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
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.
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.
A Moment of Calm: 5-Minute Relaxation Practice
A few years ago, I created this simple 5-minute relaxation and breathing practice as a way to bring a little calm into a busy day. It’s nothing fancy, but it’s a lovely little tool to help you pause, reset, and reconnect with your breath when life feels overwhelming.
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.
A Modern Take on the Blessingway Ceremony: Honoring Motherhood with Heart
When we think of celebrating an expectant mother, our minds often jump to baby showers.
But what if there were a way to focus more on nurturing the mom-to-be rather than just showering gifts for the baby? Enter the Blessingway Ceremony—a thoughtful, heartfelt tradition centered on uplifting, empowering, and connecting the mother with her closest circle of women.
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.
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.
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.
Can pregnancy massage shorten your labour?
Can pregnancy massage shorten your labour, improve your health, your birth, and event the health of your baby?
Birth on TV: A Far Cry from Reality
Let’s talk about birth as it’s shown on TV. You know the scenes—frantic rushes to the hospital, women screaming at the top of their lungs, doctors barking orders, and babies arriving within minutes. It’s dramatic, sure, but also wildly misleading.
Preparing for a Calm and Confident Birth: The Importance of Antenatal Classes
The journey to parenthood is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming—especially when thinking about labor and birth. Many expectant parents worry about how they’ll cope with the pain, the unexpected twists, or the sheer unpredictability of it all. But here’s the good news: you can feel calm, confident, and prepared for birth. One of the best ways to achieve this is through antenatal classes.