Kinship

Childbirth is a right of passage and allows women to experience the body and mind’s awe-inspiring abilities. Although medical advancements have given us choices in the way we bring our babies into the world, these options have stripped away our belief in the power of the human body.

Ayurveda’s art of obstetrics can reduce the chance of disturbance during your pregnancy. When the expectant mother is showered with love, this will filter through to the baby.

The ongoing care of a female support person such as a doula can radically reduce the chance of caesarean. A doula is for your exclusive use, offering guidance, support and reassurance.

Carrying a baby is hard work and can often lead to back problems. The Feldenkrais method of body education has devised a series of movements that can re-educate your body to deal with this stress.

Become realistic about what you want from your children. Unrealistic expectations can have a damaging effect and stifle their growth prospects.

Therapies such as massage, kinesiology, osteopathy and acupuncture play an important role in treating a problem pregnancy.

The soaring epidural rates are distressing to say the least. Homebirths result in 70-80 per cent of births being procedure free – compared to 10 per cent of hospital births.

Treatment during pregnancy is intended to alleviate emotional and physical stress. Learn how homeopathy can restore the mind, body and soul to a feeling of wellbeing.

The philosophy behind hypnobirthing helps parents-to-be with the uncertainty and anxiety surrounding the birth of their child. Gain an understanding of how birthing muscles work in harmony when your body is relaxed.

The difference between breastmilk and infant formula is significant. Breastmilk is the most important food for your baby over the first year.

Alternative practitioners view a breech presentation differently from obstetricians. Their first instinct is to try different non-invasive ways to get the baby to turn.

The complications associated with circumision are not as rare as parents are led to believe. One in every 200 cases end in side effects with one in 500 leading to serious complications.