Breast milk is best for your baby

Breastfeeding is the best nutrition for healthy growth and development of babies. Exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months is the optimal way of feeding infants. Thereafter infants should receive complementary foods with continued breastfeeding up to two years or beyond. Good maternal nutrition helps sustain an adequate supply and quality of breast milk. Unnecessary introduction of bottle feeding, partially or fully, or of other complementary foods and drinks may have a negative impact on breastfeeding, which may be irreversible. Consult your doctor and consider the social and financial implications before deciding to use breast milk substitutes or if you have difficulty breastfeeding. Follow usage, preparation and storage instructions of breast milk substitutes or of other complementary foods and drinks carefully as improper or unnecessary use may pose a health hazard.

Pregnant lady is relaxed, looking affectionately at her baby in her womb

My Pregnancy My Way

Managing Labour Pain Naturally

Want to manage labour pains without chemicals? Here are some interesting options you can consider. Remember to consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional before trying any of the following suggestions.

Hire a doula
A doula is an experienced birth companion who will be there to care, guide and support you and your partner before, during and after childbirth. Her role and involvement in your pregnancy will largely depend on your needs. Studies have shown that women who use doulas are less likely to seek pharmaceutical pain relief such as epidurals1. This is because an effective doula can offer support methods and tools to help labouring women feel more comfortable and secure.

Immerse in water
Many women who have given birth while immersed in a tub of water swear by its effectiveness in relieving pain, promoting relaxation and comfort. This happens because your body may release less of the stress hormone adrenaline and more of the labour hormones oxytocin and endorphins to help you cope better with contractions2. Being in water also makes it easier for you to get into a comfortable upright position which helps you work with gravity to push2. To decide if a water birth is for you, do discuss it in detail with your gynaecologist.

Change your position during labour
How much pain you can bear depends very much on how comfortable you feel during labour. The worst position you can be in, ironically, is lying flat on your back or in a semi-reclining angle. Some women actually find it more comfortable to sit upright during labour. This is in line with the fact that your uterus actually contracts forward during labour. Therefore, working with your body and leaning forward naturally with the surges of contractions will be more effective in relieving labour pains1.

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