Annerley the midwives clinic

07/08/2026

07/08/2026

Throwback Friday.
Wearing one of the Annerley the midwives clinic sports shirts.

29/07/2026

I am delighted to see this as RCOG policy, and much appreciation to authors, especially obstetrician Andrew Weeks who has been advocating for 'optimal cord management' for decades..
"The minutes after birth are now recognised as a time of remarkable change within the baby and we have learned that interfering with this natural process can cause potential harm...
Early cord clamping will result in the baby having a lower blood volume as it is estimated that a baby at full term will receive around 30% of its total blood volume from placental transfer via the umbilical cord. The decision on timing to clamp the umbilical cord should be based on observations of the baby, its heart rate and breathing rather than a predefined interval after birth. Also, the palpable pulsation of the cord is unrelated to the blood flowing back and forth therefore it should not be used to guide the time when clamping occurs. Clamping at the placental end allows some blood in the cord to transfer to the newborn. There are other benefits to the baby from the placental transfer of blood such as transfer of stem cells."
Free full text here

24/05/2026

What midwives do on the weekend

1.5km open water swim @ Deep Water Bay

11/05/2026

I know the nights feel long. But the time is short. Enjoy the now.

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1E6yp3ThXk/

11/05/2026

The dreaded 4-Month “Regression” Is Actually a HUGE Brain Progression 🧠

What it is:
A permanent shift in baby’s sleep cycles toward more adult-like patterns (light → deep → REM sleep). They now wake briefly between cycles—just like we do.

What it isn’t:
❌ A sign you’re doing something wrong
❌ A phase that will “break” your baby’s sleep forever
❌ Teething, illness, or a growth spurt (though those can overlap)

When to expect it:
3.5–5 months (adjusted for preemies). Usually starts right around 16 weeks.

How long it lasts:
2–6 weeks. Some babies adjust faster, others need more support.

What’s going on with baby:
Their brain is:

· Maturing sleep architecture
· Learning to connect sleep cycles independently
· Becoming more socially and sensorially aware
· Prone to overtiredness (which makes night wakings worse)

How to help baby:

· Focus on early bedtime (watch wake windows: 1.5–2.5 hrs)
· Practice one independent sleep skill at a time (e.g., fall asleep without feeding every time)
· Use consistency, not harsh sleep training
· Add daytime sensory input (tummy time, light, chatting) so nights feel quieter

How to cope:

· Shift expectations: This is development, not a setback
· Tag-team nights if possible (4-hour shifts)
· Morning sunlight for you (helps your circadian rhythm)
· Lower non-essential house standards—you’re in survival mode with a purpose
· Remind yourself: Superior brain growth = more night fussing. It won’t last.

📌 Bottom line: You didn’t break anything. Baby’s brain leveled up. Support them through it—this too shall pass.

Drop a ❤️ if your 4-month-old has been keeping you on your toes!

10/05/2026

Happy International Mothers Day from all of us at Annerley Midwives and OT&P.

05/05/2026

Happy Us!

05/05/2026

https://store.otandp.com/collections/maternity-classes/products/express-babies-beyond?variant=46196229243043

One day session and all you need to know about labour, birth, complications, postnatal and baby care.

What does this package cover?
For those with busy schedules and work commitments, we offer a Saturday Express session of our Babies & Beyond class, covering the same topics in a compact format. Understand all about pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period, meet other couples and ask our midwives any questions you have!

Sessions
This is a one-day course from 10:00am to 4:30pm on Saturdays, held at our OT&P Family Clinic location.

Traditional antenatal class; everything you need to know. Labour and birth, natural and assisted, Caesarean-section and epidural, drugs, complications, postnatal period, baby care and breastfeeding.