When Should You Start a Hypnobirthing Course?

What's a good time to start a Hypnobirthing Antenatal Education course...

One of the most common questions I get asked is: “When’s the best time to do a Hypnobirthing course?”

The short answer? It’s never too early — and it’s definitely not too late.

Hypnobirthing is all about giving you the knowledge, tools, and confidence to feel calm, in control, and ready for birth. Those benefits aren’t reserved for one magic window of pregnancy — they can support you at any stage. But there are some ideal timings, depending on your circumstances.

So let’s break it down…

The sweet spot: Around 20–30 weeks pregnant

If I had to choose, I’d say this is a brilliant time to start. You’re far enough along to be thinking about birth and making plans, but early enough that you’ve got months to practise your breathing techniques, relaxation, positive mindset work and really get to grips with all the knowledge you've gained on the course.

You can take your time, revisit the content, and really let those tools become second nature. And because Hypnobirthing is as much about the birth partner as the birthing person, they’ve also got time to get involved, learn their role, and feel prepared.

Starting earlier: First trimester or early second trimester

Some people love starting early — and I get it. If you’re feeling anxious about pregnancy or birth, or you just want to feel prepared from the get-go, Hypnobirthing can be a game-changer in reducing fear and building confidence.

The bonus of starting early is that you can use the relaxation tools to support you throughout your pregnancy — not just for birth. Many people tell me it helps with sleep, stress, and staying connected to their baby. Learning antenatal education early also helps you to build that confidence and positive anticipation, and actually enjoy your pregnancy journey; rather than spending the majority of your pregnancy overwhelmed, fearful or in full blown denial of the fact that baby's gotta come out your vagina!

Starting later: Third trimester and beyond

Maybe you’ve only just heard of Hypnobirthing. Maybe life’s been busy, or maybe you didn’t think you needed it until now.

Here’s the truth — even if you’re just weeks away from meeting your baby, there’s still so much you can gain from a course. You can learn quick, effective tools for relaxation, ways to work with your body, and strategies to advocate for yourself — all of which can have a big impact on your birth experience.

While you’ll have less time to practise, I’ve seen plenty of people take a course at 36+ weeks and go on to have incredible, positive births.

Why timing matters (but not as much as you think)

The beauty of Hypnobirthing is that it's useful, quality antenatal education whenever you start. Yes, starting earlier gives you more time to practise, but what really matters is the quality of what you learn and how you use it.

It’s not about ticking boxes — it’s about feeling informed, confident, and supported.

My recommendation?

If you can, aim to start between 20–30 weeks. That gives you a nice balance of time to absorb the information, practise the techniques, and make any birth choices that feel right for you.

But if you’re earlier or later — don’t wait. You deserve to feel calm, powerful, and in control, no matter how far along you are.

At Cornwall Hypnobirthing, my courses are tailored to you — rigid script or 'taught from a manual' content here! Whether you join a group or have private sessions, you’ll get practical, evidence-based tools, a deep understanding of your rights and choices, and the confidence to approach your birth without fear.

Ready to get started? Check upcoming group course dates or book your private sessions here: www.cornwallhypnobirthing.co.uk

Big Babies, Bold Claims: What the Big Baby Trial Really Tells Us.

You’ve probably heard the phrase “You’re measuring a bit big” at some point in your pregnancy—or maybe your friend or sister has. It’s often followed by murmurs of “just to be safe” inductions or suggestions that “big babies” pose a danger. But how much of that is based on evidence, and how much is fear dressed up as medical advice?

Let’s take a closer look at the Big Baby trial—what it was, what it found (and didn’t find), and why it’s so important to keep body autonomy and instinct front and centre in your birth choices.

What was the Big Baby trial?

The Big Baby trial was a UK-based study looking at whether inducing labour at 38–38+4 weeks would reduce the chance of shoulder dystocia in babies thought to be “big.” The researchers defined “big” as an estimated fetal weight above the 90th centile—often referred to as “macrosomia.”

Now let’s just pause there. That word estimated is doing a lot of heavy lifting.

Because even with today’s technology, we’re often wrong about a baby’s size before birth. Scans can be off by up to 15-20%, and many people who were told they were carrying whoppers went on to birth 7lb babies. On the flip side, many “normal-sized” babies are born weighing 10lb+. Our bodies are not spreadsheets.

What did the Big Baby trial find?

The trial’s authors concluded that inducing labour for a suspected big baby slightly reduced the chance of shoulder dystocia—where the baby’s shoulders get stuck during birth. Sounds serious, right?

Here’s the thing: while shoulder dystocia is something care providers need to know how to manage (and they do), most cases resolve quickly and safely, especially in hands that are trained and calm. The trial also didn’t find any significant differences in actual harm to babies or mothers between the induced and non-induced groups.

In other words: inducing labour didn't lead to healthier outcomes—it just slightly reduced the chance of something that’s already rare and usually manageable.

So why does this matter?

Because recommendations based on this trial could lead to thousands of people being encouraged—or pressured—into early induction, based on an estimate of their baby’s size, despite there being no proven benefit to them or their baby.

And this is where we need to pause and take a breath.

Your body is not broken. Your pelvis doesn’t need measuring. Your baby isn't too big for you just because someone typed a number into a scan machine. Your instincts, your intuition, and your understanding of your own body are just as valid—often more so—than the tech and statistics you’re handed.

Let’s talk autonomy

Here’s the truth: you can say no to induction. You can ask questions. You can ask for evidence. You can say, “What are the risks of doing nothing?” You can tune into your instincts and say, “This doesn’t feel right for me.”

That’s not reckless—it’s powerful. It’s informed. It’s what true choice looks like.

At Cornwall Hypnobirthing, I teach tools to help you feel confident making decisions like this—decisions that aren’t made out of fear, but from a place of strength, knowledge, and trust in your own body.

So what’s the takeaway?

If someone mentions the Big Baby trial to you, or tells you that your baby is looking “a bit big,” know this:

• It’s okay to ask questions.

• It’s okay to decline interventions that don’t sit right with you.

• It’s okay to trust your body—because it knows what to do.

Birth isn’t about predictions and panic—it’s about power, choice, and connection. Let’s change the narrative. Let’s give birth back to the birthing person.

And, don't forget if you ever need support navigating conversations like these, I’m here. . Whether it be hypnobirthing courses, antenatal sessions, birth planning sessions and power hours, I’ve got the evidence, the tools, and the passion to help you feel strong and informed every step of the way

Further reading: For a brilliant breakdown of the Big Baby trial by Dr Sara Wickham, visit: https://www.sarawickham.com/articles-2/bigbaby/

Am I Your Doula?

Terri supporting a home water birth as a Doula

The Life of a Doula: Your Journey to Empowered Birth

Welcoming a new life into the world is one of the most profound and transformative experiences anyone can go through. The journey of pregnancy, labour, and birth is filled with a myriad of emotions, challenges, and beautiful moments. Amidst this whirlwind, having a dedicated and compassionate support system can make all the difference. This is where a Doula steps in.

What is a Doula?

A Doula is a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to a mother and parter before, during, and shortly after childbirth. Unlike medical professionals, Doulas focus solely on the non-medical aspects of care, ensuring that the birthing person feels supported, empowered, and informed throughout their journey.

The Life of a Doula

Being a Doula is not just a profession; it’s a calling. It involves:

1. Building Relationships: A Doula spends time getting to know the birthing person and their family, understanding their hopes, fears, preferences, and personalising their support to suit the individual.

2. Providing Information: Educating parents about childbirth options, pain management techniques, the maternity system, and what to expect during pregnancy, labour, birth and beyond.

3. Emotional Support: Offering a steady, calming presence and encouragement during the highs and lows of pregnancy and birth.

4. Physical Support: Assisting with comfort measures like breathing techniques, massage, positioning, and other non-medical pain relief methods during labour.

5. Advocacy: Helping parents communicate their wishes to the medical team and ensuring they feel heard and respected.

The Advantages of Having a Doula

Choosing to have a Doula by your side can profoundly impact your birth experience. Here are some of the benefits, highlighted by the wonderful feedback from those who have experienced the support of a having me as their Doula.

1. Emotional Well-being

Many parents have expressed how having a Doula significantly reduced their anxiety and fear. One client shared, "Having Terri by my side was like having a pillar of strength and calm. I felt supported every step of the way."

2. Empowerment

A Doula empowers you to make informed decisions about your birth. "I felt in control and informed about every choice I made," says another Doula client.. This empowerment leads to a more positive and satisfying birth experience.

3. Personalised Support

Every birth is unique, and so is the support a Doula provides. Whether it’s through hypnobirthing techniques, breathing exercises, or simply being a listening ear, I will tailor my support to meet your specific needs. "The personalized care I received was beyond what I could have imagined," another client remarked.

4. Partner Involvement

As your Doula I also support your partner, helping them to participate in the birth experience actively. "My partner felt more confident and involved, which made the experience even more special for both of us," a father commented.

5. Better Birth Outcomes

Studies have shown that continuous support from a Doula can lead to shorter labour, fewer interventions, and a higher likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth.. A previous Doula client said in her testimonial "With Terri's support, I felt more relaxed, which I believe contributed to the smooth and natural birth I had,"

Why Choose Me as Your Doula?

As your Doula (and all aspects of my birth business), I am committed to providing the highest level of care and support. My approach is centred around understanding your unique needs and preferences, and ensuring you feel empowered and confident throughout your pregnancy and birth. The positive feedback from my clients speaks volumes about the care and dedication I bring to each family I support. By choosing me as your Doula, you’re not just hiring a professional with over 9 years of experience; you’re gaining a dedicated companion who will be with you every step of the way. My goal is to make your birthing experience as positive, empowering, and beautiful as possible, whilst keeping you at the centre of your care and reminding you what an absolute badass you are!

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re pregnant and want to work towards a supportive, informed, and empowering birth experience, I invite you to reach out and learn more about how I can support you on this incredible journey. Visit Cornwall Hypnobirthing to read more about the benefits of having a Doula and to hear from those who have experienced the difference first-hand. Let’s embark on this beautiful journey together, and make your birth experience everything you hope it to be and more.

Contact me today to schedule a consultation and discover how having a Doula can transform your pregnancy and birth experience.

info@cornwallhypnobirthing.co.uk

www.cornwallhypnobirthing.co.uk/doula