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
Do Growth Scans Improve Outcomes for Older Mothers? Examining the Evidence
As a birth professional, I often get asked about growth scans, or fetal growth assessments, especially for older mothers.
Every scan, test, or procedure offered during pregnancy is just that—offered. It is not mandatory. Women are best placed to make decisions for themselves and their babies, provided they are fully informed about the benefits and risks of each procedure. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. To help bridge that gap, here is a summary of the evidence.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Can pregnancy massage shorten your labour?
Can pregnancy massage shorten your labour, improve your health, your birth, and event the health of your baby?
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?
Birth on TV: A Far Cry from Reality
Let’s talk about birth as it’s shown on TV. You know the scenes—frantic rushes to the hospital, women screaming at the top of their lungs, doctors barking orders, and babies arriving within minutes. It’s dramatic, sure, but also wildly misleading.
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.