Tag Archive for: calmbirth

How Hypnobirthing Can Help You Have a Calm, Confident Birth

Pregnancy is an exciting time, but for many mums-to-be, the thought of giving birth can bring up feelings of anxiety or fear. After all, birth is one of life’s most transformative experiences, and it’s completely natural to feel a little nervous about it.

That’s where Hypnobirthing comes in—an empowering method designed to help you approach your birth with confidence, calm, and trust in your body’s ability to do what it was designed to do.

As both a midwife and hypnobirthing practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how hypnobirthing can transform the birth experience. It’s not about eliminating pain (because let’s face it, birth is intense), but about helping you manage your mindset, breathe through the intensity, and stay relaxed—ultimately giving you a sense of control, peace, and empowerment.

In this post, I’ll share what Hypnobirthing is, how it can benefit you, and how you can take my hypnobirthing classes—whether through group sessions or online with a face-to-face option.


What is Hypnobirthing?

Hypnobirthing is a mind-body approach to childbirth that helps you approach birth with a calm, positive mindset. It focuses on using relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, and visualizations to reduce fear and anxiety, allowing your body to work more efficiently during labor.

By preparing both your mind and body, hypnobirthing gives you the tools to feel confident and in control. It’s about trusting your body, knowing how to relax, and creating a space where you feel supported during birth.

Hypnobirthing is built on three main principles:

  1. Relaxation – Learning how to deeply relax and let go of tension.

  2. Breathing Techniques – Using controlled breathing to help you stay calm and focused during labor.

  3. Positive Affirmations and Visualizations – Reprogramming your mind to stay calm, positive, and focused.


The Benefits of Hypnobirthing:

  • Reduced Anxiety: By preparing mentally, hypnobirthing helps you release fear and anxiety around birth.

  • More Relaxed Birth: Relaxation techniques help reduce tension, which can ease the physical intensity of labor.

  • Increased Confidence: The more informed and prepared you and your partner are, the more confident you’ll both feel.

  • Faster Labor: Studies have shown that relaxed mothers tend to have shorter, less complicated births.

  • Better Birth Outcomes: Less stress for mum can mean less stress for baby, and more positive birth experiences.


How My Hypnobirthing Classes Can Help:

I offer two different hypnobirthing class formats to help you feel prepared, confident, and calm no matter what your schedule or preferences are.

Tools for a calm birth

Light touch massage

Option 1: Group Hypnobirthing Classes

If you love connecting with other expectant mums and learning in a supportive, community environment, my group hypnobirthing classes are a perfect choice. These are small, intimate classes where we’ll work together to practice breathing techniques, positive affirmations, and relaxation exercises.

  • What’s included:

    • 2 in person sessions of hypnobirthing techniques and relaxation strategies

    • Guided visualizations to prepare you for your birth experience

    • Partner participation: Your birth partner will learn how to support you during labor

    • Group discussion: Share your thoughts, experiences, and support each other

These classes are a great way to build a network of other mums who are on the same journey as you.


Option 2: Online Hypnobirthing with a Face-to-Face Session

For those who prefer the flexibility of learning from home, I offer an online hypnobirthing program that includes everything you need to prepare for your birth, with the added benefit of one face-to-face session to personalize the experience and answer any questions you might have.

  • What’s included:

    • Access to a comprehensive online hypnobirthing course

    • Interactive modules on relaxation techniques, breathing, and mindset

    • A 1-hour face-to-face session (either in-person or via Zoom) to go over any questions and get support with your specific birth plan

    • Resources to help you stay calm and empowered through the final weeks of pregnancy

This option is ideal for those with busy schedules or who prefer to learn at their own pace but still want that personal connection and guidance.


Which Option is Right for You?

Choosing the best hypnobirthing class format depends on your preferences, schedule, and what feels most comfortable for you.

  • If you love the idea of group support and connecting with other expectant mums, the group classes are a wonderful way to share the journey and learn together.

  • If flexibility is key or you live in a different area, the online program with the face-to-face session gives you the convenience of learning at your own pace, with the personal touch you need to feel confident.

  • Refresher session

Get Started on Your Calm, Confident Birth Journey

Creating a calm birth space

Create your calm space

No matter how you choose to prepare for your birth, hypnobirthing is an empowering, positive way to approach labor and delivery. The right mindset and preparation can make all the difference in helping you feel calm and in control.


Book Your Hypnobirthing Class Today!

If you’re ready to get started, book your hypnobirthing class now, and let’s work together to create the calm, confident birth you deserve.


Have Questions?

If you’re unsure which option is right for you or have any questions about hypnobirthing, feel free to contact me here—I’d love to help!

The seduction of induction at Xmas

We are coming into silly season

The time when Xmas plans are being made and when you’re pregnant you’re most likely hoping for your baby’s sake he or she is not born on Xmas day

If your baby is due around Xmas there is often the seduction of being induced to be sure your baby doesn’t have to share hospital birthday

With that concern comes the seduction to accept an induction of labour

Ask any midwife in a private hospital and they will be dreading the week leading up to Xmas as they know the “induction book” will be bursting at the seems with inductions

Of course any one would rather keep Xmas day and the days either side quiet so that more staff can spend the day with their families .

But Xmas ( Easter etc etc ) are not valid reasons to induce a baby .

Induction of labour techniques were introduced with the good intention of ending pregnancy early when there is valid medical reason .

Valid reasons can include hypertension of pregnancy and or a baby who doesn’t seem to be growing and thriving in utero .

Induction of labour comes with risk . When the benefits of induction ( such as reducing risk of hypertension for mum or slow growth for baby ) outweighs the risks – then of course induction should happen in a timely matter – no matter what day of the week it is .

When the reason for induction is – Xmas day / Easter / weekend / Doctor going on holiday – the benefit probably doesn’t out weigh the risk .

What are the risks of induction of labour ?

More discomfort during the labour process and therefore more use of pain medications

More risk of baby becoming distressed during the “artificial” contractions leading to increase risk of instrumental birth ( forceps or c section

Increased risk of infection

Increases risk of postpartum bleeding

Increased risk of baby needing special care nursery due to distress / infection / lung immaturity

Increases risk of baby needing care for jaundice a associated with being born before due date and the use of forceps

Decreases breastfeeding rate – due to pain relieving medication and baby immaturity

Increases risk of perineal tears

Decreased satisfaction of birth experience ( due to increased levels of discomfort )

There have been studies over the past decade which have resulted in higher number of women being “offered” induction of labour – the study did not look at the impact of induction on baby’s in short and long term .

The rates of induction over the past 2 decades have increased dramatically

The percentage of stillbirth has NOT decreased ( and therefore induction of labour at 39-30 weeks can not be claimed to reduce stillbirth rates

Many women are also offered / encouraged induction due to their baby being “large” . This estimate is based on ultrasound which is not effective at predicting size and can over ( or under) predict by 10-20 percent .

Having an induction of labour to avoid Xmas day may seem very enticing BUT keep your eye on the longer term effects of unnecessary interventions .

Gaining more knowledge about your options for birth is vital for you and your baby ( physical and mental wellbeing)

My positive birth classes provide you and your partner with the knowledge , tools and confidence to advocate and take charge over your pregnancy and birth

Induction of labour tips

How to have an active birth

How to have an active birth

An active birth is often the key to achieving a vaginal birth with less need for pharmacological pain relief.

Your body i built for birth but with impact of TV, internet and medical involvement in this natural process, society has lost perspective.We see so many dramatic birth, we hear so many traumatic stories and medical science crates such a fear , that we have lost perspective.

In fact research shows that women who are well informed about how the female body , hormones and environment work in sync, have more positive bieth outcomes than women who only receive standard childbirth education.

What is the difference ?

In standard childbirth classes, women are informed about medications, procedures and hospital policies.

Information is often presented in such a way that women and partners feel they dont have choices about procedures.

STaff are employed by the hospital and therefore the content is dictated by the organization.

Independant childbirth classes

Provide evidence based, natural   , positive and empowering information.Couples are provided with more infomration on how the hormones worlk with the body to promote natural labour.

Youll recive information about different positions, breathing techniques, accupressure points and undrstand how they work with your body to promote natural birth

Accupre4ssure pointslight touchPr4essure points help labour

Join my next group class

Epidural and Labour