Midwife's Touch with Amanda Redford

20/08/2025

🌟This is going to be amazing FREE webinar....For all those (including many of my clients) if you are...

Trying to conceive • Pregnant • Postpartum • Early Motherhood 🌟

Or if you are a midwife, health practitioner supporting fertility or pregnancy..

Your omega-3 levels matter more than you think… 💛

Join Dr. Emmalee Gisslevik and Margie Dangerfield (IVF Nurse & Midwife Specialist) for a powerful conversation on what the latest science reveals about omega-3, pregnancy and early motherhood.

🗓 21st August
⏰ 1:00 PM UK (BST) | 10:00 PM Sydney/Melbourne (AEST)

🔎 Did you know?
Over 1.4 million blood tests show how critical omega-3 levels are during pregnancy — impacting both maternal health and your baby’s development.

What we’ll cover:
🌿 The role of omega-3 in pregnancy & motherhood
🔬 How to understand your own balance levels
💡 Simple, science-based ways to support YOU and your baby

👉 Register Here

https://www.zinzino.com/site/XX/en-GB/page=223860

Professional & evidence-based...

🔬 For those who’d like some background reading ahead of time, you can find more here.. chevk comments for link..

This is more than a webinar — it’s the start of a bigger conversation about how science + daily choices can change lives. 🌍💛

19/08/2025

🔥 Hot from press 🔥

✨ Did you know? ✨

A brand-new peer-reviewed study analysing more than 590,000 blood samples worldwide has confirmed what I’ve seen for years in my own clinic.

🔹 95% of people tested have low omega-3
🔹 Deficiency is common even in supplement users
🔹 The only way to know your true omega-3 balance is through a simple blood test

As a registered midwife, and former research midwife, I’ve been offering this test in my clinic for years to support my clients through fertility, pregnancy, and beyond. It’s always been about giving families clear, evidence-based answers — and now we have published global data to prove just how important this is.

This isn’t guesswork. It’s science. And it’s a tool I use every day to help people make informed choices about their health.

📍 If you’d like to know your omega-3 balance, message me and I’ll guide you through the simple test.

https://www.zinzino.com/2009708133

Check link in comments for study source 👇

18/08/2025

🌍 Groundbreaking research just published

A new peer-reviewed study has confirmed what many of us already suspected: most people are living with an omega-3 deficiency — and many don’t even know it, even those already taking supplements.

This landmark paper, published in Lipids in Health and Disease, analysed over 590,000 dried blood samples from the Zinzino BalanceTest database. The research was carried out in collaboration with independent laboratories and an international scientific advisory team.

The results are clear:
🔹 Omega-3 deficiency is common across every region of the world
🔹 Even supplement users often fail to reach optimal levels
🔹 Only testing — not guesswork — can reveal your true balance
🔹 A scientifically formulated approach makes the difference

Having worked as a research midwife for many years, I know how important it is to ground care in solid, peer-reviewed evidence. That’s why this study feels so relevant — it underlines the real need for evidence-based, test-driven approaches to cellular health.

For me, this is more than just numbers on a page. It’s confirmation that the personalised, test-based approach I use in practice is backed by global science. And it highlights why supporting clients to truly understand their cellular health matters so much — especially when it comes to fertility, pregnancy, and long-term wellbeing.

This publication is an important milestone. It shows that we’re not just talking about wellness trends — we’re helping to shape the future of nutritional science with real-world data.

Read more https://www.zinzino.com/2009708133

Omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids are critical for human health, with the omega-6 (n-6) to n-3 fatty acid ratio and the omega-3 levels recognized as contributing to the risk of many chronic non-communicable diseases. Direct measurement of fatty acid levels ...

17/08/2025

✨ "Can a Machine Carry Our Souls?"

China has just unveiled something that sounds like science fiction but is now set to become reality....a pregnancy robot. Shown at the 2025 World Robot Conference, this humanoid device is designed to nurture a human life from conception to delivery. By 2026, it could be available to buy.

It’s not just a clinical incubator....it’s been created to act as a humanoid surrogate, potentially redefining what it means to be a mother.

But here’s the real question…

Where does the humanity go when the womb is made of steel and circuits?

Pregnancy has never been just a biological function. For centuries, a woman’s womb has been a sacred place....an intertwining of body, spirit, intuition, and connection. In those nine months, a mother cradles far more than just a growing baby: she carries the heartbeat, the touch, the warmth, and the unseen threads of bonding.

Can a robot....void of pulse, warmth, and breath...ever replicate that?

The heart vs. the machine

Advocates say this could free women from the physical demands of pregnancy, help couples who struggle with fertility, or even open the door for parenthood in new ways.

But in doing so, what happens to the essence of motherhood? The soulful, emotional, and spiritual exchange that shapes both mother and child?

So… what do we think?

Is motherhood simply a biological process that can be replicated by technology?

Or is there something far deeper....something sacred....that only the living womb can hold?

If we outsource gestation, what does that mean for our humanity and spirituality?

This is more than just a headline....it’s a mirror held up to us all. What are we willing to trade for technological progress? And what must always remain untouchable?

It's a concept that currently only exists in sci-fi movies. But scientists in China are developing the world's first 'pregnancy robot' capable of carrying a baby to term and giving birth.

12/08/2025

From Mother to Baby: The Microbial Legacy That Shapes a Lifetime

From the moment a baby is born, they begin receiving an extraordinary gift from their mother...a living legacy of beneficial microbes. These tiny organisms, passed on during birth and in those first precious moments, help lay the foundation for lifelong health.

Where do these microbes come from?

They are transferred naturally through...

👉Vaginal birth

👉Skin-to-skin contact

👉Breastfeeding

This process helps to seed the baby’s gut microbiome ....the community of bacteria and other microorganisms that influence everything from digestion to immunity.

Why do they matter so much???

Immune training.... Early exposure helps the immune system learn what’s safe and what’s harmful.

Gut balance...A well-seeded gut supports normal digestion, immune function, and inflammation regulation.

Brain health...The gut and brain are deeply connected.... research shows a healthy microbiome can influence mood, cognitive development, and stress resilience.

Why is this a growing concern???
Modern factors such as C-section births, antibiotic use, and overly sterile environments mean many babies may miss out on some of these critical microbes.

What we can do?...
Looking after your own gut health during pregnancy helps give your baby the best microbial start. Eat a variety of plant-based foods, boost your fibre intake, and consider a premium multi-fibre prebiotic, such as Zinobiotic, to keep your good bacteria thriving.

Link in the comments 👇

11/08/2025

🌟Mitochondria, ATP & Fertility🌟

Why is Cellular Energy Foundational to Conception & Pregnancy?

For those of us working in fertility...or supporting our own journey to conceive..one thing is clear: optimal reproductive health starts deep within the cell.

Inside each cell, mitochondria act as powerhouses, producing ATP (adenosine triphosphate)..the body’s energy currency. Without enough ATP, cells cannot perform at their best, and this can influence 👇

Egg and s***m quality ... every cell needs energy to function effectively

Early embryo development... rapid cell division requires a constant ATP supply

Placental growth and nutrient transfer

Postnatal healing and recovery

While many conversations focus on hormones or cycle tracking, cellular energy and oxidative stress are often the missing links...especially in subfertility, IVF preparation, or recurrent pregnancy loss.

Supporting Mitochondrial & ATP Health...Naturally
Nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and polyphenols....found in food and certain supplements...carry EFSA-approved claims for:

Immune function

Brain and heart health

Protection of cells from oxidative stress

These directly relate to building a strong foundation in the preconception phase, when both egg and s***m cells are maturing.

In my fertility practice, I use EFSA-compliant, evidence-informed tools to support omega 6:3 balance, mitochondrial function, and overall cellular well-being.

I also look at nature-based options studied for antioxidant support...such as red algae extracts...as part of a longer-term strategy for reproductive health.

If you’re a reproductive health professional, pregnant, or actively trying to conceive, and want to understand how ATP and cellular health influence fertility, I’d be happy to connect and share insights.

11/08/2025

East Meets West: Reproductive Energy & Preconception Health 🌱

In Western science, we talk about egg and s***m health...the quality, energy, and genetic integrity of reproductive cells.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a similar concept exists.... Jing Essence, your deep, stored reproductive energy.

How Does East & West Align ?
Inherited Jing = Your genetic start-off point and natural potential for fertility

Nourished Jing = How lifestyle, nutrition, and your environment support egg and s***m quality

Both perspectives agree....fertility and future health are shaped by both what you're born with and how you live.

WHO (World Health Organisation & Other Authorities on Preconception Timing...

Organisations like WHO suggest 6 to 12 months of preconception preparation...the ideal window for positive, lasting changes to your reproductive and overall health.

Clinically, many providers focus on the 3–6 months right before conception....practical advice and still meaningful for egg and s***m development

My combined, holistic approach covers both...to support you across this full preparation journey with...

Testing... Access to simple cellular health tests to check important markers like omega 6:3 fatty acid balance..

Acupuncture... To support Jing, restore energetic balance, and improve reproductive readiness.

Omega-3 Support... To enhance cellular energy, reduce oxidative stress, and support egg and s***m wellness.

Whether you are planning immediately or looking ahead a year, combining science and ancient wisdom gives you and your future baby the strongest foundation.

07/08/2025

If you are facing the uncertainty of trying to conceive, please know..

Your body is not broken.
You are not failing.
You are not alone.

I have supported so many women through these quiet, in-between moments ... when hope feels fragile and the path unclear. And I never underestimate the strength it takes to keep going.

This part of your journey matters just as much as the outcome.
You deserve care that listens, holds space, and helps you reconnect with trust in your body again.

Much love

Amanda
Midwife’s Touch 💜

06/08/2025

💬 Could what’s happening inside your body be affecting your pregnancy – without you even knowing it?

One of the most eye-opening tools I offer in clinic is a simple dried blood test that measures essential fatty acids.

It’s just a small sample…
But it reveals so much about what your body — and your baby — might be missing.

Here’s one example from a client at 20 weeks pregnant:

🧪 Omega 6:3 ratio: 58:1
🔻 DHA: -34.8%
🔻 EPA: -94.3%
🔺 DGLA: +85.3%

➡️ This profile shows a significant imbalance — low levels of the protective omega-3s, and high omega-6s, which may indicate increased inflammatory activity in the body.

🧭 The ideal omega 6:3 ratio for health is considered to be around 3:1 or lower.
Many people test well above this — especially during pregnancy, when demand increases.

🔍 What does that mean in real life?

When omega-3 levels are too low, it may impact:

👶 Baby’s brain, eye, and nervous system development
💓 Maternal cardiovascular health
🧠 Emotional balance and mental clarity
🍼 Placental blood flow and nutrient delivery
🧬 Postnatal recovery and overall well-being.

And perhaps most importantly…

👉 A mother’s omega 6:3 ratio is also her baby’s.
Throughout pregnancy, your baby depends entirely on your nutrient stores to grow, develop, and thrive.

This kind of test helps take the guesswork out of pregnancy health.
Instead of relying on symptoms alone, we can understand what’s really going on at a cellular level — and support your body with what it truly needs.

✨ Your pregnancy is unique. Your nutritional support should be too.

📩 If you're curious about your omega balance or would like to include this as part of your pregnancy or preconception care, just drop me a message.

04/08/2025

Hello future parents....

You may have heard of umbilical cord blood banking... but did you know your baby’s nutritional foundation also begins long before birth?

🩸 Cord blood contains powerful stem cells that can support future health and have been used for over 30 years to treat 80+ conditions. But just as stem cells lay the groundwork for long-term health, so does your baby’s omega-3 index.

🔬 Research shows that a balanced omega-6:3 ratio during pregnancy supports healthy brain and eye development, reduces inflammation, and even influences the strength of the newborn immune system. In fact, omega-3 levels directly affect the cell membranes your baby is building every single day in the womb... including the ones found in cord blood.

That’s why understanding your own omega-3 index before birth matters.. it’s a simple dried blood test that gives you the full picture.

✨ Want to learn more about optimising your baby's start in life... from cord blood to cellular health?

Drop me a message or feel free to join our free cellular health webinar, same link, every Monday at 8.00 pm. Link in the comments 👇

Remember: decisions about cord blood collection must be made before delivery... and so should choices about nutrition and cellular health.

25/07/2025

What a week.... I’ve been reminded again and again why I do this work 🫶

One client pregnant naturally after pregnancy loss.
Another, now pregnant following previously unsuccessful IVF.

Two natural onset labours this week... both avoiding planned medical induction..That’s five spontaneous labours in the last few weeks. Each one a quiet triumph for the body when given time, space, and support...

Wait...another client just messaged to say she is 3 cm dialated..due to go in for medical induction but sent home to progress, as 48 hour wait for a bed... fingers crossed another successful natural labour 👏👏

Messages filled with newborn photos and the joy of early scans... including a very special twin pregnancy (photo highlighted here) with two strong heartbeats. It deserves its own post... I’ll be sharing that beauty separately soon..

A successful moxibustion session for a breech baby, now head-down... no longer heading for a caesarean section. We will begin gentle birth prep to support confidence and normality in labour and birth.

And to round off the week, a meaningful catch-up with someone I deeply admire... a fellow Zinzino partner Ruth Munro whose warmth, professionalism and clarity really inspires me.

We chatted, compared experiences, and talked about the very real impact personalised, test-based nutrition is having in our work...🤗

These are the kinds of conversations that matter... honest, energising, and grounded in purpose.

The plans are big… and the future feels exciting.

As a former research midwife, I always turn to the evidence.

There’s a growing body of research around omega‑3 and pregnancy health 👇

👉Supplementing with DHA and EPA (omega‑3 LCPUFAs) reduces the risk of early preterm birth and may support the natural onset of labour.

👉Omega‑3 supports hormonal regulation, cell membrane function, and inflammatory balance... vital across preconception, pregnancy, and beyond.

👉In twin pregnancies and IVF conceptions, nutritional demands are higher... optimising omega‑3 levels can support both maternal health and fetal development.

👉Through test-based guidance with Zinzino, I can offer women insight into their omega‑6:3 balance and create truly personalised support... based on science, not guesswork.

Now shifting into weekend mode... time to celebrate 30 years of marriage with my amazing family (blimey, how did that happen?)

Then off to a surprise destination... I’ll let you know when I find out where 😉

This is why I do what I do...
Supporting women... through fertility, pregnancy and birth... with a blend of clinical insight, complementary therapies, emotional care, and personalised cellular health.

From the inside out... if you think I am someone you would like to work with, feel free to reach out, I would love to support you ❤️

Equally, if you are a health care professional, midwife or work with womens health or a wellness practitioner who is interested in knowing more about supporting clients with their cellular health, I would love to hear from you ❤️