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.

Advocacy & Maternity Reform, Doulas & Continuity of Care, Pregnancy & Birth, Postnatal & Parenthood, Community & Events Emma Gleave Advocacy & Maternity Reform, Doulas & Continuity of Care, Pregnancy & Birth, Postnatal & Parenthood, Community & Events Emma Gleave

⭐️ Free ⭐️ Birth Companion & Advocacy Support for POC, Vulnerable & Minority Communities in the Forest of Dean

Becoming a parent is a big moment — and everyone deserves support, safety, and respect. Each month, I’m offering one free Doula (Birth Companion) & Advocacy place for someone in the Forest of Dean from a minority or migrant community — such as Romanian, Indian, Polish, Zimbabwean, refugee/asylum-seeking and other under-represented families.

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Advocacy & Maternity Reform, Doulas & Continuity of Care, Pregnancy & Birth Emma Gleave Advocacy & Maternity Reform, Doulas & Continuity of Care, Pregnancy & Birth Emma Gleave

Birth Services in the Forest of Dean: What’s Really Happening?

For decades, families in the Forest of Dean could give birth locally at Dilke Memorial Hospital. With its closure in 2024, there are now no maternity services in the Forest — and women are being sent to Gloucester Royal, a unit rated inadequate for safety. A recent review found nine neonatal deaths with “missed opportunities” in care, while many families say planned home births are cancelled at short notice.

So what does this mean for choice, safety, and community care? And how much say do we really have in the so-called “co-design” of local maternity services?

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