Breastfeeding is the best for babies and a healthy diet / maternal nutrition is important when breastfeeding. A decision not to breastfeed can be difficult to reverse. Infant formula is suitable from birth when babies are not breastfed. It is recommended that all formula milks be used on the advice of a doctor, midwife, health visitor, public health nurse, dietitian, pharmacist, or other professional responsible for maternal and child care and the financial implications should be considered. All preparation and feeding instructions should be followed carefully as inappropriate preparation could lead to health hazards.

What Causes Contractions & How Does It Feel Like

What causes contractions?

You feel a contraction when a hormone called oxytocin is released which encourages the muscles in your womb to tense and relax. The result is a hardening and tightening of your womb as your baby’s head pushes against your cervix, waiting to enter the outside world.

So what do contractions feel like?

Women feel contractions differently, but generally they begin as a cramp like a tight band around the top of your womb or something similar to period pains or a mild back ache.

Contractions, unlike Braxton Hicks have a regular pattern and rhythm to them. As you get closer to giving birth the contractions will become more intense and closer together.

Coping with contractions

During the first stage of labour, the breathing techniques you learned at your antenatal classes will be very useful. But once in hospital and the contractions become more severe you may want something else to help like gas and air or other pain relief. Thankfully, by the second stage of labour the contractions should become more bearable as you’ll be able to push your baby out.