Articles

Here I share what I have gathered through almost 2 decades of learning, teaching and supporting women and families, studying birth and listening closely to women’s experiences.

You’ll find writing about pregnancy, birth preparation, hormones, movement, breastfeeding, postnatal recovery and emotional wellbeing — alongside deeper explorations of maternity culture, autonomy and birth in the news.

My work brings together evidence, traditional wisdom, practical experience and a deep trust in women’s bodies.

Take your time here, use the index, follow what speaks to you. And if you would like someone beside you as you prepare for pregnancy, birth or the months beyond, you can explore my classes and support here in the Forest of Dean and online.

Topic Index

These articles have been categorised to the best of my ability!

Open one of the topics below to explore, continue on to explore in date order, or if you’re after something particular and can’t find it let me know here

Pregnancy Yoga, Wellbeing & Holistic Health, Pregnancy & Birth, Antenatal Classes, Relaxation, Self Care, Baby Positioning, Birth Biomechanics, Pregnancy Complaints, Pelvic Pain Emma Gleave Pregnancy Yoga, Wellbeing & Holistic Health, Pregnancy & Birth, Antenatal Classes, Relaxation, Self Care, Baby Positioning, Birth Biomechanics, Pregnancy Complaints, Pelvic Pain Emma Gleave

Pregnancy Yoga: The Evidence Every Midwife Should Know

Pregnancy yoga isn’t just stretching — evidence shows it reduces stress, improves sleep, and can even shorten labour. This blog brings together key research midwives should know, with a free evidence PDF to download.

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Labour & Birth, Baby Positioning, Birth Biomechanics, Physiological Birth, Pregnancy Yoga, Pregnancy Massage, Doulas & Continuity of Care, Doulas, Birth Companion, Wellbeing & Holistic Health, Self Care, Rebozo, Informed Consent Emma Gleave Labour & Birth, Baby Positioning, Birth Biomechanics, Physiological Birth, Pregnancy Yoga, Pregnancy Massage, Doulas & Continuity of Care, Doulas, Birth Companion, Wellbeing & Holistic Health, Self Care, Rebozo, Informed Consent Emma Gleave

Biomechanics & Birth: How Spinning Babies® and Rebozo Work to Support, Not Treat

Biomechanics is the study of how the body moves and functions, particularly in response to external forces. In pregnancy and birth, this means understanding how the pelvis, muscles, ligaments, and baby work together to create the conditions for an easier, more efficient labor…..

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Pregnancy Topics, Older Mothers, Labour & Birth, Caesarean Birth, Birth Choices, Birth Plans, Maternity Rights, Informed Consent, Pregnancy & Birth, Advocacy & Maternity Reform, Baby Positioning, Birth Biomechanics Emma Gleave Pregnancy Topics, Older Mothers, Labour & Birth, Caesarean Birth, Birth Choices, Birth Plans, Maternity Rights, Informed Consent, Pregnancy & Birth, Advocacy & Maternity Reform, Baby Positioning, Birth Biomechanics Emma Gleave

Empowering Mothers to Make Informed Choices: Considering a Caesarean for a Healthy, Older Mum

For many women, becoming a mother is one of life’s most precious journeys—especially when it’s a long-awaited pregnancy. Older mums, in particular, often face added layers of advice and medical recommendations, frequently framed around reducing perceived risks. If you’ve been advised to have a planned caesarean section, it’s completely natural to want to take the safest route for your baby. However, stepping into motherhood also means stepping into your power. You are the one growing this baby inside your body, and no one else shares that unique bond.

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Wellbeing & Holistic Health, Pregnancy Massage, Self-Care, Relaxation, Pregnancy Topics, Pregnancy Complaints, Pelvic Pain, Back Pain, Nausea, Swelling, Fatigue, Sleeplessness, Restless Legs, Pregnancy Yoga, Baby Positioning, Birth Biomechanics, Reflexology, Hormones, Oxytocin, Birth Choices, Antenatal Classes, Pre-eclampsia, Pregnancy Complications Emma Gleave Wellbeing & Holistic Health, Pregnancy Massage, Self-Care, Relaxation, Pregnancy Topics, Pregnancy Complaints, Pelvic Pain, Back Pain, Nausea, Swelling, Fatigue, Sleeplessness, Restless Legs, Pregnancy Yoga, Baby Positioning, Birth Biomechanics, Reflexology, Hormones, Oxytocin, Birth Choices, Antenatal Classes, Pre-eclampsia, Pregnancy Complications Emma Gleave

Safe and Soothing: What to Expect from a Pregnancy Massage with Emma’s Antenatal

Pregnancy is a time of incredible change, both physically and emotionally, and self-care becomes more important than ever. A pregnancy massage can be a wonderful way to relieve discomfort, promote relaxation, and connect with your changing body. At Emma’s Antenatal, we take great care to ensure that every massage is tailored to your needs, safe for you and your baby, and an experience you can fully enjoy.

Here’s what you can expect when you book a pregnancy massage with me.

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Wellbeing & Holistic Health, Reflexology, Self-Care, Relaxation, Pregnancy Topics, Pregnancy Complaints, Swelling, Restless Legs, Back Pain, Nausea, Fatigue, Sleeplessness, Anxiety in Pregnancy, Pregnancy Yoga, Baby Positioning, Birth Biomechanics, Hormones, Pregnancy Massage, Pre-eclampsia, Pregnancy Complications Emma Gleave Wellbeing & Holistic Health, Reflexology, Self-Care, Relaxation, Pregnancy Topics, Pregnancy Complaints, Swelling, Restless Legs, Back Pain, Nausea, Fatigue, Sleeplessness, Anxiety in Pregnancy, Pregnancy Yoga, Baby Positioning, Birth Biomechanics, Hormones, Pregnancy Massage, Pre-eclampsia, Pregnancy Complications Emma Gleave

The Benefits of Pregnancy Reflexology: Relaxation and Relief for Mums-to-Be

Pregnancy is a beautiful and transformative journey, but it’s also one that can come with physical discomforts and emotional stress. Reflexology, an ancient practice of applying gentle pressure to specific points on the feet, offers a holistic and non-invasive way to ease many common pregnancy-related issues.

At Emma’s Antenatal, I specialize in pregnancy reflexology, providing mobile treatments that are safe, relaxing, and tailored to your needs. Let’s dive into how reflexology can benefit expectant mothers and what you can expect from a session.

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Pregnancy & Birth, Antenatal Classes, Support in Birth, Partners, Birth Partners, Doulas, Birth Companion, Birth Choices, Birth Plans, Informed Consent, Labour & Birth, Labour Interventions, Physiological Birth, Baby Positioning, Pregnancy Massage, Relaxation, Rites of Passage, Bonding, Community & Events Emma Gleave Pregnancy & Birth, Antenatal Classes, Support in Birth, Partners, Birth Partners, Doulas, Birth Companion, Birth Choices, Birth Plans, Informed Consent, Labour & Birth, Labour Interventions, Physiological Birth, Baby Positioning, Pregnancy Massage, Relaxation, Rites of Passage, Bonding, Community & Events Emma Gleave

The Role of Partners in Labor: How Antenatal Classes Strengthen Teamwork

When it comes to childbirth, the role of the partner often gets overlooked in the whirlwind of preparation. Yet, partners play a crucial part in shaping the birth experience. Far from being bystanders, they can be active participants, providing support, strength, and reassurance during labor.

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Pregnancy & Birth Prep, Doulas & Continuity of Care, Doulas, Birth Companion, Support in Birth, Pregnancy & Birth, Labour & Birth, Birth Choices, Home Birth, Hospital Birth, Partners, Birth Partners, Pregnancy Massage, Baby Positioning, Postnatal & Baby, Postnatal Support, Fourth Trimester, Informed Consent, Maternity Rights Emma Gleave Pregnancy & Birth Prep, Doulas & Continuity of Care, Doulas, Birth Companion, Support in Birth, Pregnancy & Birth, Labour & Birth, Birth Choices, Home Birth, Hospital Birth, Partners, Birth Partners, Pregnancy Massage, Baby Positioning, Postnatal & Baby, Postnatal Support, Fourth Trimester, Informed Consent, Maternity Rights Emma Gleave

The Growing Role of Doulas in Birth Support

Why hire a doula, what questions to ask to find the right one, and will it make a difference to your birth?

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