Your family life

Labour isn’t a stopwatch.

It’s a physiological process shaped by hormones, environment, support and safety.

In this post, midwife Abbie @all4birth unpacks the first stage of labour — not as a rigid set of timelines, but as a continuum that your body moves through in its own way.

✨ latent vs active labour
✨ what’s happening hormonally and anatomically
✨ why fear, stress and environment matter
✨ how simple support measures can help labour unfold

We also explore why labour was divided into “stages” in the first place — and how understanding the language used by healthcare providers can help you navigate birth with confidence and informed choice.

Knowledge doesn’t control birth.
It helps you meet it with understanding.

🔗 Read the full article via the link in our bio ...

Birth plans don’t fail because birth changes.
They succeed when they help you feel safe, informed and respected — whatever unfolds.
This thoughtful, honest article reframes birth planning as a tool for care, not control.
🔗 Read the full piece via the link in our bio. ...

📚 Jane Wines, a midwifery lecturer, reviews ‘Do Birth’ – a pocketbook tailored for expectant parents, focusing on labor and postpartum. Flint’s enthusiastic writing and practical advice create confidence and anticipation. Updates on homebirth safety and a unique labor position add flair. However, Wines highlights the book’s limited inclusivity, potential assumptions, and urges a deeper dive into accessibility concerns. Despite these points, ‘Do Birth’ proves a valuable companion for birth planning, especially for homebirths. Check out the full review in our story and Linktree for indispensable guidance and tips! #DoBirth #ChildbirthJourney #MidwiferyWisdom ...

How birth feels matters — not just on the day, but long after.
This powerful article explores how fear, knowledge, support and choice shape childbirth experiences, whatever the outcome.

Written by Sheena Byrom OBE @sheena_byrom Consultant Midwife and Director of All4Maternity.

🔗 Read Optimising Your Childbirth Experience via the link in our bio. ...

Happy New Year! Thank you for following along with us at All4Birth in 2025! We have many exciting plans ahead for 2026 to expand our support to those in the preconception, pregnancy, birth prep and parenting phases of life. As ever, if you have a real life story you wish to share with us, or a topic you’re passionate about sharing with others- please get in touch! 🥳 ...

📊 For the first time in the UK, caesarean births now outnumber spontaneous vaginal births — with the latest NHS data (2024/25) showing around 45% of births are by C-section.
Yet so many parents are still sent home with very little guidance on what recovery actually involves.
In this new post, Caitlin – a physiotherapist and C-section mum herself – breaks down the real physiology of caesarean recovery: ✨ what’s happening under the scar
✨ why healing takes time (often longer than 6 weeks)
✨ and how understanding recovery timelines can protect long-term health
Whether your C-section is planned, emergency, or a “just in case”, knowledge matters — because surgery deserves recovery, not silence.
🔗 Read the full post on All4Birth ...

From retinoids to mineral SPF… the skincare rules shift in pregnancy. Here’s why @mamaskin.app created MamaSkin and what the science really says. Full piece on All4Birth. 📲 ...

This week @neurodivergentbirth are hosting “Neurodivergent Birth Awareness Week 2025” 5th-11th December! 🥳

We’re delighted to reshare this fantastic post Victoria wrote for us earlier this year! 🤰✨ Embracing neurodiversity during pregnancy, birth, and beyond! Discover how understanding and tailored support can make a world of difference for neurodivergent families. 🌟 Read the full article on All4Birth—link in our Linktree or story! 📖💖 #Neurodiversity #PerinatalCare #All4Birth ...

Unlock the mysteries of the menstrual cycle! 🌸🔄 Dive into our latest article to explore the intricate phases of this natural process and unravel the secrets of the luteal phase. Discover how hormones orchestrate the dance of fertility and gain insights into the four key phases: menstrual, follicular, ovulatory, and luteal. 🩸✨
Curious about the luteal phase? It’s the stage post-ovulation but pre-menstruation, marked by the corpus luteum producing progesterone. Learn what’s ‘normal’ during this phase and the crucial role it plays in preparing for pregnancy.
Concerned about irregularities? Explore symptoms that might prompt investigation and why consulting a healthcare professional is essential for personalised advice. 🩺💬
Trying to conceive? Uncover why understanding the luteal phase is a game-changer! From optimal conditions for implantation to sustaining early pregnancy, we break down why this knowledge is key. 🤰🔍
Swipe through for valuable insights and tag someone who needs to know! 💫📚 Read now @All4Birth 💻 #MenstrualCycle #FertilityAwareness #WomensHealth #ConceptionJourney ...

💙 A Journey of Pumps, Perseverance & Love💪

Katie’s son, Benjamin, spent 3 months in the NICU, facing surgery and countless challenges. Through it all, Katie was determined to give him breast milk—even when he couldn’t feed orally. From hand-expressing just hours after birth to pumping every 3 hours, she poured her heart into the journey.

Now, at 4.5 months, Benjamin is thriving. Read their full story via our Linktree or Story. 💛

#BreastfeedingJourney ...

Breastfeeding a preterm baby is a marathon, not a sprint 🏃‍♀️💪. From hand-expressing colostrum in those early hours to building a routine with lots of support, every drop is a step forward 💧. 💖 Early milk is packed with immune-boosting magic for our little ones 🍼✨. Remember, it’s okay to take it slow, and patience is key 🙌. Support is everything in these early stages, so lean on those around you 🤗👶.
👉 Check out the full post by @kathrynstaggibclc through the link in our bio or linktree to learn more about navigating breastfeeding with your little one and getting the support you need!
💪👶You’ve got this, and every milestone—no matter how small—is a victory 💪💖 #PretermBreastfeeding #IBCLC #PreemiePower #BreastfeedingJourney #HolisticSupport #BreastfeedingMama #BreastfeedingCommunity #ParentingTogether ...

Today is World Prematurity Day!👶✨ Every day counts in the fight against preterm birth! 🍼💙 In the UK, 7-8% of babies are born too soon, facing challenges but also incredible resilience. Thanks to groundbreaking research, life-saving interventions like progesterone therapy, cervical screening, and the Saving Babies’ Lives Care Bundle are making a real difference! 🙌💖
Let’s spread awareness and support initiatives like PReCePT, helping protect tiny fighters from brain injuries. Together, we can give every baby the best start in life! 🌍👣
#PretermBirthAwareness #TinyButMighty #SavingBabiesLives #NeonatalCare #PregnancySupport ...

Freeflow- The Menstrual Cycle Part 3: Ovulatory Phase 🌸✨ Dive into our latest article to explore the fascinating world of the ovulatory phase - a key player in fertility. 🔄🌙 From follicular development to ovulation signs, we’ve got you covered. 💫 Discover why knowing your body’s natural rhythm is crucial for conception, natural family planning, and overall reproductive health. 🤰🏻💖 Don’t miss out on valuable insights that could make your journey to parenthood smoother. 🚀 Read the full article now! Link in our story and in our Linktree. #WomensHealth #FertilityJourney #OvulationInsights #EmpowerYourBody ...

With children back at school this week, we thought it was an apt time to reshare @helamarjan wonderful post! Wrong timing, big lessons! 🕒✨ Hela learned the hard way that asking kids about their day immediately after school = ‘I’m tired’ or ‘I forgot’ vibes. 🫠 But giving them space to unwind first? Magic! 💫 Now the conversations flow, no more last-minute science project surprises. 🧪📚
Sometimes, parenting isn’t about asking the right questions—it’s about picking the right moment. 💡 #ParentingWins #LifeLessons #CuriousButCalm #ListenFirst ...

🌸 Freeflow: The Menstrual Cycle Part 2: The Follicular Phase 🌼💫
Ever wondered about the intricate dance of hormones in your body during the menstrual cycle? 🩸✨ Our latest article delves into the fascinating world of the follicular phase, the precursor to ovulation. 📅🌟
🌺 What is ‘the follicular phase’? Discover the growth of follicles, the release of hormones, and the crucial role it plays in preparing for pregnancy. 🤰🏽🔍
🚨 What’s ‘normal’ in the follicular phase? While everyone’s ‘normal’ is unique, we break down the general benchmarks and red flags that may warrant attention. 🚩📉
🚦 Symptoms that Signal: Learn about signs indicating an abnormal follicular phase, from irregular periods to changes in cervical mucus. 🚑🔔
👶 Why it Matters When TTC: Uncover why understanding the follicular phase is key for those trying to conceive. 🍼💑
Ready to empower yourself with knowledge about your body? Click the link in our story or Linktree to read the full article and take charge of your reproductive health! 📲📚 #FollicularPhaseExploration #MenstrualCycleMagic #EmpowerYourFertility ...

🌿✨ Join Bethan on a journey of empowerment and transformation as she shares her real-life story of discovering the power of reproductive reflexology. 💖 As the founder of Divine Blossom Women’s Health and Wellbeing Clinic and a Feminine Embodiment Coach, Bethan is passionate about helping women connect with their mind, body, and spirit to foster active health and well-being. 🌸
Bethan opens up about her personal journey to motherhood and the challenges faced along the way. From longing to experience pregnancy again at 35 to navigating the complexities of fertility and pregnancy, Bethan discovered the profound benefits of reproductive reflexology and maternity reflexology firsthand. 🌱
Join Bethan as she shares how these holistic therapies transformed her pregnancy experience, offering comfort, support, and empowerment every step of the way. From managing sickness and discomfort to embracing a more natural and intuitive approach to her body’s needs, Bethan found strength and confidence in combining natural and medical healthcare. 💪
Click the link in our story or Linktree in our bio to read the full post 🌷📖 #ReproductiveReflexology #MaternityReflexology #HolisticHealth #Empowerment #DivineBlossom ...

🌸✨ Calling all mothers-to-be, parents, and wellness enthusiasts! 🌿 Dive into the transformative world of Reproreflexology with Bethan, founder of Divine Blossom Women’s Health and Wellbeing Clinic. As a Feminine Embodiment Coach, Bethan is dedicated to nurturing the mind, body, and spirit connection for women everywhere. 🌟✨
Bethan has written a post delving into the profound benefits of Reproreflexology—a specialised branch of reflexology focused on fertility health for both men and women. From regulating menstrual cycles to supporting assisted conception programs, this ancient practice offers hope and healing to many. 💖✨
Discover the principles and practices of Reproreflexology, including its potential benefits, ideal candidates, and real success stories. 🌱🌺
Are you ready to embark on a journey of holistic wellness and empowerment? Click the link in our story or Linktree in our bio to read the full post and unlock the transformative potential of reproductive reflexology. Let’s blossom together! 🌷📖 #ReproductiveReflexology #FertilityHealth #HolisticWellness #Empowerment #DivineBlossom ...