Many women are offered a ‘stretch and sweep’ in late pregnancy. But what is this, why and how is it done, does it work and can you say no?
What is a stretch and sweep?
Tag: articles
What’s true, pussycat?
Sara Wickham riffs about cats at birth, cats in maternity care and just how much we can learn by being open to other ways of knowing.
Pinard Wisdom
How do you use a pinard? Sara Wickham and other experienced midwives offer tips, tricks and suggestions for those wanting to develop this skill.
Seven reasons to question headlines about the benefits of epidural
In 2024, a study about the benefits of epidural analgesia was published in the British Medical Journal. It was discussed in an editorial, and was also highlighted by the mass media. The study (Kearns et al 2024) was about epidural…
A seasonal story about chicks, pants and common sense…
Learning from the hen house: Sara Wickham’s seasonal story about chicks, pants and common-sense wisdom.
Ten things I wish every woman knew about induction of labour
The most important things you need to know before deciding whether or not to have an induction of labour. There are pros and cons and no ‘right’ way.
Four vitamin K myths – and the truth
Dr Sara Wickham shares and unpacks four commonly-seen vitamin K myths, explaining why some information sources have got it wrong.
Less is more…
When less may be more. Sara Wickham writes about the human tendency to want to prioritise action and ‘doing more’, when this may not be the best solution.
A midwife’s guide to birth fairies
Sara Wickham describes some of the birth fairies that hide around the labour ward in a fun article originally written for the holiday issue of a journal.
Screening and the consequences of knowledge
Is it always good to know things, just because we can? Sara Wickham explores the consequences of knowledge.