Joyful Birth Doncaster

13/01/2026

We're back after Christmas, happy new year to you all. Join us on the 24th January for a drink and perhaps some cake. Myself and your local doula Kelly Wilson will be there to talk about pregnancy, birth and what happens in those magical few weeks after birth. Totally free just buy a drink.

10/01/2026

Busy week both with midwifery and personally. we've had birthdays, graduations. Antenatal and postnatal appointments. On call still I don't mind being on call it's exciting waiting for that call. I'm hoping to take March off of being on call for a short break with my husband but I have 2 spaces in April and 1 in May, 2 in June. Please DM to see how you can work with me.

10/01/2026

Yesterday I had the privilege of attending my daughter Lydia's graduation for her nursing degree. Such a proud day. She and Paige are buying their first house together and getting ready to start their adult life. Paige has had a lot of challenges recently and she is a welcome addition to our family. So proud of them both.
Also proud of Katie who graduated as a mental health nurse despite having a baby during the course. She had a short break and returned to complete the course before starting maternity leave. 3 gorgeous young women who should be extremely proud of themselves.

06/01/2026

Poor Myrtle was spayed yesterday, look at that little face. I'm sleeping on the settee with her so she doesn't have to climb the stairs and I can keep an eye on her. I'm still on call too so someone will have to take over if I'm called out. ❤️

06/01/2026

A cervical sweep (also called a finger sweep or membrane sweep) is a clinical procedure sometimes offered as part of labor preparation for pregnant people. It involves the healthcare provider inserting a gloved finger through the cervix and separating the membranes around the baby from the cervix. The goal is to help stimulate labour.

Pros (potential benefits):
May help initiate or hasten labour: Some people experience earlier onset of contractions after a sweep, which can reduce the need for medical induction.
Can reduce the need for medical induction: If effective, it might avoid medications like prostaglandins or oxytocin used to induce labour.
Simple, low-cost procedure: It’s quick to perform and typically done during a routine prenatal or pre-labour exam.
Can be performed in outpatient settings: Often done in a clinic or hospital visit without hospitalization.
May be an option for those wanting to avoid or delay pharmacologic induction: Provides a non-drug approach to labour initiation.

Important considerations and limitations:
Effectiveness varies: Many studies show mixed results; a significant portion of sweeps do not lead to labor.
Not guaranteed to work: Some people may need induction regardless of a sweep.
Possible discomfort or mild bleeding: Some people report cramping, contractions, or light bleeding after a sweep.
Potential risks: In rare cases, there is a small risk of infection or premature rupture of membranes, though such risks are generally low when performed by a trained clinician.
Timing and suitability: Not all pregnancies or situations are appropriate for a sweep. It is typically considered when you are overdue (often around 39–40 weeks) and if the cervix is favorable (favorable means somewhat dilated and effaced with a softened cervix). Your clinician will assess readiness.

Questions to discuss with your healthcare provider:
Is a cervical sweep appropriate for me given my pregnancy and cervix condition?
What are the chances it will start labour in my case?
What are the risks and potential side effects?
How soon after a sweep would we plan to monitor for labour or consider alternative induction methods?

06/01/2026

1st of all what is a cervical sweep. Offered from 39/40 pregnant it is the 1st step to induce labour.
A gloved lubricated finger is placed into the va**na and through the cervix, the membranes are gently separated from the cervix with a sweeping motion and /or the cervix is massaged. This releases hormones that mat initiate labour. However there are cons to this.
Here are the main cons (disadvantages) of a cervical sweep (cervical stretch) in pregnancy:

Limited effectiveness: Many people do not go into labour due to a cervical sweep, and results are variable.
Discomfort or mild pain: Some individuals experience cramping, backache, or pressure during or after the procedure.
Bleeding: Light spotting or bleeding after the sweep is common; heavier bleeding can occur in some cases.
Infection risk: Although sterile technique minimizes risk, there is a small chance of introducing infection.
May trigger contractions: Could lead to Braxton Hicks-like contractions or more frequent contractions, which may be uncomfortable or distressing.
Not suitable for all pregnancies: Contraindicated in certain conditions (e.g., placenta previa, ruptured membranes, significant va**nal bleeding, cervical insufficiency, or active infections).
False labour or no progression: Contractions may start but not lead to active labour, causing anxiety or unnecessary interventions if labour doesn’t progress.
Releasing of the waters can occur without labour commencing. This encourages the risk of intervention to speed up labour progression. Leading to further intervention. Rupture of membranes also increases the risk of infection.
Informed consent and preference: Some people prefer to avoid any invasive procedure unless clearly indicated, and a sweep can feel unwanted or coercive if not properly discussed.
Variable timing and planning: Effects, if any, can depend on gestational age, cervical readiness, and individual factors, making it hard to predict outcomes.
As always the benefits and risks must always be discussed and informed consent obtained.

04/01/2026

On the 4th January 1996 at 11.10 this gorgeous soul, the most polite and kind young man you will ever meet was born. I was a single parent, in the middle of my midwifery training and if I'm honest scared to death of being a mother (it wasn't the plan). My parents helped and I couldn't have got where I am today without their help.
It's not always been plain sailing, diagnosed with ASD at 5 after a long fight to get a diagnosis which should have been easy. I fought all the way to get his needs met and here we are at 30. He now drives and has achieved so much more than we were told to expect. Happy birthday Marcus we are so proud of you, the best big brother ever. We love you and are so proud of you.

02/01/2026

My updated availability until September. Where it says antenatal and postnatal only I am available to see clients but not to be on call. March I'm on a study day which will mean me staying in a hotel for the night. I'm also hoping to get a few days away in my caravan.
In August we're hoping for a family holiday but may move this to July or September depending on clients and my husbands holidays. Message me about availability or comment DISCOVERY to arrange a call to discuss your needs.

01/01/2026

Light do incredible work if your struggling please contact them. Their groups are so supportive.

We understand that today may be a mixed bag of emotions for some, for many reasons.

But remember this; whatever this year has thrown at you, you survived it, and you WILL get through whatever is to come.

From all at Light to all of you, Happy New Year.

01/01/2026

Highlights of 2025 (photos are not in the correct order).

1, leaving the NHS starting my own independent practice and finding zest.
2, Teen moms UK my first independent client what a start.
3, supporting many fantastic clients and getting a fantastic team around me.
4, amazing family holidays
5, relocating to Northumberland learnt so much from this experience (good and bad).
6, Lydia qualifying as a nurse (so proud)
7, Lydia and Paige getting ready to buy their first home. Looking forward to seeing their future together.
8, family and realising how important family is.
Happy new year let's see what 2026 has to offer. Sending so much love to everyone.
#2026

31/12/2025

So many achievements the year started off with me being very unhappy. I loved midwifery but not in the NHS. I dreaded work everyday and lived for holidays. I had done the hypnobirthing course but quickly realised I couldn't earn enough to live doing this. After much soul searching and speaking to other independent midwives I decided this was the route to take and spoke to ZEST and quickly joined. I hoped I could work part time in the NHS until my business was established but it became obvious this wasn't going to happen.
I left the NHS on the 8th April with only 1 potential client and no idea if I could make this work (talk about a leap of faith).
In April I was asked if I would like to appear on Teen moms next generation, I said yes and although it was strange being filmed while working I loved it. In May I got 2 more clients in Darlington and Durham.
I then had the opportunity to move to Northumberland to look after 2 NHS clients. I loved being in the nurses home in Ashington and started at a gym which I loved (thank you ) you were so friendly and I miss it. Sadly I've only been to the gym a few times since I came back need to get my backside in gear.
Now I have another 6 lovely clients and had the opportunity to be second midwife too.
Of the 5 that have birthed their babies I have a 5/5 home/water birth success rate which I am very proud of.
Looking forward to 2026 and what the year brings. I have a few plans but that's another post.
Happy new year to all my clients past,present and future and the incredible new colleagues in my life and old colleagues too. Also thank you to my family for coping with all the on calls and being away I'm now doing. DM me or comment DISCOVERY if you would like to work with me. #2026

29/12/2025

My little helper modelling my birth pools he looks so comfy.
These pools come as standard with a birth package as well as TENS machine, birth comb, nitronox and aromatherapy.
I have birth pool in a box mini, suitable for smaller spaces and where the quantity of hot water may be an issue. I have the larger pool in both blue and white. The large pool is great if your partner wants to get in with you or you want more space.
All pools come with pump for inflating and deflating, pool liner, pump for emptying the water, pool thermometer, sieve and mirror. Comment DISCOVERY to book an appointment to discuss working with me.