The Hamilton Midwives

09/02/2026

We have very recently become aware that client calls were not coming through to the on call team via our paging system. Everything is working now. If you called earlier today and did not hear from your midwife, please page them now. As always, leave your full name, a phone number and the reason for your call. Thanks!

08/13/2026

Reunion part 2! So thankful for everyone coming out to visit with us.

08/13/2026

Thanks to all who came out for summer fun and ice cream! Photos part 1!

08/13/2026

07/23/2026

Check out the QR code for more info or to RSVP. First session coming up next Wednesday!

07/20/2026

Posted • Elizabeth Can it be “normal” to be in an active labor pattern at 4cm? Yes….but not everyone is in active labour at 4cm. Dilation is one piece of the whole picture.

Can it also be “normal” to not be in active labour until 5cm or even 6cm? Also yes.

For more than 60 years, the Friedman labor curve defined active labor as reaching 4cm dilated. This curve was created using a limited patient population (both in size and race), and has not held true to our labors today. New research from Zhang et al. and the Consortium for Safe Labors created a new curve in 2010 that found that active labor should be redefined as starting at 6cm. When diagnosing active labor at 4cm, we can set people up for increase latent (early) labor hospital admissions, interventions to augment (or speed up) labor and an increase the rate of cesarean birth for “failure to progress” or, more appropriately, “arrest of dilation.”

So what can we do during this possible late latent labor phase?
✨Focus on comfort and coping strategies
✨Optimize fetal positioning through strategic position changes (I love Spinning Babies and Ann Marie Gilligan, RN )
✨Eat and drink as feels good to you
✨Rest as you are able

Latent or early labor has the potential to be long process. Your body is first working to bring baby lower in the pelvis, move your cervix forward, soften your cervix, and thin your cervix all before opening can truly begin. Early doesn’t mean you aren’t still working hard with your baby to bring them safely earthside.

What things did you do in early labor/plan on doing? How dilated were you when you arrived to your preferred birthing location?

07/18/2026

All babies are good babies! There’s no such thing as a bad baby. Also babies aren’t lazy either. Just sayin’.

07/18/2026

Get Repost App • Maya Lê - MaiStoryBook July is Disability Pride Month, a time to celebrate the diversity, resilience, creativity, and contributions of the disability community while recognizing disability as a natural and valuable part of human diversity.

One powerful way to honor Disability Pride Month is by sharing stories that authentically represent disabled experiences. In this reel, I’ve curated picture book lists that challenge ableism, celebrate disability identity, and encourage empathy without centering pity or “overcoming” narratives.

07/17/2026

Posted • Motherly Does your baby cry when you try to transfer them to the crib? They may instinctively feel like they are falling and get startled.

We love this tip from sleep expert, Sleep by Rachelle:Baby Sleep, to try lowering your body closer to the crib as you put baby down to help them stay asleep as you transfer them to their crib.
Anyone tried this sleep tip before?

🎥: Sleep by Rachelle:Baby Sleep

07/14/2026

Get Repost App • Dr. Shalini Verma (OBGYN) ✨Ranked: BEST to WORST Labor Positions for Tearing!

You must be surprised but the position most pregnant moms deliver has the highest tear rate🤯

But here’s the truth that YOU need to know.🤔

The way you push — the position you’re in — can dramatically change your chances of tearing ✅

And when you understand which positions help reduce tearing (and why), you can work with your body and baby - not against them.🙌

Some positions keep your pelvic floor relaxed and stretched, reduce the chances of tearing and make birth easier.😊

✨Labor Positions Ranked from BEST to WORST👇

🤸‍♀️ Side lying – 35% tear – BEST position!
🔄 Kneeling upright – 50% tear
🐱 On all fours – 55% tear
📈 Semi reclined – 60% tear
🚶‍♀️ Squatting – 65% tear
❌ Lithotomy – 70-85% tear risk – WORST position!

Remember, mama:
A relaxed, lengthened pelvic floor = LOWER chance of tearing.

Save this post 📌 Share it with other moms-to-be ❤️
You were MADE for this. You’re strong.
Let’s get birth informed and empowered! 💪
[birthing positions, birth preparation, birth education, informed birth, hypno birthing, labor support, 3rd trimester, pregnancy tips, pregnancy exercise, expecting mom, pregnant mama]