A Dad at school was asking the parent WhatsApp group something and I suggested he catch the teacher at pick up about it. His response really affected me: "I don't have the privilege of being at pick up." Said another way it may have come across as a complement. But to me it felt like a put down. Now maybe part of that is the constant sense that 'people' assume I don't have a 'proper job' and must have loads of free time! A huge part of why it offended me so much is because I'

The sad reality is that preparing to give birth in the current maternity system carries a high chance of medicalised birth. Meanwhile the majority of mums-to-be in my classes are aiming to give birth in the Birth Centre at their hospital. But did you know that in March 2026 the proportions of baby's born in the Birth Centre at SASH Hospital was just 6.7% (East Surrey Hospital, UK). With a total of 341 babies born that month, just 23 babies born in the Birth Centre. This is a

Intervention can be life changing and amazing for mum and baby when one or both is at risk. Let's put aside instances where there is risk of harm to mum and baby. My tips below are for those where there is not medical condition or concern. Having been an Antenatal teacher for several years, I'd put money on you wanting to avoid medical intervention during your birth experience. And why wouldn't you? You may have heard horror stories or read the negative headlines or have simp

There are times in pregnancy and new motherhood when you might sense that something feels ‘off’, even if you can’t quite put your finger on it. Learning a little about the nervous system, including the vagus nerve, can help you recognise these moments with more compassion and less self-judgement. Rather than clear alarm bells, the nervous system often whispers. Below are some common signs that your system may be feeling under pressure, followed by simple, gentle ways of offer

Many new or expectant mums notice physical or emotional symptoms that don’t always have a clear explanation. You might have been told that ‘it’s just hormones’ or ‘part of being a mum’, which can feel dismissive even when it’s well meant. The vagus nerve offers a lens through which these experiences can make more sense. Because it connects to so many systems in the body, its state can influence a wide range of sensations and feelings. Some mums notice changes in digestion, su

Pregnancy and early motherhood are often described as joyful, but they are also times of vulnerability. Your body is learning a new rhythm, your identity may be shifting, and your nervous system is constantly responding to new demands. The vagus nerve plays a key role in what’s sometimes called the ‘rest and digest’ response. Your calm state of mind when you’re sleeping or feeling relaxed, safe and secure. When it’s well supported, it helps the body slow down, regulate the he

In a world full of advice for new mums, it can feel as though there is always something else you ‘should’ be doing. When it comes to the vagus nerve, it can be helpful to take a different approach, one rooted in gentleness rather than effort. Supporting your vagus nerve and therefore your wellbeing often looks less like doing more, and more like allowing small pockets of ease. This might be letting yourself rest without using the time productively, asking for help even when i

If you’ve been pregnant or welcomed a new baby recently, you may have noticed that your body and emotions feel… different. Perhaps your heart races more easily, your digestion feels off, you feel tearful or irritable for no obvious reason, or you struggle to truly relax even when you get a quiet moment. For many women, these changes can feel confusing or even worrying. One part of the body that is gaining more attention in conversations about wellbeing, especially during preg

I have suffered from Mastitis when breastfeeding both my daughters. The first when I was triple feeding so pumping a lot and the second I'm not quite sure how it started. Each time I was knocked out with a fever and felt awful. The treatment at the time appeared to make things worse so I wasn't surprised when the guidelines changed recently! So let's talk about Mastitis... When more milk is produced than your baby drinks this can produce pressure which your body responds to a

Many of my expectant parents of mums-to-be who I support, will intend to combination feed their babies. But what is that really? Combination feeding simply means using both feeding your baby at the breast and offering a bottle of either expressed breastmilk or formula. Often the thinking is that if Dad can do a few feeds with a bottle they will bond better or easier with their baby. Mum also hopes that this may give her more sleep, rest or time for herself. But true combinati

If you’re wondering when to start pumping breastmilk after your baby arrives, please know you don’t have to rush (or even do it at all) . In the early weeks, your baby is the best “pump” there is! Frequent feeding helps your milk supply establish and gives you both time to transition after birth together. You might think about pumping if: Your baby can’t feed directly at the breast (for example, if they’re premature or sleepy) You need to relieve fullness or wish store a lit

Mindful Breastfeeding

Having had two very different breastfeeding experiences with my girls and in my work supporting new mums I have learnt a thing or two....

When you see footage or photos of athletes exerting themselves they're often sweating, red faced, clearly putting in a lot of physical...

I'd like to take a moment to focus on those early days and weeks with your new baby. The Fourth Trimester: do you know what it is? Your...

Intervention can be life changing and amazing for mum and baby when one or both is at risk. So this is not against situations where there...

I share this in my Antenatal Classes as it was such a game changer for me. When my husband and I were preparing to welcome our first...

I’m often asked what I can do in labour to make it ‘easier’. The answer isn’t that straight forward unfortunately. It’s more about a...

When I'm supporting expectant mums in Pregnancy Yoga or Antenatal Classes , I sense that their nervousness stems largely from never...

Hello, lovely mums-to-be! If you’re going into labour with an induction (IOL), it’s completely natural to feel a mix of excitement and...