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
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Personal Stories, Reflections & Local Advocacy | Birth Stories | Home Birth Suspension | Community & Events | Personal Reflections | Self-Care | Herbal Wisdom | Womb Wisdom | Hormones | Rites of Passage | Menopause |
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All Pregnancy Wellness Topics | Pregnancy Yoga | Nutrition | Supplements | Vegan Pregnancy | Keto Pregnancy | GBS | Microbiome |
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All Pregnancy Risk Factors, Monitoring & Complications Topics | Low Iron | Blood Tests Older Mothers | Young Mothers | Diabetes | Gestational Diabetes | Graves Disease | Twins & Multiples | Breech Baby | Posterior Baby | Small for Gestational Age | PROM - Premature Rupture of Membranes | Pre-eclampsia | Growth Scans | PAPP-A | PCOS | Thyroid Conditions | Worms in Pregnancy | Preterm Birth |
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All Normal Labour & Birth Topics | Baby Positioning | Birth Biomechanics Doulas | Birth Companion | Antenatal Classes | Partners | Birth Partners | Relaxation | Pregnancy Massage | Shiatsu | Reflexology | Hormones | Oxytocin | Rebozo | Breech Birth | Twin Birth
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Postnatal & Baby | Breastfeeding | Babywearing | Sling Support | Postnatal Support | Postnatal Recovery | Bonding | Fourth Trimester | Birth Trauma
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All Baby Loss | Miscarriage | Stillbirth | Abortion | Death | Rites of Passage | Rituals
Why I Say Yoni…
Why do I use the word Yoni? Rooted in ancient Sanskrit, Yoni can mean source, womb, origin and place of creation. In this piece I explore why language matters, the importance of knowing our anatomical terms, and why reconnecting with pelvic wisdom can support women through birth and throughout life.
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.