Hello and massive congratulations to you on your exciting news that you’re expecting a little one. Whether it’s your first, second, third or fourth baby, it is a very exciting time but can also be a fearful and stressful time. Perhaps it’s your first baby and it’s all very new or maybe you’re adding to your family which is all about transitioning and balancing. 

After Covid I decided to set up my own Instagram page called Baby Steps with Penny.

My goal was to provide Private 1:1 Antenatal Classes to expecting Mums and Dads. To create a relaxing environment in the comfort of their own homes where no question was a silly question! To educate them with all things antenatal, labour, postnatal, baby first aid and overall baby care and much much more.

I developed a 2-3 Hour presentation covering all areas and allowing Mums and Dads to build their knowledge and confidence for their exciting arrival.

Here are some of the Top 5 Most Asked Questions:

1. What do I do if my waters break?

First of all, I always say if this happens do not panic. It is not always obvious, sometimes it can be a gush or sometimes it can feel like you’re continuously leaking or damp. The most important thing if you think your waters have broke, is to note the time, the colour and the odour. And link in with your maternity hospital if you are uncertain.

• Noting the time is extremely important as if it is confirmed your waters have indeed broken, you and your baby are now under a time clock. Whereby it is hoped you will be in labour within 18 hours.
• Noting the colour is extremely important, the water should be clear in colour. However if the colour is brown/green (meconium) or red, you must urgently attend your maternity hospital.
• Noting the odour is also important as if there is a foul smelling odour this could indicate a possible infection.

In summary, I say do not panic but be sure to go into the hospital if you think your waters have broken as the Doctor or Midwife must do a few checks with you.

It is okay to lie on both sides and is still fine to sleep on your back until 28 weeks but sometimes Lying on your left side is not only usually the most comfortable position for you, it is also the most comfortable and safest for baby.

Your liver is on the right side of your abdomen, lying on your left side helps keep the uterus off that large organ.

It also improves circulation to the heart and allows the best blood flow to your baby, uterus and kidneys

Sleeping on your right side can cause heartburn and pushes acid back up your oesophagus. Whilst sleeping on your left side allows for waste to naturally move the colon with the help of gravity, which reduces toxins, prevents heartburn and drains your lymphatic fluid.

Keeping your knees and legs bent with a pillow in between your legs and a pillow under your abdomen are all ways to support your precious bump.

Don’t worry if you wake up on your back or right side. Just turn and fall back asleep on your left.

3.  When should I be going into the hospital?

I would always say if you have any doubts, worries or concerns always attend your maternity hospital. We would much prefer you to come in and hopefully get reassurance and peace of mind than sitting worrying at home.

I would always advise to attend your maternity hospital if:

• You think your waters have broken.
• Reduced fetal movements.
• Contractions approximately 5-7 minutes apart, lasting approximately a minute.
• Any bleeding.
• Unpleasant or unusual smell from vaginal discharge.
• Colour of discharge changes to green/brown.

4. What can I do to stay at home for as long as possible during labour?

If you have no risks within your pregnancy and your hospital has advised that you can stay at home until you feel ready to go into hospital. There are a number of coping strategies I recommend:

• Practicing your yoga/pilate poses - Cat-Cow pose, Childs pose, downward facing dog, bridge pose, all fours etc
• Shower
• Bath - unless your waters have broke
• Heat pack/Hot water bottle on your lower back. (Not directly on your skin)
• Hydration & Snacks
• Relaxed Environment - candles, music, dimmed lighting, aromatherapy
• Walk - mobilising helps the progression of labour
• Side lunges up and down stairs, squats.
• Birthing ball - figure of 8
• Deep breathing and meditation
• Massage and moving gently 

I advise bringing 2 separate bags to the hospital. One for the labour ward (a smaller style bag) and one for the postnatal ward (a small suitcase)

• Labour Ward Bag - comfy nightie for labour (ones that is easily moved at the neckline in order to put baby up on you easily for skin to skin). A light dressing gown to cover yourself if walking around the labour ward. Flip flops to use in the shower. Toiletries - toothbrush, toothpaste, facecloth, shower cap, bobbins, lip balm. Water bottle that you or your partner can be refilling, headphones if you wish to listen to music. Ziplock bag with 2 nappies, a baby grow and vest inside. - The first outfit that the baby will be getting on once you arrive to the postnatal ward. Easily accessible rather than rummaging through a suitcase for the outfit.
• Postnatal ward bag - comfortable nightwear and clothing, supportive breast feeding bras, breast pads, nipple cream. Maternity pads, comfortable dark coloured high waisted underwear. Towels, phone charger, packet of disposable nappies, water wipes, approximately 5 vests, 5 babygrows, cardigan and cellular blankets.

If you’d like to have a One to One Private Antenatal Class in the comfort of your own home, please don’t hesitate to contact me via my Instagram page.