Episode 100! I  wanted to make this episode special and so, in some ways it is a summary of my learnings, experiences and opinions of Hypnobirthing and in some ways, I expect this to be the start of a new conversation, and that’s really exciting!   This episode explores the idea that Hypnobirthing is a revolution. Which, I wholeheartedly, believe it is. Although the idea of people, particularly women, taking control of their birth is not a new idea... it’s one that has been clouded by the...

In this episode I am going to share with you how I am preparing for my second pregnancy! Yes, heaps of you have messaged me about this and I PROMISE to keep this podcast going long enough to share my second birth story! I am sharing how I am preparing practically, physically & mentally for this birth, I am also exploring a BIG shift I have had in my mindset since starting out on my Hypnobirthing journey! Speak soon, I hope you are all having the most wonderful...

*Potential Trigger Warning* I am talking about pain in labour!   Yes a controversial topic but one that CANNOT be brushed under the rug. People have very real fears and experiences of pain in labour and I think it is important this is honoured without women feeling like they have failed or done something wrong.    Yes, I agree that labour CAN be pain free, but for a MULTITUDE of reason (which I discuss in the episode) it may not be.    But let's stop avoiding the topic, it needs to be...

I have had lots of messages from people, which read along the lines of "HELP! I am due in 2 weeks and have done no prep!" and so, I am REALLLY, excited to give you this episode. It is your quick (I say quick, i mean it is an hour but that is quick in antenatal education terms!) guide to birth preparation! So whether you are due in 2 weeks, at the start of your pregnancy or, like me, mid-way, this is a great check in point. A summary of the key points... see it as your checklist! As mentioned...

How has it been this long and I have not recorded an episode about scans?! Well, because they are routine, we just go to them. They are exciting, they give us life-saving information and allows us to see our baby.  BUT, have you ever thought that there might be side-effects to Scans?! I had not thought about it either! (probably why I never thought they warranted a whole podcast) but they do! Listen to this episode where I explore the amazing impact having scans has for our pregnancy...

GUILT. Why do we have it? What makes us feel guilty? How do we banish it?? OR does it actually have a purpose in parenting? In this episode I explore the above questions, and attempt to answer them for my own sanity as it is my daughter's first day of nursery and I am full of it! Don't forget  to join the HelloParent Hub, it is FREE to join for October!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/helloparentuk 

We are living in an unpredictable time, throw in it the unpredictability of birth and parenthood, then as pregnant women we really have the potential to spiral right now!   But, we are not going to let the unpredictability hinder us! In this episode I divulge into the unpredictability of, well life in general, but also birth and parenthood and what we can do to ease our way through these life-changing processes.    Don't forget to join HelloParent to explore more about all things Pregnancy,...

It may have been a few months between recordings BUT I can assure you that this episode comes with some BIG news... which I hope makes up for my absence! In this episode, I talk about what has been going on for me the past few months, stages of pregnancy and my thoughts on modern Hypnobirthing courses.  For those interested, Join the HelloParent Hub below: https://www.facebook.com/groups/helloparentuk   

In this episode, you get a much closer look at my personal life as I delve into purpose, passion and identity! As a parent, you take on a new identity and getting my head around that was not always a simple journey for me! I really was not sure whether to post this episode and after finding it on my laptop today, I had to! I hope you enjoy/resonate with it.   

In today's episode I explore the scenario, that many women do find themselves in, of being in labour alone. I do not mean without a midwife, but without a Birthing Partner. There are many reasons you may find yourself in labour without a birthing partner; sometimes out of choice, sometimes for a short moment in time and sometimes due to a worldwide pandemic (yes, believe it or not it can happen!).  The episode includes reassurance, techniques & practical advice for birthing alone. and a...

In this episode I will explore the techniques that I ACTUALLY used aka what should you spend on your time on, what is all wish washy and what is actually birth preparation genius. Obviously, every single birth is different and every person is but I will run through all the main techniques Hypnobirthing teaches us and what I actually applied to my labour. I also give some controversial conclusions on my opinions on the practice of Hypnobirthing.  This episode comes directly from someone asking...

In today's episode I will share my experience of SLEEP (or the lack of!). If you are looking for advice, this is not the podcast for you but if you want to listen to the ramblings of sleep deprived mum run through what has worked and what hasn't then give this a listen.  Being a mum is the most responsibility you will ever have in your life, and you have to do this job on no sleep- it is a crazy beautiful time but also hard and you can feel alone. Listen to this podcast if any of this...

I want to keep this series as timeless as possible; for any pregnant women to pick up at any time and listen to an experience and hopefully learn a thing or two about Hypnobirthing BUT I cannot go without doing a podcast on being pregnant during the Coronavirus outbreak.  Listen as I explore the current guidelines, the effects and some positive techniques to get through this time.  I have referenced the...

... after 3 months, I am back to talk to you (ironically) about time management! I will update you on what I have been up to, how I managed time with a new born and how I manage my time now. This is all about expectations, nourishment and replenishing yourselves through the whirlwind that is motherhood.  For more updates, follow me on instagram! https://www.instagram.com/what_the_f_is_endometriosis/   

In today's episode I explore the baby blues; the sadness, anxiety & fears that, unfortunately, most of us will face in early parenthood. I will share my own experience, some tips for support and an overall message that these feelings are nothing to be ashamed of, they are normal and should be recognised and given some attention. A happy mum is a happy baby!

In this episode I explore the mum & baby connection that is beyond the womb; and just how real and important that connection is. This week I have put baby's needs first (well I thought that was what I was doing) but by neglecting my own health this impacted on baby too. It is so important to see yourself and baby as one during these early weeks; hear more about this and my beautiful bacterial infection (TMI WARNING). 

...Literally! From a week of bliss to a week of milky chaos! Keeping my podcasts open & honest, I am sharing my week so far. The crying you hear half way through this episode pretty much sums it up. From an over-supply to an under supply, breastfeeding issues has led to an unhappy baby and a rather tired mum...    

In this episode I will give you the low down of my first week as a parent; we are talking sleep, poo, milk & a whole lot of love! 

In this (kind of) controversial episode I analyse whether all my Hypnobirthing practice hindered my birth in anyway. I will look at how Hypnobirthing practice may have influenced my view of the medical world, how I created a very distinctive set of birth preferences and I will talk about pain... WARNING... yes, I will talk about PAIN. I discuss all of the above with the intention to educate and support anyone who is approaching their labour.   

...that is the million dollar question isn't it! In short the answer is yes, Hypnobirthing worked. Did it give me the exact birth I hoped and planned for? No. But did it allow me to go through my birth with confidence, knowledge and techniques to utilise? yes! In this episode I break down exactly how Hypnobirthing helped me through my labour. 

In today's episode I am sharing my birth story. Warning! This birth was not inline with my birth preferences and involved medical intervention. This birth also involved bravery, defiance, confidence & empowerment and is ultimately a positive birth story. Without Hypnobirthing I would not have had the knowledge or confidence to make (the many) necessary decisions I had to make during my labour & the tools for it to be such a beautiful experience despite the most unlikely setting. 

A quick episode to update you on why I have been so quiet this week... yes you guessed it, I am a mum! Baby Aura joined us earth -side this week in the most unpredictable, but beautiful fashion and I am so full of love! Listen to this episode for a quick update on my first week of motherhood and what I intend for the podcast moving forward.  To see more of my journey check out my Instagram https://www.instagram.com/what_the_f_is_endometriosis/   

In this, part 2 of 2, episodes about caesarean I am discussing; Emergency caesareans and how to write Hypnobirthing friendly preferences for all circumstances. I will, excitedly, discuss a new phenomena called 'Mother Assisted Caesarean' and lastly, share with you how I think that no matter your birth style, preference or turn you can still have control over it; it is YOUR birth and YOUR baby and at no point to you have to fully give it over to someone else. 

In this, part 1 of 2, episodes about caesarean I am discussing; what are they? why would I choose one? What are the risks? and can I make it a 'Hypnobirthing Caeasarean'?. I believe yes you can and will talk about how you can use the techniques of Hypnobirthing with ANY time of birth.