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Non-Drug Pain Relief in Labour

Babies, Obstetrics - Brisbane Obstetrician, giving birth, labour, Obstetrician, Obstetrician Tips - 21/12/2016

Each and every woman is different when it comes to pregnancy and giving birth. When it comes to thinking about pain relief options some women have very firm views on what they want i.e. an epidural, pethidine etc. Whereas other women prefer not to have a labour that involves involves drugs. If you are considering non-drug pain relief in labour here are a few options to consider: TENS machines A TENS machine involves having pads put on the lower side on each side of the spine that give out electric pulses and sends signals to the brain to convince it that the pain is less than it actually is. The pads connect to a battery unit and you can then control how powerful the electric pulses are. Tip: If considering a TENS machine you can hire them out before labour. Check to see if they have classes you can attend to see how the machine works or get someone to show you when you pick it up. Hot or Cold options Some patients find that a warm shower or bath helps when in active labour – or even a heat pack or a cold pack. Massage Often this is where partners can help in a big way during labour – by giving their pregnant partner a massage. In giving a massage it can help to soothe and relax you to keep you going as well as to stimulate endorphins which will help with your overall mood. Tip: Be sure to tell your partner when and when not to massage you as you may find that you really don’t want to be touched at certain points in your labour. Also be mindful of using essential oils – check which ones are safe for pregnancy. Breathing techniques Prior to labour it’s a great idea to practice breathing techniques and in labour it can help you to both focus and also stay relaxed. There are often classes available that help with this and some baby yoga classes will focus on breathing too. Of course with all of these things always be mindful […]

Preparing Your Pet For New Baby

Babies - Brisbane Obstetrician, Greenslopes Obstetrician, Obstetrician, Parenting, Pets, Postnatal Care - 22/01/2016

If you are planning to have a family, when the time comes if you already have a family pet such as a dog, it is important to prepare them for the new addition to the family. They’ve gotten used to the way things are and their whole world is about to change, and some pets can take it very well and others not so well. Here are some tips for preparing your dog for your new arrival : Make your dog part of the preparation As you bring new things home ready for the baby such as the bassinet, stroller, and clothes; let the dog have a good sniff and look at the items so that he/she gets used to the new objects in the home. Once your baby is born – whilst in the hospital bring home some of the clothes that they have worn, and again let the dog have a good sniff so that when you do bring the baby home he/she will already be familiar with the smell of your baby and hopefully won’t not be as wary. If your dog is not used to babies then a great suggestion is to play a recording of a baby crying to get them used to the noise, especially if your dog is sensitive to noise. By the time you bring the baby home the noise will not be so strange to them. Practice walking around with a doll in your arms (or a cushion if you don’t have a doll) and see how the dog reacts. If the dog jumps up you have time to train them not to before you bring your baby home, and also to be aware of any potential issues. Attention Consider whether it might be good to hire a dog walker for the first few weeks/months of bringing your baby home, as you may find that there isn’t as much time to walk the dog. Having a dog walker take the dog out will help to keep the dog exercised, but also give him/her much needed attention, and make time where you […]

Most Useful Baby Shower Gifts

Babies - Baby Shower, Brisbane Obstetrician, Obstetrician, Pregnancy - 22/01/2016

Baby showers are a great way to celebrate the impending arrival of a baby with your girlfriends. They are also an excuse to play baby-themed games, eat some great food, and have some fun… plus, there will usually be plenty of baby gifts! While it’s great to turn up with a surprise gift at a baby shower, pregnancy and birth can be a hectic time; it’s often best to buy something that will be useful following the arrival of the new baby. We asked a few mums what they thought were the most helpful baby shower gifts. Here are some great ideas below: Baby clothes This would be the most obvious choice for a gift, but don’t forget babies do grow quickly. Consider buying clothes that are “00” and larger so that they will last a little while. Sleep Suits Sleep suits are a great gift idea and they are great for your baby to sleep in at night. You can get them from Target as well as the baby-themed stores. Portable change mat This is a great gift item and usually very affordable. They come in really handy when mum is out and about and needs to change her baby. Nappy delivery service Is mum-to-be intending on using cloth nappies? If so, a great idea for a gift is to pitch in with others and get her a nappy delivery service, such as Rescue Mum in Brisbane, where they collect dirty nappies and deliver clean ones. Alternatively, if mum is going to be using disposable nappies, you can never have enough and the supermarkets always have specials on! Baby care package Paw paw ointment, face cloths, wipes, a thermometer, and other items that will be needed on an ongoing basis… put a bunch of small essentials together in a nice basket/bag and you’ve got yourself a thoughtful and practical gift! Pregnancy recovery shorts SRC Pregnancy Recovery Shorts are excellent post birth to help with recovery and pulling the tummy back into shape. They go underneath clothing and have excellent reviews. *We sell SRC shorts at my practice at Greenslopes […]

Obstetrician Looking After Your Pregnancy

Obstetrics - Brisbane Obstetrician, Greenslopes Obstetrician, Obstetrician, Pregnancy - 22/01/2016

Let’s face it: pregnancy is no walk in the park. It’s challenging at times, there are lots of frustrating moments, and – of course – there’s the pain. An expecting mother really needs a support network of friends and family during this tough period, but these aren’t the only people who can help. A trusted obstetrician is an invaluable professional to have on your side before, during, and after your childbirth. Here’s a look at how an obstetrician can help you. During The Pregnancy With their specialised skills, obstetricians are perfectly positioned to monitor a pregnant woman’s health and wellbeing, as well as that of her growing baby, with the help of ultrasounds and other tests. They can check for specific problems and conditions while also offering general advice for maintaining your health as your body changes. Perhaps most importantly, an obstetrician is a knowledgeable yet friendly face whose guidance and support prepares you physically and emotionally for delivering your baby. During Labour During the big day (or days), your obstetrician will work closely with your dedicated team of midwives. The obstetrician monitors the progress of your labour, and checks on the well-being of the baby throughout your labour. The obstetrician will guide you through the labour, and delivers your baby when the moment arrives. After Pregnancy and Labour Your obstetrician plays a vital role in ensuring your good health and recovery after the birth. Your OB will check on your postnatal recovery, and make sure you are well after your discharge from hospital. If you need a Brisbane obstetrician to offer professional services and compassionate care throughout your pregnancy, look no further. Dr Ken Law, our experienced Greenslopes maternity OB, has assisted many Brisbane women through their trimesters. He and the rest of our supportive team look forward to making your pregnancy as comfortable and pleasant as it possibly can be. Contact us to make your first appointment today. Dr Ken Law is a Brisbane Obstetrician specialising in the management of pregnancy and delivery. For more information and to discuss your specific situation, please contact Dr Ken Law to arrange […]

Things To Tell Your Obstetrician

Obstetrics - Brisbane Obstetrician, Greenslopes Obstetrician, Obstetrician, Pregnancy - 22/01/2016

4 Things your Obstetrician Needs to Know Having a trusted obstetrician by your side can make all the difference to your pregnancy. But, as with your regular doctor, your OB’s ability to assist you relies on how openly and honestly you communicate with them. Here’s an overview of the topics you should never hesitate to bring up with your obstetrician. 1. Your Medical History It’s important for your OB to have an accurate and comprehensive picture of your past. Conditions that no longer affect you or procedures you underwent years ago might not seem relevant to your pregnancy, but you may not be aware of complications that might arise due to such things. It’s better to over-share with your obstetrician and let him/her determine what is or isn’t significant. 2. Your Pregnancy Milestones As you reach milestones within your pregnancy, such as crossing into your second trimester or feeling the first kick, it’s great to keep your obstetrician in the loop. Make sure to book and keep to all your important routine check-ups – but don’t hesitate to reschedule an appointment if something occurs earlier than expected. 3. Any Odd Occurrences If something unexpected happens – no matter how trivial it might seem – be sure to contact your obstetrician. Even if the only outcome is finding out what you’ve experienced is perfectly normal, at least this will give you peace of mind. And if it really is something out of the ordinary, the sooner your OB can investigate, the better. 4. Your Mental Well-being Pregnancy can be a taxing and tumultuous time for any woman. If the stress takes a serious toll on your emotional well-being, be sure to speak to your OB (as well as your GP). They may recommend creating a mental health plan to help you. In some cases, simply discussing your concerns with your trusted doctor can be enough to lift some of that weight off your shoulders. For more information about what you should speak to your obstetrician about, simply get in touch with us on 1300 464 464 or through our contact page. […]