Doula Support & Birth Education,
covering Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire
Home of continuity of care, gentle support, fierce advocacy and great snacks.
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Home Birth, Unpacked
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An intensive, in person workshop, for anyone planning a Home Birth, or families who are just Home Birth curious.
If you're dreaming of a home birth, but you're wondering...
How will I know when to call the midwives?
What if something unexpected happens?
Will I be able to cope at home?
What if the midwives aren't available?
How would I handle a transfer to hospital?
What if my partner panics?
Don't worry I've got you.
Over the space of three hours together, we'll get stuck into:
The Home Birth Basics
What makes Home Birth so special, birth plans (and your plans A, B & C), early labour, working with your midwives, and monitoring at home
Your amazing birth physiology
Birth hormones, relaxation tools, how to work with your body at home, placenta birth and cord clamping
Home Birth partner crash course
Hands on comfort measures, how to be a supportive home birth partner, movements to aid labour progress, advocacy and massage for labour
Hospital transfer
Most common reasons for transfer, navigating recommendations for transfer, how to handle a move to hospital calmly
Birth Pool shenanigans
I'll bring one of my pools and we'll have some fun putting it up together and I'll talk you through birth pool logistics and what you actually need for a home birth.
Why me?
Because I've been in your shoes, and I've supported them too.
I had a home birth with my first baby, and it was such an incredible experience that it was the catalyst for me to start my whole business.
Not only that, but I regularly support home births as a doula. I’ve witnessed the whole spectrum - from baby's flying out in the living room five minutes after I arrive, to transfers into hospital, some in a hurry, some less so.
Because home birth doesn’t have to go completely to plan for it to be a positive and powerful experience.
I work closely alongside the NUH home birth team, and I've supported many incredible Home Births and HBAC's across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.
This workshop is ideal for you if...
You're planning a Home Birth and you need a boost of home birthing confidence
You're on the fence about Home Birth and you want to know more about how it works in reality
You want a Home Birth but your partner is feeling unsure and wants more information
You don't have to have it all figured out.
Come are you are, there will be plenty of space to chat, ask questions and explore what feels right for you as a family.
Did I mention that I love Home Birth?!
Important bits
Where: Manor Arts Beeston, Notts, accessible from all over Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire
Who: This workshop is ideal for couples, but if you don't have a partner or they can't make it, I'll be your partner for the day! Maximum of 5 couples so book your spot before they go.
When: Date TBC
Investment: £85 per couple
My doula client Louise smashing her dream HBAC
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FAQ's
When should I book a Home Birth antenatal class?
You can book at any stage of pregnancy. Some families choose early preparation, while others come later when specific decisions or questions arise.
What happens if I need to transfer to hospital during a home birth?
Most hospital transfers from a home birth are not done in an emergency situation, and we will talk through the main reasons you might be recommended to transfer, and how to handle the transfer calmly. I'm very clear that a transfer to hospital is not a failure, it's just part of safe home birth care. I have supported home birth transfer to Nottingham and Derby hospitals.
Can my partner come to this Home Birth workshop?
Yes absolutely. This course is designed to be just as valuable to them as it is for you. And if you don't have a birth partner that's completely fine too. We will cover loads of hands on practical birth partner techniques (like hip squeezes and counter-pressure) as well as working with your midwives, advocacy and all the birth pool practicalities.
Is is possible to have a VBAC at home?
Yes absolutely! HBAC is one of my specialities as a doula. We will cover some HBAC specific topics if there is someone planning a home birth after caesarean in the group. I have supported lots of HBAC's as a doula across Nottingham and Derbyshire.
Who is this Home Birth antenatal class for?
It is perfect for you if you are already planning a home birth, if you are curious about home birth but undecided, or if you want a home birth but your partner is unsure and wants some more information.
What do I actually need for a Home Birth?
Surprisingly little! But there are some items that do come in very handy, and if you are planning to have a water birth that comes with some extra necessities. We will cover it all and i'll be sending you a useful list of everything you need.
Can I come to this Home Birth workshop if i'm planning a freebirth?
Yes! We will be covering logistics about calling the midwives out and working with them, but all of the actual birth information and practicalities will still be relevant in a freebirth. We'll also talk through what to happen if you're planning to have midwives there but your baby gets there before them!
Is Home Birth actually safe?
There is no risk free setting or mode of birth, but home birth has been shown to be as safe as hospital birth, and safer for many families. Of course home birth isn't right for everyone, but neither is hospital birth. I've written about the safety of home birth here if you want to read some more about it.
Do midwives come to a Home Birth?
I suppose that depends if you want them there. Yes most of the time people choosing to birth at home will be supported by midwives who bring equipment to monitor you and your baby as well as an emergency kit. If you are choosing to birth at home without midwives, this would be classes as a freebirth or an unassisted birth.
Do you only do this Home Birth workshop in Beeston Notts?
Yes at present Manor Arts Beeston is my only in person venue. Get in touch if you are further afield and you want to organise a 1:1 online session.
Is there a home birth specific antenatal course in Nottingham or Derbyshire?
Yes! You've found it! Home Birth, Unpacked is an intensive, interactive workshop in Beeston Nottingham, it is easily accessibly via bus, tram, train and car, and an easy distance from all of Nottinghamshire, Derby and most of Derbyshire.
