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Your Birth Story 13 - First Birth at Home - Birthzilla’s Story
Chelsea has generously shared her first birth story — a planned home birth. After exploring her options, she chose to birth at home, learning that for a low-risk woman it is associated with excellent outcomes and fewer unnecessary interventions. Although her journey came with challenges, trusting her instincts felt right. She gave birth at home feeling deeply proud and in awe of her body.

Tomoko Holloway
20 hours ago3 min read


Reconnecting with my family, ancestors and motherland
I recently returned to Japan, my motherland, and it was a deeply meaningful experience that reconnected me with my family, ancestors and the land itself.

Tomoko Holloway
Nov 15, 20256 min read


Your Birth Story 12 - Second Calm and Empowering Homebirth
Roxanne shares two beautiful and honest home birth stories — both quick, powerful labours, with her first baby arriving at 36 weeks. Follow one mother’s journey through fast-paced births, unexpected timing, and the deep trust she placed in her body and instincts. This is a story of surrender, intuition, and the strength that rises when you're surrounded by the right support.

Tomoko Holloway
Sep 12, 20252 min read


Your Birth Story 11 - Your Body Knows What It’s Doing
Roxanne shares two beautiful and honest home birth stories — both quick, powerful labours, with her first baby arriving at 36 weeks. Follow one mother’s journey through fast-paced births, unexpected timing, and the deep trust she placed in her body and instincts. This is a story of surrender, intuition, and the strength that rises when you're surrounded by the right support.

Tomoko Holloway
Aug 9, 202511 min read


Your Birth Story 10 - My Second Home Birth
A mother shares her journey of going into labour after 42 weeks, facing induction offers and feeling intense pressure. Despite challenges, she embraced resilience and trust. This heartfelt story reflects on navigating external pressure, surrendering to the process, and finding strength in the beauty of birth.

Tomoko Holloway
May 9, 20253 min read


Your Birth Story 9 - The Waiting Game
We follow the journey of a mother labelled “high risk” due to older age and IVF conception. After her waters broke, she faced nearly 72 hours of waiting through pre-labour rupture of membranes. With her doula’s support, she trusted her instincts, navigated medical pressure, and entered labour naturally—a story of resilience, informed choice, and empowerment.

Tomoko Holloway
Nov 25, 20246 min read


Your Birth Story 8 - Vita's Birth Story
A mother with a blood clotting disorder shares how she and her partner reclaimed the birth experience they had hoped for, even within a hospital setting. With preparation, informed choices, and the right support, they created a positive, empowering environment that honoured their wishes and welcomed their baby with confidence, love, and calm.

Tomoko Holloway
Sep 24, 202411 min read


Your Birth Story 7 - I See A Lot Of Hair!
A first-time mum shares her positive water birth experience in a midwife-led unit. Supported by her partner and doula, she embraced the calm environment, trusted her body, and found comfort in the birth pool. As her baby crowned, the midwife joyfully exclaimed, “I see a lot of hair!”—a light-hearted moment in an empowering and memorable birth journey.

Tomoko Holloway
Jul 25, 20245 min read


Your Birth Story 6 - A Magical Unmedicated Home Birth With A Gestational Diabetes Diagnosis
With a gestational diabetes diagnosis, this mother chose a magical, unmedicated home birth. Trusting her body, careful preparation, and the unwavering support of her birth team, she declined unnecessary interventions, embraced affirmations and hypnobirthing, and welcomed her baby in a calm, loving environment. A powerful story of resilience, autonomy, and the magic of birth at home.

Tomoko Holloway
Jun 24, 202410 min read


Your Birth Story 5 - Successful VBAC - The anxieties and worries leading up to it!
Faced with anxieties and worries after a previous Caesarean birth, this mother prepared for the VBAC she deeply hoped for. Through careful planning, emotional support, and trust in her body, she overcame her fears and welcomed her baby in a positive, empowering birth. This is a moving story of resilience, healing, and rediscovering confidence after a challenging first birth.

Tomoko Holloway
May 24, 20242 min read


Your Birth Story 4 - Three Births in Ceredigion
Three births in Ceredigion unfold at Bronglais Hospital — each unique, each powerful. This story captures the resilience, emotion, and local care woven through a family’s experience of birth in West Wales. Discover how strength, place, and support shaped their birthing journey.

Tomoko Holloway
Apr 24, 20243 min read


Your Birth Story 3 - Two Different Hospital Births
This story revolves around a mother who wasn't entirely satisfied with her hospital experience during her first birth.

Tomoko Holloway
Mar 27, 20245 min read


Your Birth Story 2 - The Day I Took Over The World!
Discover her empowering birth story, which had a profound impact on her life afterward.

Tomoko Holloway
Feb 24, 20246 min read


Your Birth Story 1 - Kim's Powerful Home Birth Story
Embark on a captivating journey with Kim as she unfolds the transformative experience of her powerful home birth.

Tomoko Holloway
Jan 24, 20242 min read


My Doula Journey and Commitment
As the New Year unfolds, I find myself reflecting on my journey as a doula and the profound reasons that led me to this path. In sharing my story, I hope to convey the essence of my commitment to empowering women and birthing individuals. Growing up in Japan, where "autonomy" wasn't commonly discussed, I initially adhered to societal "norms". However, my perspective shifted during my own transformative birth experiences in England, unravelling the wonders of our body's capabi

Tomoko Holloway
Jan 12, 20242 min read


Is your baby too big or too small based on an ultrasound scan?
Have you ever been told your baby is too big or too small based on an ultrasound scan ? Were you recommended for induction because of it? I've heard countless stories of mothers feeling stressed and anxious after such predictions, only to find out that the actual baby size at birth was quite different from what was predicted. Here's the thing about ultrasound scans: they're not as accurate as we might think! Most studies and reviews indicate a margin of error of around 15

Tomoko Holloway
Oct 9, 20231 min read


What does a doula do? - Early Postnatal Support
Birth is often considered the pinnacle of the journey into motherhood/parenthood, but it's important to recognise that it's just the beginning. As a Birth Doula, my role doesn't conclude with the arrival of the baby. Instead, it extends into the crucial phase of early postnatal support, ensuring a seamless transition into motherhood/parenthood. The early postnatal period is a time of vulnerability and adjustment for both the new mother/parent and the family. It's when the int

Tomoko Holloway
Aug 31, 20232 min read


Nurturing Your Postnatal Journey: 3 essential reminders
Anticipating the arrival of your little one? Are you ready for the transformative postnatal phase? While birthing is a significant milestone, remember that it marks the beginning of a new journey—one that deserves preparation and self-care. As you step into this chapter filled with joy, love, and new experiences, also acknowledge the potential whirlwind of emotions and adjustments that come with it. Here are three fundamental reminders for a fulfilling postnatal period: 1. S

Tomoko Holloway
Aug 18, 20232 min read


What does a doula do? - At Birth
When it comes to the enigmatic role of a doula during the awe-inspiring journey of birth, it's only natural to be curious about what exactly we do. It's a question that frequently lights up curious minds, and today, I'm here to reveal the layers of our support, the essence of our presence, and the transformative power we bring to the birthing experience. Tailored Support for Unique Journeys At the heart of a doula's role during birth lies the art of tailoring support. Every b

Tomoko Holloway
Aug 12, 20233 min read


3 Tips for a Successful Breastfeeding Journey
1-7 August is World Breastfeeding Week! Before becoming a mother, my primary focus was giving birth, and I assumed breastfeeding would come naturally without any challenges. However, the reality was a tough journey with tears as I navigated the physical and emotional aspects of establishing breastfeeding in those overwhelming early postnatal days. Here are three valuable tips I wish I had known before having my first baby: 1️⃣ Learn About Breastfeeding During Pregnancy Unders

Tomoko Holloway
Aug 3, 20231 min read
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