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
The Evidence for Having a Doula
In a world where childbirth has increasingly shifted into hospitals and medical settings, the role of continuous, non-judgmental support during labour has never been more crucial. For centuries, women were surrounded by other women during birth—offering reassurance, guidance, and care. Today, doulas are reclaiming this vital role, and the evidence for their impact on birth outcomes is clear and compelling.
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.
Laid-Back Breastfeeding: Instincts, Connection, and the Golden Hour
Breastfeeding is often portrayed as a skill mothers need to master, but what if it’s more about letting go and following instincts? Laid-back breastfeeding, also known as biological nurturing, encourages this natural approach by allowing mother and baby to work together in a relaxed, intuitive way.
This blog explores the benefits of laid-back breastfeeding, its connection to the "golden hour" after birth, and how creating the right environment—both during birth and postpartum—can set families up for success.
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.
The Growing Role of Doulas in Birth Support
Why hire a doula, what questions to ask to find the right one, and will it make a difference to your birth?
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.