How we can help

If you are having difficulty understanding your options in childbirth, we are happy to help you. 

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We have helped countless women navigate the system. Whether you are being labelled 'high risk' and are not being supported by your care providers (eg you want a home birth but you have a high BMI) or you want to know more about VBAC, we are here to provide you with evidence based information. Informed consent is key & we will do everything we can to support you. 

""My baby was breech with so signs of turning. The hospital told me I was to book a planned C-section. I knew in my heart that my body could deliver my baby, but I had no support. I contacted WPCTS & they provided me with crucial information to make an informed decision. They even provided a service to help me write a letter to my trust in order to get the support I needed. I felt confident in my choices & armed with information. If I did not receive their support, I would have no doubt been coerced into a procedure I knew to be unnecessary. Thank you so much!"

Nikki S

BIRTH TIPS

SIGNS OF LABOUR

There are many signs that labour is approaching. It is a very exciting time. Many mama’s anticipate that first sign that the baby is on his way. Here are a few things to look out for. 

• Mucous plug

• Bloody show

• Diarrhea 

• Nesting behaviour 

• Baby ‘drops’

• Cramps

STAGES OF LABOUR

There are 3 stages of labour. The first stage has 2 parts. 

• Stage 1 - This is where you will experience contractions as your cervix begins to efface and dilate. 

  • EARLY LABOUR -  Early labour or (latent phase of labour) is categorised when your cervix is under 4cm dilated. You may experience regular or irregular contractions during this period. 

  • ESTABLISHED LABOUR - Established labour (or active phase of labour) this is when you have passed the 4cm mark. Your contractions are strong and regular. If you choose to give birth at a hospital, you will be asked to come in when your contractions are 3 in 10 minutes. This does not necessarily mean you are in established labour.  

• Stage 2- This is the pushing phase of labour. When you are 10cm Dilated. 

• Stage 3- Your placenta is born

It is worth noting that labels have been assigned to stages of labour. Birth does not follow a script. Many say there are no official ‘stages’ of labour. Your body will do what it needs to do, when it needs to do it. Having a time frame is not always helpful.