Christmas Induction Coercion

Induction rates in Ireland and in many industrialized countries are soaring with many maternity units and hospitals having induction rates of over 45 – 50% for first time mothers. During the Christmas period these rates rise further to support administrative rostering in the maternity services. It would be a breath of fresh air if people were told that they were being offered induction due to staff rosters, and that they could think about it and decide if it was for them. Instead they are often bullied and coerced into induction by fear inducing notions statements and selective use of research.

In this podcast I talk about the research studies used to try to persuade people induction is always a good idea for them and their baby, even from 39 weeks. I also discuss the many reasons why induction carries risks and how the narrative between care provider and pregnant person should pan our and the importance of makin a plan and trust.

One of the great supports during this late antenatal period can be that of a doula. If you would like to consider training as a doula yourself, then my postnatal doula training is now open for registrations. The payment plan is still currently active.

More information here Become a Postnatal Doula

VBAC - the risks and joys

his episode of the Doulaverse looks at the topic of Vaginal Birth After Caesarean Section and also of HBAC Home Birth After Caesarean Section. Both are available in Ireland, and both are vital to stop the incredible rise in our c birth rates and with that the rise in complications and issues associated with repeat c birth.

I look at some of the figures firstly which I hope are not too confusing! The primary reason HCPs do not favour VBAC is the fear of uterine rupture. And yet, when we look closely at the rates of uterine rupture, especially in comparison to other complications associated with repeat c births such as placenta accreta and cesarean hysterectomy the figures do not bear out the fear and anxiety that is widely perpetuated.

Just for the record here are the rates of uterine rupture for first VBAC 22/10,000 or 2.2/1000 (numerous studies)

For second VBAC the rate is 11/10,000

For third VBAC the rate is 6/10,000

The rate of perinatal mortality for planned cephalic birth is 1/1000, the rate of perinatal mortality for panned breech birth is 2/1000 and the rate of perinatal mortality for c birth is 0.5/1000 (RCOG 2017)

The estimated rate of perinatal mortality associated with uterine scar rupture is estimated as 1/10,000 births.

For more facts figures and fun listen in!

If you would like to join my postnatal doula training, registrations are now open: https://dublindoula.com/become-a-postnatal-doula/

All about Caesarean Birth

In this episode I start my journey with C birth. Not a lot of people know this but I was born by C birth! That makes me the ONLY person in my entire family line that was born by C birth and in fact was born in hospital. My mum and my dad and all my children were born at home. It's a heavy burden to carry!

Like many people, my mother didn't plan a C birth but she was told during her labour that one was necessary and it was an "emergency" and "necessary now". It's hard to piece together exactly why and what happened, as my mum had me in London and English was not her first language. I think that I was possibly sitting breech or in an awkward position and I didn't turn in labour. My mother had a spontaneous start to labour with me and certainly broke all the rules when I was born by breastfeeding me on demand (long term), and insisting that I not be taken away after I was born, but she always spoke of that time with a mix of sadness, hurt and joy, and I am convinced that she suffered emotionally and mentally with many unanswered questions as to how and why her first childbirth experience evolved in that way.

So that's enough about my C birth credentials. Let's dive in and look at how and why c births come about, what the rates are like, what the risks and benefits are and how we can have the best c birth possible if one becomes inevitable.

Want to find out more about doula training? Click on the link below!

https://dublindoula.com/doula-training-course-with-krysia-lynch/

Medical Induction of Labour

Our induction rates are now heading towards 60% for first time parents with second time parents not far behind. What is medical induction of labour? What are the indications? What are the risks? How can you negotiate induction on your own terms? What part does your “due date” play in making you an induction candidate. If induction is the right course for you how will it be carried out? Find out the answers to these and many more questions about induction and due dates in this episode of the DoualaVerse.

Enjoying the podcast? Want to work with me? I work with pregnant people and their families as a birth doula and a postpartum doula and of course if you are hearing the call you may want to join my Comprehensive Doula Training Course.

Homebirth as a choice in maternity care

This podcast looks at why people choose homebirth, and why its a valid safe choice for many women and pregnant people. I also look at the three pathways to homebirth care in Ireland and what you get in terms of one to one care in each one.

Your choices in maternity care

Choices in our maternity care services. Are there any choices? Do you know what they are? Listen in to find out more. Want to support people in their choices? If so maybe Doula Training is for you? Find out more here