Birth Centre Blog | View the Blog Archive
24th January 2012
Author: Paula Aspinall
Are you a qualified Midwife who wishes she could practice in another way?
Are you passionate about supporting women and empowering them to make the choices about how their baby is born?
Are you confident and committed to support women at home as well as in hospital?
We are looking for like-minded Midwives who share our philosophy and want to build a relationship with women and their families, to support them at home, in water, at hospital..
We have a vacancy for a midwife to work approximately 20-25 hours per week on a team rota; you will be visiting clients in their own homes for antenatal, postnatal appointments and for births too, as well as supporting women in hospital.
If you would like to find out more, please contact us on 01606 871770 or email your cv and cover information.
5th October 2011
Author: Paula Aspinall
More than eight out of ten newborn babies in the UK are now breastfed, says new report:
The Infant Feeding Survey 2010: Early Results publication shows the percentage of newborn babies initially breastfed by their mother and compares breastfeeding rates in the different countries of the UK, across age ranges and socio-economic groups of the mother and according to the birth order of the child.
The survey, which will report in full in summer 2012, also looks at smoking rates before and during pregnancy across the UK and makes comparisons by country, age range and socio-economic group.
The report shows that breastfeeding rates have risen since 2005 in England, Wales and Scotland.
Between 2005 and 2010, the percentage of newborn babies initially breastfed rose from:
- 78 per cent to 83 per cent in England.
- 67 per cent to 71 per cent in Wales, and
- 70 per cent to 74 per cent in Scotland
This is fantastic news, however it does only reflect the number of women who initiated breastfeeding at birth and sadly for a high percentage of women, problems that seem insurmountable but are with support most frequently situations that can be overcome; a high percentage of these women are no longer breastfeeding by the time their baby is six weeks old.
Our team of midwives and maternity support therapists are specialists in breastfeeding support and offer 'round the clock' support to women who wish to breastfeed their babies through practical and emotional support.
7th December 2010
Author: Paula Aspinall
The Centre for Maternal and Child Enquiries (CMACE) report ‘Maternal obesity in the UK’ has found that 5% of the UK maternity population were severely obese (body mass index 35+) with Wales having the highest rate. The outcomes for severely obese women, when compared to the general population, were poorer, the rate of stillbirth increased, and women were more at risk of developing venous thromboembolism (VTE).
Antenatal care for severely obese women was poorly documented, with fewer than 50% of women with moderate or high risk of VTE offered treatment. In the postnatal period, only 55% were prescribed appropriate medication.
Only 55% of women with a BMI 35+ gave birth naturally. The caesarean section rate for singleton babies was 37%, which is 1.5 times higher than the rate in the general maternity population. In addition, severely obese women were at least four times more likely to suffer from postpartum haemorrhage within 24 hours of birth.
If one in 20 pregnant women is severely obese in the UK, we really need to look at improving the information and support that we offer this group straight away. It is vital that pregnant women with a high BMI are treated as individuals and have the best opportunity to have a positive pregnancy and birth. Women who feel good about themselves are better able to adjust to motherhood and look after their family well.
We (the Private Birth Centre) are concerned that the results show so many obese women are not receiving optimal clinical care. It is important to support women with a high BMI to have a more active birth, and to use their own resources such as relaxation and breathing, during labour as surgical interventions carry more health risks. By treating woman as individuals and working with them to support them in their pregnancy and labour choices, giving them the information about health and nutrition and a supportive care plan that is applicable to their own situation we can improve this situation. Educating and nurturing our clients during this special time in their lives can enable them to achieve the positive birth outcomes they are dreaming of.
22nd September 2010
Author: Paula Aspinall
We are pleased to announce that Ultrasound Now will begin offering an Pregnancy (Obstetric) Scanning clinic from the birth centre starting next week.
So why have a private ultrasound scan?
Firstly, some of the examinations listed below may not be available through the National Health Service (NHS) in your area. It can also be more convenient to attend a private appointment where you have more choice about the time and date of your scan or you may have concerns about your baby's health and don't want to wait for your hospital appointment.
Every scan is performed by a Consultant Ultrasound Practitioner who will be pleased to talk you through the procedure and explain what can be seen.
You are welcome to bring friends and family to share the experience.
- Early Dating Scan (6 - 10 weeks)
- Nuchal translucency scan (11 - 14 weeks)
- Soft Markers & Detailed Fetal anatomy scan (16 — 22 weeks)
- Reassurance & Anomaly including sexing (20 – 36 weeks)
We look forward to meeting new families and to be working with the Ultrasound Now team. If you would like more information please click here.
20th September 2010
Author:Verena Burns
Paula and I have spent a lot of time today updating our website. We hope you enjoy looking at all the pictures and it will remind you of happy times or give you encouragement if your baby is yet to arrive!
23rd August 2010
Author Paula Aspinall
After the media debate last week over the safety of home birth the RCM (Royal College of Midwives) has hit back:
"RCM general secretary Cathy Warwick has criticised what she calls ‘sweeping and misogynistic’ hype from doctors about the dangers of home birth.
In an interview with The Guardian published today, she said the RCM was worried that home birth was being ‘unfairly pilloried’ by some medics.
Her comments came after an editorial in The Lancet cited research by Wax et al published in the US.
Speaking about the research, Cathy said: ‘The publication of evidence with flaws is being used globally to deter women from choosing midwifery-led options, such as home birth, and to pathologies and demonise normal childbirth.’
There was a trend, she said, for some doctors to view birth as a medical problem rather than a natural process.
She was critical of doctors presenting risk to pregnant women in such a way that new mothers believe that hospital birth equals a safe birth. Cathy pointed out that there was no guarantee that a woman would have a safer birth in a hospital than at home." For the full response please go to rcm-hits-back-at-anti-home-birth-movement.
11th August 2010
Author: Paula Aspinall
We are proud to announce that we have expanded our company! We are now offering our 'Gold Standard' model of care to women all over the United Kingdom. This means that women all over the UK can now book our services to have their own private midwife to support them through their pregnancy, birth and beyond, with the peace of mind that we are regulated.
30th July 2010
Author: Lesley Crewe
We have a number of Midwifery students that come and visit the Private Birth Centre so that they can get an insight into what we offer and how we differ from the care provided within the NHS.
One student explains how their week went...
"Observing the care provided to women and discovering what is on offer to woman who wish to receive care from the midwives at the birth centre has be extremely valuable. This placement has enabled me to see a different side to maternity care, than that offered within the NHS."
On alternative therapies the student said:
"I believe hypnosis to be a very powerful method to prepare women for their labour and birth, and also to be an effective alternative to analgesia in labour. I am also interested in aromatherapy and massage and would like to know more about which oils are safe to use in pregnancy and what effects they have on women."
The Private Birth Centre in partnership with Expectancy Ltd run courses on Complementary Therapies in Pregnancy and Childbirth. Topics include:
Hypnosis
Aromatherapy
Reflexology
Contact us at the Centre on 01606 871770 for more details
23rd July 2010
Author: Lesley Crewe
We have just finalised the ad for our Smooth Radio campaign, due to run for 2 weeks starting at the end of Aug/September 2010. It's been a long time since we marketed ourselves across the air waves and the first time since we became 'Private Birth Centre'. Listen out for our 30 second ad on Smooth Radio Northwest 100.4FM and let us know what you think!
28th June 2010
Author: Tracy Thomas
We have been in negotiations with a TV company this week, they are very interested in working with us to develop an exciting programme about 'Natural Birth Options' - how very exciting!
24th June 2010
Author: Tracy Thomas
We have been in discussions with a local NHS hospital to work in partnership to offer Cord Blood Services to all women booked at their unit. We are very happy that all women will have information provided to them about this amazing service.
10th June 2010
Author: Tracy Thomas
We are really happy to see many more families visiting us at the PBC during our "drop-in sessions". Here, they can discuss feeding issues with our midwives and enjoy the company of other new local mums and their children.
3rd June 2010
Author: Sarah Fitzsimmons
The end of another week and what a lovely week it has been! My lady with 2 previous C-Sections is feeling wonderful following her waterbirth and baby is growing really quickly.
The baby we had on Monday in the birth centre pool is blossoming and getting cuter by the day.
Only 2 weeks now until my own baby comes home. Norma the cocker spaniel puppy, she'll be a great little doula!