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. I won’t tell you what choices to make. My aim is to help you understand your body, explore your options and strengthen your confidence in your own discernment.

Take your time. 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, or if you’re looking for something particular and can’t find it let me know here

Advocacy & Maternity Reform, Pregnancy & Birth Prep, Gloucestershire Maternity Emma Gleave Advocacy & Maternity Reform, Pregnancy & Birth Prep, Gloucestershire Maternity Emma Gleave

When Maternity Services Feel Unstable — What Women Can Do Now

With Gloucestershire’s home-birth service suspended and maternity wards under strain, many women are asking what to do next. This guide explores practical steps to restore calm and confidence — from nourishing your body and preparing intentionally for birth, to understanding your rights and creating your own continuity of care. Whether you choose to stay home, switch Trusts, or hire a doula or independent midwife, you do have options. Birth is powerful — and so are you.

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Pregnancy Topics, Older Mothers, Labour & Birth, Caesarean Birth, Birth Choices, Birth Plans, Maternity Rights, Informed Consent, Pregnancy & Birth, Advocacy & Maternity Reform, Baby Positioning, Birth Biomechanics Emma Gleave Pregnancy Topics, Older Mothers, Labour & Birth, Caesarean Birth, Birth Choices, Birth Plans, Maternity Rights, Informed Consent, Pregnancy & Birth, Advocacy & Maternity Reform, Baby Positioning, Birth Biomechanics Emma Gleave

Empowering Mothers to Make Informed Choices: Considering a Caesarean for a Healthy, Older Mum

For many women, becoming a mother is one of life’s most precious journeys—especially when it’s a long-awaited pregnancy. Older mums, in particular, often face added layers of advice and medical recommendations, frequently framed around reducing perceived risks. If you’ve been advised to have a planned caesarean section, it’s completely natural to want to take the safest route for your baby. However, stepping into motherhood also means stepping into your power. You are the one growing this baby inside your body, and no one else shares that unique bond.

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Pregnancy, Pregnancy & Birth Prep, Pregnancy & Birth, Antenatal Classes, Birth Choices, Birth Plans, Home Birth, Hospital Birth, Informed Consent, Partners, Birth Partners, Support in Birth, Pregnancy Massage, Relaxation, Pregnancy Complaints, Anxiety in Pregnancy, Hormones, Physiological Birth, Doulas, Birth Companion, Birth Stories Emma Gleave Pregnancy, Pregnancy & Birth Prep, Pregnancy & Birth, Antenatal Classes, Birth Choices, Birth Plans, Home Birth, Hospital Birth, Informed Consent, Partners, Birth Partners, Support in Birth, Pregnancy Massage, Relaxation, Pregnancy Complaints, Anxiety in Pregnancy, Hormones, Physiological Birth, Doulas, Birth Companion, Birth Stories Emma Gleave

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.

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