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Is It Wrong to Want More Than Basic Maternity Care as a Christian Woman?
“God will provide”… but only up to a point? “God will provide.” It’s something we say a lot as Christians. And rightly so. We believe in a God who knows what we need, who cares about the details of our lives and who can be trusted with them. But I wonder whether sometimes we say “God will provide” while subtly putting parameters around what we think that provision is allowed to look like. I’ve heard variations of this particularly when it comes to maternity care. “Be grateful
Hannah Ketcher
Sep 77 min read


What Does an Ideal Birth Look Like From a Christian Perspective?
This is the final post in my little series exploring the idea of an “ideal birth”. In the first, I talked about what I mean when I talk about an ideal birth. In the second, I explored where some of the pressure to achieve a particular kind of birth might come from. I touched on the topic of faith, but shared that this is part of the conversation that I think deserved more breathing room. Because for Christian women, our expectations around birth aren't necessarily shaped onl
Hannah Ketcher
Aug 3110 min read


Where Does the Pressure for an ‘Ideal Birth’ Come From?
In my last blog, I explored the idea of the “ideal birth” and why I don't believe there is one particular type of birth that deserves that title. But that leaves another question... If women are feeling pressure to achieve an “ideal birth”, where is that pressure actually coming from? I don't think there is one simple answer. Natalie Morris recently wrote powerfully about her own experience of a five-day labour and the expectations she had absorbed about birth beforehand. Her
Hannah Ketcher
Aug 248 min read


What Is an ‘Ideal Birth’ and Is It Wrong to Want One?
This morning, I was interviewed by Premier Christian Radio about the idea of an “ideal birth”. As is always the way with radio interviews, there was far more that I wanted to say than there was time to say it. And perhaps that is particularly true of this subject, because maternity care is complicated. It deserves more than soundbites. So I wanted to put some meat on the bones. Where has this conversation come from? Earlier this month, Health Secretary Yvette Cooper spoke to
Hannah Ketcher
Aug 1710 min read


What to Do If Your Midwife Doesn’t Respect Your Birth Preferences (Including Your Faith)
What should you do if your midwife doesn’t respect your birth preferences? Calm, practical guidance to help you feel heard, supported, and confident in your care.
Hannah Ketcher
Apr 293 min read


How to Write a Faith-Based Birth Plan (Without Feeling Awkward About It)
You don’t need a disclaimer to bring your faith into birth After sharing why faith matters in maternity care, one question naturally follows: “But how do I actually include it in my birth plan… without feeling awkward?” Because if you’re honest, it can feel that way. You might wonder: Will I be judged? Will this be taken seriously? Am I asking for too much? Let me say this clearly: You are not asking for too much. You are asking to be supported as a whole person. And that i
Hannah Ketcher
Apr 243 min read


Why Faith Matters in Maternity Care
You deserve to be fully yourself in birth—including your faith. When we talk about personalised maternity care, we often focus on birth plans, pain relief, and feeding choices. But true personalised care goes deeper than that. It’s about who you are. Your values. Your beliefs. Your faith. For many women, faith isn’t separate from birth—it’s central to it. And yet, it’s one of the most overlooked aspects of maternity care. The moment that stayed with me During my time working
Hannah Ketcher
Apr 173 min read


Feeding Your Baby: Breastfeeding, Bottle Feeding and What to Expect (Session Six)
Feeding your baby isn’t always as straightforward as it’s made out to be.
A supportive guide to what to expect, common challenges, and how to find what works for you and your baby.
Hannah Ketcher
Apr 83 min read


Preparing for Life After Birth: Newborn Care, Sleep and Your Recovery (Session Five)
Everyone talks about birth—but what about what comes after?
An honest look at the early weeks with your baby, so you feel more prepared, supported, and less overwhelmed.
Hannah Ketcher
Apr 83 min read


Stages of Labour Explained: What Happens During Birth and What to Expect (Session Four)
What actually happens during labour—and how will you know what stage you are at?
A clear, reassuring explanation of each stage, so you feel more confident as things progress.
Hannah Ketcher
Apr 83 min read


Preparing for Labour: Induction, Due Dates and Understanding Your Choices (Session three)
You can’t control how birth unfolds—but you can prepare for it.
A thoughtful guide to getting ready for labour in a way that feels realistic, informed, and empowering.
Hannah Ketcher
Apr 83 min read


Hypnobirthing Techniques for Labour: Breathing, Visualisation and Preparation (Session two)
What can you actually do during labour to cope with the intensity?
Practical hypnobirthing techniques to help you stay grounded, calm, and supported throughout.
Hannah Ketcher
Apr 83 min read


Hypnobirthing Explained: Calm Birth Preparation for Pregnancy and Labour (Session One)
Is hypnobirthing just breathing techniques and positive thinking?
A clear, grounded introduction to what it really is—and how it can help you feel calmer and more prepared for birth.
Hannah Ketcher
Apr 83 min read


Blood Tests at 28 Weeks: What to Expect and Why They Matter
Another set of blood tests—but what are they actually checking?
A simple explanation of your 28-week tests, what they look for, and why they matter as your pregnancy progresses.
Hannah Ketcher
Apr 84 min read


Baby Movements in Pregnancy: What’s Normal and When to Seek Help
Feeling your baby move for the first time can bring both excitement and uncertainty.
A calm, reassuring guide to when movements are usually felt, what influences them, and how to understand what’s normal—so you can feel more confident as your pregnancy progresses.
Hannah Ketcher
Apr 83 min read


Symptoms to Be Aware of During Pregnancy
Most pregnancies are straightforward—but knowing what to look out for really matters.
An overview of important symptoms and conditions, so you know when to seek support and when to feel reassured.
Hannah Ketcher
Apr 84 min read


Understanding Your Maternity Rights at Work
Not sure what your workplace actually has to support you with?
A clear guide to your maternity rights—so you can feel informed, protected, and confident at work.
Hannah Ketcher
Apr 82 min read


Feeling Your Baby Move: What to Expect and How to Connect
When does bonding with your baby actually begin?
A gentle look at how connection starts during pregnancy, and simple ways to nurture that relationship before birth.
Hannah Ketcher
Apr 83 min read


Scans in Pregnancy: What’s Offered (and How to Decide What’s Right for You)
So many scans are offered in pregnancy—but do you actually need all of them?
A calm, balanced guide to what each scan is for, what it can tell you, and how to decide what feels right.
Hannah Ketcher
Apr 84 min read


Trisomy Screening in Pregnancy: Understanding Your Options (Including NIPT)
Prenatal screening can feel like a big decision—especially when you’re not sure what the results might mean.
A clear, thoughtful guide to NIPT and your options, so you can approach this choice with confidence.
Hannah Ketcher
Apr 84 min read
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