Stretched to the Limits: Supporting Women with Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (Heds) Through Pregnancy, Labour, and Postnatally - Paperback

by Rachel Fitz-Desorgher (Author)

Our increased knowledge and appreciation of hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) has been making headlines across medical research and practice. Stretched to the Limits is the first text to apply this new understanding directly to midwifery.

The book details the effects of hEDS on the different bodily systems, and the implications for pregnancy, labour, birth and postnatally. Midwives and doulas are likely, at some point in their careers, to come across women with this most common sub-type. hEDS affects at least 1 in 5,000 women but they frequently find themselves on a care pathway more suitable for those with other, rarer, subtypes such as classic EDS (cEDS) or vascular EDS (vEDS). Additionally, much of the advice detailed here will also help to support the 20% of the population with more generalised hypermobility.

This book is, therefore, essential reading for empowering midwives and doulas to feel confident in their understanding of hEDS, so that they can best inform and support their clients and colleagues with the most appropriate care. It will also provide a valuable resource for those with hEDS to share with their care team and advocate for their needs when planning pregnancy and birth.

Author Biography

Rachel Fitz-Desorgher worked as a midwife, active birth teacher and parenting consultant for over 30 years. Having retired from midwifery in October 2018, she now focuses all her attention on her parenting consultancy, writing and media work. She has hEDS, has raised four children, and wrote the online guide for women and healthcare professionals for EDS UK. Rachel is also the author of Your Baby Skin to Skin.