The Natural Maternity & Baby Guide

For many of us, massage is a simple way to relax, release tension and feel more at ease. The gentle rhythm of touch can help us slow down and reconnect with our bodies — and babies can benefit from that same sense of calm and connection. Baby massage is about so much more than massaging tiny arms and legs. It is a beautiful opportunity to pause, be present and connect with your baby through loving touch. Our natural affinity with touch begins long before birth. During pregnancy, many mums instinctively stroke their growing bellies — sometimes to connect with their...

Can we prevent stretch marks during pregnancy? There are plenty of products and promises out there claiming to prevent or cure stretch marks, but the truth is, there is no magical cream or oil that can guarantee you won't get them. Some women develop stretch marks during pregnancy and others don't. Genetics, hormones, skin type and how quickly your body changes can all play a part. What we do know is that as your baby grows, your skin needs to adapt too. The deeper layers of your skin are stretching and changing as your tummy, breasts and other areas of...

We often hear that breastfeeding is the most natural thing in the world, but that doesn’t mean it always comes easily. For some mums, breastfeeding can be challenging, tiring, uncomfortable and sometimes a little overwhelming. For others, it can feel surprisingly natural from the beginning. And for many, it’s a mixture of both. There is no one “right” way for breastfeeding to look. I wanted to share a few simple, supportive tips to help you and your baby find your way through those early days. And most importantly, to remind you that if you're finding it difficult, you are not...

Perhaps until you were pregnant you'd never heard of a perineum, let alone know how important it is during pregnancy and childbirth. However I'm sure you've heard or read about how important your pelvic floor muscles are and how important it is to do your pelvic floor exercises after the birth of your baby to prevent bladder leakage when you cough, sneeze or run later in life. As a midwife I've spent my career supporting women and teaching them the importance of self care for their ongoing, short and long term physical and emotional wellbeing. Hopefully by the end of...