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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Pregnancy Topics, Older Mothers, Growth Scans, Blood Tests, Pregnancy Complications, Birth Choices, Maternity Rights, Informed Consent, Labour & Birth, Induction of Labour, Labour Interventions, Caesarean Birth, Nutrition, Pregnancy Massage, Pregnancy Yoga, Relaxation, Wellbeing & Holistic Health, Self-Care, Doulas, Birth Companion, Antenatal Classes, Forest of Dean Emma Gleave Pregnancy Topics, Older Mothers, Growth Scans, Blood Tests, Pregnancy Complications, Birth Choices, Maternity Rights, Informed Consent, Labour & Birth, Induction of Labour, Labour Interventions, Caesarean Birth, Nutrition, Pregnancy Massage, Pregnancy Yoga, Relaxation, Wellbeing & Holistic Health, Self-Care, Doulas, Birth Companion, Antenatal Classes, Forest of Dean Emma Gleave

Do Growth Scans Improve Outcomes for Older Mothers? Examining the Evidence

As a birth professional, I often get asked about growth scans, or fetal growth assessments, especially for older mothers.

Every scan, test, or procedure offered during pregnancy is just that—offered. It is not mandatory. Women are best placed to make decisions for themselves and their babies, provided they are fully informed about the benefits and risks of each procedure. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. To help bridge that gap, here is a summary of the evidence.

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Pregnancy & Birth, Pregnancy Topics, Birth Choices, Birth Plans, Induction of Labour, Labour Interventions, Maternity Rights, Informed Consent, Wellbeing & Holistic Health, Self-Care, Pregnancy Massage, Reflexology, Relaxation, Hormones, Oxytocin, Partners, Birth Partners, Bonding, Community & Events, Rites of Passage, Rituals, Postnatal & Baby, Postnatal Support, Pregnancy Complaints, Sleeplessness, Anxiety in Pregnancy Emma Gleave Pregnancy & Birth, Pregnancy Topics, Birth Choices, Birth Plans, Induction of Labour, Labour Interventions, Maternity Rights, Informed Consent, Wellbeing & Holistic Health, Self-Care, Pregnancy Massage, Reflexology, Relaxation, Hormones, Oxytocin, Partners, Birth Partners, Bonding, Community & Events, Rites of Passage, Rituals, Postnatal & Baby, Postnatal Support, Pregnancy Complaints, Sleeplessness, Anxiety in Pregnancy Emma Gleave

Embracing the Last Few Weeks of Pregnancy

The last stretch of pregnancy is often packed with a mix of emotions—excitement, impatience, and a touch of stress. With your due date just around the corner, it feels like everyone is asking, “Have you had the baby yet?” While their curiosity comes from a good place, it can feel a little overwhelming. Instead of letting that pressure get to you, let’s reframe this time as a chance to slow down, connect with yourself, and prepare for the big day.

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