Tag Archives: Birth

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. […]

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 […]

Mary Cronk’s Assertiveness Phrases

Following on from my “Am I Allowed post” I phoned my dear friend and former colleague Mary Cronk. As well as a good chat with each other, I obtained her permission to post her assertiveness phrases. She re-quoted the phrases that I know by heart, and have recommended to many women. I had the pleasure of working with Mary […]

Birth keeper or Baby catcher?

I felt compelled to comment on a great blog my the brilliant Rebecca Wright today. It can be seen here entitled “Are you a birthkeeper? Then don’t catch babies.” She was commenting upon the language used by birth workers in a facebook post which said “because maternity care providers are not serving mothers’ needs, more doulas and […]

Association of Radical Midwives monthly discussion group.

This is a local group for the support of peaceful pregnancy, birth and parenting. Hosted by Joy Horner, radical midwife, mum, lecturer and some day writer. Inspired by the Freedom For Birth film I am determined to impart information about human rights in childbirth, facilitate discussions, and to support women on their journeys to parenthood. You don’t have […]

Taunton Birth Forum 4th September 2012

I was delighted to have made it to The Taunton Birth Forum this month as I have had such a busy Summer I have missed a few. It is always a pleasure to See Eleanor Copp and her husband Simon and learn from the speakers she invites along. This month was a real treat with […]

Freedom For Birth Film Premier

FREEDOM FOR BIRTH – GLOBAL FILM LAUNCH GIVES BIRTH TO THE  MOTHER’S REVOLUTION Glastonbury film premier on Thursday 20th September 2012. was a resounding success! we filled 40 seats and had people sitting on the floor! £100 each was raised for The red tent project and The White ribbon Alliance, A lively discussion followed lead by our panel […]

MAMA Conference 26th and 27th April 2012

Birth Joy (C) 2011 I have just returned from the fabulous MAMA Conference in Troon, Scotland, organised by the brilliant Cassie MacNamara. Mary Cronk MBE had been booked as a speaker but had recently suffered a bereavement, and asked me to talk on her behalf about breech birth. These are big shoes to fill! I […]

The Joy of birth

Has anyone ever told you that birth can be pleasurable or even pain free? It may be a very strange concept to women bombarded with stories of painful or traumatic birth. As an Independent midwife I rarely see women needing pharmacological pain relief, the main reasons being that they feel safe, loved and respected. They know and trust their midwife and know […]

Copyright and the sharing of information

After an awkward issue arose between some midwifery colleagues over use of each other’s materials without consent I was prompted to write this page. I believe all information is knowledge, knowledge is power and therefore should be shared to empower women. All information contained in this blog is my original work, from knowledge amassed throughout […]