Introducing Birth, Unpacked... the next step for Twelve Moons

I've been teaching antenatal courses since the 2020, under the banner of Hypnobirthing. Over the years these classes have evolved, and changed shape (particularly once I started actually attending births as a doula.)

I slowly started realising that 'Hypnobirthing' wasn't all that I was offering. I was offering Hypnobirthing PLUS much more (in my opinion) useful tools and information.

Hypnobirthing is a funny one, because it means different things to different people. Some people expect simply breathing techniques and relaxation tools, some people see it as just a name for another type of antenatal class, but maybe swayed more towards unmedicated or physiological birth. I still totally believe in the power of using breathing and relaxation tools during labour, but the truth is, in this climate with the maternity system as it is, most people need much more knowlegde, support and confidence to see them through. Navigating the maternity system, birth choices, rights and advocacy, had become the most substantial part of my course, so I just didn't really think that 'hypnonbirthing' aligned as well any more.

I felt like I was constantly trying to explain how my approach is different from mainstream Hypnibirthing:

• I don't shy away from talking about pain

• I don't glamorise a quiet or calm birth

• I don't put certain types of birth on a pedestal.

• I don't believe if you breath 'right' it shouldn't hurt

• I don't think you have to dissociate and imagine you are on a beach to have a positive birth

• I don't think a positive birth always equates to an unmedicated vaginal birth

Constantly fighting against those steroptypes over the years just started to feel a bit silly. So I made the decision to have a shiny new rebrand.

What I've learnt from my doula work

When I first started teaching Hypnobirthing I had given birth once, and done two training courses. Then I did my doula training, gave birth a second time and my little birth nerd brain exploded with new insights and information.

Witnessing women birthing, at home, at hospital, in theatre in a caesarean, inductions, HBACS, VBACs - medicated, unmedicated and everything inbetween really opened my eyes and I can't help but bring those insights into my antenatal course. I now also have hands on experience navigating the maternity system, and advocating for my birth clients in real life scenarios... which has taught me so much about how the whole thing works.

My course has naturally expanded, evolved and levelled up.

What Hypnobirthing gave my work

Don't get me wrong, I'm not looking down. my nose at Hypnobirthing. I'll always be grateful for the start the Hypnobirthing training courses gave me, and they really were my way in to birth work, which led to doula support and everything I do now. My course will still include the same very practical techniqes to relax your nervous system during labour (and life), as they really do work. But it's really just become a small part of my teachings.

Why Birth, Unpacked?

It took me a while to come up with a name, I wanted something a bit less generic than 'Antenatal Course' - and similarly to Hypnobirthing 'antenatal course' covers a broad and varied amount of things.

One of the most important things my course gives you is space. Space to think for yourself, to do your own research, to explore whats right for you. And I feel like Unpacked really embodies that idea. There is no wrong or right way to do this whole birth and parenting thing, just what feels right for you. And without knowing your options and the knowledge that backs them up, you cant really make informed decisions, which is at the heart of my birth-work.

You can read more about the full course here.

What hasn't changed

• Same balanced, honest, relaxed approach - no fear mongering to be found

• Same in depth discussion of the maternity system and how to navigate it

• Same emphasis on autonomy, independent thinking and evidence

• Same judgement free space given for questions and exploration of different topics

• Same involvement of birth partners

• Same discussion of all kinds of birth

• Same encouragement to build a community support network

• Same great snacks.

New name, expanded evolved content.

How to work with me now

Birth, Unpacked - Small group antenatal course in Beeston

Birth, Unpacked One -to- One -Private antenatal course either in person if you are in Nottinghamshire or Derby or online if you are further afield

Birth & Postnatal Doula Support in Nottinghamshire and Derby

I'd love to hear from you if you have any questions about any of my offerings.