A smiling woman with long blonde hair in a braid, wearing a multicolored sweater and a chunky wooden bead necklace, standing outdoors with shrubs and mountains in the background.

Welcome to my Birth Info Collection

A space for women and families to feel informed, supported and inspired throughout pregnancy, birth and the early weeks of parenthood.

Here I share articles on everything from birth preparation, hormones and movement, to postnatal recovery, breastfeeding, emotional wellbeing, birth culture and birth in the news.

My aim is to make evidence-based information feel accessible and human
— blending science, body wisdom and years of experience supporting families as a Doula (
Birth Companion), teacher and massage therapist here in the Forest of Dean.

Take your time, explore what resonates, and if you’d like to work together,
you can find my latest classes and support options here.

The term “women” is used here in relation to biological sex.
I recognise and support people of diverse gender identities, and aim to include and welcome everyone with lived experience of pregnancy and birth

Topic Index

I am working on categorising all my writing to make it easier for you to access - in the next few weeks each of these will link to the articles I have written - let me know if you are looking for something in particular, I may be able to direct you, answer questions or write something new!

Birth Choices | Home Birth | Freebirth | Hospital Birth | Birth Centre | Water Birth | Physiological Birth | Natural Birth | Birth Plans | Maternity Rights | Informed Consent

Labour & Birth | Induction of Labour | Labour Interventions | ARM / Breaking the Waters | CTG Monitoring | Caesarean Birth | VBAC | Breech Birth | Twin Birth | Baby Positioning | Birth Biomechanics

Pregnancy Topics | Nutrition | Iron | Low Iron | Anaemia | Blood Tests | Supplements | Vitamin D | Folate | Vegan Pregnancy | Keto Pregnancy | Antibiotics | GBS | Microbiome | Waters Breaking / PROM | Older Mothers | Young Mothers | Pre-eclampsia | Growth Scans | Gestational Diabetes | PAPP-A | PCOS | Thyroid Conditions | Graves’ Disease | Pregnancy Complications

Pregnancy Complaints | Pelvic Pain | Sleeplessness | Restless Legs | Back Pain | Heartburn | Nausea | Morning Sickness | Swelling | Cramps | Fatigue | Anxiety in Pregnancy

Wellbeing & Holistic Health | Self-Care | Herbal Wisdom | Herbs for Pregnancy | Herbs for Birth | Herbs for Postnatal Recovery | Herbal Teas | Seasonal Herbs | Foraging | Kitchen Medicine | Traditional Remedies | Nourishing Infusions | Raspberry Leaf | Sitz Baths | Yoni Steaming | Labour Massage Oils | Postnatal Baths | Womb Wisdom | Cycle Wisdom | Women’s Wellness | Folk Medicine | Plant Wisdom | Pregnancy Massage | Shiatsu | Reflexology | Pregnancy Yoga | Relaxation | Rebozo | Hormones | Oxytocin | Rites of Passage | Rituals

Support in Birth| Doulas | Birth Companion | Antenatal Classes | Partners | Birth Partners | Relaxation | Pregnancy Yoga | Pregnancy Massage | Shiatsu | Reflexology | Hormones | Oxytocin

Postnatal & Baby | Breastfeeding | Babywearing | Sling Support | Postnatal Support | Postnatal Recovery | Bonding | Fourth Trimester | Birth Trauma

Baby Loss, Death & Rites of Passage | Baby Loss | Miscarriage | Stillbirth | Abortion | Death | Rites of Passage | Rituals

Stories & Local Advocacy | Birth Stories | Gloucestershire Maternity | Forest of Dean | Stroud Maternity | Gloucester Birth Unit | Home Birth Suspension | NHS Accountability | FOI | Community & Events | Personal Reflections

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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