Nowadays there’s information overload when it comes to pregnancy — all offering a unique take on the subject. From friends or relatives to the multitude of online sources, finding reputable knowledge can be a daunting experience. We recently came across The Doctor and Daughter’s Guide To Pregnancy – an in depth portal of information for everything pregnancy related. Every subject is covered – from running a marathon while pregnant to fertility after miscarriage. This really is a treasure trove of knowledge culminated by Roger Marwood MBBS MSc. F.R.C.O.G – a consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London. He has 40 years experience working in a busy NHS hospital and has personally supervised around 20 000 pregnancies and countless deliveries.
His daughter is Rebecca Maberly is a mum of 21 month year old Wilfred with another on the way. Rebecca lives in Balham with her husband Tom. The daughter and doctor duo hope to answer every pregnancy question out there…
What inspired you to start The Doctor and Daughter’s Guide to Pregnancy?
There is so much conflicting information out there for the new mum-to-be, it can be very frustrating. The first time I was pregnant, I was overwhelmed by the amount of information available, both good and bad, and saw the amount of terrifying and often inaccurate advice that you can get from Googling symptoms or questions.
I was fortunate enough to be able to check with my father whenever I wanted advice or reassurance. Many of my friends also contacted him when they found conflicting information – we wanted to be able to provide this same service to other women – realistic, honest advice for busy modern women who want the best for their babies.
What is the most sought after question you find expectant mums ask?
The most frequently asked questions have been about trying to conceive and what kind of birth would be best after a third degree tear? Natural or C Section?
How do you find the birth experience in the UK compares to other countries?
On a personal, non-medical note, it would be great to see more provisions being made for women who want to have a natural birth. Lack of birthing pools and some maternity units can mean that women can be left disappointed if there is not one free for their birth. I had such a great experience in a birthing pool and it is a shame to know that if the labour ward is busy, women can be denied this experience.
Post-pregnancy, again, on a personal note, I had a terrible time breastfeeding and received SO much conflicting advice from about five different midwives and health visitors. It made things very confusing as each one had tips for different techniques for latching-on, different ideas about things like feeding from one breast or two, how long you should feed for, whether or not the length of the feed meant that baby was accessing to the hind milk, the resulting colour of the baby’s poo. It was really irritating to be given such differing opinions when you are having a tough time with something that is meant to be so natural and easy
What is the biggest myth you’d like to dispel about pregnancy?
The biggest myth we would like to dispel is that Pregnancy is NOT an illness! You should carry on as normal until you feel different. Also, you should continue to eat for one, not two! Here is our page on the most popular myths.
What are you plans for the site?
We would love the site to continue to grow in popularity. We love the idea that we are able to help more and more pregnant women everyday. We would really like to write a book – people still like to take a book to bed with them, especially at this time in their lives, so we think there is a market for a book full of our sensible advice and FAQs. We are looking into our publishing options at the moment.
How has it been working with your father on the project?
Working with my father has been good, but tricky at times. He has a very busy work schedule and is sometimes hard to pin down. Equally, I have a wild and demanding 21 month old, and no nanny, so it can be difficult to try and find the time to get together to write for the site! My father is a bit of a techno-phobe. He has all the equipment but lacks a little of the know-how! He is meant to dictate his answers and email them to me to edit and post…but we have a high rate of mysterious email disappearance…
Where are you favourite places to relax during pregnancy in west London? Any tips?
Not the most glamorous place – but just perfect for my life – Balham Leisure Centre, just around the corner from me! They have a fantastic creche where I can leave my son whilst i go for a swim and a long uninterrupted shower.
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