Latest news with #Sophie
Daily Mirror
3 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
'I was in labour for four DAYS then gave birth in 30 seconds with common tea'
Sophie McCausland, 35, from Birmingham, West Midlands, was advised to drink raspberry leaf tea to speed up the delivery of her second child after being in labour for four days with her first baby A mum claims she gave birth in just 30 seconds thanks to sipping raspberry leaf tea - after an agonising four-day labour with her first baby. Sophie McCausland was 'traumatised' from her first birth four years ago so wanted to do everything she could to speed things along with her second. The 35-year-old said her midwife friend recommended raspberry leaf tea to her as it's claimed to help tone womb muscles so they work better in labour. In addition to religiously drinking the tea, the office manager also walked a lot, ate sage and even underwent a perineal massage. Sophie was taken to the birthing suite at Warwick Hospital at 5am on January 30th and told her husband Rich McCausland she felt the need to push and to call midwives. But Sophie claims just 30 seconds later she gave birth to 8lbs 4oz Myla and that it was so speedy it was registered as taking '0hrs, 0 mins' on her stage two delivery notes. The mum-of-two admits the birth was intense and painful but says she was relieved the tea sped up the process. Pregnancy and baby charity Tommy's says Raspberry leaf tea is a herbal tea high in vitamins and minerals and is 'thought to help tone the muscles of your womb so they work better when you are in labour'. They advise to 'always check with your midwife or doctor before trying herbal remedies during pregnancy'. Sophie, from Birmingham, West Midlands, said: "I started taking the tea when I was 36 weeks pregnant so around New Year, I was due on January 29th. "You're not meant to take it much earlier than that, it's known to help with contractions. I have a friend who is a midwife and she recommended it to me. "She was my second one and I had a really horrendous birth with my first. I was just trying to do everything I could to make it go smoother. "I did other things as well towards the end. I used a perineal, which helps get the muscles ready and that helps with not tearing and stuff. "She came out quickly and she was really big but I didn't tear. "My previous one lasted four days. It was an induction and he wasn't ready to come out at all. " With Myla I did lots of walking, drank tea, ate sage and did everything I could to get my body ready. "I had tea every day. I didn't expect it to work like this, I was ready for another long labour. "The process was really nice, because it was so quick I had to go in the birthing suite. "It had dimmed lights and it was like a hotel room. The first time I was on the labour ward with lots of bright lights and midwives monitoring. "I said 'I think I need to push' and my husband went and got the midwives and 30 seconds later she was out. "It was quite intense because it was quick so the pain was quite intense. There was no time to take any pain relief or anything like that. "I was very relieved to see it worked. "I had a really good recovery and labour, whether that's down to the tea or not. It's a great hack to speed up the whole process." Sophie says she recommends the drink to other mums-to-be as it may help them too. Sophie said: "I would 100% recommend it to other mums. It might not work for everybody but it can potentially make it a smoother experience. "It tasted fine, whatever is in it that helps with the whole process, it works. "There is actual science behind it and is not just a myth." Raspberry leaf tea is a type of herbal tea that's high in vitamins, minerals and tannins. It is thought to help tone the muscles of your womb so they work better when you are in labour. Some people start drinking raspberry leaf tea in late pregnancy, but health professionals do not suggest it for getting labour going. If you're going to try it, you should take it in the weeks leading up to your due date and slowly increase the amount. Although many people try raspberry leaf, experts are still unsure whether it works, or even how safe it is in pregnancy. That's why it's always best to talk to a health professional before using it. Always check with your midwife or doctor before trying herbal remedies during pregnancy. ENDS
Evening Standard
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Evening Standard
Brat's back: Charli XCX to make Glastonbury return after prize-winning year
In 2021, she expressed her grief at the death of her friend and long-time collaborator Sophie, whom she has cited as a major influence and paid tribute to during an acceptance speech at the Brit Awards earlier in the year.
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First Post
6 hours ago
- Politics
- First Post
History Today: How the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand at Sarajevo sparked World War I
On June 28, 1914, the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo triggered a chain reaction that lead to World War I. This pivotal moment shattered European stability and ushered in a global conflict that reshaped the 20th Century read more The first page of the edition of the Domenica del Corriere, an Italian paper, with a drawing by Achille Beltrame depicting Gavrilo Princip killing Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria in Sarajevo. As part of Firstpost's History Today series, June 28 stands out as a day that dramatically shaped global history across centuries. On this date in 1914, the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo ignited a chain of events that led to World War I. Five years later, on June 28, 1919, the Treaty of Versailles was signed, formally ending the conflict. Decades later, the day also saw the eruption of the Stonewall Riots in 1969 — catalysing the modern LGBTQ rights movement. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD And in 1997, the infamous moment when Mike Tyson bit Evander Holyfield's ear during a boxing match. The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand On June 28, 1914, a seemingly small, yet pivotal act of violence in Sarajevo sparked a chain reaction across Europe, ultimately igniting the conflagration known as World War I. Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, and his wife, Sophie, Duchess of Hohenberg, were assassinated in an event that has since been studied as the flashpoint of modern history. Archduke Franz Ferdinand, born in 1863, served as Inspector General of the Austro-Hungarian armed forces. While conservative and militaristic by temperament, he was an advocate for systemic reforms aimed at modernising the empire and granting greater autonomy to Slavic minorities. He and Sophie's marriage had endured the scrutiny of imperial aristocracy. Sophie, not from a reigning noble family, was often marginalised at court despite the couple's devotion . The date chosen for their visit — June 28, 1914, coinciding with St Vitus's Day (Vidovdan) — was loaded with symbolism. It commemorated the 1389 Serbian defeat in Kosovo, connecting present-day Serb nationalist sentiment with historical grievance. The visit was intended to bolster imperial authority in Bosnia, formally annexed in 1908, on the anniversary of Bosnia's 1878 occupation — another symbolic affront to Serbian nationalists. At the time, Sarajevo was simmering with discontent. Bosnian Serbs and Yugoslav nationalists sought liberation from Austro-Hungarian rule and unification with Serbia. Influential nationalist and paramilitary groups like the Black Hand (Ujedinjenje ili Smrt) fostered militant sentiment and trained operatives for political violence. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Gavrilo Princip, a 19-year-old Bosnian Serb, joined Young Bosnia, a youth movement advocating Slavic unity. Princip and his five co-conspirators, equipped with bombs and pistols, trained and prepared for the assassination in discrete training camps, some allegedly sponsored by Serbian military factions. The royal procession began with high optimism. At approximately 10:15 am, Nedeljko Čabrinović seized the first opportunity, hurling a grenade at the Archduke's vehicle. Misjudging the motorcade's speed and configuration, the grenade bounced off the fold-down hood, exploding under the next car — injuring bystanders and driver but missing Franz Ferdinand. Despite the attack, Franz Ferdinand continued to the Town Hall for an impromptu reception, demonstrating both his bravery and obliviousness to the day's threats. Afterward, a fatal navigation error — possibly due to miscommunication in translation — led the motorcade to make a sudden right turn, pausing directly in front of Gavrilo Princip. Seizing the moment, Princip fired two shots at point-blank range: one fatally striking Franz Ferdinand in the jugular, the other hitting Sophie in the abdomen. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The couple collapsed instantly. The world had changed irreversibly. Princip was detained immediately, still near the scene. He later confessed freely at his trial, citing patriotism and intention to liberate South Slavs from oppression. Younger than 20, he avoided the death penalty and received 20 years — ultimately dying of tuberculosis in prison in 1918. The Austro-Hungarian response was swift and severe. General Oskar Potiorek, local governor, authorised anti-Serb pogroms in Sarajevo, resulting in widespread destruction of property, detentions and fatalities. Austria-Hungary, backed by Germany, issued a rigid ultimatum to Serbia on July 23, 1914, loaded with demands designed to be impossible to fulfill . Although Serbia conceded on most points, it refused to accept all terms — especially foreign judicial oversight — and Russia began partial mobilisation to protect its Slavic ally. Germany, interpreting this as hostility toward Austria-Hungary, declared war on Russia on August 1, 1914. France and Britain, bound by alliances and strategic considerations, followed suit. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD By August 4, Europe was at war — not over Sarajevo but over a tangled web of alliances, militarism, imperial ambition and nationalism. World War I became the first truly industrialised global war. It introduced trench warfare, machine guns, chemical agents, tanks, naval blockades, aerial combat and battlefield medicine — all emerging during the war. Over 16 million perished — nearly 10 million military and close to 7 million civilians — along with the downfall of empires: Austro-Hungarian, Ottoman, Russian and German . Culturally, the war produced a devastating rupture — seen in literature and art such as All Quiet on the Western Front and Dadaist movements. It fuelled revolutions, including in Russia, and laid ideological groundwork for fascism, communism and Nazism. Historiography continues to debate Princip's legacy. In Serbia, he is often hailed as a hero of national liberation; in Bosnia and Croatia, views remain critical, seeing him as extremist. A 2015 monument in Belgrade sparked controversy, highlighting divergent regional narratives. Historians also question fatal flaws in Austria-Hungary's diplomacy and the rigidity of alliances — like clockwork mobilisations turning minor crises into world war . STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Today, Sarajevo memorialises the assassination site with plaques and museums. A Sarajevo museum stands in the building where Franz Ferdinand was mortally wounded, and a statue of Princip in Istočno Sarajevo incites contested memory. Mike Tyson bites off part of Evander Holyfield's ear On June 28, 1997, aka The Bite Fight, Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield squared off in Las Vegas during their WBA Heavyweight rematch. In the third round, a frustrated Tyson sank his teeth into Holyfield's right ear, tearing off a piece before biting again. Referee Mills Lane halted the match, disqualifying Tyson. The incident was a career-defining scandal — Tyson had his license revoked and paid a $3 million fine. Holyfield's ear was surgically reattached. Tyson later justified his actions, claiming frustration over Holyfield's alleged headbutts. The bizarre moment remains one of boxing's most infamous highlights. Stonewall Riots begin In the early hours of June 28, 1969, NYPD raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in Greenwich Village, New York. Patrons — tired of continual harassment — fought back, triggering violent clashes that lasted nearly a week. Though not the first LGBTQ protest, Stonewall is heralded as the flashpoint for the modern gay rights movement. The spontaneous resistance inspired pride marches, advocacy groups and landmark legal battles. Its legacy endures: June is recognised as Pride Month, and the event is commemorated through global rallies and educational efforts . STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Treaty of Versailles signed On June 28, 1919, exactly five years after Franz Ferdinand's assassination, Allied and Associated powers signed the Treaty of Versailles in the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles. The treaty imposed several punitive measures on Germany: the notorious War Guilt Clause (Article 231), substantial reparations, restrictions on military capabilities and loss of territory and overseas colonies Though hailed by Allied leaders as necessary to secure peace, it sowed deep resentment in Germany and contributed to the rise of Adolf Hitler and WWII. Despite its intentions to prevent future wars, the treaty is widely regarded as overly punitive. While the US Senate declined to ratify it, others adhered. The treaty took effect on January 10, 1920, shaping the interwar world. With inputs from agencies
The Irish Sun
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
I ditched Dublin to move 10 minutes from Marbella, weekly shop is cheaper & I'll never leave Spain over key difference
HAVE you ever enjoyed your summer holidays so much you wished you could stay forever? That's exactly what Dubliner Sophie Lyons Wilson's family did when she was just nine - and now a mum herself, she's positive she won't be leaving her beloved new home in Spain. 6 Sophie, pictured above with her family, reckons her kids have a better quality of life in Spain 6 Both parents are fluent in Spanish and share their experience of living abroad on TikTok 6 Sophie first moved over to Spain as a child and knew she wanted to raise her own kids there Sophie, 23, says her parents decided to make the move in 2010 after they realised the family was "so much happier" when on their She told the Irish Sun: "We were much happier over here, the days felt brighter and we seemed to have more time. "When we came over it was such a time for friends and family, we were together and we just knew that life would stay like that when we moved over here." And once she met her partner Dylan, they knew Spain was where they wanted to raise their daughter, five, and one-year-old son. The mum-of-two, originally from Living just a 10 minute drive from stunning Marbella, Sophie and her kids enjoy countless beach days and hours spent having fun in playgrounds and activities. Sophie said: "100 per cent there is a huge difference of the quality of life for us since moving. "Just for my kids and all, they seem to grow up a little bit slower over here and that is one of my favourite things. "There is a lot of pressure for kids to start drinking young, smoking and partying. "Whereas over here you still see 14-year-olds in playgrounds and that is one of my favourite things about it, I like that my kids just stay kids a little while longer." 'I would never go back' Dublin Mum moved Spain for better life has free medical care & less societal pressure on kids Sophie shares her experiences on her TikTok account - Sophie and Dylan both speak Spanish - with Dylan, who was born in Spain to Northern Irish parents, running a bar for work. When it comes to costs, Sophie said despite a rise in prices since the She said: "For us, we are a family of four and the weekly shop averages between €100 to €250 a week. 6 From zoos to beaches, the family are never short of things to do 6 Their days are filled with activities in beautiful sunshine "It used to be a lot cheaper but then Covid hit and there's been a small increase but it's still so much cheaper than back home." The family rent a two-bedroom apartment for €1,200 a month, with Sophie admitting rent can be an issue in the area. However she still reckons it is better value than And paired with the stellar quality of life, Sophie says she'll "never leave". EASY DECISION She explained: "Just for the quality of life here, playgrounds open till 8pm, sky is brighter, my weekends are packed full of activities with beaches, pools and zoos. "And with rent, the prices back home I'd probably never leave And praising healthcare in Spain, Sophie said: "Once you have a job over here the healthcare is free and I couldn't fault it. "We also had private health insurance, for the four of us I pay €170 a month and that's full coverage. "I had both of my babies via C-section and they cover everything, if we ever need surgery, honestly I feel like it's the best money I could spend." Primary and secondary public schools are free in the region, with Sophie's daughter still in creche costing the family €300 a month. Sophie said: "We had a private nursery for my daughter and it cost €300 a month and that was for her to be there from 9-5. "With her there five full days a week, you can't even compare it back home." But they are challenges too, one being the loneliness. MISSING HOME Sophie explained: "You take for granted living close to your relatives. "And we were so close to our family, we would see them at least three or four times a week, so to come here not speak a word of the language and only have each other was quite lonely. "Friends that we made, they come and go here as they move over for a few years and then they might move back home. "So we would lose a lot of friends over the years, which created the lonely side of things." But she has since learned the language and immersed herself in the culture, calling locals her "second family". And Sophie is not alone among Irish people who've taken the plunge to make Spain their forever home, as And it's a case of work imitating life, as the Spain expert now runs her own compan y to assist other expats who are planning to relocate to the sun. 6 Sophie has no plans to return home to dreary Dublin
Scottish Sun
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Sophie Turner confirms she's back with aristocrat boyfriend two months after splitting as they cosy up at Glastonbury
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SOPHIE TURNER is definitely back on with her boyfriend Peregrine Pearson - after they cosied up in the VIP area. Pals said the pair had split earlier this year but last week insiders confirmed they'd reconnected. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 4 Sophie Turner has reunited with her aristocrat boyfriend Peregrine Pearson Credit: The Sun 4 Gentleman Peregrine got the drinks in for the actress Credit: The Sun Onlookers saw Sophie and Peregrine propping up the posh Millers Bar backstage, with the pair hugging and kissing. They added: "Sophie and Peregrine were very affectionate with each other. "Whatever lovers tiff they had its clearly all in the past now because they looked mad for each other. "He was being very sweet and ordered the drinks and carried them for her." We revealed last week how Sophie, 29, had met with the 30-year-old toff in London — and reconnected with him on social media. She and the heir to a £224million fortune were an item last year but were last pictured together this March. Mum-of-two Sophie is divorced and Turner has a claim to be Britain's most eligible bachelor. The Sun first revealed how the pair had started dating in October 2023, following the breakdown of Sophie's marriage to American pop star Joe Jonas. Back when the pair split, a source said: 'Sophie and Peregrine had a great time together but the relationship ran its course. 'She is single and is focusing on her career and her two daughters.' Game of Thrones' Sophie Turner makes crude joke about Arya Stark's sex scene in wine-fuelled video Peregrine, heir of the 4th Viscount Cowdray, had been dating King Charles's goddaughter, model Princess Maria-Olympia of Greece and Denmark, before he started dating Sophie. Fans also spotted Sophie had unfollowed Peregrine on social media. Joe filed for divorce from Sophie on September 5, 2022, with the couple releasing a joint statement the following day. They said: 'After four wonderful years of marriage we have mutually decided to amicably end our marriage.' It took a dramatic turn a year later when Sophie sued Joe and accused him of the 'wrongful retention' of their two daughters. 4 Sophie and the heir to a £224million fortune were an item last year Credit: Getty 4 Sophie was previously married to singer Joe Jonas Credit: Getty
