I have collated some statistics for my independent practice from May 2007 — September 2011. I hope you find them interesting!


ONSET OF LABOUR
Spontaneous: 86.2% (NHS 67%)
Induction of Labour: 6.9% (NHS 20.4%)
Client did not labour (Caesarian section performed before labour started): 6.9% (NHS 12.6%)

TECHNIQUES & DRUGS USED DURING LABOUR
Self-hypnosis: 33.3%
Waterpool: 51.8% (NHS 10.7%)
Gas & air: 14.8% (NHS 80.7%)
TENS: 18.5% (NHS 19.7%)
Pethidine: 3.7% (NHS 34.1%)
Epidural: 3.7% (NHS 29.4%)

PLACE OF BIRTH
86.2% of clients planned to give birth at home
13.8% planned to give birth in hospital.

76% of clients who wanted to give birth at home did so. (65.5% of all clients) (NHS 2.7%)
34.4% of all clients gave birth in hospital.

BIRTH
Normal vaginal birth: 86.2% (NHS 61.8%)
56% of the normal births were waterbirths
Instrumental births (forceps / ventouse): 0% (NHS 11.7%)
Caesarian section: 13.8% (NHS 26.4%)

EPISIOTOMY
0% (NHS 23.8%)

POSTNATAL HOSPITAL ADMISSION
Maternal reasons: 0%
Neonatal reasons: 0%
Day assessment of baby: 3.4%

INFANT FEEDING
Exclusive breastfeeding at birth: 100% (NHS 74.3%)
Exclusive breastfeeding at 6 weeks: 96.5% (NHS 45.6%)
Breast and artificial feeding at 6 weeks: 3.4%


NHS statistics have been taken from:
1) HESOnline (2009 - 2010 East of England figures used)
2) Birth Choice UK

Started the ITEC Aromatherapy course yesterday, and great fun it was! Great to see some old friends from the massage course, and make a new friend too. My exam will be in March, so once I'm sure I've qualified as an aromatherapist, I shall be able to massage using gorgeous essential oils. Watch this space......

I have completed my ITEC massage training, plus an additional course in pregnancy massage, so I'm now looking forward to adding this service to my midwifery.
Massage has so many benefits! It:
Reduces stress
Improves circulation
Improves sleep patterns
Reduces water retention
Lowers blood pressure
Soothes aching muscles
Reduces depression & anxiety
Improves sense of well-being

Can't wait to get massaging! Book one to round off your next antenatal appointment.
NB Massage is only suitable once you're past the first 13 weeks of pregnancy

Thank you, Martin, for all your hard work on this