Important Links & Documents

Signs that your baby is getting enough milk include regular wet and dirty nappies, steady weight gain, and your baby seeming satisfied after feeding. If you have concerns about your baby’s intake or your milk supply, contact your midwife or a lactation consultant for support.

During the postpartum period, expect some physical and emotional adjustments as your body recovers and you bond with your baby. Use relaxation techniques to support healing and manage stress. Rest when you can, eat well, and reach out for support from your midwife, family, and friends.

If your baby gets sick, stay calm and monitor their symptoms. A temperature of 36.5 - 37.5 degrees is normal. Ensure your baby stays hydrated and comforted. Contact your midwife or GP for guidance. Trust your instincts and seek medical attention if you feel it’s necessary.

It's totally up to you. Some women find the electrical stimulation very helpful with the discomfort related to birthing pains. We have them available hire if you are interested, just contact us via email or phone and we'll send you a link (depending on availability)

Send us text of when you are due and we will get back to you as soon as possible - 027 381 0770 (Midwives: Lily Gough & Lindsay Kinman)

Text us during business hours: 027 381 0770. We may be at a birth or with another client, please be patient if we don't answer right away. You can also send us an email at lilyandlavenderbirth@gmail.com

Morning sickness can be eased by eating small, frequent, protein-rich meals, staying well-hydrated and avoiding strong smells. Acupuncture can help ease nausea. Ginger and vitamin B6 supplements can also help reduce nausea. If vomiting persists, consult your midwife to make an ongoing management plan. Morning sickness usually resolves at 12-14 weeks of pregnancy.

Yes, exercise is generally safe and beneficial during pregnancy. Engage in moderate activities like walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga. Always listen to your body and stay in tune with your comfort and well-being. Consult your midwife if you have any concerns. A good rule of thumb is that if you did it before you were pregnant, it is generally safe to continue. If you did not exercise before pregnancy, now is a good time to start!

Avoid raw or undercooked meats, unpasteurised dairy products, certain fish high in mercury, and raw eggs. Limit caffeine intake and avoid alcohol. Focus on a balanced diet to support healthy choices for you and your baby. For a comprehensive list see: https://www.mpi.govt.nz/dmsdocument/7251-Food-safety-in-pregnancy-pullout-guide.

Yes, Hypnobabies Hypnobirthing is effective for all birth settings, including hospital births. Use your Hypnobabies tracks, scripts, and relaxation techniques to create a calm and positive birthing environment, regardless of the location.

To relieve back pain, maintain good posture, wear supportive shoes, avoid lifting heavy objects, and practice pregnancy-safe exercises like pelvic tilts and stretching. Prenatal massage, seeing a chiropractor or using a maternity support belt can also be beneficial.

To prepare for breastfeeding, educate yourself about the process, attend a breastfeeding class, and consider talking to a lactation consultant. Having a support system and access to breastfeeding supplies like a good-quality pump and nursing bras is also helpful.

While stretch marks can be difficult to prevent entirely, maintaining a healthy weight, staying well-hydrated, eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, and moisturising your skin regularly can help. Create a self-care routine that includes applying products with vitamin E, cocoa butter, and shea butter to reduce their appearance.

During pregnancy, common discomforts include nausea, fatigue, and back pain. These can be managed through proper nutrition, rest, and gentle exercise. It's essential to consult your midwife for personalised advice.

Signs of labour include regular, strong abdominal cramping, a bloody show (also called a mucous plug), waters breaking/membranes rupturing, and lower back pressure. If you experience these birthing signs contact your midwife to discuss the next steps.

Pack essentials like comfortable clothing, heat pack, toiletries, snacks, water bottle, phone charger, baby clothes, nappies, and a car seat. Include any items that will help you stay calm and focused during your birthing time, such as your birth plan.

To reduce the risk of tearing, practise perineal massage in the weeks leading up to your birthing time, eat a healthy diet, ensure you are well hydrated, use warm perineal compresses during birth, avoid lying on your back when pushing and follow your midwife’s guidance to control the pace of the birth. Staying relaxed can help your body open gently and easily. Birthing in a birth pool can also help reduce the risk of tearing.

Various positions can help you stay comfortable during birthing, including upright positions like walking or standing, squatting, hands-and-knees, and side-lying. Use visualisations and deep relaxation techniques to find what feels best for you.

Your birth partner can support you by offering snacks and sips of water regularly, providing physical comfort measures like massage or applying pressure to your back, and maintaining a calm and positive environment. It is important they remain mentally present and be patient. Your birth partner should also advocate for your birth plan and help you stay focused.

If you need an induction or medical intervention, stay calm and use your relaxation techniques. Listen to your body and communicate with your healthcare team. Discuss with your midwife the tools you can use to stay comfortable and focused, even in changing circumstances.

Practise daily affirmations, visualisations, and deep relaxation techniques to build confidence in your body’s ability to birth your baby comfortably and safely. Consider signing up for an Antenatal/Childbirth class to answer any questions you may have. Consider taking a Hypnobabies or Hypnobirthing class to support relaxation techniques.

To ensure a positive birth experience, practise your relaxation techniques regularly and create a supportive birth plan. Surround yourself with positive and supportive people, and trust in your body’s natural ability to birth comfortably and safely.

Your midwife’s role during your birthing time is to support you and ensure the safety of you and your baby. They will monitor your progress, provide medical care as needed, and support you during the entire labour. Communicate your birth plan and preferences with your midwife so they can best support your desired birthing experience.

Yes, many women can have a vaginal birth after a caesarean (VBAC). Discuss your options with your midwife to create a safe birth plan. Remain calm and confident about your birthing choices.

Yes! Contact us via email or phone and we'll send you a link (depending on availability)