Imbolc marks a quiet turning of the year — a time when light begins to return and life stirs beneath the surface. This post explores Imbolc through the lens of pregnancy, birth, and independent midwifery, weaving together ancient rhythm, physiology, ritual, and community. Rooted in the realities of pregnancy and homebirth, it reflects on the slow, unseen work of growth and the importance of care, continuity, and trust in birth — particularly within independent midwifery in Sussex and Kent.

The placenta grows a baby, supports birth, and then quietly disappears from the story. In this article, I explore what the placenta actually does, what happens after birth, delayed cord clamping, stem cells, eating the placenta, and how different cultures have honoured it — blending physiology, history, and lived midwifery practice as an independent midwife in Sussex and Kent.

Thrush, exhaustion, anxiety, low mood — so many pregnancy symptoms get dismissed as “normal.” But sometimes they’re signs of deeper imbalance. This blog looks at the possible links between iron deficiency and recurrent thrush, the symptoms of anaemia often overlooked, and supportive, natural ways to nourish iron levels. Written from my perspective as an independent midwife serving Sussex, Kent and the South East.

In a time when “natural birth” is being criticised and women’s autonomy is quietly eroded, this is a call to stand firm in truth. As midwives, mothers, and advocates, we are being asked to practise courage in the face of fear — to remember that evidence, instinct, and human rights all point toward the same thing: birth as a deeply physiological, sacred act of power. This piece explores the storm surrounding birth politics, the growing suppression of choice, and the quiet, determined strength it takes to keep tending to women’s sovereignty in birth.

As the light fades and the veil between worlds grows thin, we arrive at Samhain — the ancient Celtic turning of the year. This season invites us to pause, reflect, and honour the thresholds we walk in birth and motherhood.
Midwifery, like Samhain, is sacred work — tending what is unseen, trusting what unfolds in the dark, and guiding new life into light.

Around the world, new mothers are held in warmth, rest and nourishment — yet here in the West we have lost much of this ancient wisdom. As an Independent Midwife, I see how transformative true postnatal care can be: a period of recovery, bonding and gentle restoration for both mother and baby.

Discover how Autumn’s quiet rhythm can support pregnancy and birth preparation. Continuity-based, independent midwifery in East Sussex.

Crowborough Birthing Centre is temporarily paused. What that means for local women’s birth choices, the evidence on low-risk birth settings, travel options to Maidstone and Eastbourne, and how continuity / independent midwifery can support families in East Sussex.

Discover how intending a homebirth shapes outcomes, even when plans change. Evidence-based, heartfelt, continuity-focused midwifery in East Sussex.

“Safety is not the absence of threat; it is the presence of connection.” – Gabor Maté

Many pregnancies are labelled ‘high risk’ unnecessarily, leading to anxiety and over-intervention. Discover how personalised midwifery care in East Sussex offers a calm, supportive alternative.

The modern maternity system was not built to centre women’s voices — it was built to manage them.

A look at a study that shed light on the positive impacts of home births.

The importance of functional posture and the freedom of fascia to support optimal fetal positioning and maternal comfort

IMUK asked whether I would like to be featured as their midwife of the month, to which I of course said yes please. read on for the full interview.

A growing page of useful resources in the form of books, articles, research papers and podcasts.

Private Midwife Rachel Allen-Mepham offers a cooling cloth to hold on Mathilda’s forehead as she labours at home in the birthing pool supported by her birth partner.

GBS positive and choosing a homebirth.

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