Risks of Vaginal Birth After C-section (VBAC)
Asha* (not her real name) was 37 weeks pregnant with her second baby. After a long day at work, she decided to take a nap before dinner. She was woken up by a sharp pain and a feeling of wetness. She...
View ArticleVaginal Birth after C-Section (VBAC)
Women who have had a baby by cesarean can have a choice to have the next baby vaginally (called a vaginal birth after cesarean, commonly known as VBAC). This decision however is made with extensive...
View ArticleElective Repeat Cesarean Section (ERCS)
Elective Repeat Cesarean Section refers to a planned repeat Cesarean birth. An ERCS is recommended if you have had a first Cesarean before. Reasons for a repeat Caesarian Section There are several...
View ArticleForceps, Vacuum Extraction and Episiotomy
There are a couple of common pregnancy and labour procedures that are done in Kenya. They include Forceps, Vacuum Extraction and Episiotomy. Forceps Forceps are spoon-like metal tongs that can speed up...
View ArticleAfter-pains
Some women have after pains, which are contractions that help your uterus get back to the size it was before you were pregnant. They feel like mild labour. They can hurt during the first two to three...
View ArticleLOCHIA (Vaginal Bleeding)
After your baby is born, you will have bleeding from your vagina. Bright red bleeding for the first ten to fourteen days is normal but there will be less of it as time goes on. By the second week, the...
View ArticleWhat Happens to Your Baby after Birth?
Most pregnant women only think about labor and birth. However, once your baby is finally born, there are several procedures that are followed soon after. The umbilical cord is clamped and cut. The baby...
View ArticleThe First Feed
The first breastfeeding should happen as soon after birth, as soon as you and your baby are ready. Your nurse should help you with positioning and latching for the first feed. Some babies will snuggle,...
View ArticleThe perineum
It is important to keep the perineal area clean by you using warm water each time you use the toilet. The flow of water and wiping should be from front to back. Remember to pat dry gently but...
View ArticleCommon Postpartum Complaints
1. Back and Pelvic Pain One of the most common complaints that you hear from new mums is, ‘I have a back ache!’ It is important to get treatment if the problem persists. But here are a few tips on how...
View ArticleCommon Questions on Recovery after Childbirth
A lot happens in the first few days after the birth of your child. Below are some of the questions mums ask about recovery after childbirth. 1. How long will it take to recover from a vaginal birth? It...
View ArticlePostpartum Depression
“I felt lonely and misunderstood as I was caring for my baby and I wondered if I could run away from it all.” If your ‘baby blues’ moments seem to last longer than just a few days, then you may be...
View ArticleCommon Problems During the Postpartum Period
The Postpartum period can be a difficult time for many women. Some of the more common problems include: Constipation (less often than usual or difficult bowel movements) Drink plenty of fluids to help...
View ArticlePostpartum Blues
The time after you give birth is a time of great emotional upheaval, a mixture of great joy and love yet at the same time you feel helpless and ill equipped for the task of caring for your newborn....
View ArticlePostpartum Nutrition
Postpartum is the period of time after birth. This period tends to be quite stressful and it is thus important for the new mum to be very keen about her postpartum nutrition as she takes care of her...
View ArticleLoosing The Pregnancy Weight And Tummy
It took around 40 weeks to gain the weight that you currently have and it does take a while to shed it off but with patience, good planning, proper diet and exercise you may get to a comfortable...
View ArticleVisitors After the Baby?
You have just gone through a 15 hour labour and finally, the baby is here! As soon as you settle in your bed to get some much needed rest, it is visiting hours and the first visitors arrive to greet...
View ArticleChoosing a Bra
One of the major changes that happen during pregnancy involve the breasts as they prepare for the all important job of nourishing your little one. Every woman is different and the size changes will...
View ArticlePreparing to go Back to Work?
One of the most traumatising days for me as a mum was when I had to leave my baby for the first time to continue with my usual routine of earning a living. I felt torn and apprehensive and as I walked...
View ArticleCommon Causes of Preterm Labor in Kenyan Mothers
Preterm labor is when a woman’s body starts showing signs of giving birth before their due date. In most cases, the labor begins three weeks before the expected delivery date and may result in the baby...
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