Emma Parr - Embracing Natural Pregnancy

16/02/2026

If you would like to talk about your options regarding induction of labour with an experienced midwife then please get in contact.

I also have a couple of treatments which may help you to avoid the need for an induction of labour.

Check out my website for more information about my Birth Preparation and Post Due Date sessions.

We see more comments, queries and concerns about induction of labour than about any other single pregnancy and birth-related topic.

It's too hard to put everything that women and their families need to know in one post (which is why I have written two books about this!)

But here are some of the key facts.

Induction of labour is absolutely the right decision for some women, and absolutely not the right decision for others.

Some women are delighted that they had their labour induced, and some women regret this decision for decades.

Induction is often suggested for a risk factor rather than for any medical reason. This risk may not be greater than the risks of induction itself for you - only you can decide that.

It is for those reasons that we encourage anybody who might be affected by this to get lots of information about induction of labour or any other birth intervention before making a decision.

The mass media is not a good source of information about birth. Newspapers spin stories to make headlines and often fail to discuss the nuances and complexities of the issues.

Like many of my colleagues, my primary concern is that people who need to make such decisions can get good information from a credible source and make the decision that is right for them.

That’s why I’ve written two books about this. They have both helped tens of thousands of women and families make the decisions that are right for them.

I also have more than twenty articles and blog posts to help you understand the issues.

Loads more info at https;//www.sarawickham.com/iol

10/02/2026

This event is taking place tomorrow (Wednesday 11th) at LGH. Come along and meet the experts. Your chance to ask your pregnancy and birth related questions.

We’re delighted to invite you to Maternity Matters: Meet the Expert, an open event where families can meet the teams who provide maternity care at UHL.

Join us on Wednesday 11 February, 6pm to 8pm at the Leicester General Hospital (Antenatal clinic).

This is your chance to:
- meet the people who care for you in pregnancy
- ask questions and learn about your care
- discover why vaccines matter in pregnancy
- chat with midwives and student midwives
- get support for stopping smoking, mental health and wellbeing
- meet our birth centre teams – and much more!

Everyone is welcome to drop in.

For enquiries, contact our Maternity team at uhl-tr.maternityandneonatalqiteam@nhs.net. For information on pregnancy support visit: http://www.healthforunder5s.co.uk/

10/02/2026

This lovely client came to see me after struggling with back and hip pain during her pregnancy.

During her session, I provided a reflexology treatment, talked through gentle exercises to help ease her discomfort, and finished with a deeply relaxing aromatherapy massage using a bespoke blend of oils chosen specifically to support her symptoms.

I’m so happy I could help her feel more comfortable and enjoy the remainder of her pregnancy 🥰

If you’re experiencing back or pelvic pain during pregnancy, feel free to get in touch to chat about how I can help relieve your symptoms.

08/02/2026

🌸🤰🏼🌸🤰🏽🌸🤰🏻🌸🤰🏼🌸🤰🏾🌸🤰🏻🌸🤰🏼🌸🤰🏻🌸

Are you struggling with pregnancy sickness or back a pelvic pain?
Have you been told that your baby is in a breech position?
Do you want to avoid having an induction of labour?
Or just want a relaxing pregnancy massage?

I have appointments available this week. Check out my website: www.emma-parr.co.uk or message me to book or for more information 🌸

07/02/2026

The face behind the business.

30/01/2026

Do you want to know more about the pros and cons of having a membrane sweep? Check out Sara Wickham’s blog post for unbiased information about the research relating to membrane sweeps.

Membrane sweeping is a form of induction of labour.

A membrane sweep is also called a stretch and sweep, or sometimes just "a sweep."

It's an intervention that you may be offered towards the end of pregnancy.

As with all interventions, it's up to you whether you have it or not.

How does it work? A midwife or doctor will, while doing a vaginal examination, sweep a finger around and/or within the opening of your cervix (the lowest part of your womb).

As with all interventions, there are pros and cons. Membrane sweeping can cause pain, discomfort, bleeding and infection.

We don't really know if it works. Some studies show it may work. Others don't. The evidence is of low quality.

It is always a good idea to get informed
before you decide what's right for you.

If you'd like to know more, there's a blog post on membrane sweeping on www.sarawickham.com

It's called "What is a stretch and sweep?" and you can find it at https://www.sarawickham.com/articles-2/what-is-a-stretch-and-sweep/

In it, I explain more about membrane sweeping, the pros and cons and some of the things you might want to know before you decide whether or not it's right for you.

I hope it helps.

29/01/2026

This Monday 2nd February

We have spaces on our FREE antenatal session tomorrow Monday 2nd February 7-9pm. To book use the QR code or the eventbrite link.

Do you want to find out more about breastfeeding?

Have you decided breastfeeding is something you want to do?

Are you still wondering if breastfeeding might be something you'd like to try?

Thinking about combi feeding or pumping?

Our free antenatal sessions cover everything you need to help you make an informed choice when your little one arrives

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/online-antenatal-breastfeeding-workshop-tickets-1976863796832?aff=ebdsshother&utm_share_source=listing_android

28/01/2026

Understanding the impact of the pause in services at St Mary’s Birth Centre We would like to understand how people have been impacted by the pause in service at St […]

23/01/2026

If you have given birth recently then please send your feedback.

23/01/2026