Pregnancy, birth and early parenthood are enormous transitions for any family. They bring excitement, anticipation and, often, a lot of information to process and decisions to make. For neurodivergent people, navigating pregnancy, maternity care, birth and the postnatal period can also bring additional challenges that aren't always recognised within standard maternity care. As a birth and postnatal doula, I believe individualised support matters. Every person has different ne

During Black Maternal Health Week, I want to begin somewhere we do not often start. With joy. With what it should feel like to be held, safe, listened to and supported through pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. With the possibility of care that allows people not just to survive, but to thrive. Because that is the standard we should be aiming for. Not survival, but dignity, safety, joy and wellbeing for parent, baby and community. Too often, traumatised parents are tol

Spotlight on NoireDivergence: Navigating Black Neurodivergence in the UK birth space Last week, a wonderful friend sent me an Instagram...

If you’re a neurodivergent (ND) parent navigating infant feeding, your experience and comfort matter. The way care is typically provided...

For around two years prior to my journey into matrescence I'd been quietly gathering information on myself and investigating how my way...

When I was pregnant with my October baby in 2009, I imagined baby giggles, family photos in a pumpkin patch, and my happy baby on Santa’s...

I’m a mum of three but it’s only since having my children that I’ve learnt I’m autistic. Here I share a little about my perinatal journeys.

By Harriet Smith. There is so much information out there about pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood that one could be forgiven for...

by Bella Cope. I am Bella, I am 28 and mum to my six-month-old little boy, Walter. I hope this blog post gives you a little insight in to...

by Poppy Walters. I didn’t know anybody who studied for birth as much as I did. I did one full antenatal course, plus two prep sessions...

by Nathalie Boobis. I fell pregnant with my first child in August 2020, just before my 36th birthday. I’m autistic and I have ADHD. The...

by Jess Darnes. My name is Jess Darnes, I’m a Writer from Bristol, UK; I’m autistic and have ADHD (AuDHD). I also have a physical...

by Sarah Honeywood. Hi all, my name is Sarah and alongside being an autistic parent to two beautiful boys, I am also a midwife in the...