Calm Mama Collective - Antenatal, Hypnobirthing and Breastfeeding Classes

14/03/2025

08/02/2025

Introducing my daughter Elodie. Born at home (birth story to follow in the coming weeks) last week in the most incredible experience. And for those who have done my hypnobirthing course you might just recognise this baby grow 😂

16/08/2024

It’s been an exciting few months here at Calm Mama Collective HQ! After a long journey of fertility treatments and pregnancy loss we are very happy to announce that Calm Baby #3 is due some time around February 2025! All courses between now and 2025 are still going ahead as planned but there will be a short break whilst I am on maternity leave and enjoying the newborn bubble. Expect lots (well even more) pregnancy content coming soon!

26/04/2024

More amazing feedback from families I have supported. This wonderful family chose to do a 1:1 private course where we spent our Saturday and Sunday morning together one weekend that was convientent for them. We drank coffee, ate biscuits and shared all the amazing information about how birth can and does work. There were so many light bulb moments when suddenly birth made more sense and felt more empowering than scary!
I was lucky enough to go and visit this family and their beautiful baby boy a couple of weeks later when he was a few days old to give some postnatal breastfeeding support and reassurance.

24/04/2024

Keeping active and keeping your body moving in labour has so many benefits to your labour.
Most women find that swaying and moving during contractions makes the sensation of the contraction feel much more managable and comfortable. But moving in labour doesn't just support your comfortable but also helps keep your baby moving down through your pelvis assisting in the dilation of your cervix. Sitting on a birthball or peanut ball can be a really simple way to keep your pelvis loose and mobile withough you needing to exert lots of precious energy.
Or if you have a doula or a birth partner who really wants to support your body in birth then take a look into rebozo techniques for birth where you use a scarf to support the body, aid movement and comfort.

22/04/2024

The Nervous System controls all of the involuntary functions in the body.
Our brain takes in our surroundings and makes quick fire decisions to determine whether we should be in a calm state or stressed state at any given moment.
If controls our muscles, our eyes, our hormones, our pulse, our breathing and so much more. And ultimately IT PLAYS A HUGE ROLE IN LABOUR.
Our nervous system is either in a calm state where we then are able to produce oxytocin and our muscles fuctions well. This makes our contractions more comfortable and effective so that labour progresses 'normally'.
If not in a calm state we produce adrenaline and hold lots of tension in our body. This response slows labour down and makes contractions more uncomfortable.
Using hypnobirthing techniques to influence your nervous system gives you the power to positively influence how you feel mentally and physically during your labour and supports an easier labour.

19/04/2024

Have you heard of a peanut ball?
These inflatable balls are similar in many ways to the traditional birth ball we might associate with labour and are available in most maternity units.
Using a peanut ball to lean on, sit on, hug, have between your legs can help you keep your pelvis opening and moving throughout your labour in a way that doesn't require too much energy or even strenght. These clever balls are great for using when you need a lay down or rest or have an epidural limiting your mobility to keep your pelvis open so that your baby is able to make it's journey through the pelvis.
Studies have looked specifically into the benefits of using a peanbut ball in labour and found:
-a shorter length of 1st stage of labour by 90 minutes
-a shorter length of 2nd stafe of labour by 23 minutes
-a higher rate of vaginal birth (95% compared to 75%)
-lowers c-section rate by 13%

12/04/2024

In this episode, we shift the focus to birth partners and provide them with a comprehensive guide on how to support their partner during the journey of childbirth preparation. We cover everything birth partners need to know to be a pillar of strength and support.

Join us as we delve into practical tips and advice for birth partners, including strategies for a smooth drive to the hospital, ensuring comfort and reassurance throughout the journey. We discuss effective communication techniques and the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for the birthing experience.

From understanding the stages of labor to learning about pain management options, we offer valuable insights that will help birth partners anticipate and address the needs of their partner. We also touch on the significance of having a birth plan, exploring its benefits and how birth partners can actively participate in its creation.

With a focus on collaboration and teamwork, we explore the role of birth partners in advocating for their partner’s preferences and utilizing tools such as safe words to enhance communication during labor.

Whether you’re a partner looking to support your loved one through their first childbirth experience or seeking to enhance your role as a seasoned birth partner, this episode is packed with valuable information and insights to help you navigate the journey with confidence and provide unwavering support during this transformative time.

Tune in and empower yourself with the knowledge and tools to become the best birth partner you can be, ensuring a positive and empowering birth experience for both you and your partner.

10/04/2024

Partners, friends, parents, whoever you intend to be your birth partner needs to be at your birth preparation sessions. It is vital that they know and understand what you know about birth so that they are able to fully support you and help you during your birth. In a group session this is limited to just one partner but if you are planning to have more than one birth partner (maybe your mum or sister is hoping to support you as well as your partner) then a private course is a great option as you can have as many partners join you for your sessions to make sure all birth partners are fully prepared for their very importance role in your labour and birth of your baby

08/04/2024

What’s the difference between a planned c-section and an unplanned c-section. A planned c-section is often referred to as an elective c-section, this is what for a reason either medical or preference based a woman or birthing person decides during her pregnancy that her best option for birth is to have a c-section and this is then booked in with the hospital. An unplanned c-section is what many people would refer to as an emergency c-section. I refer to emergency c-sections as unplanned as in many cases there is not true emergency, the for majority of women having an ‘emergency’ c-section it is actually the case that she planned to birth vaginally but then due to some variation in her labour the plan then changes to being a c-section. It is very possible with the right mind frame for these kind of c-sections to feel calm and controlled and in your control even when unplanned and changing the terminology you use around that is one step towards that change in mindset -section

05/04/2024

The got me thinking this week. Some pain in birth is almost inevitable, truly pain free births do happen but they are not the norm. It is completely normal to fear the sensation of pain, but is it the sensation that truly scares us? Or is it how we cope with that pain and what our perception is of ‘what that says about us’ that scares us most? I think this a really poignant question to ask yourself when pregnant. Because actually if it the pain itself well then there are options but if it is the fear of how you cope with the pain then there is a whole load of different work we can do towards that

03/04/2024

As I have just said goodbye to the wonderful families that joined me for the March Group Hypnobirthing Course I get to start looking forward to welcoming more families into the Calm Mama Collective with our May Group Hypnobirthing Course.
This course is perfect for babies with estimated due dates in late June, July or August and runs 4 Friday evenings from 7.30-9pm. (please note there is a weeks break in the middle of this course with no session on the 17th May whilst my lovely husband has a well deserved boys weekend away).
Half of the spaces on this course have already been reserved so get in touch soon to secure your place, either send me a message or go to the links on my profile.
Comment MORE INFO and I'll get in touch with everything you need to know.
I look forward to you joining us!