Doula Support & Birth Education,
covering Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire
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Birth, Unpacked
Grounded in evidence, Led by you
(Formerly Twelve Moons Hypnobirthing)
Imagine approaching your birth feeling:
Informed
Prepared
Relaxed
Confident
Well-supported
and ready for any twists or turns that might emerge during labour.
I'm here to tell you that this absolutely acheivable.
As a doula and birth educator I regularly see the Power that knowledge and good birth preparation can give you.
And that's why I designed
Birth, Unpacked.
Birth, Unpacked is an independent antenatal course, rooted in evidence and shaped by real birth experience.
Moving beyond traditional hypnobirthing, my intimate group course offers space to understand your options, ask questions, and prepare for birth in the unique way that is right for you, and your family.
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A different kind of Antenatal Course
It's so normal to feel overwhelmed by all the negative press around the maternity system, or just scared about birth in general. Getting a whole human out of your body is a big deal.
The antidote to this fear..... is knowledge.
Preparation is everything. Knowing all your options, understanding your choices and having a confident birth partner, will help you feel powerful and in charge - no matter what route your birth journey takes.
Birth, Unpacked offers something different to most mainstream antenatal classes: the space to slow down and explore your choices in a more personal, in-depth way. As my groups are small, we can explore topics in a specific and relevant way that is unique to each cohort.
Grounded in up-to-date evidence and shaped by my hands-on experience supporting a wide range of births as a doula, you’ll leave with practical tools for labour, alongside the confidence to navigate the maternity system, make informed decisions, and approach birth as a team feeling excited and ready.
"I cannot overemphasise how helpful I found Amy's course. It's genuinely completely changed the way I feel about labour and birth. Amy was so kind and understanding, it's a completley non judgmental space and I'm so sad it's over!" -Emily
Groups are held at the lovely Manor Arts Studio, pictured here
What we cover
Over the space of 10 hours together, we take a deep dive into:
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Birth physiology — how birth actually works, and how to support it
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Understanding your options — including induction, pain relief, and common interventions
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How the maternity system works — and how to navigate it with confidence
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Advocacy and decision-making — so you and your partner can make informed choices that feel right for you
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Biomechanics and active birth — movements and positions to support the progress of labour
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Hypnobirthing tools — simple, practical techniques to work with the intensity of labour
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Birth partner support — how to feel confident, involved, and useful throughout
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Postnatal planning — thinking about recovery, nourishment, support, and the early days with your baby
The tools you'll learn aren’t about one type of birth, they are usable in an induction, home birth, caesarean, with pain relief and without.
This course is perfect for you if....
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You want to understand how capable and strong you are
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You want to feel seen, supported, and respected throughout your birth experience
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You want a welcoming, inclusive space that respects all families and identities
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You want an informed, involved birth partner
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You want to understand a range of different birth scenarios, and what they might look like in practice
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You want to build a supportive local network around you
This course might not be for you if ....
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You don't want to question and challenge the flaws in current maternity care
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You don’t want space to reflect on how you actually feel about birth
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You’re looking for a prescriptive, one-size-fits-all approach
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You’re not open to hearing a range of perspectives or possibilities
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You're looking for someone to tell you what you 'should' do
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You are looking for a private course (in which case check out one-to-one Birth, Unpacked)
I'm very big on partner involvement
A good birth partner can be a massive help.
A bad one can potentially be a massive hinderance.
It can feel daunting as a partner to join a group like this, and I know the idea of Hypnobirthing techniques can sound a bit 'woowoo', but as a certified birth nerd I ensure everything I teach is backed up by evidence and up to date research.
As a birth partner you will learn:
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How to prepare any environment to be 'birth friendly'
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How to advocate calmly but assertively
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How to use biomechanics and relaxation techniques to support labour progress and relaxation
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How to make confident decisions as a team
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How to understand the stages of labour and intuit what your partner might need at each stage
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How to support your family postpartum, as well as during birth.
If you don't have a traditional partner to bring, you are welcome to bring anyone who will be present at your birth (like Zara pictured here with her wonderful Mum)
"Amy is great at getting across complex scenarios, statistics and other details in bitesize info chunks that are easy to understand. She is also a wonderful conduit for conversation and answered even the oddest question I had with respect, and even a bit of fun, to make tough subjects more light hearted. I've used what I learned during the course in every appointment we've had and it's allowed me to question and challenge things that have meant far better outcomes and care for us."
Tom (Birth Partner)
The uncomfortable truth
The thing no one wants to talk about. Our birth intervention rates.
In the UK our Caesarean rate sits around 45%, and instrumental birth around 10%. As a doula who regularly supports birth in person, I am all too aware that some of these interventions are absolutely necessary, and in some cases life-saving. Having said that, although intervention rates are at an all time high and their overuse is causing physical and emotional damage as well as birth trauma - they are not actually improving outcomes. We need to start demanding better for ourselves and our babies.
I support births across local hospitals including NUH, Royal Derby, Kingsmill and Chesterfield, so have first hand insight about the policies, facilities and culture at each location, I am able to share specific and relevant information with my groups.
Our whole session three is dedicated to learning how to navigate the maternity system, understanding your rights and choices, as well as facilitating your partner to be an assertive and informed advocate for you - when you have no voice. This is a vital part of birth education that is often lacking in mainstream or NHS antenatal courses, but it is this section that will have the biggest positive impact on your overall feelings around labour and birth.
How I teach
My classes are intentionally small, relaxed, and conversational. I create a judgement free space where there is no such thing as a silly question, and we have plenty of time to dive deep into everything pregnancy, birth and postpartum.
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Evidence-based information - shared honestly with nuance and depth
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Small groups - a maximum of five couples
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Not prescriptive - there is no “right way” to give birth, and you certainly can’t “fail” at it. It’s all about how you feel, and what's important to you.
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Strong focus on birth partner support - your partner will get just as much from this course as you do
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A strong sense of community - you’ll learn from each other as well as from me, and I always set up a group whatsapp so you can keep in touch as you go
Need to know bits....
Where
In-person group courses take place in Beeston (Nottingham) at the lovely Manor Arts Studio Space
How long
The course is 10 hours in total, split into four sessions.
Options
If you or your partner can't attend one of the sessions due to a prior commitment, you can receive a video recording of the class
When
Group antenatal courses run on Sundays, 10am–12:30pm, 4–5 times per year.
Investment
£305 per couple for the full course, with an optional £75 add-on for Birth Plan, Unpacked (1:1 session with me).
A few nice extras
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Optional 1:1 session available - Your Birth Plan, Unpacked (tailored support for your individual plans)
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Thoughtfully curated goodie bag - Including a few handmade treats and an antenatal course handbook to support and consolidate your learning
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Postnatal planning guide (video resource) – helping you think through the early weeks after birth
A little bit about me
As a doula and antenatal teacher, I’ve supported over 100 local families, and the insight I’ve gained from attending a wide range of births (at home and in hospital) is at the heart of everything I teach.
I started my business after my first birth in 2018 which totally blew my mind, and I realised I had to let people know that birth doesn't have to be something to suffer through, you do not have to 'hand your dignity over at the door' and it can be transformational, positive and something to be celebrated (however the baby actually comes out.)
It’s always been important to me to be honest about the harder parts of birth and parenthood, and I never shy away from talking about the gnarly or painful parts. But while birth can be challenging, messy and unpredictable, I am constantly in awe of the strength, beauty, and raw epic-ness of my clients in the birth space.
If you feel ready to get into all the real nuance of birth and parenthood with me, join us!
If this all feels like a good fit....
You don’t need to have it all figured out, you just need some unbiased information, support, and space to work out what feels right for you.
If my approach resonates, I’d love to have you on one of my Birth, Unpacked courses.
If you’re unsure or have any questions at all, get in touch, I’m always happy to chat before you book.
If you would like an even more personalised experience....
I also offer a limited number of one-to-one antenatal education packages for those wanting a more tailored and flexible experience.
These private sessions are shaped entirely around your circumstances, questions and needs and can be delivered over a cup of tea at your home, if you are local to Nottinghamshire or Derby, or online if you are further afield.
FAQ's
Should I bring my partner/husband to an antenatal class?
Yes absolutely! Birth, Unpacked is just as useful for your partner as it is for you. Having a really confident, supportive birth partner has a hugely positive impact on your experience of birth. We cover practical hands on comfort measures that partners can use, as well as advocacy and decision making techniques, so that they can feel confident, well informed and have positive impact on the whole experience. If you don't have a romantic partner you are very welcome to bring any birth partner to the course, and if you are not able to bring anyone, I will be your partner for the duration of the time with me.
Does Birth, Unpacked antenatal classes include Hypnobirthing?
Some do and some don't! In Birth, Unpacked we cover Hypnobirthing tools including breathing, relaxation and visualisation, and you also have access to my members area which contains my Hypnobirthing MP3 recordings that you can use during labour if you wish. I pear these hypnobirthing techniques with lots of evidence based information on how to navigate the maternity system, so that my clients feel prepared informed and confident about birth and parenthood.
Are antenatal courses only for people with low risk pregnancies?
Absolutely not! I have had families with varying more complex needs in my groups, from multiples, to gestational diabetes, to previous caesarean - you name it! It is universally important to be informed around your choices, especially of your pregnancy is complicated. Because my groups are small I am able to give specific, relevant information, tailored to my current cohort, so regardless of what you might be going through, I can help you feel more confident and informed.
What is the difference between your antenatal class and NCT?
I've actually written a whole blog on this topic which you can find here.
The the thing with mainstream antenatal education is that it is usually big groups, which is great for making connections, but might not be as individualised or tailored to your needs as a smaller group antenatal class. My course has a mich bigger emphasis on confidence building, navigating the maternity system, advocacy and decision making than most mainstream courses. Check out my blog linked above for a more extensive answer to this question!
How is Birth Unpacked different to NHS antenatal classes?
As an independent antenatal educator, I am not affiliated with the NHS, so do not have to adhere to their policies or guidelines. This means I can share unbiased and honest information about what is really going on in the maternity system, from the perspective of a doula who supports birth and at home, and a service user who has had both a home birth and a birth centre birth an NUH hospital in Nottingham (QMC.) I don't believe that NHS classes cover tools like biomechanics, aromatherapy or deep relaxation and there isn't normally as much of a focus on birth partner support.
When should I book antenatal classes?
This is a very common question! Most people take my antenatal course somewhere in their second or third trimester. Some people like to be prepared really early on, whereas some like to leave it a bit later so everything is still fresh in their minds. Booking on to Birth, Unpacked early is a good idea as I only run a few courses a year, and they are intentionally small, so if you want a space I would grab it while you can.
Is your antenatal class suitable if I've had a previous traumatic birth?
Yes absolutely. I have a lot of clients who have had a previous difficult birth and want to become informed and confident so that they can reduce the chances of another similar situation. I also always send out registration forms to make sure I am aware of any circumstances that I should be sensitive to or aware of. I always want my groups to feel safe and well cared for, and be respectful of any unique sensitivities.
Do I have to be planning a natural birth to come to antenatal classes?
No not at all. Many people taking my antenatal course are not sure what kind of birth they want and some have specific circumstances (such as twins/multiples or more complex medical indications.) We always cover all kinds of birth including induction, caesarean, instrumental delivery - as well as physiological birth and home birth. The group is usually a mix of families with different perspectives and priorities, which is lovely as everyone can learn from each other, as well as from me.
Are antenatal classes worth it?
In short... yes!
Your birth will remain one of the most important, memorable and transformative days of your life, and can have a huge impact on your postpartum experience as well as the rest of your family. Good antenatal education can reduce birth trauma rates and increase positive experiences, and can help you form a valuable support network. Investing in antenatal classes is an investment in your emotional and physical health as well as the wellbeing of your baby and the rest of your family. Finding a provider who has a style that aligns with you is really important, so it's good if you can find someone whos vibe you like....if thats me then great! If not, find someone who's style works for you and your family.
Do you offer private antenatal classes in Nottingham or Derby?
Yes I do! I offer One-to-one Birth Unpacked, which can be done from your home in person if you are local to Nottinghamshire or Derby, or online if you are further afield. The plus side of a private course is that I can tailor it specifically to your needs, priorities and circumstances. You can find out more about my private antenatal courses here.
Do you cover postnatal life and baby care in your antenatal classes?
Yes we do. I am very passionate about preparing for postpartum and share a postnatal plan template as well as an hour long postnatal planning guide, which takes you over the basics you need to prepare for the early days with your baby. In the last session we talk about postpartum in depth as well as normal infant sleep and feeding.
If you’re searching for hypnobirthing classes or antenatal classes in Nottingham or Derby Birth, Unpacked offers a small group, evidence-based alternative that focuses on decision-making, confidence, and real-world preparation for birth.