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
🩸Effective Iron Support🤰🏽
Tiredness in pregnancy doesn’t always mean low iron — sometimes it’s just your body adjusting. Standard iron tablets are often poorly absorbed and hard on digestion, but there are kinder, more effective options. In this blog, I explore Spatone, Floradix, nettle tea, and iron-rich foods, plus other causes of fatigue in pregnancy, and how practices like yoga, massage, and relaxation can help you feel more energised and supported.
Healing from Birth Trauma: My Journey and How You Can Start Yours
After my first birth, I found myself replaying the events over and over in my mind. I had felt like a rabbit stuck in the headlights—surrounded by watching eyes, unsupported, and unable to communicate. I didn’t know that wasn’t normal, and on paper, everything about the birth looked fine.
The notes, the outcome—it all seemed like a completely normal birth, like those I’d been reading in the home birth group!
I was delighted to have achieved a home birth, but inside, I felt stuck and didn’t feel able to reach out for support.
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…
Can pregnancy massage shorten your labour?
Can pregnancy massage shorten your labour, improve your health, your birth, and event the health of your baby?