Thread by @katherinemabey, As a midwife who had 2 of my children at home I [...]

Katherine Mabey

katherinemabey

As a midwife who had 2 of my children at home I am passionate about homebirth, about supporting women& #39;s choice in childbirth & about being an advocate.
#midwives #birth #birthchoices #homebirth #rcm #COVID19 #yourbirth #mumstobe

I am so sad for the women who will not get their choice in these difficult times. Believe me when I say that midwives are devastated for you. But the situation is what it is and all we can do is support you within the limits of the current situation.

The most important thing is that you have a midwife to provide care.

So I would urge pregnant women to think about what they can do to make the best of a bad situation because you can still have a beautiful birth and be well supported even if its not what you had planned.

https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="❤" title="Red heart" aria-label="Emoji: Red heart"> Make recordings with those who would have been your birth partners in case they cannot be there. You have all this time at home now so use it. Think about the different situations you might find yourself in & record conversations with your partners that you can play back.

https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="💙" title="Blue heart" aria-label="Emoji: Blue heart"> Practice the principles of hypnobirthing, even if you are not a big fan, imagine a place you feel safe with your loved ones around you. Practice every day so when needed you can go there in your mind for a bit of sanctuary

https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="💚" title="Green heart" aria-label="Emoji: Green heart"> think about how to make your birth room more like home. Its not good to bring in lots of things but a few photos of your loved ones might help make them feel closer, or a blanket you can wrap yourself up in

https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="🧡" title="Orange heart" aria-label="Emoji: Orange heart"> If there is anything you feel would help then ask. We cant promise to be able to meet all requests but sometimes quirky little things can make all the difference.

https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="💛" title="Yellow heart" aria-label="Emoji: Yellow heart"> you can always wear a t-shirt or something belonging to your partner so you can bury your face in it for their smell if they cannot attend or you have someone else with you.

https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="💜" title="Purple heart" aria-label="Emoji: Purple heart"> remember you can use facetime, whatsapp etc so family can still have a presence. Just dont forget to bring your charger.

Remember adrenalin is the enemy of oxytocin. It is essential you find ways to help you relax in order for labour to progress as it should. If you can find ways to do this and boost your oxytocin then we can get you home sooner.

Maternity services all over the country are working hard to keep you safe. We know this is hard on you and we do care about you. But tough decisions are made to keep everyone safe.

#midwives #birth #birthchoices #homebirth #rcm #COVID19 #yourbirth #mumstobe

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