Meet “Jaqui” - a pseudonym, with personal details disguised to protect her identity.

Welcome to one of those wonderfully “textbook perfect” birth journeys very common to my caseload.

Jaqui is in her late 20s and having her first baby. Labor begins spontaneously right on her Estimated Due Date - something that actually happens to only a minority of babies, despite our obsession with that magical 40-week date!

Her labour unfolds beautifully: around 4½ hours of first-stage (cervix dilatation) followed by 1½ hours of second stage (pushing), culminating in a lovely natural birth.

But Jaqui’s story also has an important clinical element: she is Hepatitis B positive. I talk through the routine precautions and post-birth care used to protect her newborn, including Hepatitis B vaccination and immunoglobulin, along with the chlorhexidine bathing protocol.

And then there is breastfeeding. Jaqui exclusively breastfeeds her baby, who gains an impressive 1 kg - a couple of pounds - in the first 30 days of life ...such a usual journey for my ladies - it's all just about receiving enough education and support.

A beautifully straightforward birth story, with some fascinating clinical lessons woven through it - and a wonderful example of just how well normal physiological birth and breastfeeding can unfold.

WANT TO FEEL GENUINELY PREPARED FOR BIRTH & BABY?
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I'm a retired senior midwife and best-selling maternity author. Discover my books, articles and other pregnancy, birth & baby resources at www.KathyFray.com

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