http://www.thebirthclubkent.co.uk/

The Birth Club, Ashford (2025)

22/08/2023

5 weeks post partum, and I'm reflecting on my pregnancy journey.

This pregnancy I vowed to make it about ME.

Doing things that made me happy and nourished my soul. Things that celebrated my body and my journey. Things that allowed me to tune in to my body, birth and baby, and ultimately helped me navigate birth and postpartum like a champ.

🤰 I rested, and didn't feel guilty about it.
🤰 I listened to my food cravings and aversions and followed them without guilt or shame.
🤰 I was honest and communicated my need to slow down with those I lived and worked with.
🤰 I booked a pregnancy sculpture session with and did a pregnancy shoot with - both of which allowed me to celebrate the beauty of my body.
🤰 I did a hypnobirthing course with my husband (yes, even as someone with a hypnobirthing diploma, I felt I needed that dedicated time to refresh my knowledge).
🤰 I set up my birth space early and listened to relaxation tracks in it every night with my husband.
🤰When I felt able, I did pregnancy yoga with to keep my body moving, and latterly booked reflexology with .
🤰I took ALL the photos - my last pregnancy photo was less than 3h before my waters broke - little did I know it would be my last photo.
🤰 I protected my space and just told people I was due "June/July-ish, and maybe even August" to stop pressure that comes with due dates.
🤰 I asked for help when I needed it and spent quality time with friends whenever possible - I even went to a hen do at 36w.
🤰I explored all birth options and discussed issues or questions with and left no stone unturned, and made a plan for birth up until 43 weeks.
🤰I booked a birth photographer
To allow me to celebrate this birth, whatever path it took.

It's easy to get swept away with "what the baby needs", in the run up to birth, but this time I wanted to focus on what I needed - being unashamedly selfish!! And I have no regrets.

What did you do/are you doing to celebrate yourself during pregnancy?

Would you do anything different?

(Photo of me on my due date)

18/01/2023

Interrupting my social media hiatus to bring you the quote I start and end classes on.

The research defined definition of a "positive childbirth experience" after speaking to those with lived experience...

A positive experience ISN'T DEFINED AS.....a home birth..a vaginal birth..a physiological birth..a planned caesarean..in fact it isn't defined by any real medical/physiological outcome related to the reproductive system.

A positive experience IS DEFINED AS......feeling SUPPORTED..feeling IN CONTROL ..feeling SAFE ..feeling RESPECTED

ANY birth has the potential to be a positive experience if you feel these things and your birth team (be that Dr, midwife, mum, friend, partner, doula, dog or Tracy from number 47) support you in a way you need them to.

Feeling IN CONTROL of your decisions (by thinking about your options) and figuring out what makes YOU feel SAFE, whatever path your birth takes are things you can potentially influence, and choosing a supportive birth SUPPORT network who RESPECT you and your decision making are things you might consider thinking about during pregnancy.

No one has the right to tell you whether your birth was or wasn't positive based on some predefined idealised criteria, and the variety of positive birth stories is as varied as the colours of the rainbow - free birth to emergency caesarean, breathwork to epidural, laying on your back to sitting on a birth stool......

Did you have a positive or negative birth experience? What defined it for you?

My second birth was incredibly positive, and big shout out to my super midwife and student (who I know follows) who were instrumental in making me feel respected, safe and supported.

Personal circumstances mean classes aren't quite ready to resume in 2023, but if you are looking for 1-2-1 online support, do drop me a DM. I'll keep you updated on the class situation as it evolves. But thank you for baring with me. :)

01/01/2023

HAPPY 2023

(Photo of our new years day beach walk)

As 2023 unceremoniously rolls in on us, and 2022 and all its adventures draws to a close, I'm reflecting on the future of The Birth Club.

I've experienced such joy in meeting families as they navigate their journey to parenthood, and regardless of how which path your birth took, I hope that even one tiny nugget of knowledge helped you along the road.

I still want to support people in accessing affordable birth preparation information. I don't do this for the money - but I do need to cover my costs, which I *just* about did this year. So moving forward you might see a few changes in the way my website looks, or the way you book a class, and I might move some offerings online for example....
..but don't worry....the selection of biscuits in class won't change!

By reducing my overheads it may even mean I can reduce the cost of classes, which can only be a good thing right now right?

Finally, personal circumstances (illness, day job, general hectic life) have meant I have been silent for a while now - I prioritised rest, recovery and family time and I hope you understand.

❤️ so tell me in the comments - what was the highlight of your 2022?

❤️ and comment with your due month if you're expanding your family in 2023!

🤰 and if you're looking for birth prep in 2023, DM me and ill let you know when 2023 booking opens (I have dates, but have been horrific at advertising!)

04/11/2022

Use code 'NOVEMBER' at check out for a cheeky 20% discount**

**full disclosure - discount being offered because I totally forgot to promote this date and would rather teach people than not!!

Keep your eyes peeled for 2023 dates to be released/confirmed soon!

26/10/2022

📷

CAN I CHANGE HOSPITAL TRUSTS FOR MY CARE?

When most people choose to register with a midwife, we normally do so with our local service - either via self referral or through your doctors surgery. This means you will likely be registered with your closest hospital trust, with the maternity services that are geographically closest to you.

HOWEVER

If you are happy to travel, you cam register with ANY MATERNITY SERVICE that you wish.

Why might you not want to register with your local NHS Trust? Plenty of reasons!
🖤 Previous trauma associated with treatment at that hospital.
🤍 Closure of midwife led units when that is your preferred place of birth.
🖤 Poor service from your local trust in this or previous pregnancies with associatedoss of trust.
🤍 More appropriate facilities for you and your family if you travel.
🖤 Homebirth services cancelled or precarious.
🤍 Because you don't feel safe with your local service providers.
🖤 Better clinical performance.
🤍Just because you want to!

Of course, there are things to consider when considering moving your care to a different trust, including:
🖤 Travel times for appointments.
🤍 Factoring in longer time to get to your birth place when in labour and preparing to cope with a potentially long car ride.
🖤 It may not be practical for the trust to send a midwife to you for a homebirth if you are a significant distance from their base (possibly preparing for unplanned freebirth/BBA 'just incase' you don't make it/they don't make it to you)

However, one of the most important factors for birth is that you feel SAFE and HAPPY with your birth place choice, and if you have to travel out of your local trust to get that, then it may well be the right option for you.

Also worth remembering that you WILL NOT be turned away if you rock up at any maternity unit/MLU in labour, so it may be something you decide on the day if you are close to multiple options.

🖤 How did you choose which maternity service to use? Would you consider transferring your care?

25/10/2022

📷

PEER SUPPORT FOR BIRTH

We recognise the power of peer support in breastfeeding and maternal mental health. They are non-medically qualified people who have personal experience of, or a passionate interest in the situation you find yourself in.

A peer supporter doesn't give clinical advice, doesn't diagnose, doesn't treat.

Peer supporters have no interest in the exact decisions you make, only that those decisions are respected and supported.

A peer supporter listens, signposts, provides information and helps address fears. Peer supporters are cheerleaders champions, helping those who came after them navigate paths that they find themselves on.

So that's what I consider myself - a BIRTH PEER SUPPORTER.

I have no actual or perceived authority over you. I do not care what path your birth takes as long as you felt listened to, respected and involved in your care. I am here to listen and address your questions, and importantly signpost to all the evidence you need to help you decision make. I provide factual information and am there as a non-clinical pair of ears to listen to what's important to you.

Midwifery led antenatal education might be the right option for you, and there are some amazing providers out there, but never underestimate the power of peer support, and try not to dismiss a non-clinical provider purely for that reason.

Our passion to help you can burn just as bright.

🖤 to book onto one of my low cost, in person antenatal classes, hit up the link to my website in my bio, and please feel free to drop me a DM to see if I'm the provider for you.

17/10/2022

So this was me last night.

Turns out I've been overdoing it.

Had a severe headache for almost 24 hours that wouldn't respond to oral pain killers, so headed into hospital for some IV pain killers which helped.

Still got a bit of a headache now, but not "roll around on the floor" excrutiating like yesterday.

Dr said classic tension headache and I was too stressed and needed to slow down, so I'm going to be stepping away from social media for a bit whilst I try to figure some stuff out.

So let this be a lesson......don't let your stress get to '24h with severe headache that only responds to IV meds' level. Take some time for yourself.

As it stands, the October class will still be running in a few weeks.

Bye bye for now.

See you on the less headachey flip side.

07/10/2022

❤ Are you PREGNANT?
❤ Due in November, December, Jan (or beyond!)?
❤ Feeling overwhelmed by the thought of giving birth?

I've got an antenatal course for you!

❤ BITE SIZED BIRTH PREP
The low cost alternative to traditional antenatal education!

❓WHEN? Thursday 27th October 2022 (other dates available on the last Thursday in Nov 2022 - 2023 dates TBC)

❓WHAT TIME? 7pm to 10pm

❓COST? £25 per birthing couple/team

❓WHERE? Ashford Pneuma Church Hall, TN231EH

❓WHAT'S INCLUDED? 3hour in person group course, goodie bag, comprehensive course notes.

❓WHAT'S COVERED IN THE COURSE AND THE NOTES?
Physiology of birth and how to support it
Decision making and advocacy
Your rights in birth
Pain relief options
Induction of Labour
Caesarean Birth
Birth planning
Birth place options
Breathing techniques and positions for labour.
Common concerns ("big baby", breech pregnancy, back-to-back baby, assisted delivery for example)
and much MUCH more!

The class is very much your space as much as it Is mine, so if there is anything you want to discuss, there is time for that. Anything from the above list that we don't cover in the class is covered IN FULL (along with signposting to research and trusted info sources) in the course notes - so chatting about something that's important to you will never mean missing out on other topics.

❓WHO IS IT FOR?
Anyone who is pregnant, whether it's your first or your twenty first baby, whether you plan to birth in hospital or a field of daisies, and whether you want all the drugs or none of the drugs - there's something for everyone!

❓SOUNDS AWESOME! HOW DO I BOOK?
www.thebirthclubkent.co.uk (link in bio)

❓CAN I FIND OUT MORE?
Absolutely, drop me a DM or email the.birth.club@hotmail.com

04/10/2022

Posted • .birth.club THE CL****IS AND BIRTH
(Don't worry, it's not all about self stimulaton)

Most of us think of the cl****is as the tiny pea sized 'button' at the top of the v***a - solely there for sexual pleasure.

The little external 'button' is the tip of the iceberg, and the HUGE body of the cl****is is below the surface. It is anchored to the pelvis and wraps around the vagina/birth canal.

So what role does it appear to play in birth, specifically as the baby is born (second stage)?
❤ baby's head places pressure on, and therefore stimulates the neurovascular bundle (collection of nerves and blood vessels) at the top of the cl****is and this has many possible effects including:
1️⃣ causing contraction of the levator ani muscle, creating more space in the pelvis by moving the sacrum out of the way
2️⃣ stimulating a burst of oxytocin and triggering the Ferguson reflex (foetal ejection reflex) and preparing the brain for bonding
3️⃣ engorgement of the body of the cl****is provides a cushion for the head of the baby and protects the urethra (tube for urine) of the mother/birthing person as the baby wriggles through the pelvis.
❤ this internal cl****al stimulation just prior to the baby being born is why some women report an or****ic birth!

Remember, if you feel comfortable (and let's be real, if you can reach) you can always give oxytocin a little boost by self stimulation of the cl****is (or ask your partner to help) during labour.

So turns out the cl****is is pretty damn amazing afterall!

👇 Let me know below - did you know anything about the cl****is? Did you know it had any role to play in birth?

❤ follow me for more "birth science" and tips on navigating your birth.

📖 M Jowitt, ‘The cl****is in labour’, Midwifery Today, 2008, 127:24-25.

🖨 3d printed cl****is by C***o - 3D Printed]
📷 (from C***o - 3D Printed] grid)

****icbirth ****is

02/10/2022

Posted • .birth.club 📷 ☾ San Antonio Birth Photographer]

You get that sudden urge to push and release your baby from your body.

There is absolutely nothing you can do about it! The foetal ejection reflex has kicked in and that baby is coming out whether you like it or not! You focus inward and direct your breath downwards....
..pushing..nudging..breathing..moving
....doing what feels right at that moment, adjusting with every contraction.

You feel the stretching of your perineum and your baby moving through your birth canal.

You change position as your body tells you to.

You ask your partner to rub your back and help you focus.

You moan, growl and make noises you didn't think possible.

You reach down and instinctively touch your baby's head as it is born. The first person in the entire world to have touched that precious skin. It felt so so right and so precious.

Your birth is unique.
Your experience is unique. Your body is unique.
Your baby is unique.

What matters most is that you are able to listen to your intuition, trust your mind and body and follow your instincts, be that in the pool or in theatre.

Listen to your body. It is rarely wrong.

⬇️How did you listen to your body? Were you supported to act on your instincts during your labour?

Let me know below!

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Posted • ☾ San Antonio Birth Photographer] It’s crazy how you think you’re nowhere near giving birth, and you stand up because you’re done and all of a sudden your little one is crowning. Dad gently placed his hands under mom as she lifted her leg to the bed, ready to deliver his sweet girl into this world.

27/09/2022

Posted • .birth.club 📷

❤ POSITIVE INDUCTION ❤

Your care provider has suggested an induction of labour.

You have considered your options, and you've decided that - after balancing the risks and benefits in your specific circumstances - it is the right decision for you and your baby.

But Linda at number 42 down the road had an induction and it was awful, and do you remember cousin maude.....her induction was a disaster.

So now you're scared, really scared.....you feel like you might as well just sign the consent on the emergency section form right now....

But STOP.

Take a few deep breaths (in for 4, out for more), and let's think about this logically.

OF COURSE induction can be a positive experience! It may not be what you wanted for your labour, but you absolutely can make it a positive experience.

What are my tips...
1️⃣ Learn about the process of induction - what happens, what drugs and procedures do they use at your specific hospital trust? If we understand it, we are less likely to fear it.
2️⃣ Consider how induction might effect your birth (possibly more intense, greater risk of subsequent interventions including c section, continuous monitoring etc), and make plans to mitigate any risks that are unacceptable to you - hit up all the research (AIMs guide to induction of labour is my "go to", and Sara Wickham's website and books too).
3️⃣ Communicate your fears to your midwife or doctor as well as your birth partner(s). Being open and honest will help them to support you in the most appropriate way.
4️⃣ Plan for a c section - this may sound pessimistic, but recent birth stats (see 2 posts ago), as well as research show that section is more likely with an induction, so think deeply about what is important to you if a c section becomes the right decision for you and your baby on the day.
5️⃣ Pack your bag as if you're going on a long haul flight - you want to be comfy, entertained, relaxed and well nourished! Remember to satisfy all your senses to boost that oxytocin!

⬇️ What made your induction positive? Or what could have made it positive if it wasn't?

11/09/2022

Would you have your children at the birth of their siblings?

The choice will be extremely personal, but some things to consider.

1. Normalising birth in future generations may have extremely powerful long term impacts for your children and the way they choose to birth/support their partner to birth.

2. Having cuddles and kisses with and even seeing your children during labour may cause an increase of oxytocin - "the LOVE hormone". If you're breastfeeding your current child, then ni**le stimulation via breastfeeding may also help those oxytocin juices start flowing.

3. On the flip side, some may find the presence of their child stressful. Being asked for a snack, or whether they can have Duggee on the telly for the 30 thousandth time may not be the oxytocin booster you had hoped for! It's not uncommon for babies to be born very quickly after the arrival of childcare for older children, as only then can the mother/birthing parent truly relax!

👇 let me know - what would you do? Childcare or child there?

🤰Booking open for Sept/Oct and Nov low cost antenatal education in Ashford, Kent. www.thebirthclub.co.uk or link in my bio.

📷

The Birth Club

22/08/2023

18/01/2023

01/01/2023

04/11/2022

26/10/2022

25/10/2022

17/10/2022

07/10/2022

04/10/2022

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27/09/2022

11/09/2022

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