MY EXPERT MIDWIFE
We’re here to help you throughout your pregnancy journey from the first trimester, to helping you recover and expertly care for your newborn with our midwife developed skincare and midwife expertise.
How can I improve my nutrition whilst trying to conceive?
• Your fertility and your chances of becoming pregnant improve when you have adequate levels of certain nutrients
• Adopting a Mediterranean-style diet, full of fresh fruit and vegetables, healthy fats, whole grains, fish and seafood, with some poultry and dairy products and only limited quantities of red meat, has been shown to improve fertility
• It can be difficult to achieve optimal levels of specific nutrients through diet alone, however. So, alongside having a well-balanced diet and improving some lifestyle habits, the best way to improve your fertility is to take a good quality fertility-specific supplement. This will ensure any deficiencies are taken care of, improving your chances of conceiving a healthy pregnancy
• WOMEN Pre-conception + Pregnancy Supplement is an evidence-based, natural and vegan formula. It has been expertly developed by midwives, a dietitian, and a fetal medicine and obstetrics consultant to safeguard your nutrition and comprehensively support you from the moment you start trying to conceive and throughout your pregnancy
• Continue to take WOMEN Pre-conception + Pregnancy Supplement after you see that magic line on your pregnancy test to support your nutritional needs and your immune system during pregnancy, and help you to grow a healthier baby
• As per UK Department of Health recommendations, it contains 400ug folic acid - in the naturally occurring and easily absorbed form of folate (L-Methylfolate) – and 10ug vitamin D
How can my partner boost his health when trying to conceive?
• Sperm count and quality, male libido and erectile function can all improve with optimal levels of specific micronutrients
• The first step to improving male fertility is to adopt a nutrient-rich diet, similar to a Mediterranean diet: full of fresh fruit and vegetables, healthy fats, whole grains, fish and seafood, with some poultry and dairy products and only limited quantities of red meat
• The second step is to supplement essential vitamins, minerals and other micronutrients that may be difficult to obtain from foods in the right amounts
• Studies have shown that taking optimal doses of essential, fertility-boosting micronutrients improves the quality and quantity of sperm, male libido and erectile function, and helps maintain a healthy male urological (reproductive) system in the long term
• MEN Pre-conception Supplement is an evidence-based, natural and vegan formula. It has been expertly developed by midwives alongside a dietitian to optimise male fertility and boost their daily nutritional requirements, getting them into the best possible nutritional condition to conceive
• When a man’s physical and sexual health is improved, their psychological health benefits too, positively impacting their life and relationships and, in turn, their approach towards trying for a baby
How to manage pregnancy nausea
• Unfortunately, there’s no miracle cure for pregnancy nausea
• Listen to your body and try eating and drinking little and often, favouring bland foods
• Consuming lemon, ginger and peppermint in whichever form you like can help alleviate sickness
• Plan in more sleep and relaxation if you can, as tiredness can make nausea seem worse
• Try Soothing Ginger Melts as part of your toolkit to help you through this part of your pregnancy journey
How to soothe tight, stretching skin in pregnancy
• The skin on your tummy, legs and all over your body will grow quickly to accommodate your growing baby
• Taking cooler showers and baths can soothe itchy skin
• Wear cooling natural fibres and stay out of direct sunlight
• Try Fantastic Skin Elastic, a rich serum which offers relief to skin anywhere on your body and can help to reduce the appearance of pregnancy stretch marks
How to prepare your perineum for birth
• Perineal massage from 35 weeks can prepare your perineum for birth, and so help reduce the chances of tearing or needing an episiotomy during childbirth
• Massage for three to four minutes, three to four times a week
• Try Peri Prep Your Bits, a softening and moisturising oil developed by midwives which contains a unique blend of natural essential oils to help nourish, protect and promote skin elasticity
What can I do to help soreness after childbirth?
• After childbirth, the perineum has stretched and may be sore and bruised
• Using Spritz for Bits will cool the area and help soothe discomfort, straight after birth and in the first few weeks, and can be used on stitches
• Spritz for Bits can help with perineal hygiene as well as swelling and general discomfort around the vulva area. It can also be stored in the fridge to provide much needed, extra cooling relief
• It can be used in pregnancy and post-birth for haemorrhoids, as well as on a C-section wound once it is closed
What can I do after childbirth to aid my recovery?
• Rest and self-care are important after all types of birth to help the body and mind recover
• If you have stitches, keeping the area clean will minimise the risk of infection
• Take regular pain relief, if needed, to help you feel more comfortable as you heal
• Have a daily bath using Soak for Bits to help soothe and relax tired muscles. It contains premium Epsom salts blended with essential oils of tea tree and calendula, for their anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, and bergamot, which aids relaxation. It also contains added arnica to help bruising and swelling. Can be used during pregnancy and post-birth
How can I protect my nipples from soreness when breastfeeding?
• Regular moisturising and protection are important to prevent the nipples from cracking and becoming sore
• Sore nipples can occur with poor positioning and attachment, so seeking breastfeeding support may be needed
• Use a lanolin-based balm, like No Harm Nipple Balm, which is natural, forms a protective barrier against friction and chafing, and does not need to be removed before breastfeeding
How can I give my baby’s skin the best start from newborn?
• Avoid products that contain harsh ingredients as these strip natural moisturising oils from the skin, causing irritation
• Choose products specially formulated with ingredients that are gentle for newborn skin such as Mega Mild Cleansing Wash, made with anti-inflammatory and moisture-retaining marshmallow, and soothing oatmeal
• Always moisturise your baby’s skin after bathing and choose a mild moisturiser such as Mega Mild Moisture Milk, formulated with moisturising shea butter, hydrating argan oil, and anti-inflammatory rich rosehip oil.
• Top and tail clean your baby when newborn and bath them a maximum of two to three times weekly
How can I keep my baby’s skin soft & hydrated?
• A baby’s skin is 30% thinner than adult’s skin and more prone to losing moisture and drying out
• Moisturise at least daily with a gentle and naturally-formulated moisturiser like Mega Mild Moisture Milk, which contains shea butter and moisturising argan, coconut and oat kernel oils
• Always moisturise after bathing your baby to lock in moisture and prevent skin from drying out
How can I protect my baby from dribble rash?
• Change your baby’s bib and any wet clothes regularly to prevent prolonged contact with their skin and protect it from dribble rash
• Use an effective but gentle barrier on your baby’s chin, cheeks, neck and chest. Totally Immense Dribble Defence has the staying power of lanolin to reduce applications and contains soothing calendula, as well as nourishing castor, grapeseed and apricot oils
• Milk and food dribbles, as well as teething drool, are the main cause of dribble rash. Regularly soaking the dribble with a gentle and absorbent muslin cloth will help keep their skin dry and healthy
How can I protect delicate newborn skin from nappy rash?
• Most babies experience sore skin or nappy rash at some point, and this is most commonly caused by prolonged contact with a wet or dirty nappy, friction from an ill-fitting nappy, allergies, illness, or certain medications
• The best way to prevent and treat nappy rash is to recognise it and respond to it quickly
• Use a daily protection routine of regular nappy changes, nappy-free time and the use of a barrier cream to help reduce nappy rash
• Using a protective balm like No Harm Bum Balm is ideal, as it contains lanolin – forming a natural barrier which still allows the skin to ‘breathe’ – calendula to reduce soreness and redness and selected oils to nourish and protect the skin
How can I massage my baby at home?
• Baby massage is a lovely way to bond with your baby and its benefits are wide-ranging for babies, their parents and their families
• Begin as soon as you are both ready and massage your baby between feeds and when they are quiet and alert
• Gather everything you need (massage balm, towel, and nappy changing bag) and prepare the room so that it’s warm and comfortable
• Wash your hands, undress your baby, put a little massage balm on your hands and rub them together
• Let your baby know it’s massage time and use firm but gentle strokes, maintaining eye contact and following baby’s lead
• To finish, gently replace the nappy and cuddle your baby (do skin-to-skin, if you wish) Mega Calm Massage Balm is perfect for a soothing, bonding baby massage. Developed by midwives, approved by paediatricians and dermatologically tested, it’s completely free from artificial ingredients and fragrance and can be used on the most delicate and sensitive skin
How can I help to soothe my baby’s small patches of dry skin?
• You can support your baby’s skin by having plenty of skin-to-skin contact to populate their skin flora and help develop their microbiome - which in turn helps them to develop a more robust immune system
• Your baby’s own microbiome helps to naturally develop their skin. So, by targeting specific areas of skin which need support and extra moisture, it leaves the areas which are okay to develop naturally, supporting your baby’s microbiome
• Try Super Charged Skin Salve to target and soothe dry, sore and inflamed skin, and create a protective barrier. It has been developed by midwives, is dermatologically tested, paediatrician-approved and suitable for eczema-prone skin
How can I help to soothe & settle my baby after they are 3 months old?
• An unsettled baby is trying to communicate with you and needs to be held and soothed
• Check that they are clean, dry, fed, and warm, and cuddle them to help them release stress in the safety of your arms
• Super Settle Cleansing Wash and Super Settle Moisture Milk have been formulated for use on babies over three months old. They contain specially selected essential oils such as mandarin, to relax and soothe pain, dill and frankincense to help with digestive ailments, and chamomile to calm and protect against inflammation and pathogens
• Babies whose cries are responded to quickly learn that they are safe and loved, and that their needs are tended to, and this helps build a trusting and loving relationship between you
How can I access My Expert Midwife Antenatal Classes?
• Use the ‘book now link’ to access On-Demand Antenatal Classes, delivered by three Midwives and two Doctors, all experts in clinical or parent education
• You will learn all about preparing for labour, birth and your journey into parenthood, with over seven hours of video content covering 137 key topics on pregnancy, birth and baby
• You will gain access to our MEMbers Club, where you can ask our midwives questions or access support from the community through conversation and sharing advice
