Midwife
Cheryl Rowe completed her training in midwifery in 1993 and has worked in this field for 30 years. She has worked in the labor ward setting for a long time, and while she gained experience in managing various pregnancy complications, she also realized the need for a softer and gentler approach of birthing for mothers who have low-risk pregnancies. She is an advocate of less interventional deliveries to keep them as natural as possible. Having started her private practice in 1999, Rowe has delivered nearly 1,000 babies. She herself had two water births at home, which made her belief stronger that women have a right to choose the kind of birth they want and go for a holistic approach.
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Most mothers are often confused about whether pubic hair shaving when pregnant or before delivery is necessary. However, if not done beforehand, you may undergo perineal hair shaving while you are prepped for delivery. This may cause some mothers to feel uncomfortable, more so because of the stress of the delivery. This article discusses why pubic hair is shaved before delivery, how it should be done, and its benefits and risks. [mj-toc] Why Is Pubic Hair Shaved Before Delivery? In many hospitals, it is a practice to get pregnant women shave their pubic hair before delivery. Here are the reasons why it is done (1): To make your childbirth hygienic. This is purely for your convenience. Helpful in Caesarian deliveries Sometimes, the nurse or a helper at the hospital does the job for you but it could be embarrassing to get it done by a stranger. If you want to be clean-shaven for your labor, then you may want to...
It is important to wear the right pregnancy bra to keep your breasts supported and comfortable. As your pregnancy progresses, your breasts may change in size and shape due to hormonal fluctuations. Hence, you may need to upgrade your bra according to the changes in your breasts. Read this post to learn more about the right time to buy a new bra, the difference between regular, maternity, and nursing bras, how to measure your breast size to find the correct bra, how many maternity lingeries or nursing bras you may need, and whether underwire bras are safe during pregnancy and nursing. This post also discusses whether sleep and sports bras for pregnancy are helpful. [mj-toc] Do You Need A New Bra During Pregnancy? [caption id="attachment_888356" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] During pregnancy, your breasts become bigger and sensitive, which is why you need a comfortable and supportive bra. The hormonal fluctuations, expanding rib cage, weight gain and production of milk in...
A sitz bath is a traditional, therapeutic warm bath used for gentle cleaning of one’s genitals or pelvic area. Unfortunately, many mothers may be unaware of how to take a sitz bath during pregnancy. After a vaginal delivery, women may experience soreness and pain in the perineum due to the trauma resulting from the birthing process or from the vaginal stitches. That is when a sitz bath is given to new mothers to relieve them from the post-delivery pain. Keep reading this post to know the benefits of a sitz bath and precautions to be taken during the bath. [mj-toc] What Is A Sitz Bath? It is a therapeutic, warm water bath generally used for healing or cleaning of the genitals or the pelvic area. It cleanses the perineum, which is the region between the rectum and the vulva (females) or scrotum (males). The word ‘sitz’ originates from the German word ‘sitzen’, which means sit (1). Most hospitals and maternity...
Knowing the do’s and don’ts when pregnant can help you have a safer pregnancy. Expecting mothers should be careful when engaging in activities they previously considered safe since their bodies are undergoing several physiological and psychological changes. Although it may be overwhelming to receive a lot of new information, knowing the right and safe choices could help you avoid worries later. Further, doctors may give personalized recommendations during your prenatal visits in each trimester. Note that the dos and don’ts are specific to the trimester. Read on to know more about the dos and don’ts when pregnant and why it is important to follow them. [mj-toc]Things To Avoid During Pregnancy There are many things you can’t do while pregnant, for your baby's safety and good health. Do not eat raw meat, unpasteurized dairy, raw foods, fried foods, etc. They may contain harmful microbes that can adversely affect you and your baby's health (1). Such foods also contribute to excessive weight...