). https://www.aims.org.uk/journal/item/undisturbed-birth https://www.nct.org.uk/labour-birth/your-guide-labour/hormones-labour-oxytocin-and-others-how-they-work http://www.childbirthconnection.org/maternity-care/role-of-hormones/ https://www.everymum.ie/pregnancy/oxytocin-beta-endorphins-prolactin-your-hormones-during-labour-explained/ https://thefamilyway.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Ten-Ways-Hormones.pdf https://www.health-foundations.com/blog/2013/10/18/endorphins-in-childbirth-bodys-natural-painkillers

Are these effective in labour There isn’t enough evidence from randomised controlled trials to show whether other approaches like homoeopathy, reflexology, or hypnotherapy are effective.

Having high blood pressure before becoming pregnant is called chronic hypertension, and high blood pressure developing during pregnancy is called gestational hypertension If you develop gestational hypertension, you should be offered a full assessment by a healthcare professional who is trained in the management of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy when the problem is identified.