Synthetic oxytocin is widely used in maternity care around the world. It is commonly administered to women to induce or to speed up (augment) labour, and to prevent or treat bleeding after birth … [Read more...] about Synthetic Oxytocin (Pitocin, Syntocinon): Unpacking the myths and side-effects
How to Have the Best Cesarean
It's true that our female bodies are superbly designed, and that gentle, natural birth is the best possible start. But birth is ultimately mysterious and unpredictable, and can sometimes take its own … [Read more...] about How to Have the Best Cesarean
Does Synthetic Oxytocin (Pitocin) Cause Autism?
Does exposure in labour to synthetic oxytocin (Pitocin, Syntocinon) cause autism? Or could exposure at least increase the risks of an autism spectrum condition, including milder forms of autism, for … [Read more...] about Does Synthetic Oxytocin (Pitocin) Cause Autism?
Should Every Mother be Induced at 39 Weeks? The ARRIVE Trial
If you are pregnant right now, you can’t have missed it. For maternity care providers, it’s been the topic of the year. Should healthy, low-risk women should be routinely induced at 39 weeks? On … [Read more...] about Should Every Mother be Induced at 39 Weeks? The ARRIVE Trial
The Best Possible Start: Resources for Expectant Parents
We have had the pleasure of welcoming 3 new nephews into our extended family in recent months. Congratulations to Alex and Dan, William and Temah, and Kate and Chris (pictured with Max) on … [Read more...] about The Best Possible Start: Resources for Expectant Parents
The New Prenatal Testing
I was 35 when pregnant with my third baby, and 40 with my fourth. This put my babies in the ‘high risk’ category for chromosomal problems including Down Syndrome. Should I undergo testing to find out … [Read more...] about The New Prenatal Testing
Gentle Natural Birth for Modern Mamas
Gentle, natural birth is our genetic blueprint for labour and birth, switching on hormonal systems that optimise ease, pleasure and safety for mothers, babies, fathers and families. A gentle, … [Read more...] about Gentle Natural Birth for Modern Mamas
In Praise of Midwives
Some people change the course of your life. My midwife Christine Shanahan, who passed away last month, changed my life, and the lives of literally thousands of mothers, babies, fathers and … [Read more...] about In Praise of Midwives
Epidurals in Labour (Part 2)
What do you know about epidurals and their risk and benefits? In this blog (Part 2), Dr Buckley explores the impacts of epidural on the hormones of labour and birth , and what this might mean for … [Read more...] about Epidurals in Labour (Part 2)
Epidurals in Labour (Part 1)
What do you know about epidurals and their risk and benefits? In this blog (Part 1) , Dr Buckley explores the impacts of epidural on oxytocin and the flow of labour, and what this might mean for … [Read more...] about Epidurals in Labour (Part 1)
2017: Reasons for Hope
From the personal and local, to the national and global, things seem to be getting more extreme and polarised, and it can be easy to sink into despair and hopelessness. Please remember that we have … [Read more...] about 2017: Reasons for Hope
Gentle, Natural, Mammalian Birth
In the festive season, we celebrate perhaps the most famous gentle, natural, birth in history. Blessed Mary gave birth to her legendary baby in the most low-technology setting imaginable... and … [Read more...] about Gentle, Natural, Mammalian Birth
Discover the science and pleasure of Ecstatic Birth!