<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[Cradled By Grace]]></title><description><![CDATA[Cradled By Grace]]></description><link>https://www.cradledbygrace.co.uk/blog</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Tue, 22 Sep 2026 19:00:55 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.cradledbygrace.co.uk/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[The top 5 mistakes people make when they write their birth plans (don’t let this be you!)]]></title><description><![CDATA[As an experienced birth doula &#38; mum of two, here are the top 5 mistakes I personally see people (not my clients!) make when they write their birth plans/preferences: 1.The only focus is the ideal ‘blue sky’ scenario Now don’t get me wrong, I LOVE it if you have an ideal birth preference in your head. This is a great starting point &#38; something I would absolutely champion you on &#38; (if you were my client), this is something we would actively prepare for &#38; find ways to navigate the maternity...]]></description><link>https://www.cradledbygrace.co.uk/post/the-top-5-mistakes-people-make-when-they-write-their-birth-plans-don-t-let-this-be-you</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a4f8f6871292d1033dbf51e</guid><category><![CDATA[Pregnancy & Postpartum Guides]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2026 23:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5a8ad5_823fc73562be4450b32a17a9631cd268~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Grace Taylor</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[What to do during early labour: a birth doulas advice to new parents]]></title><description><![CDATA[Early labour: what to do &#38; when to call (if you’re planning to transfer into hospital) local to Tenterden, Tunbridge Wells, Maidstone &#38; Ashford As an experienced birth doula, this is one of the common questions I get when I am working with clients antenatally &#38; we are preparing for their birth. Early labour, otherwise known as the ‘latent’ stage of labour can look different for each &#38; every woman, after all, we are all as unique as our personalities. However, there are some telling signs &#38;...]]></description><link>https://www.cradledbygrace.co.uk/post/what-to-do-during-early-labour-a-birth-doulas-advice-to-new-parents</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a4f8faa3be1f4195fc3d112</guid><category><![CDATA[Pregnancy & Postpartum Guides]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2026 23:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5a8ad5_a0b03e2c3fdc40d58ecd220ed66f89a8~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_497,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Grace Taylor</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[3 essential tips to avoid pain medication during your labour: an evidence-based guide]]></title><description><![CDATA[If you’re currently pregnant, you (like so many others) may want to achieve an intervention free vaginal birth, yet so many birth experiences you hear from friends, family (or perhaps even well-meaning strangers!) just don’t reflect that experience. Sadly, this is the reality we live in &#38; although this blog post is strongly caveated in that I cannot guarantee this type of birth experience, as an experienced doula &#38; mum of two, I will be giving you some strategic tips which I know can &#38; will...]]></description><link>https://www.cradledbygrace.co.uk/post/3-essential-tips-to-avoid-pain-medication-during-your-labour-an-evidence-based-guide</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a4f901d1c5caf9f47bd0c14</guid><category><![CDATA[Pregnancy & Postpartum Guides]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5a8ad5_459f5d7f931a4c21a247d7380d6b459e~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Grace Taylor</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why hire a birth doula in Kent?]]></title><description><![CDATA[I know first-hand that, becoming a mum, is one of the most significant physical and psychological changes any woman can go through. It’s totally lifechanging, whether you do this once, twice, or more times. It often comes with a whirlwind of questions &#38; nerves. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you might be wondering ‘What are the actual benefits of booking a doula?’. Whether you're planning a home birth in Tenterden, choosing a birth centre in Maidstone or preparing to welcome your baby in...]]></description><link>https://www.cradledbygrace.co.uk/post/why-hire-a-birth-doula-in-derbyshire-or-staffordshire</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a4f904471292d1033dbf6e0</guid><category><![CDATA[Pregnancy & Postpartum Guides]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5a8ad5_4c7a62dcbd114ffe926bb54b5d6651e2~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Grace Taylor</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Birth Story – Alexandra &#38; John (second-time parents, VBAC) ]]></title><description><![CDATA[On Friday 9th January, at 41+2, I began having irregular contractions during the night. They were completely manageable and very spaced out, with no real pattern to them, but I knew they were different from the Braxton Hicks I’d been experiencing in the weeks leading up to this point. They lasted throughout the night but fizzled out as soon as morning came.   On Saturday morning, I attended my usual reflexology session, experiencing the odd contraction here and there, but again, nothing...]]></description><link>https://www.cradledbygrace.co.uk/post/birth-story-alexandra-john-second-time-parents-vbac-uttoxeter</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a4f90ac3089c583681f72c3</guid><category><![CDATA[Birth Stories]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5a8ad5_0547e69e9dca45019ee881ddf85823ab~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Grace Taylor</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Birth Story – Jessica &#38; John (first-time parents, elective c-section) ]]></title><description><![CDATA[I was one of the pregnant ladies who wanted everything natural and had actually made it my goal to have a natural vaginal birth. When I first had to consider the what ifs in labour and birth I cried. Everything inside me wanted to dismiss the thought, but a little part of me knew I had to remain open to the idea, however much I hated the thought, because the only thing I can be sure about in birth is that as much as I had an idea of the exact thing I wanted, I cannot inherently control...]]></description><link>https://www.cradledbygrace.co.uk/post/birth-story-jessica-john-first-time-parents-elective-c-section-new-cross-wolverhampton</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a4f90ec1c5caf9f47bd0dce</guid><category><![CDATA[Birth Stories]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 21 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5a8ad5_7a6ab4644e324ff58572ba8061af971c~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_493,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Grace Taylor</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Birth Story – Danielle &#38; Jamie (FTM vaginal water birth) ]]></title><description><![CDATA[It all began on Thursday 13th March 2025 at 7:39 am. Just like every month beforehand, I took a pregnancy test, hoping and praying that it would come back positive. I set up my phone camera, pressed record and so glad I did, a line appeared on the test – a positive result! I called my Husband upstairs and asked him to check – yes! I really was pregnant. From then on, the research surrounding pregnancy and birth began. I stumbled across an Instagram post highlighting the importance of hiring a...]]></description><link>https://www.cradledbygrace.co.uk/post/birth-story-danielle-jamie-ftm-vaginal-water-birth-new-cross-wolverhampton</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a4f9121c10b1280f6c29844</guid><category><![CDATA[Birth Stories]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 10 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5a8ad5_a5568083f04b4f4dac9a1c985fa52b20~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_493,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Grace Taylor</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[My highest recommendation once you’ve had your baby…]]></title><description><![CDATA[Learning to lean into… REST You’ve just given birth, the hugest congratulations. BRUTAL HONESTLY: Despite the social conditioning you may have been subjected to, you absolutely DO NOT need to bounce back, if anything, your body needs you to learn to lean in &#38; REST. When the likes of birth is compared to a marathon, it’s no surprise that you will feel knackered, depleted &#38; dealing with a body that is physically traumatised (even if it was a positive experience for you, the recovery needed will...]]></description><link>https://www.cradledbygrace.co.uk/post/my-highest-recommendation-once-you-ve-had-your-baby</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a4f91527ca24358a06b08dd</guid><category><![CDATA[Pregnancy & Postpartum Guides]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 29 Apr 2025 23:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_30686955575369376a7673~mv2_d_5472_3648_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Grace Taylor</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[This ONE big thing that will transform how you feel about your options]]></title><description><![CDATA[All the decisions are YOURS to make – so how do you navigate all this? When you are pregnant, you will be faced with a lot of decisions to make. Even for the most decisive people, this isn’t easy, especially now that those decisions impact the baby(s) too. To layer on top of that, no decision during labour &#38; birth is ever fully black &#38; white, there’s no ‘this is right &#38; this is wrong’. It’s so individual &#38; nuanced. Some situations will be standard &#38; expected whilst others may be more...]]></description><link>https://www.cradledbygrace.co.uk/post/this-one-big-thing-that-will-transform-how-you-feel-about-your-options</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a4f91963be1f4195fc3d543</guid><category><![CDATA[Pregnancy & Postpartum Guides]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 12 Mar 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5a8ad5_d7af66ffd451400abc3f988637c14a9a~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_717,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Grace Taylor</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The BEST acronym for birth partners to live by in labour]]></title><description><![CDATA[I really feel for birth partners. When labour is in full flow, all the focus will (of course!) be on mum &#38;  baby, but often what birth partners experience &#38; witness can be so overwhelming &#38; at times, worrying, especially if they haven’t been massively involved during the pregnancy or done any antenatal prep. I hate to stereotype but men (usually) are ‘fixers’ and like to fix things if their partners are emotional, stressed or in pain. But labour can’t be fixed. Labour is a feeling &#38; a very...]]></description><link>https://www.cradledbygrace.co.uk/post/the-best-acronym-for-birth-partners-to-live-by-in-labour</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a4f91b171292d1033dbf9e4</guid><category><![CDATA[Pregnancy & Postpartum Guides]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 28 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_4f5a3069636f342d685059~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Grace Taylor</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[10 things you need to know about doulas…]]></title><description><![CDATA[Doulas aren’t clinical, but in themselves are a form of pain relief Not all doulas are sage-waving hippies Doula’s do not replace your midwife or birth partner, ever Doulas are there to support whatever birth you like Doulas are not anti-hospital or anti intervention, they are just pro-woman &#38; baby Doulas come in all shapes &#38; sizes, make sure you find the right one for you Doula dates provide far more than just education antenatally Doulas (well this doula) comes with no agenda or bias – they...]]></description><link>https://www.cradledbygrace.co.uk/post/10-things-you-need-to-know-about-doulas</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a4f92013089c583681f75a0</guid><category><![CDATA[Pregnancy & Postpartum Guides]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 18 Sep 2024 23:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5a8ad5_f60f62927cf44c4b913b16f93864bba6~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Grace Taylor</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Those first few weeks (Birth partners, this is for you)]]></title><description><![CDATA[Mamas: You’ve given birth, you’ve done it! Huge congratulations. Now, the only things you should be focusing on are your baby, feeding, bonding &#38; resting.   The rest? Over to you birth partner!   Birth partner/immediate support network: I know you’re probably tired too, so take a moment to breathe and rest. Protect your newly formed family unit and bubble. The newborn phase is so precious, and you’ll never get this time again. When you’re ready, debrief with your partner on the birth and your...]]></description><link>https://www.cradledbygrace.co.uk/post/those-first-few-weeks-birth-partners-this-is-for-you</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a4f922e7ca24358a06b0a98</guid><category><![CDATA[Pregnancy & Postpartum Guides]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 02 Jul 2024 23:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_457974577833424f727749~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Grace Taylor</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Gift ideas for new parents]]></title><description><![CDATA[Have you ever been to a baby shower &#38; all you’ve seen is gifts for the new baby? Yeah, me too. Now listen, that new gorgeous babe will have EVERYTHING they need already sorted by their parents, I can assure you. ESPECIALLY if they’re first-time parents. So let’s leave the teddies, clothes &#38; nursery accessories alone for a minute, and consider what might actually be a far better use of our hard earned cash. For you, but also for the new parents.  Let’s think about mum. What does she need? You...]]></description><link>https://www.cradledbygrace.co.uk/post/gift-ideas-for-new-parents</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a4f92623be1f4195fc3d70b</guid><category><![CDATA[Pregnancy & Postpartum Guides]]></category><pubDate>Sat, 01 Apr 2023 23:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_3276667754616b4454496f~mv2_d_3648_5472_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Grace Taylor</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Eating for optimal health (during pregnancy)​]]></title><description><![CDATA[You’re here, you’re pregnant (massive congratulations!) and now it’s time to consider what to put into your body to support this pregnancy and your baby’s development. Don’t get me wrong, ideally, we’d consider of our nutrition all the time, but increasingly as I find myself in this area of work, I notice that women put a lot more time and energy into their nutrition when they know it’s no longer just them to consider.  Please note that any information here should not be considered as...]]></description><link>https://www.cradledbygrace.co.uk/post/eating-for-optimal-health-during-pregnancy</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a4f92877ca24358a06b0b60</guid><category><![CDATA[Nutrition]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 15 May 2020 23:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_464372676d7171766c2d77~mv2_d_5184_3456_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Grace Taylor</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>