Creating a welcoming and secure environment is the most important thing to me when teaching hypnobirthing. It’s important my couples know I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to share this incredible knowledge, especially as a mother of two, soon to be three. Parenting remains my most challenging yet profoundly fulfilling role to date. I am lucky to be married to a supportive husband who has consistently been an outstanding birthing partner. He enthusiastically advocates for hypnobirthing, having witnessed the transformative impact it can have and the significant role he plays in it.

My journey to hypnobirthing began after the birth of my first daughter, catalysing a significant career transition from the thrilling world of private client and tax law. Through the lens of parenthood, I rediscovered what truly mattered and uncovered a passion for advocating for parent’s rights in the birthing realm.

It's fascinating yet concerning to observe how expectant mothers often approach pregnancy with a mix of apprehension and resignation, influenced by societal narratives, horror stories and media portrayals. I also found myself grappling with misconceptions and fear-driven assumptions about childbirth, fuelled by sensationalised stories and modern media dramatisations. I was hugely apprehensive but I hadn’t appreciated how little I knew about labour and birth.

My perspective changed during a serendipitous encounter on a train in Sri Lanka while 16 weeks pregnant. Admist the chaos of a broken down train, I ended up sitting next to an experienced midwife from Surrey of all places. This wonderful seasoned birth guru—someone who'd witnessed countless births— gave me one piece of advice. “Just learn hypnobirthing”. Nothing else. She said it's as clear as day to observers if someone has practiced hypnobirthing and I’ve since learnt this to be true.

So I embraced hypnobirthing and found solace in its intelligent and evidence-based approach, grounded in scientific principles. It was not an alternative ideology at all as I’d originally assumed. Through mindfulness and positive affirmations, I learned to confront and dispel my deepest fears, reclaiming agency over my birthing experience.

My journey also involved navigating the intricacies of the maternity system and learning to advocate for informed decision-making and asserting autonomy of choice. Understanding the system's risk-averse nature and the need for self advocacy was important in achieving the best birth for me and my daughter.

Amidst the first lockdown, I welcomed my little girl into the world calmly, swiftly and comfortably with a sense of empowerment and in total awe of the incredible capability of the female body. Afterwards I decided to train as a hypnobirthing teacher under the guidance of the remarkable Katherine Graves, known for her kindness and insightful teachings. My second baby was delivered at home with my only my husband there. It was swift, serene and euphoric. The lovely home birth team joined us afterwards. It was a contrast to my first birth experience which occurred in a hospital due to covid, offering a distinct perspective on birthing experiences.

With each pregnancy, I revisit and relearn hypnobirthing—it is a practice that always brings joy and serenity. Prior to learning hypnobirthing, a genuine sense of calmness was almost impossible for me. My mind was always in too many places at one time and I was a chronic worrier and overthinker. I was never able to focus on the present moment for any length of time. Hypnobirthing practices are something I use daily. I am able to isolate parts of my life and manage any anxiety so much better. Hypnobirthing has helped me achieve so much more than just two wonderful births.

Beyond hypnobirthing, I have a passion for trail running, cycling, gardening, and practicing yoga. I also love to make things whether that’s candles, soap or dried flower art - anything. Apart from cakes - I’m a truly terrible baker.

Nature is my sanctuary as it always offers healing and rejuvenation. I feel so lucky to have beautiful green open spaces on my doorstep. You'll often find me immersed in the great outdoors, with one child either hitching a ride on my front/back or peacefully napping in the XC running buggy.