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Learn English: Aussie slang Slang Slang is a type of language consisting of words and phrases that are regarded as very informal, are mainly used in speech, and not generally used in writing at all. The unique aspect of slang is that it is usually restricted to a particular context or group of people, so Australian slang is slightly different to that of American slang.

How One Hospital Brought Its C-Section Rate Down Fast NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.— Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian, one of the largest and most respected facilities in Orange County, needed to move quickly. A big insurer had warned that its maternity costs were too high and it might be cut from the plan's network. The reason? Coral bleaching These aerials of Australia's Great Barrier Reef are evidence the most untouched part of it has the most severe bleaching in its history. The footage, which filmed over 500 coral reefs during six days from Cairns to Papua New Guinea, shows 95% is white and yellow. Scientists say the bleaching happens in rising water temperatures – the coral, under stress, drives out living algae, causing it to calcify, and part of that is down to the current El Niño climate cycle. They say unless the World Heritage Site gets a break in the weather conditions within weeks, some coral areas are unlikely to survive. But the World Meteorological Organisation says a break in temperatures is unlikely, as this year looks set to be the hottest on record.

Continuous support for women during childbirth Continuous support in labour increased the chance of a spontaneous vaginal birth, had no harm, and women were more satisfied. Historically women have been attended and supported by other women during labour and birth. However in many countries, as more women are giving birth in hospital rather than at home, continuous support during labour has become the exception rather than the norm. This may contribute to the dehumanisation of women's childbirth experiences. Modern obstetric care frequently subjects women to institutional routines, which may have adverse effects on the progress of labour.

Koala stops the traffic What a place to take a stroll! This koala had to be escorted to safety by police from a busy Australian highway. The native marsupial wandered across the Brisbane Valley Highway where he stopped the busy traffic. Vaginal examinations: a symptom of a cervical-centric birth culture This post is about routine vaginal examinations (VE) during physiological birth ie. an uncomplicated birth without any medical intervention. The VE is a useful assessment in some circumstances, but it’s routine use in an attempt to determine labour progress is questionable. As birth knowledge evolves, and research challenges the current cervical-centric approach to labour progress, there is an opportunity to shift practice. I’m hoping this post will inspire readers to reconsider their beliefs and practices regarding cervixes and VEs. History: the rise of the cervix How did we get fixated on what one small area of the body is doing during the complex and multidimensional birth process?

The 60 Seconds That Could Make a Big Difference in Your Baby’s Health “It’s a girl!” my midwife shouted as I inhaled sharply with sweet, sweet relief as my daughter slipped from my body into her waiting hands. I remember feeling amazed as they placed her on my chest, wondering how on earth I had ever lived without her before. Within seconds, we were mother and daughter, bonded forever. But in those brief moments of our first meeting, there was also a lot happening behind the scenes. Below my nether regions, my nurse-midwife busied herself with the process of severing the bond that had connected my baby to me for nine long months.

Pitocin Is Not Oxytocin “The Love Hormone”. Sounds important, no? Turns out that we know very little about the hormone oxytocin, beyond that it is incredibly relevant to multiple metabolic, behavioral, and endocrine functions. In a compelling review entitled Beyond Labor: The Role of Natural and Synthetic Oxytocin in the Transition to Motherhood, Bell et al explore the literature suggesting that, once again, we cannot outsmart, outdo, or circumvent nature with pharmaceutical products. What is Oxytocin? All about pain relief options during labour - Kidspot Table of Content Pain considerations and variations There’s no denying labour hurts, but how you experience the pain is very individual and can even differ between previous births [1]. While some women are keen to avoid drugs or other medical interventions, others are happy to consider all available options.

Cord around the neck – what parents & practitioners should know This article shares information about the common practice of checking for a nuchal cord during the second stage of labour, and unlooping or cutting the cord – interventions that are not evidence-based and can cause birth trauma. ********Updated Jan, 2012: This article focuses on theories and evidence where routine interventions associated with nuchal cord may be the cause of iatrogenic harm in otherwise-normal birth. This is distinct from cases where umbilical cord entanglement or cord constriction may be the cause of pathological outcomes during gestation, development, progression/descent during labour and birth. It is important women are informed about nuchal cord ‘management’ in vaginal birth and how it may affect their baby. Information in this article may assist with birth planning; promote discussion with care providers and birth support; and help to avoid iatrogenic injury.