The birth of a baby is an amazing event that you can prepare for by having a range of coping skills & strategies in your pocket, & having the right support around you as you navigate your options.

You might read that quote from Ina May Gaskin and think "Nope, too hippy for me". Hear me out; as well as practical antenatal education my hypnobirthing classes are about creating lasting changes to your feelings about birth. I can help you prepare if it's your first baby or if you've had a previous difficult birthing experience. You'll learn how to tap into your innate birthing instinct, to ask the right questions with confidence and make your own decisions as you prepare to meet your baby. 

So many people I've worked with over the years have said afterwards that understanding the connection between mind and body was a revelation, and in the context of getting ready to give birth, a real light bulb moment. I work with midwives and other maternity staff at Northampton and Kettering hospitals and across the Midlands in another role, so can share local and regional knowledge of maternity services with you too. 

I've been with families at home, during transfer, on labour wards, in theatre, and in a birth centres as a birth doula. I've even been with an amazing mama whose baby decided to arrive before the midwives! So I can help you prepare for different scenarios that you'd like to know more about. 

 ** How can hypnobirthing help you? In these workshops you'll gain a deeper understanding of hypnobirthing and how it works to change the way you feel about birth – birth can be amazing – supporting you to feel confident and excited about your birthing experience based on your individual choices and needs. 

** The different stages of labour, birth, and the postnatal period - what you can do to make each one easier. 

** The birthing environment and why it is important – how what is going on around you during your baby’s birth can have a big impact and what you can do to make it work for you. 

** At least 4 hypnobirthing techniques - learn how to get back to place of calm quickly if needed, so you are not overwhelmed.  

** Birth planning and preparation – knowing what to expect and what plans/support you can put in place for different scenarios. 

** Fears and anxieties – addressing them and working out how to deal with them.

** The Birth Partner’s role.

** MP3s & links to videos to support your learning and help get you into a good head space. 

** Ongoing support during the antenatal period and immediately after birth from an experienced antenatal teacher, birth doula, and breastfeeding counsellor.