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

Advocacy & Maternity Reform, Doulas & Continuity of Care, Maternity Rights, Informed Consent, Birth Choices, Homebirth, Hospital Birth, Caesarean Birth, Induction of Labour, Birth Trauma, Doulas, Birth Companion, Partners, Birth Partners, Antenatal Classes, Pregnancy & Birth, Community & Events, Forest of Dean, Personal Reflections Emma Gleave Advocacy & Maternity Reform, Doulas & Continuity of Care, Maternity Rights, Informed Consent, Birth Choices, Homebirth, Hospital Birth, Caesarean Birth, Induction of Labour, Birth Trauma, Doulas, Birth Companion, Partners, Birth Partners, Antenatal Classes, Pregnancy & Birth, Community & Events, Forest of Dean, Personal Reflections Emma Gleave

Take Ownership of Your Pregnancy Care: Why Personalised, Caseload Midwifery Matters

A recent BBC article highlights an ongoing crisis in maternity services. Despite years of warnings and recommendations, little has changed. Depersonalised, intervention-heavy approaches dominate, leaving many women feeling unsupported during pregnancy and birth. The result? Rising intervention rates, birth trauma, and an overall lack of trust in the system.

It doesn’t have to be this way.

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Birth Trauma, Postnatal & Baby, Postnatal Recovery, Wellbeing & Holistic Health, Self-Care, Women’s Wellness, Personal Reflections, Doulas & Continuity of Care, Doulas, Birth Companion, Maternity Rights, Informed Consent, Advocacy & Maternity Reform Emma Gleave Birth Trauma, Postnatal & Baby, Postnatal Recovery, Wellbeing & Holistic Health, Self-Care, Women’s Wellness, Personal Reflections, Doulas & Continuity of Care, Doulas, Birth Companion, Maternity Rights, Informed Consent, Advocacy & Maternity Reform Emma Gleave

Healing from Birth Trauma: My Journey and How You Can Start Yours

After my first birth, I found myself replaying the events over and over in my mind. I had felt like a rabbit stuck in the headlights—surrounded by watching eyes, unsupported, and unable to communicate. I didn’t know that wasn’t normal, and on paper, everything about the birth looked fine.

The notes, the outcome—it all seemed like a completely normal birth, like those I’d been reading in the home birth group!

I was delighted to have achieved a home birth, but inside, I felt stuck and didn’t feel able to reach out for support.

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