Now, more than ever, parents are bombarded with information and ways to do things and there are more 'experts' than ever before.
After working with parents in pregnancy, for and during birth and with their babies, for over 20 years, there are common themes with the challenges, fears and worries.
Parents can end up battling with their babies, feeling stressed and worried about getting it wrong, spending a small fortune on promised quick fixes.
Both birth and babies are pretty unique and there isn't one solution: instincts, calm, patience, support, waiting and a gentle approach can make a huge difference.
Listen to your body, listen to your instincts and you'll be guided more about what feels right and what you need.
If you can know more about the basics of how labour and birth works, and how babies work, you can know more about the range of what is normal and find strategies to work through the challenges rather than trying to fix what probably isn't broken.
I'm working out how I can reach more parents with good, basic knowledge - because it doesn't need to be complicated - supported by honest and open conversations for support and reassurance.
Parenting can feel like the dark arts of seeking mysterious information and I really need to demystify this with simple information based on evidence and experience.
Just think about how reassured a parent could feel if they knew that it's normal for babies not to sleep through the night, and to feel comfortable with that.
Or to know that it's normal and completely expected for babies to want to cling and be close so they can feel safe.
Having this knowledge doesn't stop any of this being tough but it does provide an understanding of why different decisions can be needed in labour and why babies can behave they way they do.
It feels like I am trying to achieve something simple yet monumental and I will need your help to get involved, to comment, to share your experiences and tell other parents.
Thank you for reading - this stuff is important and I'd love it if you could join me with this.
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