2022 - Page 4 of 4 - Tina Gibbs

Posted on May 20, 2022November 6, 2026 by Tina G — 5 Comments

Your Birth Plan

Your birth plan – or better, your birth preferences – can be an important part of your journey into parenthood.

You may have heard people say their birth plan went out of the window, or that it isn’t worth writing one. In my opinion, as a doula and mother of four, it is worth thinking about your birth preferences (rather than a “plan”). Whether you put them in writing is up to you, but sharing and discussing your preferences, thoughts and feelings about the birth with your birth partner(s) is important.

Positive birth affirmations — Information is power – write down your birth preferences!

You can make it as detailed as you like, but the more detail you include, the less realistic your expectations may become. So focus on your top four or five preferences – things you are likely to be able to control.

You may wish to consider:

Your birth place – where would you like to give birth?
The birth environment
- Who will be there (birth partner(s), doula…)?
- Which home comforts would you like (music, a blanket, a cushion…)?
- What will the lighting be like?
- Will there be music?
Type of birth
- Vaginal
- Caesarean
- Induction
- In water or out of water
Your religion, beliefs and traditions
Your medical history and your individual options
Your preferences for medical pain relief, for example:
- “I don’t want any”
- “Let me know when I can have an epidural”
- “I would like X but would like to avoid Y”
Vaginal examinations and touch: you can decline any vaginal examination, or any other form of physical touch, at any point – and you can change your mind at any time. Many people are happy to have vaginal examinations, and consenting to them can help your midwife support you.

The NHS website has a very detailed birth plan template. It’s a useful checklist to make sure you’ve considered all your options, even if you don’t use it as your actual birth preferences.

It can help to think through your birth in order:

Early labour / at home
Active labour / on the way to hospital / while waiting for the midwives to arrive
Established labour / at your birth place under midwifery care
- Transition
Second stage / pushing
Third stage / the placenta
- The golden hour with your baby

If any of your preferences don’t align with your healthcare provider’s recommendations, discuss them before the day, not on the day. A doula can also help you explore your preferences and make sure you have good, evidence-based information. You might also like my post on using the Circle of Control to write your birth plan.

Please also check out my online course! No videos, just text and images to learn in your own time. Includes hypnobirthing mp3s, scripts, workbook, handouts, infographics and much more! Lots and lots of information at your fingertips! Includes:

hypnobirthing mp3s
hypnobirthing scripts
written information
infographics and other imagery
printable handouts
printable workbook/journal

Enroll now

Some sources of good evidence-based information:

Posted on May 2, 2022November 6, 2026 by Tina G — 2 Comments

What is a gentle Caesarean Birth?

What is a gentle caesarean birth, and why should expectant parents know about it?

A gentle caesarean mimics some of the natural processes of a vaginal birth:

A drug to encourage uterine contractions can be given, so that your baby is gently ‘pushed’ out by your uterus rather than pulled out by the obstetrician.
A better view of the birth: you can ask for clear drapes, or for the drapes to be lowered, so you can see your baby being born.
Immediate skin-to-skin contact (most NHS trusts offer and encourage this for every birth, if your baby is well).
Optimal (delayed) cord clamping – waiting until the umbilical cord stops pulsating.
Less restrictive equipment: your IV line can go in your non-dominant hand, leaving your dominant hand free to hold your baby, and the ECG leads can be placed on your back or lower chest so they don’t get in the way of skin-to-skin (most NHS trusts offer this for any caesarean birth).
Dimmer lighting, especially at the moment of birth (offered by most NHS trusts).
Less noise, and background music of your choice (offered by most NHS trusts).

A gentle caesarean at Nottingham City Hospital. Note: because it shows some graphic content, the video is age-restricted, so you’ll need to log in to YouTube and watch it there.

A gentle caesarean can feel less like major abdominal surgery and more like a vaginal birth. However, while it is gentler for the baby, recovery for the mother is the same – it is still major abdominal surgery.

Who is in the theatre during a gentle caesarean birth?

As you can see in the video above, there are usually quite a few people in the room, and they will all introduce themselves with their name and role. The video below shows one example of how an operating theatre might be set up.

Whether you’re planning a caesarean birth from the start, or something has come up during pregnancy that makes a caesarean the safest option, it’s worth exploring your options. What choices do you have? Which parts of your birth can you control? For more ideas, read 7 ways to personalise your caesarean birth.

Posted on April 29, 2022November 6, 2026 by Tina G — 3 Comments

Positive Birth Affirmations

Free positive birth affirmations to support you in your hypnobirthing journey.

Positive birth affirmations – also known as positive self-talk – are short, positive statements about birth.

Positive birth affirmations help programme your subconscious to tune into your natural ability to give birth, and into your strength and resilience. Letting go of fears and building confidence in your body is a big part of hypnobirthing, and helps you work towards a more positive birth experience. Remember: your job is to focus on your comfort and the birth you want – your midwives are there to support you and your baby.

You can write your own positive birth affirmations on cards or sticky notes and put them up around your home to read, take in and practise daily. Make them colourful and eye-catching, or keep them all the same – it’s up to you! Your body, your baby, your birth experience!

I have designed a few different styles of affirmations for you to download for free.

Print them and put them up around your home to create a wonderful, safe and inspiring environment in which to enjoy your pregnancy and prepare for your baby’s birth!

Top tip:
Print or make two sets of positive birth affirmations: one to keep around your home, and one to take to your birth space or put on a portable vision board for birth!

When it’s time for your baby’s birth, take your affirmations with you into the birth space. Every time you notice one, or your partner reads one to you, it will act as a trigger to help you relax, feel resourceful and welcome each contraction wave.

Every time you spot an affirmation in your home, look at it and take a moment to slow down, breathe and connect with your body and your baby!

You can download these positive affirmations for FREE and print them here:

Colourful-Affirmations-for-Childbirth Download

Posted on April 12, 2022November 6, 2026 by Tina G — 1 Comment

Bonding with your baby in pregnancy

Bonding with your baby can begin during pregnancy, while your baby is still growing in the womb. Pregnancy is a perfect time to start, and this early attachment is important for your baby’s development after they are born.

What can babies experience in the womb?

Sound

From around 18 weeks of pregnancy, your baby begins to hear sounds – all the gurgling noises inside your body, as well as your heartbeat. Babies still find a heartbeat comforting and familiar after they are born! From around 26 weeks, your baby may start reacting to sounds from outside. You could play music to them, or your partner could read them a story – a great way for the non-pregnant parent to start bonding. When they are born, your baby will recognise their parents’ voices (and those of anyone else you live with or spend lots of time with). As well as remembering sounds from their mother’s language, babies may remember music played to them in the womb.

Sight

Your baby opens their eyes at around 22 weeks of pregnancy and can sense light. Their sight continues to develop after they are born.

Smell and taste

Your baby takes in smells and tastes through the amniotic fluid. Their taste buds are formed as early as 13 weeks of pregnancy, and their sense of smell starts working at around 16 weeks.

Touch

From around 18 weeks, your baby often sleeps while you are awake, as your movement can rock them to sleep. They develop the sensation of pain at around 22 weeks, and by 26 weeks they may move in response to a hand being rubbed on your bump.

Language development

From about 32 weeks, your baby may start to recognise certain vowel sounds from your language. Some research suggests that very early language development begins before birth.

How to start bonding with your baby during pregnancy

Here are some ideas to help you start bonding with your baby during pregnancy:

Talk and sing to your baby, knowing they can hear you. Top tip: point a cardboard tube at the bump and talk, read or sing through it to amplify your voice slightly.
Relax, look after yourself and try not to stress. Evidence shows that when a mother feels calm and relaxed during pregnancy, her baby’s health outcomes are better. Your partner or a close friend can be a great support if you need someone to talk to.
Gently rub or massage your bump, and press back gently when your baby kicks.
Play music to your baby – some mothers like to place headphones on their bump. Choose calming music such as lullabies, or music with a heartbeat-like rhythm (around 60 beats per minute).

Bonding for fathers, partners, non-birthing mothers and parents

Massage the bump, if the pregnant mother or person is happy for you to do so.
Feel the baby kicking as often as you can.
Go to antenatal appointments and classes together to prepare for the birth and life with your baby.
If you’re going to be a birth partner, join in with classes such as hypnobirthing too. It’s important that you both explore and understand your options so you can make informed decisions during the birth.
Read stories to the bump, so your baby gets used to your voice.

Bonding for older siblings

Preparing your toddler or child for the new arrival can help them bond with the baby. Have a look at my post Pregnant again for tips for siblings!

You may not fall in love with your baby the moment they are born, and that’s okay. Starting the bonding process in pregnancy can help your baby bond with you, and your own feelings may grow once you get to know each other a little better.

References

Schaal B et al. Human foetuses learn odours from their pregnant mother’s diet. Chem Senses 2000;25:729-37.

Lecanuet JP, Schaal B. Fetal sensory competencies. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 1996;68:1-2.

Posted on April 12, 2022November 6, 2026 by Tina G — 2 Comments

Aromatherapy for Childbirth

Studies have found that people who use aromatherapy during childbirth report greater comfort and satisfaction with their birth experience. Whether you’re planning to give birth at home, in hospital or in a midwife-led unit, aromatherapy has become very popular. Many NHS trusts now offer aromatherapy during labour, and their midwives are trained and keen to use it.

How does it work?

Different essential oils have different uses: some may help ease nausea and vomiting, while others may reduce anxiety.

In one large study, more than half of mothers rated aromatherapy as helpful for coping with labour and birth. In general, aromatherapy may promote relaxation, ease anxiety and lead to greater satisfaction with the birth experience. So far, no research has shown harm to mothers or babies from using aromatherapy during labour and birth. However, essential oils can cause allergic reactions and skin irritation, so always check with your midwife first.

How can you use it during labour?

You could use your chosen essential oil, or a blend of oils, in any of these ways:

in a diffuser, to scent the room
a few drops on a (paper) fan
on a warm or cool flannel
on a cotton wool pad or ball
on aromatherapy jewellery worn during labour

Benefits of aromatherapy for childbirth

Affordable
Simple to use
Non-invasive
May be an alternative to medical pain relief
Can be used alongside medical pain relief
May help ease anxiety and promote calm
No evidence of harm to mother or baby
Your midwives may enjoy the relaxing effects too!

References:

Burns EE, Blamey C, Ersser SJ, Barnetson L, Lloyd AJ. An investigation into the use of aromatherapy in intrapartum midwifery practice. J Altern Complement Med. 2000 Apr;6(2):141-7. doi: 10.1089/acm.2000.6.141. PMID: 10784271.

Tabatabaeichehr M, Mortazavi H. The Effectiveness of Aromatherapy in the Management of Labor Pain and Anxiety: A Systematic Review. Ethiop J Health Sci. 2020;30(3):449-458. doi:10.4314/ejhs.v30i3.16

Posted on April 6, 2022November 6, 2026 by Tina G — 5 Comments

What to pack in my hospital bag for childbirth?

Hospital Bag for Childbirth Homebirth Bag

Top tips on when, how and what to pack in your hospital bag for childbirth.

You can pack your birth bag whenever you like, but ideally have it ready at least three weeks before your due date.

If you have a birth partner, get them involved in packing the bag – that way they’ll know where everything is on the day!

Use one large bag or suitcase for your ‘overnight stuff’, then pack three smaller bags to go inside it: one for you, one for your baby and one for your birth partner.

Hospital bag or home birth bag for childbirth — Top tip: pack smaller bags inside one larger bag or suitcase!

Bag for mum/birthing person

Your birth plan and maternity notes
A comfy, loose-fitting dressing gown
Nighties (ideally ones that open at the front for breastfeeding)
Comfy, loose clothes – baggy joggers, a zip-up hoodie, and tops that undo at the front for skin-to-skin and feeding
Slippers you can slide your feet into – if you have a caesarean birth, bending over is tricky
Socks – many people get cold feet during labour
Slip-on shoes
Flip-flops for the shower
Hand sanitiser
Wash bag, including shower gel with a hook (so you don’t have to bend down in the shower) and hand cream (frequent hand gel makes hands sore)
Lip balm – hospital air is dry
High-waisted, “Bridget Jones” cotton knickers in case you have a caesarean birth – dark colours are best, a couple of sizes up from your usual
Arnica and/or witch hazel for piles and bruising
Maternity pads (several packs)
Nursing bras
A large pack of breast pads, or washable ones, for any leaks
Your own pillow and/or pillowcase
A towel – hospital ones are scratchy
Eye mask (it’s never dark!)
Earplugs (it’s never quiet!)
Hairbands
Headphones
Your phone with a labour playlist downloaded (you can usually take your phone into theatre and play music via Bluetooth)
A small tripod to prop up your phone or camera
Phone charger and power bank
Snacks – if you’re having a caesarean birth, dried apricots or prunes can ease constipation, as you may not have a bowel movement for several days
Peppermint tea bags – after a caesarean birth, they can help ease trapped wind caused by the operation
A sports drink
Books, magazines or puzzles – in case you need to stay in hospital before or after the birth
Tissues for all the happy tears
A photo of your partner for times they can’t be with you, or something they’ve given you, such as love notes
Photos of older children and pets

Bag for baby

Muslins
Nappies – newborn size 1 fits most babies, and newborns can go through about 12 nappies a day
Cotton wool pads or balls
Baby clothes – at least vests, sleepsuits, cardigans and a hat, including a going-home outfit
Baby blankets (cotton, cellular or wool)

Bag for your birth partner

A change of clothes
Snacks
Phone, charger and power bank
Change for vending machines (hospital shops may have limited opening hours) and the car park
A list of people to call or message with the news
The car seat to take your baby home – practise fitting it in the car beforehand!

I hope you find this list useful! If you have anything to add, please get in touch and I’ll add it to the list.

Posted on April 5, 2022November 6, 2026 by Tina G — 2 Comments

Birth Partner Hacks

Here are five simple hacks every birth partner should know about!

Are you a birth partner who isn’t sure where to start when it comes to supporting the birthing mother or person? Would you like to know more about how to help during labour and birth?

Here are some Birth Partner Hacks to get you started!

💜 The Hip Squeeze – a favourite of many birthing mothers/people

Apply firm, steady pressure to both hips during contractions, leaning your weight in towards the birthing person.

💜 Figure of 8 ball sit – some gentle movement

During surges, the birthing mother/person sits on an exercise/birth ball and moves their hips in a figure of eight pattern while leaning forward over the back of a chair.

💜 The slow dance – more gentle movement

Have a slow dance together, with the birthing person’s hips swaying from side to side. This can help you both find a rhythm in labour.

💜 Shake the apple tree – relaxes pelvic floor area

Place both hands on one of the birthing person’s thighs and gently shake it, then repeat on the other thigh. This can help relax and release the pelvic floor to support the birth.

💜 Effleurage – light/gentle touch to engage the parasympathetic nervous system

Effleurage means “light, gliding touch”. Use both hands to gently sweep over the birthing person’s body. This helps to engage the parasympathetic (rest and relax) nervous system.

Want more ideas? Have a look at my Birth Partner Do’s and Don’ts and The role of the birth partner.

Posted on March 24, 2022November 6, 2026 by Tina G — 3 Comments

How does hypnobirthing work?

How does Hypnobirthing work and what is the difference between hypnobirthing and mindful hypnobirthing?

Hypnobirthing is a method that helps women and birthing people stay calm during pregnancy and childbirth.

There isn’t much research on hypnobirthing yet. However, from my own experience of giving birth to four children and supporting families since 2010, I would encourage every family to explore it.

So how does hypnobirthing work? Do you have to be a hippie?

Hypnobirthing (hypnosis for birth) works through the power of suggestion. A practitioner uses affirmations, visualisations and suggestion to help you relax your body and mind, guide your thoughts and control your breathing. They don’t need to be with you at the birth, but you will need to practise the techniques regularly to get the full benefit.

You can learn the techniques at an in-person workshop, online in a group or 1:1, through a self-paced online course, or simply by reading a book.

Benefits of Hypnobirthing

Alternative for anyone who is looking for a non-medical pain relief method
Can be used alongside medical and other pain management methods
Non-invasive
Accessible to anyone who practices
No adverse health outcomes / side-effects known
Inexpensive
The skills learnt are transferrable

Disadvantages of Hypnobirthing

Learning the techniques takes time and effort and requires practice
The language used in a hospital setting may disrupt the hypnotic state
Not provided by the NHS
Not everyone can afford a workshop or practitioner
Families [mostly first-time parents] have reported that their relaxed state was misinterpreted by medical professionals [midwives] at arrival at the hospital and seen as not ‘far along enough to stay’.
May not meet your expectations

WHAT IS HYPNOBIRTHING?

Hypnobirthing is a range of hypnosis techniques to help keep you calm and relaxed during the birth.

Why is being calm and relaxed during birth so important?

Well, it’s pretty basic. Our survival instinct makes it important!

All mammals – including humans – naturally have a fight-or-flight response to danger. When we are scared or anxious, our bodies produce stress hormones, such as adrenaline, to help us deal with the situation and act quickly if we need to. These protective hormones shut down non-essential systems like digestion, raise our blood pressure and heart rate, and divert blood away from organs such as the uterus towards our arms and legs.

Adrenaline may be a protective hormone, but it also slows labour down by inhibiting oxytocin…

Oxytocin is the hormone of love, labour and lactation. It causes the uterus to contract, but it also softens how intensely we perceive those contractions. Your natural oxytocin makes you feel better and happier, and lets your body’s own painkillers (endorphins) thrive too.

Nobody wants to give birth in an uncomfortable or unsafe environment

The way our bodies respond to our surroundings is rooted in a basic survival instinct that goes back thousands of years. Of course, we know that midwives and other healthcare professionals won’t hurt our babies, but we can still be ‘triggered’ by strangers in the room or an unfamiliar environment. These triggers can make us feel out of control, as if fear and pain might take over. Hypnobirthing techniques aim to ease your anxieties about childbirth and help you create a ‘safe place’ in your mind that you can retreat to at any time. Other techniques help you tone down unwanted sensations and thoughts.

What is Mindful Hypnobirthing?

Mindful Hypnobirthing was first introduced by Sophie Fletcher in her book Mindful Hypnobirthing. Sophie Fletcher was the first to combine Hypnosis with Mindfulness for Childbirth.

Hypnosis

Hypnosis is a deeply relaxed state of focused attention in which you are highly responsive to suggestion. You are always in control of how deep the hypnosis goes, and you will only accept suggestions or changes that you are willing to make.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a state of mind in which you are aware and living ‘in the moment’. You pay attention to the here and now, calmly acknowledging and accepting your feelings, thoughts and sensations.

Mindful hypnobirthing combines self-hypnosis and mindfulness techniques to help you and your birth partner have an empowered, calm and positive birth experience.

Posted on March 18, 2022November 6, 2026 by Tina G

Pregnant again

Congratulations! Being pregnant again can be especially challenging when your older child is still very young. Being pregnant with a toddler in tow is hard work! You’re tired because you’re pregnant, but you can’t nap during the day as easily. The best thing you can do for yourself and your family is to accept help. If family or friends offer to look after your older child or children, say yes! If your older ones are at school or nursery, rest when you have some time to yourself.

When and how will you tell your older child or children? Everyone is different. Some parents tell their children as soon as they know; others prefer to wait. There is no right or wrong, and it often depends on how old your children are. If you have a toddler, a baby doll can be a great way for them to explore how to treat a baby and get used to the idea of having one around.

Here are some things you can do to prepare yourself and your child for the new arrival:

If you’re planning to move an older sibling to a new room, it may be easier to do it well before the new baby arrives, so the baby isn’t the obvious reason. You could talk about moving to a “big boy” or “big girl” room.
The new baby could “give” their older sibling a present, to start things off on a good note 🙂
Get your older child involved in packing your birth bag.
Think about who could look after your older children while you’re pregnant and need a rest, while you’re giving birth, and in the early days.
You may feel you can’t give your second child as much attention as you gave your first. That doesn’t mean you love either of them any less.
It’s okay to sometimes use the TV or a tablet to keep your older children busy while you rest, and once your new baby is born 🙂
Eat well and get plenty of fresh air and daylight to help with tiredness – especially as you need to limit your caffeine.
Look after yourself, and remember to take folic acid from when you start trying to conceive until at least 12 weeks of pregnancy.
Practise your breathing and relaxation techniques for labour and birth every day.
Try to exercise gently or go for a walk regularly – it will help keep your energy levels up!
You could watch some positive birth videos with your older children. I suggest watching them on your own first, then choosing one or two to watch together. My library even has a section of other mammals giving birth!
MamAmor dolls are a lovely way to show children (or adults!) how babies are born, both vaginally and by caesarean – see the demo videos below.

If your previous birth was traumatic, it may help to speak to a trauma-informed doula or perinatal educator. A non-judgemental approach to your new pregnancy can help you work towards a positive birth experience this time round. My wonderful colleague Sheryl (@simplynatal) calls it your Healing Birth.

You’ve got this!!