I have a love/hate relationship with birth plans so we thought it would be a great topic to bring to our weekly chats about everything pregnancy, birth and beyond. In this episode we chat more about why birth plans became popular and the importance of using the right language when creating one so that what you are really creating is a birth day wish list. Essentially everything that you do leading up to your birth is part of your birth plan and involves preparation - which is the part that I love. The more you prepare, the better the plan. Drop us a line if you have any questions. We love feed ..read more

Waterbirth is known for its pain relieving effects and the benefits do not stop there. Water helps the mother to be buoyant and gives her added capacity for mobility. The water softens the tissues as the baby moves down the birth path and provides the baby with a gentle landing, as it transitions from the amniotic waters into the waters of the pool. The soothing effects of water cannot be denied and we chat all about this amazing option for labour and for birth at home or at hospital, to help you make your mind up about it and decide if you would like to try it for your birth experience.  ..read more

Charlene had a call from a client in early labor on the morning of recording this episode so we thought it would be a great topic to chat about. Despite the call, we still managed to record this episode and have a few cups of tea and a chat before it was time for Charlene to head over to be with her and the baby was born later that evening. So in this episode we discuss: When should you call your doula? Should you call your doula or your midwife first? Should you let the hospital know you are en route? Is it different if you are having a home birth? Is it possible to call too late? More abou ..read more

This week we had a great question from a listener who is concerned about the size of her baby. She sent us a one liner message asking "Is a baby really ever too big to give birth to vaginally?" As always, we consider both facts and opinions and explore the different perspectives of doulas, midwives, birthing mothers and obstetricians. More about Karen here More about Charlene here Preview Relax into Birth PLUS here ..read more

In this episode, we cover the topic of induction as requested by a listener on our Relax Into Birth PLUS mom's whatsapp group.  "Dear Charlene and Karen. I am 39 weeks tomorrow and this morning at my routine checkup, my doctor recommended that I come in for an induction of labor on Thursday. Part of me is like 'hell yes, let's get this baby out pleazzzze', but there is another part that is wondering whether my baby needs a few more days inside? Is he ready? And actually - am I? I have definitely noticed that I am getting more frequent Braxton Hicks and I am feeling a lot of heaviness in m ..read more

This was an uncomfortable topic to tackle. Unfortunately bait and switch tactics are common, especially in South Africa. The conversation was started by a query in our private Preggie-mama Whatsapp group which got everyone sharing their experience and encouraged us to open the discussion on our podcast. In this episode Karen and Charlene attempt to look at it from all angles rather than making it an "us against them" situation and share some useful tips for red flag conversations and how to manage them. More about Karen here More about Charlene here Preview Relax into Birth PLUS here ..read more

If you've been wondering about using Essential oils during pregnancy, your'e going to love this episode with Gayle Friedman from Sunshine Health in Cape Town. Gayle is founder of the Sunshine Colour and Health Academy and Registered Member of Allied Health Professions Council of SA and WOMBS. Gayle has been in the Health Care Field for over 30yrs and has experience as a qualified Aroma Therapist, Reflexologist,  Colour Therapist, Pregnancy Therapist, Doula (Child Birth support) and Yoga Teacher for pregnant women. Gayle offers support comfort and care, using her expertise and experience a ..read more

In this episode, Karen and Charlene chat about when the best time to leave for hospital is. Many parents start their journey of childbirth at home - and initially, labour in the home space and then eventually, at a certain point, leave home for hospital to continue their labour there. When is the best time to leave home for hospital? The answer to this question is quite complex - and there is no one-size-fits-all.  If you are planning a hospital birth, take the time to listen in, as this information is for you - and will help you navigate the decision about when to go to hospital. What ha ..read more

In this episode, because we love it - we talk about a natural footling breech twin birth, weekends away in the mountains to recharge and last but not least, we answer a mom's question about tearing and episiotomies. We cover the full spectrum from what an episiotomy is, when is it necessary to perform one, when tearing is better than an episiotomy, how to avoid one and how to heal up the perineum after birth. Filled with expert tips and advice, we aim to remove your fear from this topic and help you understand what you need to know before you birth your baby!  Resources mentioned in the p ..read more

This week is the first in our interview series where we speak to birth workers making a difference around the world. Cecile and Karen trained at Addington Hospital in Durban, South Africa in 1980 something (yes! they are "that old"...) and then years later, they met up when they were both working in the Middle East. They both hold a vision of restoring normality to birth through effective prenatal education, so Karen and Charlene could not wait to catch up and find out what she's been up to and pick her brains about all things pregnancy and birth in Dubai. More about Cecile de Scally Ceci ..read more