What can a body horror film teach us about pregnancy, birth and the way we view ourselves? In this review of The Substance, I explore the connections between societal conditioning, impossible beauty standards, self-acceptance and the experiences of women and birthing people. From the pressure to be a ‘good girl’ to the scrutiny of postnatal bodies and the historical devaluing of women's knowledge, I unpack the film's themes through my lens as a doula.

In the Buddhist story of Kisā Gotamī, a grieving mother searches for mustard seeds from a household untouched by death. Inspired by her journey, I share a contemporary ritual for honouring pregnancy and baby loss through remembrance, connection and gentle care for the body. Created for Baby Loss Awareness Week, this ritual offers space to acknowledge grief without the expectation of closure.

For neurodivergent parents, pregnancy and birth can bring unique emotional challenges. Learn how Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria may influence birth experiences and discover ways to advocate for your needs with confidence.

Many pregnant people enter labour expecting birth to unfold according to a predictable timeline. From due dates and dilation measurements to feeding expectations, modern maternity care often prioritises progress and efficiency over the natural variability of birth. This article explores how these expectations can leave parents feeling disappointed when birth takes the long scenic route instead.

Pregnancy often invites us to slow down and question the world around us. In a society driven by productivity, technology, and constant noise, birth can become a powerful opportunity to reconnect with ourselves and what truly matters.

The final weeks of pregnancy can feel like an emotional rollercoaster. As your due date approaches, you may find yourself caught between excitement, impatience, and uncertainty. Discover practical and emotional ways to surrender into the unknown, trust the process, and find peace while waiting for your baby to arrive.

From dreams about water and animals to vivid birth dreams, many women experience intense and memorable dreams during pregnancy. Discover the science, psychology, and symbolism behind pregnancy dreams.

If you're pregnant and considering hiring a doula, you may be wondering whether it's worth the investment. From emotional support and birth preparation to helping partners feel more confident during labour, discover the many ways a doula can support you throughout pregnancy, birth, and the transition into parenthood.

For some people, planning a home birth after trauma offers an opportunity to reclaim confidence, trust their instincts, and create a more supportive birth environment. Explore how to prepare emotionally and practically for your next birth.

For South Asian Baby Loss Awareness Week, discover traditional Pakistani beliefs and rituals surrounding miscarriage and baby loss. From protective amulets and shrine visits to cleansing ceremonies in Kashmir, this blog explores how some communities have honoured grief, sought healing and supported families through pregnancy loss across generations.

A previous traumatic birth can leave lasting emotional scars, making a subsequent pregnancy feel both exciting and overwhelming. Discover how a doula can provide emotional support, evidence-based information, and continuous care to help you approach your next birth with confidence and hope.

From parcel tracking to next-day delivery, modern life has conditioned us to expect certainty and control. But birth operates on a very different timeline. This article explores how our culture's obsession with efficiency shapes maternity care, labour expectations and our ability to trust the unfolding process of birth.

Across many South Asian cultures, the placenta is far more than a temporary organ—it is honoured with rituals that reflect protection, spirituality, and a deep connection to the land. From placenta burial in Bangladesh and Nepal to coconut palm ceremonies in the Maldives and postpartum traditions in Sri Lanka, discover the fascinating cultural beliefs that have shaped birth practices for generations and what they can teach us about honouring birth today.

Choosing a doula is one of the most personal decisions you'll make during pregnancy. Learn what to look for, which questions to ask, and how to find a doula whose approach aligns with your values and birth preferences.

Every family deserves compassionate and inclusive care. This Pride Month, we celebrate lesbian parents and explore how pregnancy, birth, and postnatal support can better reflect and support LGBTQ+ families.

In Part 2 of this series, we explore the stories of Black and Brown celebrities who chose to give birth at home. From empowering water births to culturally supportive care, these mothers share why home birth felt right for their families. Their experiences highlight themes of trust, autonomy, community, and the importance of improving maternal health outcomes for women of colour.

The closure of Edgware Birth Centre marks the end of freestanding midwifery-led birth centres in London. As birth centres across the capital face frequent staffing-related closures, concerns are growing about the future of physiological birth, genuine birthplace choice, and midwifery autonomy. This article explores why the loss of Edgware matters and what it means for pregnant families in North West London and beyond.

New parents often worry about not producing enough breast milk, but breastfeeding works on a natural supply-and-demand system where milk production increases as your baby feeds. This blog explores the emotional fears around feeding, the power of affirmations like “I have enough milk for my baby,” and how cultural traditions and nourishment practices can support postpartum confidence and recovery.

The theme of Black Maternal Health Awareness Week 2026 is Leading with Solutions, Not Trauma.

I was inspired to share some of the books I've come across that can inspire and empower Black women and pregnant people.

Let me know if you've read any of these books and what you thought of them. If you have any others to add to the list, let me know in the comments!

A year after the Birthrights survey into student midwives’ experiences, the situation facing the future midwifery workforce is even more concerning. Newly qualified midwives are struggling to find jobs, training opportunities are shrinking, and many students qualify without ever witnessing physiological birth or homebirth. In this talk from the Fund Future Midwives demonstration, we explore the realities student midwives are facing — and why doulas, midwives, and families must stand together to protect the future of maternity care.