Maternity Statistics Vs Intervention-Free Birth
In the latest Journey Ahead Podcast episode, I am musing on the current maternity system and the many layers of reasons why so many people plan for an intervention-free birth and end up being wheeled into theatre for an emergency.
What this year has taught me about birth
Every year as a doula leaves its imprint. The stories, the women, the births – they don’t just pass through me, they shape me. This year has been no different. In fact, it has been one of the most powerful years of learning I’ve ever had, full of reminders about why I do this work and what it really means to be “with woman.”
Home Birth Panels - Conditional Compliance?
Birth panels are a worrying and increasing method of 'caregiving' that are not only being used in my local trusts but all over the UK. From the outside, this 'safety' focused approach seems like a good idea, right - individualised discussions about individuals - to ensure personalised care.
Dark Days in the Doula World
These past few weeks have been particularly heavy, and I feel it’s important to share what’s been unfolding – because it doesn’t just affect doulas. It affects the women and families we walk alongside, and it speaks to something much bigger about how women’s rights are held (or eroded) in birth.
Charlotte's Story - BBA/Freebirth & Suspended Service with The Importance of A Doula
In this episode, I sit down with Charlotte - a former client and now close friend - to share her deeply personal journey from a traumatic first birth to an instinctive, empowering second experience. During her pregnancy, Charlotte focused on rebuilding trust in her body, exploring her birth options, and finding her voice within a system that can often feel overwhelming for expectant mothers.