Blooming Miracle - Pregnancy Classes & Birth Support

08/02/2026

Things you can do if labour slows down #7: improve foetal position, aka move your body!

The general rule of thumb is: the better the position, the smoother the birth.

Sometimes labour is slow because baby is not in their ideal position, so things we do that encourage that can facilitate the birth process.

In Daisy Birthing classes, we work on OFP every week, with a view to helping birth be as straightforward as possible. But sometimes, despite your best efforts, baby might still be a bit... shall we say "wonky".... during labour.

There are lots of things you can do to encourage your baby to find a good position. Some of them are things we practise in class.

Tucks, sways and rotations are simple things you can do which can help (and they also feel good!) Try using a birth ball to help you with these, and to align your body. Creating space and releasing tight muscles will help, as well. Your birth partner can try some rebozo techniques (pictured) or Spinning Babies techniques. There is lots you can do - you have so much power to influence the unfolding of your birth!

📸 sammygriffinbirthsupport
maternity

08/02/2026

Let's just say it, shall we?

Breastfeeding is hard.

Does that put you off?

Walking. That's hard. Do you feel put off from walking?

Most people take walking for granted most of their lives. If someone told them not to because it was difficult or painful or it would ruin their legs, most people might find that a little absurd.

Have you seen someone learning to walk? Babies have lots of bumps and tears along the way. Have you seen an adult learning to walk? It's not easy. And absolutely, for some people, walking is really difficult, it hurts, it never gets better. Maybe it's impossible.

But is that the general experience?

No.

Breastfeeding is JUST the same.

Sure, learning it can be hard. But once you can do it, once you've figured it out together, it can be very, very easy. You can literally do it in your sleep.

You can reach a point where you are so in tune with your baby, you respond to their hunger cues without thinking about it and while you are in the middle of something else.

Take a moment to picture that. If you're planning to breastfeed, bring that picture to mind often.

I am perfectly happy to be your champion. I'll get my pompoms out for you. Any time! No matter who you are, where you are, or whether you've paid me.

Wise ones: what was your experience?

Here come the hashtags:

26/01/2026

Woo woo 😍

23/01/2026

It's the most delicious thing I ever had 😂

Tea and toast is a simple post birth staple because it’s easy energy, a calming and familiar taste and mild enough for a stomach that’s been through an awful lot of trauma.

Mothers outside of Surrey may also find this meal comforting.

You’re welcome

22/01/2026

Medically sanctioned sticky toffee pudding, anyone? 😋

A study found that pregnant women who ate just six dates a day during the four weeks before their due date experienced significant benefits during labor. They arrived at the hospital 74% more dilated, had a 77% shorter first stage of labor, and were 42% less likely to need a caesarean section.

Researchers believe this is because dates contain nutrients that influence oxytocin receptors, helping the cervix and uterus prepare for labor. The fruit enhances the body’s response to oxytocin and other labor-supporting hormones, while also providing natural energy from sugars and fats. Dates are rich in prostaglandins, which help the cervix soften and dilate, as well as serotonin, calcium, and tannins that strengthen uterine contractions.

By stimulating prostaglandin production and improving uterine sensitivity to oxytocin, dates support stronger, more efficient contractions and faster cervical ripening. This combination shortens the first stage of labor and reduces the likelihood of complications that lead to c-sections.

Most experts recommend that women begin eating about six dates a day starting at 37 weeks of pregnancy to support a smoother, more natural labor process.

10/01/2026

Magical b***s

08/01/2026

🍼 Let’s talk about formula prep

With the formula recall this week, I thought this would be a good moment for a quick refresher on prepping formula safely.

This is from NHS guidance, and First Steps nutrition.

🧼 Wash your hands! This sounds obvious, but you'd be amazed/grossed out by how many people skip this step

🫧 Clean your work surfaces. EVERYTHING has to be really clean. Your baby's immune system is still developing, and they're vulnerable to infection.

💦 Boil fresh water from the tap - don't reboil water that's been sat there.

🌡️Let it cool slightly. This will help prevent the powder clumping, which can skew the measurement of powder. It needs to be accurate for the amount of water

🧽 Clean and sterilise all feeding equipment. (Don't let the sterile bottle teat touch your work surface, even if it's clean - keep the cap on.)

🧐 Check the formula packaging for expiry date and instructions. Don't use it if it's out of date, obviously!

🍼 Pour the right amount of water into the bottle

⚖️ Add the correct number of scoops. Level each one off. Don't guess, and don't add extra.

🪇 Replace the teat and lid, and shake the heck out of it

🚰 Cool it under a running tap or out it in a jug of cold water

🥵 Check the temperature by dripping some on the inside of your wrist. It should feel warm, not hot

👶 Feed this to your baby straight away. Throw away whatever is left after 2 hours.

+++++

That's a lot for a frazzled parent to do if you ask me. Especially if your baby is crying waiting for a feed. The temptation to cut corners can be strong. So is the urge to overfeed to avoid waste - formula is expensive! I always recommend making smaller feeds and learning your baby's rhythm.

07/01/2026

Expecting a baby in May?

February classes begin soon! This could be your last opportunity to prepare for the most intense and physical event of your life 💪

These classes are for all mum's to be from 14+ weeks, but this week I am prioritising those due around May or earlier!

My weekly sessions offer more than just yoga, or antenatal education, or effective breathing and relaxation techniques.

They’re all of this in one class. I offer a space to move, breathe, and feel better in your changing body 🤰

I've been doing this for over a decade ✨ because I love it ✨ and I think you will, too ☺️

✨ Movement to ease backache, improve sleep, and prepare for birth
✨ Practical, positive guidance on what to expect in labour and beyond
✨ A warm, welcoming group of others on the same path

You’ll leave each session feeling more confident, more informed, and more connected—to your body, your baby, and your instincts.

AND so relaxed we could pour you into a bowl 😌

📍 Join me in person in Belle Vue, Shrewsbury
🕰️ Friday evenings

🛜 OR join an online class from anywhere, in the comfort of your own home. No equipment needed!

Curious? Ding me to find out more. February’s group is nearly ready.

🌊 You can’t control the waves, but you CAN learn to surf.

06/01/2026

I wanted to say "Happy New Year" but here we are...

Regarding the recent formula recall:

There are batches of SMA that contain a food poisoning toxin.

It's fine to switch to another brand if needed.

It's always important to prepare powdered infant formula with boiling water to kill bacteria in the product (which is not sterile). This won't be enough to make this particular batch of formula safe, though.

Images from and

17/10/2025

Gutted my personal profile got disabled by Facey, and I've no idea why! 😭

19/08/2025

Assessing labour progress... WITHOUT poking fingers in anywhere. LINK 👇

(This is an Unsplash image. That's not me.)

19/08/2025