The Herpes Simplex Virus causes cold sores and genital herpes. It is a common affliction of hundreds of thousands of people and is usually seen as quite a minor, yet uncomfortable, ailment. The virus does not always present itself with symptoms.
The Herpes Simplex Virus can cause problems for newborns and can pose a serious risk to their health.
Babies can contract the Herpes Simplex Virus during birth (from the birth canal), if he or she is kissed by someone who suffers from cold sores or if someone touches a cold sore …

Group B Streptococcus is a bacteria which can be found in our bodies, most commonly in the vagina and rectum. To us it is completely harmless however it can cause problems for a baby during a vaginal delivery.
Most women will have Group B Strep bacteria present in their bodies at one time or another and around 25% of pregnant women in the UK have it. It can dissappear before labour but if still present at the point of labour and delivery and not properly managed it can lead to early …

It is easy to be a mum to be. You might have to push a small human out of a dramatically smaller exit accompanied by agonising pain and blood at least you know what to expect. Having obsessed about the birth, read about the birth, had one to one attention from your midwife and heard stories and advice from every woman you know there is little left that is a mystery. All you need to do now is let your body and nature lead the way.
Dads have it tough. They know …

Every mum and dad to be will fleetingly worry about the possibility of not making it to the hospital on time and having to deliver their own baby. In reality the vast majority of labours take a long time and give a lot of warning signs so this rarely happens however it is useful for all parents to be and birth partners to know what to do. Not only so they can cope in the case of an emergency but also to slightly dispel their fears.
So here are the steps …

When a baby is first born doctors assess how healthy they are to see if they need any help. They do this by giving them an APGAR score.
APGAR is an acronym for Activity, Pulse, Grimace, Appearance and Respiration. Each of these is assessed immediately after your baby is born. The test was invented in 1952 by anesthesiologist Virginia Apgar.
 
Scores are given between 0 and 2 with the healthiest babies getting a total of 10 (5 x 2).
The scoring is as follows;
Activity: This is testing the movement and muscle tone with a …

Lochia is postnatal bleeding. Once baby and placenta have left your womb there will still be some matter left in your womb. The matter which needs to be discharged is the lining of your womb and it is this which is called lochia.
Lochia will start like a heavy period and over a few weeks will turn to a light period and finally a pink then yellow-white discharge.
The bleeding will last between 2 and 6 weeks and you should start off with maternity pads (a thick panty liner) then move towards …