The Modern Midwife's Guide to Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond

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This interview was recorded nearly two years ago and with floods, and other events, it is only now we are airing it. She has worked with all ages, supported thousands of women and girls in their understanding and integration of menstrual awareness. Her widely loved online course, the Cyclical Living Immersion, has been received and celebrated by participants from around the world. Most recently, she has started an online container called ‘Altered’, a 4 week course exploring the liminal dimensions of menstruation. She is always tending budding projects as well as serving weekly tea ceremonies, continuing her deep studies and exploring under the guidance of her mentors Dr. Lara Owen and Moana Pearl. There are a huge number of pregnancy books to choose from, some covering the entire pregnancy journey and others more specialist or niche in focus. Robin speaks at international conferences, on a range of themes presented in his books. He conducts international trainings for psychotherapists, and for parents and offers private psychotherapy/counselling/coaching sessions. Before joining the content team at Mumsnet, Jenny worked as a journalist for newspapers, radio, TV and b2b trades magazines for over a decade. She is also a bestselling sci-fi author (writing as J M Briscoe) and parenting blogger.

In this episode, Oni Blecher speaks with Ruth Schubert. Ruth is a physiotherapist for 20 years. She Schubert is inspired to help her clients lead a beautiful life. She believes in building resilience through developing a strong body and calm mind. Throughout her career, Ruth realised her passion in caring for women, and her own pregnancy and recovery found her fascinated with Women’s Pelvic Health. She has a specialist interest in pelvic pain, pelvic floor dysfunction and working with pre and post-natal women. She has undertaken extensive post-graduate training in the treatment of Women’s pelvic health and has completed a professional certificate in pelvic organ Prolapse management through UniSa and Pinc cancer rehabilitation certification. Along with her extensive clinical knowledge, Ruth takes a holistic approach to assessing and treating her patients, incorporating education, manual therapy, therapeutic exercise and mindfulness. Her unique ability to treat the internal and external pelvic structures has led to outstanding results and a loyal client base. Whilst empowering women to choose what’s right for them, it’s important to remember that labours don’t always go to plan and that interventions are, at times, an important part of childbirth Our list wouldn't be complete without the book that offers advice from those at the frontline of parenting – Mumsnet users themselves. In one study of 13 881 592 births occurring in the US, women with EDS were found to stay longer than seven days in the hospital setting following the birth of their babies (OR 3.10 (95% CI 2.34-4.09)) ( Nicholls-Dempsey et al, 2019). Similar data has also associated EDS with increased maternal mortality in the US (OR 9.04 (95% CI 1.27-64.27)) ( Spiegel et al, 2020). The authors of these works suggest that such findings certify EDS in pregnancy as a high-risk condition. However, because the findings did not distinguish which of the 14 subtypes of EDS this included, caution should be taken. This is because people with vascular EDS would endure a high-risk pregnancy as opposed to the risks associated with pregnancy and hEDS/HSD, which should be determined in relation to individual symptoms. Findings in relation to other geographical areas outside of the US remain absent, and one must consider the fact that despite spending more on childbirth than any other country in the world, the US already has worse outcomes in maternity services than any other high-resource countries ( National Academies of Sciences et al, 2020). Accordingly, further evidence in relation to outcomes, best practice in postnatal care and length of hospital stay for those with hEDS/HSD is required, especially as some with hEDS/HSD can experience an uncomplicated postnatal recovery ( Pezaro et al, 2020). Neonatal care considerations

Calmbirth

Area of focus: Are you looking for one book that covers everything from conception to childbirth, or are you happy to read a book focused on a specific area such as nutrition, breastfeeding or labour? I loved [Milli Hill's] positive birth book. It covered loads of stuff I didn’t come across anywhere else, in particular about informed consent and how to advocate for yourself. Really recommend it to anyone who’s pregnant. It’s really accessible and easy to read, you can dip in and out of it."(Vetted by Mumsnet user AnneLovesGilbert) Our verdict

Some reviewers found the jovial writing style a little patronising, as it does assume very minimal knowledge about pregnancy It starts with exploring the right time to add an additional family member and then goes on to give practical advice around introducing a new sibling, as well as how to actually cope as a mum to two children. In what ways are connective tissues affected for those with hEDS/HSD in childbearing, and what may be done to reduce the risk of any complications? So far he has written and published; 'Heart to Heart Parenting', 'Parenting for a Peaceful World', and a chapter in a book called 'Social Ecology, Applying Ecological Understanding to our Lives and our Planet'. In due-date based groups, our registered midwives guide you through up-to date evidence based information and provide pragmatic tips in a relaxed and open minded environment.We researched the pros and cons of each pregnancy book, including its format, the complexity of the information and the reputations of the authors. Finally we looked at which pregnancy books worked best for each scenario to bring you our final list of recommendations. About the author I really enjoyed Your No Guilt Pregnancy Plan by Rebecca Schiller (I used this to make my own birth preferences list as it lays out all of your ‘choices’ in one section which was really handy)"(Tried and tested by Mumsnet user glasspaw) Our verdict Not to be confused with hypnosis, hypnobirthing teaches a variety of relaxation and breathing techniques to help mums-to-be work with their body to make their labour a more calm and comfortable experience. With a focus on educating and changing your mindset, away from fear and negativity and towards enablement and empowerment, hypnobirthing has grown hugely in popularity over recent years.

I would definitely recommend Hypnobirthing: Practical Ways to Make Your Birth Better by Siobhan Miller (founder of the Positive Birth Company). I was absolutely TERRIFIED of giving birth but [this book has] made me feel much more empowered and positive, even a little bit excited now!"(Recommended by Mumsnet user NicNac100) Our verdict Please see information below to learn more about the high dependency information evenings and afternoons. High dependency information evenings 6pm to 8.30pm Strategies that promote spontaneous pushing in favour of directed pushing for those with POTS are recommended ( Pezaro et al, 2018). Though for this group, decision making in relation to labour and mode of birth should be based on obstetrical considerations, rather than simply a diagnosis of POTS ( Morgan et al, 2018; Ruzieh and Grubb, 2018). Nevertheless, frequent monitoring of hemodynamic parameters may be advisable during the second stage of labour, as pushing, pain and fluid loss may result in a worsening of symptoms ( Ruzieh and Grubb, 2018). It may also be useful to consider the administration of early analgesia for those with POTS to reduce tachycardia and associated complications ( Morgan et al, 2018). To this effect, birthing environments that promote calm and relaxation will also be highly valuable. Postnatal care considerationsIn this interview, Jacqui shares her diverse and personal experience as a mother, including motherhood and work, creativity, and tuning in to your own wisdom in a world saturated with information. We also discuss Jacqui’s book ‘Mothers Mind Cleanse’ and hear about her own impetus and writing process. Enjoy this conversation

This book is REALLY good! It’s not patronising and it gives you a really good breakdown of what to expect and what’s going to happen and all your options from pain relief to cutting the cord."(Recommended by Mumsnet user MrsRose2018)Marie Louise has years of labour experience under her belt and a wonderful way of simplifying even the most complicated and overwhelming of pregnancy details into a format that is relatable and easy to understand.