All posts by admin

Pregnancy and Asthma. Will inhalers affect my unborn baby?

I currently have chronic asthma and am planning on trying for a family, Will the inhalers affect my unborn baby and also will the baby put extra stress on my lungs?  Approximately 1 in 10 pregnant  women suffer from asthma during pregnancy , with the vast majority having the condition prior to conception. The outcome of pregnancy is usually unaffected by the condition , and the key to success is maintaining good control of the condition and taking the medication as prescribed. In the majority of women , the condition stays unchanged but , equal proportions of women may notice […]

Testing for Cystic Fibrosis

Firstly, thank you. This is a briliant website and just what I need as a first timer. I am still only 10 weeks so the nerves have been helped by so much of your answers and advice. Do you have any information on the earliest stage for testing Cystic Fibrosis in an unborn baby? I have heard mixed reports so wanted to check. Cystic fibrosis can only occur if both parents carry the gene . Routine testing is not available in this country, but should be possible if there is a family history . Testing for the gene involves a […]

Refusing forceps or Ventouse delivery.

I am a first time mother, and I am wondering if I would be able to refuse consent to a forceps delivery if it becomes necessary.  I have a family history of big babies and assisted deliveries using instruments such as Kiellands forceps. Most of the women in my family have ended up with horrific long term complications as a result of these procedures (including a stoma bag due to rectal damage). I have carefully researched and considered my options and I am certain that I will not want to consent to any kind of forceps during my delivery under […]

Fear of Childbirth – “Tokophobia”

Due to complicated reasons, I have a severe phobia of vaginal childbirth which is called “tokophobia”. I have considered both modes of delivery and as I am planning on having only one child, I feel that it will be better for me psychologically to have a planned c-section. Unfortunately, I know some people who have been refused and I have been told that this is not possible on the NHS.   I cannot even consider having a baby unless a c-section is guaranteed.  What can I do? Will an NHS consultant accept my request? You are not alone! At least […]

Twin pregnancies… the highs and the lows.

Twin pregnancies… the highs and the lows By Jess White, Lulubaby GP & mother of twins   TWINS!!   When I found out I was pregnant with twins I was pretty terrified… not just the thought of two babies to look after but I was worried what it would be like to be pregnant with twins. Unfortunately everything you read about pregnancy seems to have the foot note ‘this is more common in twin/ multiple pregnancies’, which can leave you feeling fairly anxious. I remember telling someone I was having twins when I was about 12 weeks pregnant and they replied ‘oh wow […]

Feeding Tips

Feeding Tips   Here are some tips that we have collected from talking to mothers who have been through it before you. Stock up on some DVD box sets to watch whilst you are breastfeeding. You have to have a smart phone- breastfeeding can take so long and be so boring especially in the middle of the night.  Its great to be able to message other mothers you know who are awake or trawl Facebook or the Daily Mail website! In the early days of breastfeeding when your breasts are tender and can become engorged with milk- keep a Savoy […]

New Baby – Sleeping Tips

New Baby – Sleeping Tips Here are some tips that we have collected from talking to mothers who have been through it before you.   It is worth trying to swaddle, but bear in mind that not all babies like to be swaddled.  Mine spent all the time trying to escape and get his arm out. We love these swaddling blankets from Aden & Anais which also double up as large muslins/sun shades/blankets Aden & Anais Swaddling Muslins   Get a sling- if you have a baby that doesn’t like to be put down, put him in the sling in […]

Why I did not (could not) breastfeed my babies

It goes without saying that every mother wants the best for her baby.  It also goes without saying that most educated women know that breastmilk is indeed the best form of nourishment you can give your child.  But time and time again we hear health workers, politicians and journalists commentating on the unsatisfactorily low breastfeeding rates in this country. The pros of breastfeeding are obvious.  It is free, (compared with £10 a week on formula for 12 months – £500), natural (there are stories of crushed fish bones in formula, incidents of glass shavings in the powder, the possibility of […]

Tips to help preserve your sanity with a new born!

Tips to help preserve your sanity with a new born! Here are some tips that we have collected from talking to mothers who have been through it before you.   Don’t be embarrassed to say no to visitors.  If you feel awkward saying no, then get your husband to do it for you. If the baby is born in winter- get a good “pram pushing” coat and shoes as you may find yourself pounding the streets in the rain trying to get the baby to sleep! Warm his cot or moses basket with a hot water bottle so that when […]

Post Natal Tips

Post Natal Tips   Here are some tips that we have collected from talking to mothers who have been through it before you.   Eat 2 kiwi fruit when you have given birth, they are a natural laxative and this will ensure that your first poo, after the birth, will not be too painful or difficult. No-one told me how much you can bleed after the birth.  Don’t be shocked if you have gross chunks of blood for the first few days. Tea-tree oil and/or lavender oil in the bath can feel really soothing and helps to heal and cuts […]