Sessions for Parents To Be. We recommend you start Birth and Beyond Worcestershire between 28 and 32 weeks of pregnancy. Sessions run over four consecutive weeks and last two hours with a further session after your baby is born. Postnatally, some with hEDS/HSD can struggle to recover from birth, both physically and psychologically ( Pezaro et al, 2020). For example, tissues compromised by hEDS/HSD can be problematic to heal ( Hakim and Grahame, 2003; Hakim and Sahota, 2006; Castori, 2012). Our previous review also highlighted specific complications in relation to abnormal scar formation, haemorrhage, pelvic prolapses which may be associated with episiotomy, deep venous thrombosis, complicated perineal wounds, and coccyx dislocation ( Pezaro et al, 2018). Complicated lacerations and increased episodes of postpartum haemorrhage have also been reported elsewhere ( Volkov et al, 2018), along with further episodes of coccyx dislocation and separation of the pubic symphysis ( Gilliam et al, 2020). Healthcare practitioners should be aware of the risk of these potential complications, along with the potential for increased risk of urogenital and pelvic complications such as recurrent urinary tract infections or incontinence, and gynaecological symptoms such as pain or prolapse ( Gilliam et al, 2020). As in the antenatal period, early physiotherapy based interventions along with early input from the multidisciplinary team may be useful in the management of such complications.

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. Written specifically for men, this book is an excellent read for fathers-to-be who want to be more involved in their partner’s pregnancy or a good book to give to your other half to help them understand some of the physical and mental changes you’re experiencing during pregnancy. 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?

8. Best pregnancy book for dads: The Pregnancy Guide for Men

Protecting your baby from tobacco smoke is one of the best things you can do to give your child a healthy start in life. It can be difficult to stop smoking, but it’s never too late to quit. Every cigarette smoked contains over 4,000 chemicals, so smoking when you are pregnant harms your unborn baby. Cigarettes can restrict the essential oxygen supply to your baby. As a result, their heart must beat harder every time you smoke. Since completing the NCT Birth and Beyond course, I have been given the opportunity to volunteer at one of our local feeding clinics. This has been so helpful, not only in giving me more confidence in putting everything I have learnt in to practice but also an insight of how useful this programme could be for mums and family’s in our community. - Jo, Fenland Calling us costs the same as any local call, however, if you have free 'inclusive' minutes on a landline or mobile, it will be included in those. About

Robin was born in Uruguay to migrant parents. Spanish was his first language, French his second and Romanian his third language before coming to Australia when he was 10 years old. Breastfeeding for the first time can be incredibly daunting. Whether you’re worrying about feeding positions, the quality of your baby's latch, engorgement or simply if your baby is getting enough milk, establishing a breastfeeding routine can be really overwhelming, particularly when met with well-meaning but conflicting advice from friends and family. adapted, stored and/or distributed in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of HealthdirectActively listen to the needs of the mother and offering encouragement, support, information and ideas without giving advice Whilst women can self-refer into the service, it can be difficult accessing services when in need. Our team works closely with health professionals across the area to encourage them to refer mothers who may be at risk of social isolation. Prepares you for some of the breastfeeding challenges you may encounter and how you can overcome them

Many parents feel that while most practical and emotional support is available from family and friends, learning with other expectant parents is highly valued. Evidence suggests that parents need help to make sense of the emotional as well as the physical changes, the recognition of new responsibilities and implications for their relationships. This is particularly true when this is their first pregnancy. This interview is full of deep explorations around relationship; with self, with cycles, and with those who teach us. Enjoy ! The functional state of the autonomic nervous system plays an important role throughout pregnancy, childbirth and in the newborn condition ( Atallah et al, 1999; Egliston et al, 2007; Dmitrieva et al, 2011). Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a form of autonomic dysfunction that can cause orthostatic intolerance, with up to 78% of women with hEDS/HSD potentially affected ( Gazit et al, 2003). Significantly, in one study of pregnant women diagnosed with autonomic dysfunction, where autonomic dysfunction was present in 55% before pregnancy, this figure rose to 100% during pregnancy ( Taitubayeva et al, 2020). Those with POTS may also experience symptoms such as trouble concentrating, light-headedness, palpitations, fatigue, exercise intolerance, and in severe cases, syncope (fainting) ( Fedorowski et al, 2021). The authors of a recent review of the literature have determined that there is inadequate published evidence to confirm any relationship between hEDS, POTS and mast cell activation syndrome ( Kohn and Chang, 2019). However, others have argued that the overlapping symptoms of these conditions and their under-diagnosis means that the potential link should not be ignored, as clinical experts find these three conditions together commonly in practice ( Roma et al, 2018; Afrin et al, 2020). Such academic debates highlight the need for further inquiry.

connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and