If you close your eyes and picture someone giving birth, what do you see?

For most people, it’s a dramatic scene: screaming, panic, shouting, and someone yelling “push!” in a brightly lit hospital room. It’s loud, urgent, and usually terrifying. And if this is the version of birth you’ve grown up seeing on screen—it’s no wonder so many people approach pregnancy filled with fear.

But here’s the truth: birth doesn’t have to be like that. And more often than not, it isn’t.

How the Media Shapes Our Fears About Birth

We’ve been conditioned by decades of film and television to believe that birth is an emergency from the start. From sitcom punchlines to gritty dramas, birth is often portrayed as a crisis: the waters gush dramatically, someone’s rushed into hospital, chaos ensues, and it all happens in ten minutes or less.

The problem with these portrayals is that they leave no room for reality—or for nuance. They ignore the calm, quiet, powerful births that happen every day. They erase choice, informed decision-making, and the deeply intuitive nature of birth.

And for those who are pregnant or planning a family, this representation matters. Fear impacts how we experience labour. It affects our physiology, our mindset, and even the choices we feel we’re allowed to make.

Why Hypnobirthing Changes Everything

This is where Hypnobirthing comes in—not as a trend, but as a mindset shift.

Hypnobirthing teaches you how birth actually works. It gives you tools to calm your nervous system, manage fear, and work with your body—not against it. It helps you understand your rights and options, and approach birth feeling empowered, rather than powerless.

Whether your birth unfolds exactly how you hope or takes unexpected turns, Hypnobirthing gives you the inner resources and confidence to stay grounded and involved in the process.

Gillian’s Story: From Fear to Advocacy

In the first episode of Series Three of This Is Birth podcast, I spoke to Gillian—a mum who went from being completely petrified of giving birth to becoming an advocate for better media representation and maternity care.

Her turning point came when she realised just how much the media had shaped her fear. Through Hypnobirthing, she was able to release that fear, tune into her body, and go on to have a positive induction birth—a story we don’t hear often enough.

Now, she’s on a mission to change the narrative. Gillian has spoken to television writing students about how birth is portrayed on screen, taken part in national conversations about maternity care, and is now Chair of her local Maternity Voices Partnership.

Her story is powerful, personal, and so needed—and it’s the perfect way to kick off this new series.

Listen Now: Series 3, Episode 1 of This Is Birth

If you’ve ever felt anxious about birth, frustrated by what you’ve seen on screen, or just curious to hear a different kind of story, this episode is for you.

Tune in now and hear Gillian’s story in her own words—and discover how Hypnobirthing can change the way you approach birth, too.

When it comes to giving birth, one of the biggest concerns many parents-to-be have is: “How will I manage the pain?”

Whether you’re planning a home birth, a water birth, or giving birth in hospital, there’s often a lot of pressure around what choices you should make—particularly when it comes to pain relief.

I’m here to tell you:
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, and there’s no right or wrong decision.

At Born This Way Hypnobirthing, I believe true empowerment comes from understanding your options and making informed, confident choices on the day—whether that includes medical pain relief, hypnobirthing techniques, or both.

Let’s break down all the main pain relief options available to you.

Your Pain Relief Options in Labour:

1. Hypnobirthing Techniques

At the core of what I teach, hypnobirthing techniques like:
 • Breathing exercises
 • Visualisations
 • Deep relaxation
 • Affirmations
 • Creating a calm birth environment

These tools help you reduce fear and tension, allowing your body to work more efficiently and comfortably.
Many people find these techniques make labour feel manageable—and even enjoyable—without needing further pain relief.
And importantly, hypnobirthing can be used alongside any medical option too.

2. Water (Birth Pool or Shower)

Warm water is one of nature’s most soothing comforts.
A birth pool or even a warm shower can:
 • Relax tense muscles
 • Ease pressure on the body
 • Provide buoyancy and freedom to move
 • Naturally reduce the intensity of contractions

This is why water is often referred to as “nature’s epidural.”

3. TENS Machine

A TENS machine is a small device with pads placed on your lower back, delivering gentle electrical pulses.
These pulses help block pain signals and encourage the release of endorphins (your body’s natural pain relievers).
It’s particularly useful in early labour and something you can control yourself at home or in hospital.

4. Gas & Air (Entonox)

Gas & Air is a mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide, commonly available in hospitals and birth centres.
You breathe it in during contractions to take the edge off the pain.
It acts quickly, wears off fast, and allows you to stay mobile and alert.
While it won’t eliminate pain completely, many find it helps them stay calm and focused.

5. Diamorphine or Pethidine

These are opioid-based injections usually offered in hospital.
They help dull the intensity of contractions and promote relaxation, especially if labour is long or you’re feeling exhausted.
However, they do cross the placenta and can cause drowsiness in both you and your baby, so timing and individual circumstances are key considerations.

6. Remifentanil (Patient Controlled Analgesia - PCA)

One pain relief option you may not have heard much about is Remifentanil.
This is a strong, fast-acting opioid given through a drip.
The key difference?
You control it yourself via a handheld button—this is called Patient Controlled Analgesia (PCA).

The benefits of Remifentanil:
 • Works quickly and wears off quickly.
 • Doesn’t accumulate in your system.
 • Has minimal effect on the baby compared to other opioids.

However, it does require continuous monitoring and may cause drowsiness or dizziness.
Not all hospitals offer Remifentanil routinely, so it’s worth checking with your care team if it’s available to you.

7. Epidural

Epidurals are probably the most well-known form of medical pain relief.
They involve an anaesthetist injecting local anaesthetic near your spinal nerves to block pain from the waist down.
The pros:
 • Most effective at numbing sensation.
 • Can provide welcome relief if labour is long or particularly intense.

Considerations:
 • Limits mobility—you’ll be unable to walk around.
 • Requires continuous monitoring.
 • May increase the chance of assisted delivery (forceps or ventouse).

Can You Mix & Match Pain Relief Options?

Absolutely!

You might start labour at home using hypnobirthing and a TENS machine, then opt for gas & air or Remifentanil later.
Or you might plan for a water birth but decide on an epidural if you feel it’s needed.

There’s no failure in adapting your plan.
The power lies in understanding your choices.

Why Knowledge is Power

It’s so easy to get caught up in the idea that you need to “stick to the plan”—whether that’s aiming for a drug-free birth or relying solely on medical pain relief.

But real empowerment comes when you feel informed enough to make flexible decisions in the moment.
I’ve supported parents who’ve had calm, positive experiences using every single one of these options—because they felt in control, not pressured.

Final Thought:

So, if you’re wondering how you’ll cope or what you’ll choose:
Start by learning about all your options now.
Ask questions.
Explore what feels right for you.
And trust yourself to make the decisions that are best for you and your baby on the day.
Want to learn more?

Inside my hypnobirthing course, we cover ALL of these options in depth, so you’ll feel calm, prepared, and confident—whatever kind of birth you’re planning.

You deserve to feel empowered. You deserve to feel informed.
And you deserve to have a birth experience that feels right for YOU.

The Role of a Birth Partner: More Than Just Holding a Hand

Being a birth partner is a privilege, but it also comes with responsibility. Your role is to provide emotional and physical support, advocate when needed, and create a calm, positive environment.

Why Birth Partners Matter

Studies show that continuous support during labour can lead to shorter labours and fewer interventions. A birth partner helps reduce stress, keep adrenaline low, and encourage the flow of oxytocin, the hormone that drives labour.

How to Prepare Before Labour
 • Learn about birth – Attend a hypnobirthing course or read about the process.
 • Discuss birth preferences – Know their wishes so you can advocate for them.
 • Practice relaxation techniques – Breathing, massage, and affirmations can be powerful tools.
 • Pack the birth bag together – Know where everything is so you can grab things quickly.

How to Support During Labour
 • Stay calm and reassuring—your energy sets the tone.
 • Use hypnobirthing techniques like breathing and massage.
 • Protect the birth space—dim the lights, keep interruptions minimal.
 • Advocate when needed—ask questions before agreeing to interventions.

Supporting After Birth
 • Encourage rest and recovery.
 • Help with baby care—nappy changes, skin-to-skin, winding.
 • Provide emotional support—listen and reassure.

Final Thoughts

Being a birth partner is about more than just being there—it’s about being actively involved in creating a positive birth experience. If you want to feel fully prepared, join my hypnobirthing course, where I’ll guide you through everything you need to know.

Would love to hear—if you’re a birth partner, how are you preparing? Drop a comment below!

Finding out your baby is breech can be an emotional moment. You might feel surprised, anxious, or unsure of what this means for your birth plans. But here’s the truth—breech is just a variation of normal, and you do have options. Let’s break it down so you can feel informed and confident moving forward.

What Does It Mean If Your Baby Is Breech?

A breech baby is positioned bottom-first instead of head-down in the womb. There are different types of breech positions:
 • Frank breech – Baby’s legs are up near their head
 • Complete breech – Baby is sitting cross-legged
 • Footling breech – One or both feet are positioned to come out first

By 36 weeks, around 3-4% of babies are still breech. Some turn on their own, while others remain in this position until birth.

Can I Help My Baby Turn?

Yes! There are natural techniques you can try, including:
 • Forward-leaning inversions – A Spinning Babies technique that helps create space in the pelvis
 • Breech tilt – Lying with your hips elevated to encourage movement
 • Cold packs & sound therapy – Placing a cold pack at the top of your bump or playing music near your pelvis can sometimes encourage baby to shift
 • Moxibustion & acupuncture – Some people find success using these alternative therapies

Medical Options: External Cephalic Version (ECV)

If your baby hasn’t turned by 36-37 weeks, your care provider may offer External Cephalic Version (ECV). This is a hands-on technique where a doctor applies gentle pressure to your belly to guide the baby into a head-down position. It works about 50% of the time and is generally considered safe.

Can I Have a Vaginal Breech Birth?

Contrary to popular belief, a breech baby does not automatically mean you must have a C-section. Vaginal breech birth is possible, especially with an experienced care provider. If this is something you’re considering, talk to your midwife or doctor about their experience with breech births and what support is available.

Making the Right Choice for You

Every pregnancy is unique, and the right choice will depend on your individual situation. The key is to gather information, ask questions, and make a decision that feels right for you. Whether your baby turns head-down, you opt for a planned C-section, or you pursue a vaginal breech birth, know that you are in control.

Final Thought: No matter what position your baby is in, you are strong, capable, and supported. If you’re navigating a breech pregnancy, take a deep breath—you can do this!

Deciding where to give birth is one of the most personal choices you’ll make during pregnancy. In the UK, you have options: giving birth at home or in a hospital setting. Both have their pros and cons, and understanding the differences can help you feel more confident about your decision.

What Are the Key Differences?

A home birth takes place in the comfort of your own home, supported by midwives. It’s ideal for people with low-risk pregnancies who want a calm, private environment. A hospital birth, on the other hand, offers immediate access to specialists and medical interventions if needed.

Benefits of a Home Birth
  •  A familiar environment that promotes relaxation.
  •  Lower rates of intervention for low-risk pregnancies.
  •  Dedicated care from midwives throughout labour.
  •  Safe for second-time parents with uncomplicated pregnancies, according to the UK Birthplace Study (2011).

Challenges of a Home Birth
  •  Limited pain relief options – no epidurals.
  •  Potential for emergency transfers, especially for first-time parents.
  •  Not suitable for high-risk pregnancies.

Benefits of a Hospital Birth
  •  Access to advanced medical care and specialists.
  •  Wider range of pain relief options.
  •  Continuous monitoring for high-risk pregnancies.

Challenges of a Hospital Birth
  •  Higher rates of interventions such as inductions and assisted deliveries.
  •  Clinical environments can feel stressful for some people.
  •  Busy staff may not always provide one-to-one care.

UK Evidence and Recommendations

NICE guidelines suggest that healthy, low-risk pregnancies are just as safe at home or in a midwife-led unit as they are in a hospital. The Birthplace Study (2011) found that planned home births have fewer interventions for low-risk individuals.

How to Decide
 1. Talk to Your Midwife: They can help you assess whether you’re a good candidate for a home birth.
 2. Reflect on Your Preferences: Consider where you feel most comfortable and supported.
 3. Explore All Options: Midwife-led birth centres offer a middle ground between home and hospital.

Final Thoughts

Choosing where to give birth is a deeply personal decision. Whether you opt for a home birth, a hospital birth, or something in between, the most important thing is that you feel informed, safe, and supported.


If you’d like more evidence-based guidance on preparing for birth, check out my hypnobirthing courses. Together, we can help you approach your birth with calm and confidence.

Pregnancy after loss is a journey of immense courage and vulnerability.
Having experienced a miscarriage before my son Jonah, I know firsthand the emotional complexities of carrying a new life while grieving another. As a midwife and doula, I’ve also supported many others through this tender journey. In this post, I’ll share my story, offer guidance, and provide reassurance that you are not alone.

The Emotional Landscape of Pregnancy After Loss
Pregnancy after loss often brings a mix of joy, fear, and guilt. After my miscarriage, I felt hesitant to fully embrace my pregnancy with Jonah. Every milestone felt like a fragile hope. It’s okay to feel this way. Loss reshapes how we view pregnancy, but it doesn’t mean you can’t find moments of peace and joy.

Practical Tips for Navigating Pregnancy After Loss

• Build Your Village: Lean on people who truly understand your journey. Whether it’s a partner, a friend, or a support group, connection is healing.
• Be Open with Your Care Team: Share your history and your fears with your midwife or obstetrician. As a midwife, I’ve seen how vital this open communication is for feeling supported and heard.
• Focus on the Present: Tools like mindfulness or Hypnobirthing can help manage anxiety and keep you grounded. They were invaluable to me during my pregnancy with Jonah.
• Honour Your Loss: Acknowledging your loss doesn’t mean you’re ‘stuck’ in grief. For me, journaling was a powerful way to process my emotions. 
• Celebrate the Little Things: Every milestone deserves recognition, even if it’s accompanied by fear. Allow yourself to feel joy when it comes.

Pregnancy after loss is a path of resilience and love. It’s okay to grieve, to feel scared, and to hope all at once. As someone who’s been there as a mother, midwife, and doula, I want you to know that you’re not alone. With the right support and tools, you can navigate this journey with courage and grace.

Let’s keep this conversation going. Reach out or share your story - I’m here for you..

Pregnancy, especially those last few weeks, can feel like a whirlwind. You’re up all night peeing, googling every twinge, and battling relentless heartburn. Maybe you’re desperately searching for ways to induce labour naturally because you just cannot wait anymore. Sound familiar?

It’s no wonder so many people feel overwhelmed. But here’s the thing: preparing for birth isn’t just about baby clothes and nursery decorations. It’s about preparing yourself.

As a Hypnobirthing teacher and midwife, I’ve seen the difference that focusing on your mindset and preparation can make. It’s the key to going from chaos to calm, no matter how your birth unfolds.

Why Pregnancy Feels So Overwhelming
Let’s face it—there’s a lot going on. Your body is working overtime, everyone has advice for you, and the unknowns of labour can feel daunting. Society tends to focus on the baby, but what about you?

Preparing your mind, body, and confidence for birth is one of the best things you can do for yourself. Birth is a life-changing experience, and you deserve to feel calm, in control, and confident.

How to Shift from Chaos to Calm
Here are four tools that can transform how you approach birth:

1. Relaxation Techniques: Breathing exercises and guided meditations help calm your mind and reduce physical tension, making labour easier to manage.
2. Understanding Your Birth Space: Creating a comfortable birth environment—lighting, music, and scents—can make a huge difference in how you feel.
3. Education: Knowledge is power. Understanding what happens during labour and birth can replace fear with confidence.
4. Support from Your Birth Partner: When your partner knows how to support you practically and emotionally, you feel like a team.

My Story
I’ve experienced two very different births: an induction that led to a C-section and a completely pain-free, drug-free water birth. What changed? My mindset. Hypnobirthing gave me the tools to trust my body, stay calm, and have an empowering experience.

Take the First Step
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or nervous about birth, know that you’re not alone. You can take control and feel confident as you prepare to meet your baby.

My Hypnobirthing courses are designed to help you do just that. You’ll leave feeling calm, informed, and ready for whatever birth brings.

Ready to embrace the calm? Get in touch today to find out more.

Your birth experience is about you—and you deserve to feel empowered, confident, and calm. Let’s work together to make it a moment you’ll look back on with joy.