Earth Side Nurturing Becoming Mum Birthing Ripples

05/02/2026

Nuchal cord.
With approximately 33% of births the cord is wound around babies neck.
A variation of normal.
Lots of information in the comments of this post.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1F2pEb1jAY/

A nuchal cord occurs when the umbilical cord wraps around a fetus's neck during pregnancy or labor, a common, usually harmless, and non-preventable occurrence in about 1-in-3 .....33% of deliveries. The cord is protected with is what is called whartons jelly and can withstand much manipulation during pregnancy and birth.

22/01/2026

The journey for mum breastfeeding her children is vastly different on a physiological level than the mum who bottle feeds.
It's not a judgement. It's simply a fact.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AiMN37ogr/

I’m sorry, but if you didn’t breastfeed your babies, you lived a fundamentally different version of motherhood than those who did.

Because breastfeeding isn’t just how you feed your baby, it’s a whole lifestyle.

It’s leaking through your shirt at the shops. It’s choosing tops you can pull down with one hand and quickly whip out a b**b.

It’s 2am feeds, 4am feeds, 6am feeds. It’s worrying about your supply even when it’s totally fine. It’s producing so much prolactin you’re basically hardwired to fiercely protect your baby, like a mama bear.

It’s power pumping. Blocked ducts. It’s trying to feed comfortably in public while only caring about your baby, but still feeling the judgmental stares.

It’s going back to work and crying in a storage closet while hooked up to a pump. It’s spilling breastmilk that took hours and a little bit of your soul to express.

It’s never fully switching off, because your body is always on call.

It’s the best, yes. But it’s also intense, isolating, and sometimes invisible.

This isn’t about judgment. It’s about naming the truth.

Breastfeeding changes your entire experience of motherhood.

If you know, you know. 🩷

10/11/2025

When you breastfeed, your body releases oxytocin the same hormone that helps you fall in love, calm down, and bond deeply. It’s the reason your shoulders drop, your heart slows, and sometimes you tear up mid-feed for no reason at all. It’s your body’s way of saying you’re safe, your baby’s safe, and this moment matters.
That surge of warmth and peace isn’t “just hormones.” It’s nature’s built-in reminder that connection is powerful medicine. 🤱💗

09/11/2025

09/11/2025

29/10/2025

Let it be a red flag when someone tells you that you don't need to make a birth plan. It's code for 'don't think about your birth". Because your care providers aren't just winging it. They have a plan.

30/05/2024

Children behave as well as they are treated.
Why African babies cry less or not at all.
https://www.naturalchild.org/articles/guest/claire_niala.html?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3tgkmDvjzqnqnLdBBQmqSL4dwGFbSquoblD0zaAVIQXHiTCuZFP0BIByI_aem_ARRNM7_582_ZL5RygjCXWF27z_RyB_fb_FdZHjsQVCgEfAb8R381gRQ0ydvbNYYwnzStubTylIui8oIHRkxX0hHI

Why African Babies Don't Cry An African Perspectiveby Claire Niala I was born and grew up in Kenya & Cote d'Ivoire. Then from the age of fifteen I lived in the UK. However, I always knew that I wanted to raise my children (whenever I had them) at home in Kenya. And yes, I assumed I was going to have...

11/05/2023

Breastfeeding needs community support.

Breastfeeding is often treated like it is just the parent's responsibility, but in fact, breastfeeding has the best chance of success when it is a community effort. When new parents feel supported to thrive, everyone benefits.

Breastfeeding is a normal biological process but also a learned skill; it can be challenging at first and requires a lot of support! Give the person you love the best chance of breastfeeding by watching this video to learn the basics.

If you have breastfeeding friends, consider how you can support them to achieve their breastfeeding goals.

Give the person you love the best chance of breastfeeding by watching the video in this blog to learn the basics.

Watch the video here: https://www.newbornmothers.com/blog/breastfeeding-basics-for-family-and-supporters-video

08/05/2023

A woman's birth decisions and experiences are nobody's business but her own. Every woman has the right to make the decisions that are right for her and her baby, no matter whether that's to do with where she gives birth, who she has with her or what she wants going on around that. We need to work harder to ensure that ALL women's decisions are respected and that no woman is hassled, shamed, coerced or bullied about her pregnancy and birth decisions. Before OR afterwards.



www.sarawickham.com/books/whatsrightforme

06/05/2023

Truth.

05/05/2023

International Day of the Midwife.
Midwifery led care generally reduces the cascade of interventions.
Thank you for every midwife.
For the care and commitment to birth.

Hug a midwife! Happy International Day of the Midwife 💕