It is now commonly accepted that ideally mother and baby should be able to have skin to skin contact immediately following the birth…

Points to remember about Birth: Notes for a Pregnant Woman With thanks to ‘Blessings’ by Binnie A. Dansby, 1996

Combined with all of the pain relief options available, having a positive state of mind is tremendously important.

Having a positive attitude to the sensations of labour really helps you manage your perception and response to any pain.

It’s important to acknowledge the effects of fear on the body, and during labour in particular, and to understand how staying calm actually helps labour progress.

Here are some top tips to help when preparing for birth during the later stages of your pregnancy

To create the perfect birthing environment there are five elements that will help you feel relaxed and secure to birth your baby.

When our mums’ generation gave birth, it was standard practice for them to spend the following ten days in hospital, recuperating. Their bundles of joy would be brought to them for feeding, but otherwise…

I had a pedicure this morning, then a two hour nap. I am now eating a BBQ beef Hula Hoops sandwich — officially winning at maternity leave. I finished work on Friday after a rather frenzied scrabble to get everything I wanted done but have now made it to that dream state where you book in doing bugger all, allow yourself treats and pampering and put your feet up.

Lots of people think yoga is not for them. I often hear people say they like to sweat when they exercise (I always suggest Bikram), or they like to know how many calories they are burning- perhaps they feel that in order for exercise to be beneficial it should be punishing in some way. But I believe the many physical and emotional benefits of yoga can help everyone. And so I ask, shamelessly ripping off John Cleese and Monty Python …