Margaret Sommeling

When people prepare for birth, they are often told to create a birth plan. But there’s a problem with that word — plan. Plans feel fixed. Rigid. Like something that can “go wrong.” So instead, let’s talk about something more powerful: a birth map. What is a Birth Map? A birth map is not about controlling birth. It’s about understanding your options. Think about it like a real map. A map doesn’t promise the journey will go a certain way. It simply shows you: Different paths Possible detours...

Labour can be an intense experience, full of strong emotions and physical sensations. One way to help manage this is through anchoring—a simple technique that uses your senses to create calm and focus during birth. Anchoring connects a specific feeling or memory to a sensory trigger, helping you feel more in control when you need it most. This post explains how anchoring works with all five senses and gives easy examples you can try. Whether you’re preparing for birth yourself or supporting...

(Review of Chapter 1 from the book by Dr Kirsten Small) When you are in labour, healthcare professionals usually monitor your baby’s heartbeat. The reason is simple: they want to check if your baby is coping well with labour. Most people assume that more monitoring means more safety. But according to obstetrician and researcher Dr Kirsten Small , the story may not be that simple. Her book explores the research behind fetal heart rate monitoring so pregnant people can make informed decisions...