At Sassy Mama, we are so proud to support every mama and papa on their parenting journey. With the highs and lows, there is no roller coaster ride in the world that quite compares, and the breastfeeding experience is no exception!

Most of us are well aware of the benefits of this fabulous natural baby food. This magic potion can help protect babies from gastrointestinal infections and skin diseases as breastmilk is rich in antibodies. Breastmilk also helps to strengthen the bub’s immune system. Of course, skin-to-skin contact while breastfeeding is also a great way for bond-building between the mother and her newborn. There are health benefits for mums, too, as it reduces stress levels, helps the uterus contract post-birth, and even helps in the prevention of cancer.

⇓ For everything you need to know about breastfeeding in Hong Kong, scroll down! ⇓

Read More Breastfeeding Stories

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Mention the word “Hypnobirthing” in conversation, and images that come to mind for some involve a woman unconsciously giving birth. After all, Hypnobirthing often finds itself in the news, especially after images of glamorous celebrity mums who have used Hypnobirthing techniques appear after what appears to have been an easy delivery (well, if it’s good enough for Kate Middleton, Jessica Alba and Angelina Jolie!). In an effort to dispel the misconceptions around this alternative childbirth technique, clinical hypnotherapist Deborah Dewey answers everything we want to know about this gentle, natural and active method of delivery. Read on to find out if this is right for you and your family.

Read more: Birth Breathing: Techniques For Labour And Delivery Explained

What Is Hypnobirthing?

Hypnobirthing is more than just hypnosis. It is a philosophy of birth as much as it is a technique for achieving a satisfying, more relaxed and memorable birth experience. Hypnobirthing sessions teach mum, along with her partner, the joy and art of experiencing birth in a more comfortable manner.

What Are The Benefits Of Hypnobirthing?

The benefits of Hypnobirthing are a relaxed and comfortable mindset for both mum and partner because of the techniques that are covered. Courses teach deep relaxation, to eliminate the fear that causes tension and thus pain. Further, the techniques help to shorten the first phase of labour and Hypnobirthing helps to keep oxygen supplied to the baby during birthing. Mum benefits from less fatigue, which is greatly reduced as well as the need for an episiotomy.

Read more: Top Antenatal Classes In Hong Kong To Get You Ready For Labour

How Does This Differ From Other Birthing Preparation Techniques?

One of the key elements to the Hypnobirthing philosophy is how it gives the birthing partner an integral role in the birthing. Most mums follow up after courses and report how useful the Hypnobirthing breathing techniques are. Birthing preparation techniques for breathing can vary widely and Hypnobirthing has three breathing exercises that help mums through the different stages of labour. Hypnobirthing also addresses the mind, whilst other more traditional birthing preparation courses forget the mind totally. And when the mind is relaxed, the body relaxes too. Lastly, how the body prepares for birthing is covered in-depth, thus giving a better understanding of how a woman’s body is designed for labour.

What Is A Typical Hypnobirthing Session Like?

Each session shows birthing videos, and techniques are covered including breathing exercises, visualisation and deep relaxation using self-hypnosis. Understanding how the body and mind work together for birthing is also covered in every session.

When And Where Can Pregnant Women Join Hypnobirthing Classes In Hong Kong?

Hypnobirthing can be used on its own or in conjunction with other non-medicated or medicated forms of pain relief. There are many options for in-person and online classes and it’s advised to begin a course at least three months before your due date, to allow plenty of time for you and your birth partner to practice and familiarise yourselves with the techniques. If she wishes, a mum can even start the Hypnobirthing course in her first trimester.

If you’re looking for classes in Hong Kong, there are two common, globally affiliated hypnobirthing courses:

• The Calm Birth Method, offered by Calm Hong Kong
• The Marie Mongan, taught by Renewed Edge

Read more: Prenatal Fitness In Hong Kong: Stay Active During Your Pregnancy

Is It Safe?

Yes, Hypnobirthing is safe as it allows mums to use their birthing instincts to birth their baby, in a way that mirrors nature. As long as there are no complications while carrying her child, she is fit to go ahead and do Hypnobirthing to support her towards a better, more natural birth experience.

Anything Else We Need To Know?

You will learn that hypnosis is not a “trance state” or sleep state but a naturally heightened state of relaxation where you are aware and fully in control, but profoundly relaxed. Hypnobirthing helps to eliminate the fear-tension-pain syndrome and teaches mum to trust in her body and work with it.

Several Sassy Mamas in the office have tried hypnobirthing and benefitted from its techniques. A couple tried The Positive Birth Company (online from the UK) while another used Calm Hong Kong with Lindsay.

Read more: Your Ultimate Guide To Postnatal Recovery In Hong Kong

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As a midwife, I am extremely passionate about ensuring women and their families receive evidence-based, informative education and support during the perinatal period, to be able to make informed decisions about their pregnancy, labour, birth and the postpartum period. If you are preparing to give birth, there are some important things to know and consider about cesarean sections, more commonly known as C-sections as these procedures becoming increasingly common in Hong Kong and worldwide.

Medical Disclaimer: Caesarean sections are a life-saving tool. All advice given is general and not specific to you and your pregnancy. Please talk to your healthcare provider to make informed decisions together.

Read more: Giving Birth In Hong Kong: Public Vs Private Hospital Options

1. Basic Introduction To C-Sections

What is a C-section?

The medical dictionary definition says “A caesarean section (C-section) is a surgical procedure in which incisions are made through a woman’s abdomen and uterus to deliver her baby.” This could be planned or unplanned.

Planned C-section

There are many reasons why a woman may need a planned C-section.

• Physical complications with baby or mother during pregnancy or labour
• Certain foetal positions
• Placenta Previa
• Previous C-section (within 18 months)
• Maternal choice
• High order multiples and more

In a planned C-section, you will generally have a date chosen by your Obstetrician (OB), and the delivery details will be organised and timely. You will usually go into the hospital quite early in the day, for an anaesthetic consultation, where you will meet the anaesthetist looking after you (if you have not already met him or her beforehand). They will run you through some important questions that’ll help them to understand you, your health and your baby.

You will then generally be waiting in a hospital room, on a bed, with your partner until you’re ready to be called to the theatre. A midwife, your OB and the anaesthetist, as well as theatre staff, will be present. Once bub is born, there may also be a paediatrician to ensure that your baby is well.

After the birth, depending on hospital protocol, as well as your and baby’s health – bub may be dried/wrapped and put on your chest while the operation is finished. After this, generally, both of you (mum and baby) will go to the recovery room or ward for a short period of time where you will be closely monitored, before moving to the postnatal ward. Your partner generally cannot come to recovery and will need to wait at the postnatal ward.

Emergency C-section

Any C-section that is not pre-planned is called an emergency caesarean section. Even if you and bub are doing well and it’s simply the best choice at the time, it’s still called an emergency, so don’t let that scare you. An emergency C-section can be a bit more rushed (if urgent) than a planned one, so you and your partner need to be aware that health professionals around you will move very fast. It can feel overwhelming, but education is key. Knowing beforehand what to expect is vital to help in remaining calm.

During an emergency C-section, there will almost always be a paediatrician present to help bub if they require. Depending on how your little one is doing, they may need to go to the NICU for further observation or help.

Read more: All You Need To Know About Cord Blood Banking In Hong Kong

2. Pain Relief In A C-Section

In terms of pain relief, there are two main options. If you have an effective epidural or spinal already, you can be transferred straight to the theatre and the operation can begin. However, if you don’t have an epidural, the decision needs to be made, depending on urgency if there is enough time for the anaesthetist to put a spinal or epidural in. If yes, this is what will happen. However, if there is a major emergency and bub needs to be born immediately, mum will have a general anaesthetic which means she won’t be awake for the operation. Unfortunately, if this needs to happen, most of the time your partner is not allowed in the operating theatre. However, it is important to remember this is life-saving for your baby.

After a C-section, there will be a wound/scar in the pelvic area or otherwise known as under the “bikini” line. It is important to take good care of your C-section scar, keeping it dry and clean, with special care during and after a shower. Your midwife and OB will show you how to care for the wound and inform you of when you need to return for follow up care or what to look for in case of any issues.

Your body will generally take longer to recover after a C-section than a vaginal delivery as a C-section is major surgery. Mums usually remain in the hospital for a longer period of time (3 to 5 days). The day after delivery, midwives encourage mums to be up and walking a bit, so as to prevent blood clots and promote healing.

Read more: Postnatal Depression: How To Detect Symptoms And Find Solutions

3. Recovery After A C-Section

It’s hard enough taking care of your baby but that’s compounded when you have undergone major surgery yourself. It is vital that you rest and recover properly yourself, to be able to take care of your newborn. Here are some tips to aid your recovery:

• Take pain relief. It is important to stay on top of the pain, especially in the first few days/weeks. Once the pain becomes overbearing, it can be very hard to get on top of and manage.
• Get moving and showered. Generally, if all is straightforward you will be encouraged to get up and showered the day after your C-section (with assistance from midwives and nurses).
• Stay hydrated. Drink lots of water and electrolytes (coconut water is great for hydration and tastes good!). This helps recovery, breastmilk supply and also your bladder sensation. Once you are up and moving around, your catheter (a small tube in the bladder to drain urine) will be removed.
• Eat light meals that are rich in fibre and help your bowels to get moving. Fruits like kiwis, oranges, pears are a great snack and full of fibre.
• You have had a major operation, mama, so do ask for help when you need it! This is a tip I really want to emphasise. Don’t ever feel that you cannot or should not reach out for support.
• Hold your wound when coughing/laughing. This can help provide support to the wound.
• Hand express if unable to breastfeed – ask your midwife to show you how to express colostrum from the get-go, and store safely (if this is what you choose to do).
• Don’t lift any objects that are heavier than your baby, for at least six weeks, if possible.
• Rest! This is hard, I know. But it is so important, your body does need time to heal.

Here are some great ways for partners to help with recovery after birth:

• Help mum to get in and out of bed
• Pass the new little bub to her for feeds
• Provide emotional support by listening to how she’s feeling and offering encouragement
• Ensure mum is eating healthy delicious food
• Change nappies and have some skin-to-skin time with your baby

Read more: 5 Tips For Birth Partners: How You Can Help During Labour

A lot of mothers ask about how to avoid a C-section. The World Health Organization (WHO) has noted, “Caesarean sections can be a lifesaving procedure for mother and baby, but rates beyond 10% of live births are not associated with reductions in maternal and newborn mortality. The trend towards overuse of caesarean sections is a major concern globally, given the risks to the mother and her child associated with an unnecessary caesarean birth.”

Some tips to avoid an unnecessary C-section (this means a C-section delivery is not medically needed and not maternally wanted):

• Have an active and healthy pregnancy
• Get good support during labour
• Stay at home during early labour if you are able to, as this is where you will usually feel calm and safe as it is a familiar environment. However, if at any point you feel you need to go to the hospital, it is best to go and be safe
• Get antenatal education for mum and partner
• Change positions and be active in labour, allow baby to move into an optimal position
• Trust in your body

To know more, read guidance from the WHO and watch this FAQ video by Bumpnbub.

Read more: Top Antenatal Classes In Hong Kong To Get You Ready For Labour

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Let’s face it. It’s never easy seeing someone you love in any kind of pain or discomfort and the process of having a baby is no different. It isn’t called “labour” for nothing after all! But you papas and birth partners-to-be may or may not be aware of the huge impact you can have in helping your mamas through this challenging (but wonderful!) experience. Swipe through and get one step closer to being the best birth partner ever!

Read more: Maternity Wear In Hong Kong: Sassy Mama’s Ultimate Guide

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Delayed cord clamping has been practised more regularly in recent years as a result of several international organisations (such as The World Health Organisation), recommending that it should be carried out routinely. However, many parents-to-be are still in the dark about what the process involves and how it can benefit their little one.

Delayed cord clamping is the practice of postponing the clamping and cutting of the umbilical cord for between one to three minutes following birth, or until the cord stops pulsating. In full-term babies studies have found that leaving the umbilical cord intact following delivery can allow for the transfer of 80 to 100 mL of additional blood when compared with immediate cord clamping.

Studies have shown that this additional flow of blood from the placenta to the baby can improve iron stores in their first several months of life – which in turn reduces the risk of anaemia. The additional time leaving the umbilical cord intact also allows for the transfer of immunoglobulins and stem cells to the baby, both of these being essential for tissue and organ repair.

During the process of delayed cord clamping, your caregiver will also be providing initial newborn care such as drying and stimulating the baby along with maintaining skin-to-skin contact and mother-baby bonding time.

One study found there to be a small (2%) increase in jaundice among babies who had received delayed cord clamping – yet many other studies and data analyses concluded that it was likely to be a beneficial practice as long as access to treatment for jaundice that requires phototherapy is available.

There are, however, certain situations where delayed cord clamping would not be recommended. If there were any concerns about the baby’s heartbeat or the condition of the umbilical cord then immediate cord clamping would be advised. If you also wanted to save your baby’s cord blood for stem cell collection, delayed cord clamping may not be possible due to the large volume of blood that would be transferred straight to the baby instead of being available for collection.

Delayed cord clamping is now becoming more widely available in Hong Kong both in the public and private sectors – though some practitioners have differing views. So if any of you mamas and papas-to-be would like to opt for delayed cord clamping following delivery of your baby, be sure to discuss your wishes with your obstetrician or other healthcare provider when formulating your birth plan.

Read more: Choosing Your Hospital: Public or Private?

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Prior to having babies most of us are convinced that – as in the movies – labour will involve waters breaking in the supermarket followed by immediately excruciating pain, a race to hospital, some kind of dramatic complication and legs up in stirrups before a very chubby clean baby appears. Suffice to say, this is (thankfully) so far removed from reality and while there is naturally some degree of drama involved (it’s pretty amazing to be producing a little human being!), childbirth is never as you’d expect and usually veers off script. Some of the Sassy Mama team share their version of events – the dream vs the reality!

Kat

(Aiden Michael, 3.3kgs and Everly Grace, 3.1kgs. Adventist Hospital, Hong Kong)

The dream: With a very low pain threshold, (and when I say low, I mean “Call the doctor, I have a paper cut!” kind of low) I knew right away I would want help from my wonderful friend, Epi (short for epidural). Besides opting for pain relief, I had also written at the very top of my birth plan, “NO EPISIOTOMY” in all caps. All my previously pregnant friends and family had permanently scarred me with their snippage stories. Natural tearing for me, thanks! I then imagined a speedy recovery and for breastfeeding to come as naturally as the movies and magazines depicted it. I also pictured myself bringing my sweet cherub of a newborn out and about and that my life wouldn’t change that much.

The reality: I was 4 days into my maternity leave and 2 weeks away from my due date and had decided to go outlet shopping in Tung Chung. After waddling around the entire mall with hubby, we went home after dinner and got ready for bed. While the mister has never had a problem falling asleep, I had gained the “perks” of major preggers insomnia, but for some reason that night, I was feeling especially nail-bitingly anxious. Just as I drifted off to sleep sometime past midnight, I woke up to a warm sensation down my legs. Did I just have one of those dreams where I had to pee really bad? Or did my water just break?! After doing a quick check, I realised that there was definitely amniotic fluid all over the bed. I felt giddy and nervous, but mostly excited to know that I was going to meet my baby boy soon! What I didn’t realise then was that by “soon” meant 19 hours later. My dream had come true with the epidural, but my nightmare was also a reality when I not only tore but also had to have an episiotomy, plus a vacuum-assisted delivery to help my sweet boy out. I literally had no more energy after 19 hours and he had turned mid way in my labour. Regardless of my expectations of what labour would look like, all of that really didn’t matter as I held Aiden in my arms for the first time and fell in love.

With baby number two, I had anticipated a similar labour and birth, but just as they are so different in their personalities now, their labours were completely different too. I was a week past my due date and nothing I ate or did seem to bring the onset of labour. I ate pineapples. I walked up hills. I did lunges. It finally came down to my doctor naturally inducing me with a cervical sweep. Trust me, it’s as uncomfortable as it sounds. But even after that, baby number two had decided that she wasn’t ready to leave my womb yet, despite my eviction notice. Thankfully a few days later, I woke up to sharp contractions and knew the show was about to begin. I got to the hospital and opted again for an epidural as the pain increased. When it was time to push, baby girl was out in a matter of minutes! As I cuddled Everly for the first time, I never knew my heart could grow even more.

Aiden and Everly both entered the world very differently from one another, but regardless of how they came (my expectation vs. my reality), I am immensely blessed by these two precious gifts!

Dani

(Twins; Rio 2.28kg  & Sienna 2.2kg, born at City Hospital Dubai)

The dream: Being pregnant with twins, I knew that I was going to have a C-section (the safest option for multiple births) but I hadn’t really thought about the process, just the end result of holding my babies in my arms (one wrapped in pink, one in blue) and feeling complete and lucky. I just had to prepare myself for the fact that if the babies were not full term or under 2.5kg that they would need to be kept in NICU.

The reality: I was 36 weeks and 5 days when I called my doctor to let her know that I hadn’t felt the twins move that day and due to me having excess (and I mean excess) water retention – 40kg excess – I felt unbelievably lethargic. She insisted I go to the hospital ASAP. I drove myself there, with my dad, while my mum was at home looking after my little girl and my husband was on his way home from Abu Dhabi.

I arrived to the news that I needed an emergency C-section within the hour as I had severely high blood pressure, preeclampsia and both the babies and I were in danger. My husband only just made it into the theatre as I was being given an epidural, and within minutes my first baby Sienna was out and then 2 minutes later my son Rio was born (he came out in his sac, which was amazing to see). I couldn’t hold the babies as I was still shaking and in shock but I did mange to give them a kiss and, of course, I cried a lot!

Kate

(Maggie, 3.38 kg, born in Singapore) 

The dream: I didn’t really know what to expect and tried to be as open-minded about it as possible beforehand to avoid disappointment (and getting my hopes up). However there were some unexpected things that happened that are (now!) kind of funny…

The reality: My entry to the birthing suite got off to a rather inauspicious start: as soon as the door swung open, I ran to the toilet and threw up. Let the labour commence! Once I’d cleaned myself up and tried to settle in to deal with the contractions, a nurse came in and started asking questions about my health history. For some reason she was really fixated on a knee surgery I had when I was 14. “You’ll have to excuse me, I need to breathe through this contraction”, I told her rather drily. A number of my friends who’d recently given birth at the same hospital had raved about the fabulous nurses, which only seemed to exacerbate the fact that I was clashing with this one.

Round 2 came when she tried to make me get onto the bed in order to put the mobile contraction monitor on. I was kind of in a groove on the birthing ball and dealing with a particularly tough contraction at the exact moment she seemed to be trying to push me onto the bed. “GET THE F*** OFF ME!” I finally roared. She scurried out of the room and I looked at my husband and said, “You need to go see if they will send another nurse in here.”

Fortunately, a different woman did come and she was wonderful; she massaged my back, totally supported me wanting to be in comfortable positions, and answered my questions calmly and with a great deal of positivity. Unfortunately we’d arrived around 6pm, just before the nightly shift change, so she was only around for about an hour before heading home for the night. Much to my relief, though, the next shift of nurses were all great as well.

What’s more, my doctor happened to be on the ward already because another one of her patients was also in labour. Two friends who’d given birth with her had mentioned her appearing just minutes before delivery to essentially catch the baby (which I think is the norm with OBGYNs), but I lucked out and had her for the final 90 minutes or so of labour, and she was so awesome.

My daughter was born at 11:30pm, which meant we were only at the hospital for about 5.5 hours, and my labour was 18 hours all in. I’d like to think that exercising throughout pregnancy contributed to the relatively fast, smooth labour, but who knows? Leading up to the birth I had tried to minimise expectations, focusing only on what was within my control and staying as positive as possible with visualisations and HypnoBirthing affirmations. Other than the few brief hiccups with that first labour nurse (my expletive-filled outburst was somewhat less-than-zen), the experience was totally positive and went as well as I could have hoped.

Kaya

(Felix, 4.24 kgs; Arthur, 3.26 kgs and Violet 3.48 kgs, all born in Dubai)

The dream: The dream changed drastically from baby number 1 to baby number 3. With my first-born, Felix, I wrote out an extensive birth plan (that included classical music and essential oils); my second I based on my experience with number 1 (i.e get me an epidural immediately and make it all as quick as possible) and with Violet, my youngest, I was terrified that I’d give birth en route to hospital (based on middle child’s speedy arrival) so lived in constant fear of every twinge during the last couple of weeks!

The reality: First time round, I rolled over in bed one morning and couldn’t work out if I’d slightly wet myself (nice) or if this was the mysterious ‘waters breaking’. Hubby decided that we ought to head to hospital to check it out so after a shower and a very slow breakfast (yes, I was trying to delay the inevitable), off we went to hospital with my enormous bag, birthing ball, pillow, snacks, misty water face spray-thing and all the other stuff I thought important (and later realised wasn’t).

I was induced to get things moving – after which the contractions came on strong and I attempted to wander around the labour room while growling at anyone who came near me before demanding an epidural. And then everything was calm. Hubby and I watched Prison Break, had a little lunch – all very civilised – until the midwife announced that I was ready to have the baby! I found this really weird as the epidural was in full swing and I couldn’t feel a thing so had to follow instructions (unfortunately barked at me by a very fierce midwife) and eventually needed an episiotomy to help things along. A far cry from the calm scenario I’d envisaged, but all worth it for my beautiful first born Felix.

And my second baby? Completely different – in truly dramatic style, my waters broke while at dinner in Zuma (by the way this is incredibly rare despite what the movies will have you think) and we rushed to hospital where everything happened so fast that little Arthur was almost born while my husband was registering our arrival – with zero time for pain relief and one very surprised nurse present! Ditto with my little girl Violet, born within an hour of reaching the hospital, it was amazing how – with no drugs – my body just took over and did what it had to do – pushing and all! Painful? Yes, but it really is true that you very quickly forget.

Maura

(Eve Eileen, 3.4 kgs, born at Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong) 

The dream: A slow build to active contractions, which allowed me a number of hours at home to take a warm bath (shave my legs!), have a hot leisurely meal and blow out my hair before heading (somewhat) calmly to the hospital.

The reality: There wasn’t a slow build when it came to my labour. My contractions came on fast and furious and I had no time to really faff around at home before heading to the hospital. Once I got there, and things were progressing quite quickly, I had a small window to take an epidural, which I didn’t take (and then later desperately wanted!), so ended up going from start to finish drug-free. So as the contractions got stronger and stronger, I basically went in my head to deal with the situation and while my lovely husband did everything he could to be a solid support, I didn’t utter a single word to him throughout the whole process. He ended up playing the part of DJ (hip-hop was the music pumping throughout my labour) and giving one of his best buddies a play-by-play of the whole situation via text message. So, not the slow build I wanted but then again, it was the best way to put on my big girl pants and realise when it comes to being a mama, leisurely warm baths, hot meals or at-home blow outs are kind of a thing of the past!

Sofia

(Adam, 3.050 kg, Matilda International Hospital, Hong Kong)

The dream: There was no dream. Why? Because I was absolutely terrified of giving birth! Here is what I feared would happen: my waters would break while my husband was travelling. I would be rushed to hospital only to be told that my obstetrician was on holiday and that they’d run out of epidurals. After 24 hours of labour-ing, I’d pass out, get a massive episiotomy and they would have to use forceps.

The reality: Hubby got back from travelling (…) on a weekend and we went out with friends. I laughed so hard during dinner I “peed my pants”. The following morning things started to hurt, and we decided to check me in. At the hospital I was quickly given a ‘walking epidural’, which means you keep control of your lower body but most pain is numbed. Amazing. We spent the next 6 hours in labour watching ‘Friends’ on my computer. Once it was crunch time, my lovely obstetrician walked into the room and shouted, “Let’s have a baby”! There was no profanity (on my part), no stitches and certainly no forceps. Just a perfect baby.

Good luck to all you mamas-to-be out there – and whatever happens, there’ll be a beautiful baby to meet at the end of it all!

The post From Labour to Baby: The Sassy Mama Team Shares Their Stories appeared first on Sassy Mama.