Author Archives: Joy

The Birthkeeper’s Path 10 moons course 2025

What is the birthkeepers path? The birthkeepers path is a 10 month journey which invites you to dive deep into women’s mysteries, ritual and ceremony as you accompany families through the transformative states of pregnancy birth and becoming parents. Taught by Jady Mountjoy, an experienced doula and menstruality educator, and Joy Horner, a former independent […]

I am a Former Registered Midwife, serving families as a Sacred Birthkeeper, Practitioner of Shamanic Womancraft, and Pregnancy, Birth and Postnatal Consultant.

About Me My Name is Joy Horner and I am a former Independent Midwife. I am no longer a Registered midwife but can still use my knowledge and experience gained from caring for hundreds of families, and my Shamanic Womancraft four seasons training, to support you through pregnancy, birth and early parenthood. I am a […]

Pregnancy, labour, and postnatal support during the covid-19 virus restrictions

Pregnancy and birth support in Somerset The current pandemic situation is disrupting most people’s plans for birth, and many families are contacting me with questions. The guidance is changing daily so please check with your local maternity unit for up to date information. Here is what the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the […]

Have you heard? Independent Midwives are still alive and kicking!

Haven’t you heard? Independent Midwives are still alive and kicking! I initially wrote this in 2015 to clear up the misinformation being given to women who were seeking care from an Independent Midwife. A lot has changed since then, but we’re still here. You may or may not know who Independent Midwives are. You may […]

Birthing from Within Birth Preparation Weekend

Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th April 2015  In Glastonbury I am so pleased to be once again running this popular workshop in Glastonbury with my partner Jady Mountjoy. Working with stories, art and practical techniques this 2 day workshop will prepare you for your journey to parenthood. Prepare for birth as a Rite of Passage. […]

Microbirth Premier film screening in Glastonbury

The Premier screening of Toni Harman’s new film will be shown globally on 20th September 2014. Following the successful screening of her previous film “Freedom for Birth” last year, I am pleased to be able to share her new film in Glastonbury. “Microbirth” is a new feature-length documentary looking at birth in a whole new […]

Radical Midwifery on the Road

According to the Association of Radical Midwives (ARM)  “In the mid 70s, the majority of pregnant women in UK had labour induced by artificial rupture of membranes (ARM) around the date they were “due”. These initials were used when the group needed a name, using the dictionary definition of “radical”, (roots, origins, basics, etc.) which […]

Please Help Save Independent Midwifery by commenting on the Professional Indemnity insurance consultation document

A public consultation is now open to the public until the 17th May 2013. It is your chance to say why professional Indemnity Insurance should not be linked to Midwives registration. This will have far-reaching implications after 25th October when it will become law – unless we can convince the powers that be to not […]