The LushTums Blog

Evidence-informed writing about pregnancy, birth, postnatal recovery and women's wellness ~ from the team behind LushTums.
Founder Clare Maddalena, Senior Yoga Teacher, Doula and FEDANT-accredited Antenatal Educator with nearly 25 years of experience, shares honest insights, the latest research and the conversations that matter most to women at every stage of their journey.
With special Guest Blogs included along the way, to help you have a most positive and informed experience as possible.

Clare Maddalena 28/09/2019 Clare Maddalena 28/09/2019

Breathing - Preparing For Birth Manual

Regular yoga and breath work practice will put you in tune with your body. Here are some breathing techniques to use during the birthing process.

Clare Maddalena 31/08/2019 Clare Maddalena 31/08/2019

Points to remember about Birth: Notes for a Pregnant Woman - Preparing For Birth Manual

Points to remember about Birth: Notes for a Pregnant Woman With thanks to ‘Blessings’ by Binnie A. Dansby, 1996

Clare Maddalena 17/08/2019 Clare Maddalena 17/08/2019

The Pain Relief Ladder - Preparing For Birth Manual

Having a positive attitude to the sensations of labour really helps you manage your perception and response to any pain.

Clare Maddalena 15/06/2019 Clare Maddalena 15/06/2019

Preparing for Birth - Preparing For Birth Manual

Here are some top tips to help when preparing for birth during the later stages of your pregnancy

Clare Maddalena 26/01/2019 Clare Maddalena 26/01/2019

Birth Story - Elodie Autumn Bird: My Birth Story At Our Local Midwife-Led Unit

I started having contractions on the Monday evening. The breathing techniques that we practiced in Clair's class were invaluable to help me through the contractions! I also tried doing the all fours circles and figure of eight which were really beneficial at this stage!

Clare Maddalena 19/01/2019 Clare Maddalena 19/01/2019

Birth Story - Layla & Elizabeth: My Water Birth at Home

I attended Clare's yoga classes during both of my pregnancies. I always found the sessions to be relaxing and a perfect opportunity to just focus on me and my baby. Clare was always empathetic and supportive to all the mums in her class, and would tailor the class to suit specific requests or ailments.