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Preparing Older Siblings for a Planned Caesarean: A Research‑Informed Guide for Families

Positive Birth - 2nd baby, group B step and diabetes........ This amazing mumma did baby classes with us with baby number 1 and then joined our Better Birth class with baby number 2. Sometimes our pregnancy journey chances our birth preferences and hopes, but with the amazing support of her midwife and medical team this mumma had a truly positive experience ......... "At 39 weeks, it was time to bring my second baby into the world. Despite being considered high-risk due to strep B, gestational diabetes, and my age of 42, I felt ready and supported having been through the amazing Mummyas Village, Better Birth course with Steph. Opting for an induction, the only step needed was having my waters broken, as then contractions began just five minutes later, and within four hours, my beautiful baby was born. Yes, there were challenges; the baby was back-to-back, which brought intense pain and a constant urge to push. But the experience was transformed by the extraordinary care of my midwife, Livi. Her kindness, support, and expertise were nothing short of miraculous. She went above and beyond, ensuring my perineum stayed intact despite the baby’s shoulder dystocia and nuchal hand—a remarkable feat given my previous third-degree tear. Livi was supported by a fantastic team and I must make a special mention to Grace, another wonderful midwife who came in towards the end and gave me a lot of physical and mental support when I needed it most. Livi and the rest of the team at the Royal Surrey were incredible and I can't thank them enough for all they have done for us"

Positive Birth - First baby, water birth

This amazing mumma has been in our village for a while now, doing classes with her three little ones and always being a champion and supporter of others in class! Habiba's story shows how being informed about your choices and advocating for yourself can make all the difference! "This was my third labour so I was going into it very anxious, knowing a bit more of what to expect, but also having heard MANY stories that I hadn’t asked to hear, of other births over the past six years of having my children. My first two births were very painful at the pushing stage, both of which I was lying on my back for. Ahead of this labour I did a lot of research on your pelvis during birth and was able to activate my learning while in labour (on all fours, legs together etc). I was able to feel the baby come down and whilst it was intense, I was very present for each final contraction and it felt a lot more natural and I didn’t need much guidance from the midwives. All my labours have been induced (pessary and waters breaking), and have never had any further intervention. During this one as I hadn’t progressed “as desired” at 3 hours in, a Dr was insisting on syntocinon (artificial oxytocin). My midwife and I advocated for me, knowing my contractions were intensifying and to give me more time. The baby came 1.5 hours after! My learning has been to trust your gut, focus on your breathing, and think about your position. Always take on board what medical advice you receive but don’t forget to lean into what your body is telling you. Labour is intense there is no doubt about it, but our bodies are built to do it. Don’t be disappointed if it doesn’t go “as planned” because sometimes the baby has other ideas."

This gorgeous mumma did baby classes with us when she had her first baby. This time around she came along to our Better Birth class too as she prepared for her home birth: "Following a straightforward (rather quick!) hospital birth with my first baby, my husband and I both agreed home would be the safest place to birth my second baby. I felt excited at the prospect of being in my own home comforts and ultimately not having to endure the car journey to hospital in labour. My due date came and went, as I expected, due to my first baby being born a week late. I was enjoying the glorious May weather and making the most of my quiet days whilst my toddler went to nursery. Now 4 days overdue but still patiently waiting, I went on a dog walk with my neighbour and my mum. We got back home around 2.30pm. Spent a couple of hours talking, laughing and eating a pineapple with my mum at home. (Yes - I was trying all the old wives tales at this point!). Our chatter developed into reminiscing with my mum about her own birth stories. Being a midwife myself, I love talking about anything birth! I soon noticed whilst chatting that I was getting the occasional back pain. Sat on my birthing ball for a while to see if it eased at all. By around 4pm, I realised they had a bit of a pattern. Still completely manageable however I thought perhaps a good idea to set my tens machine up. I loved the tens machine - worked wonders for my back pain! Shortly after, my husband returned from work and I excitedly suggested to him that ‘things might be happening!’. He asked if I wanted him to inflate the pool but I felt it was too early. We carried on chatting in between contractions sat on the sofa. At 5pm, I felt an intense contraction and I decided it was time to inflate and fill the pool and time to get a midwife round! Husband listened, agreed and sprung into action along with the help of my mum. Still using my tens machine, I was walking around the living room listening to my birthing playlist on Spotify watching the pool fill. My husband nipped out to collect my toddler from nursery at around 5:45. Still no midwives currently present, I knew things were ramping up but stayed as calm as I could. My little boy came in and saw the pool. He was excited to see what looked like a big paddling pool in the living room. After initially asking if he could get into the pool, he quickly remembered from a homebirth storybook we had been reading that it was for the baby! Quick kiss and cuddle and I said my goodbyes to him, my sister whisked him away for a sleepover. Not long after 6pm, my wonderful named midwife arrived (along with her most calming presence). A quick hop into the pool around 6.20 and I went my whole body relax. The contractions were powerful and strong but I was well supported by my husband and mum with soft words of encouragement and touch. I held onto a birth comb throughout and felt this really helped me. Just gone 7pm, our baby boy surfaced in the water. Everything felt so calm and quiet and was utterly perfect. A few checks were performed by the midwives whilst my baby stayed skin to skin with me throughout. Was not long before I was helped upstairs to my bed with a huge bowl of popcorn! The midwives slipped off under the moonlight and I remember feeling at peace and so perfect to have the night just the three of us. Big brother was dropped off the next day, and it’s true what they say, my heart doubled in size for my two boys 🥰 I will shout about positive birth from the rooftops to anyone who will listen. I recommend all to check out homebirth research and statistics - they are incredible! Although birth, however it comes, can be magical"

This gorgeous family have been in class with us for a few months now. They are a perfect example of the fact that you never know someone else's journey. You never know what someone has been through to get to where they are today. Always be kind! "I thought I’d share my birth story as my journey to motherhood was very unique. I have a congenital myopathy (muscle wasting disease) and an allergy to general anaesthetic for which I am under the care of the neurology team at St George’s hospital London. Oliver is a PGT-M (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic disorders) b aby. This had to go to a genetic panel in London for ethical approval ( as do all genetic IVF treatments) this was approved by the panel and so our journey began. We were sent to a clinic in central London for our treatment and the whole process took just over a year before implantation of our embryo was undertaken. Out of 26 eggs collected 12 were fertilised and only 4 were genetically clear of not only my genetic conditions but all known genetic conditions. The first 12 weeks of my pregnancy was under the clinic in central London and we were then transferred to the antenatal clinic at St George’s so that the neurologists could liaise with the antenatal team to ensure a safe pregnancy for both Oliver and I. Although the journey to London for every midwife and consultant appointment was hard I couldn’t have had better care both from the clinic and St George’s. Oliver was due at the beginning of November but for safety reasons a scheduled c section was planned for Halloween. Oliver decided he did not want to wait this long and at 36+6 my waters broke. As you can imagine driving to London (with all the A3 closures) at 11pm in a horrendous storm was interesting to say the least). I was admitted but told that I would be monitored for now as only life or death C-sections take place during the night as there is less staff around if an emergency occurred. I was given medication the help with the pain and monitored to ensure my labour didn’t progress to quickly (as this was considered unsafe due to my muscle disease and the complications full labour could cause my muscles). By 6.30 am I was being prepped for my C-section and asked what music I wanted to listen to while Oliver was being born. The C-section was beautiful! Considering it was still considered an emergency, staff took great care of us! Everything was calm and explained well at every step. Oliver was born on the 17th October on a hunters super moon. We were very lucky to be given a private room where my husband and I were able to bond with Oliver and recover from the adrenaline of his sudden appearance, in our own little bubble. Although a lot of excitement is taken out of an IVF pregnancy with all the procedures and appointments and of course injections and the strain this causes on many marriages (including my own). I wouldn’t change any of it for the beautiful boy we now get to raise. Do let me know if you want anymore information about my journey, my husband and I are very open about the whole thing as it helped us to deal with each stage by talking to people but also to stop the when are you having children questions!"

Practical tips for the first week of Reception, from calmer mornings and clear goodbyes to after school meltdowns, snacks and gentler routines.

Simple ways to help your child feel emotionally ready for Reception, including talking about school, easing separation and sharing what helps them settle.

Practical, pressure free skills to practise before Reception, from dressing and toileting to asking for help, turn taking and managing belongings.

Child Development - Visual Tracking

Child Development - Inhibitory Control

Re-usable Nappies……Where Do I Start? I first looked into reusable nappies in 2018, when my first born was 6 months old. I had thought about reusables prior to having children but when he arrived I just went with disposables, I think I was more excited about having a new baby than anything else! At 6 months, on Instagram, I saw an advert and it reminded me of my original interest. A cute fluffy cloth bum can do that to you! I had no idea where to start though!!!! We had no nappy library near to us, so I was doing mainly research online and stumbled across a brand, bought a starter kit and hoped for the best. It wasn’t great. The nappies were good but I had no idea about boosters, how to secure the nappy and fix it, even how to wash! Subsequently we had so many leaks, I just put them back in the box. Only a few weeks later- I found out I was pregnant with my second child. We had moved area a couple months prior to finding out I was expecting, to Essex (where my husband is from) and luckily found a reusable nappy library and expert! She came to our house as part of her service and stayed with us for a few hours talking about all the types of nappies available (two parters, wraps, pockets, all in one) and the difference in materials- microfibre, bamboo etc and spoke very anecdotally too. She had a load to feel and try (on a doll) and did offer a hire service. Instead, we got out my old stash I had bought for my son, and made a vow to give it another go with what we had. When my daughter arrived the following spring, we went into it with a mix of reusable and disposable to get us used to it, and to process mistakes and make improvements if we needed. We could also try a nappy at a time and build up our stash from there. As you can see from the pictures of my tiny newborn, getting the fit right was a struggle!! But if at first you don’t succeed…. For me, pocket nappies stashed with boosters is my favourite nappy to use, and I prefer poppers to velcros but this is completely personal! That’s why it’s important to just try as many styles as you can, either through a library or checking marketplaces and Vinted. If you are lucky to have a voucher incentive that’s an additional bonus!! I’m now using reusables with my youngest daughter, who was born in October 2022. We still have the odd leak but my confidence (and collection!!) has soared and I’m so proud of my little cloth bum babe. My top tips are; 👶 hire nappies (from a library) or buy preloved (Facebook and Vinted) to try different styles of nappy (if you aren’t lucky to get the voucher incentive) 👶 you can also use groups on Facebook and social media for ideas (clothbumz UK is a good one) 👶 with disposable nappies you flare out the tabs around the bum- DONT do this with cloth. In fact, tuck it in (this prevents leaks) 👶 grab a bucket or fabric pail to put dirty nappies in at home by your washing machine (this will prevent smells) 👶 similarly don’t forget a wet bag for nappies when out and about! Heidi Trask - Mum of 3 Attends The Mummas Village classes in Godalming

National Adoption Week - Ellie's Story 

Baby Loss Awareness Week - Rachel's story

The arrival of a new sibling can be such an overwhelming time for a little person, I wanted to share some of my top tips with you:-  🚼 - When you are pregnant don't blame not being unable to do things on the baby. "I can't carry you because of the baby in my tummy" or "I can't play on the floor because of the baby" can lead the older child to resenting their new sibling before they have even arrived! Baby is ruining all the things to love to do with mummy! Instead just say its too difficult for you "I can't pick you up right now as my back is sore, how about we hold hands instead?" or "I wont' be able to get back up if I sit on the floor, how about we put the train set on the table today"  ✨ - When the older child meets their new sibling for the first time make sure that its not mummy who is holding the baby. Whether you are in hospital or at home either pop the baby in their crib or leave them in the car seat for a few moments and greet your older child with free, open arms to give them the giant hugs you have no doubt both been missing with a bump in the way!  🎁 - Get the older child a gift from the new baby, something you think they will really love and be excited about and take them shopping to buy a gift for their new baby when it arrives. Let them pick a special new cuddly toy or the home from hospital outfit.  🤱 - When feeding the new baby just as you would set yourself up with a drink, snack, phone and remote control in easy reach ready for those epic newborn feeding session, ensure you do the same for the older child. So have a drink, snack, game, potty, ipad/tablet, peppa pig on loop ready to go before you sit down.  👼 - Even the most chilled out, calm little people can struggle with the arrival of a new baby in the home. I've heard bringing a new baby home compared to your partner bringing a third person in to your relationship and telling you "its ok, I love you both the same!", its tough going for your older child! Give them time, cuddle them and kiss them and tell them how much you love them ALL THE TIME! Its total normal to have regression of potty training, sleeping, feeding themselves, anything really! They may crave being the baby again. Be patient, it will pass.  📸 - Show the older child photos and videos of them as a baby. The won't remember that time so tell them all about how they spent all day snuggled on your chest and how much fun you had together getting to know one another. Tell them about the time when it was just the 2 of you and how special and magical that was and how much they compare or differ to their sibling. Then tell them all about the future fun they will have with their sibling and let them take photos of their new baby too.  💞 - Its a big change for them and you, but I promise it is worth it! The love you have in your heart now doesn't need to be shared or divided. When the new baby arrives they bring with them a whole heap of new love for the family x   Steph Standing Co-Founder & Director The Mummas Village Limited 

Baby Loss Awareness 2023 - Emma's story

Ellie shares her beautiful daughter Sophia:

Bending the milestones

A story of shock, survival, and my tiny twin babies!