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

Women’s Health, Menopause & Matt Bishop’s Event…

After hearing women’s experiences of being dismissed by healthcare services at Matt Bishop MP’s women and girls event at Speech House, I reflect on menopause, oestrogen, the role of the adrenal glands—and why women need community, meaningful information and genuine choice.

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Emma’s Top 6 Ways to Get Breastfeeding Off to a Flying Start

Yes, breastfeeding is natural, but we’re social creatures. Historically, we would have grown up seeing our mothers, aunties, sisters, and friends breastfeeding—and they would have been on hand to guide and support us. In today’s world, however, we’re often surrounded by bottle-feeding imagery and clever formula marketing that can misinform and confuse us….

Read my top tips for a successful start, with the best places to go for support and information…

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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