"I felt truly beautiful and empowered throughout my whole labour"

Isn't that just the most perfect way to feel during labour and birth? No matter where you choose to birth your baby; no matter what you decide is right for you, and no matter what turn your birthing takes THIS is how I want you to feel, and I will do everything in my power to educate, empower and inspire you. This birth story shows that even when a mother comes from a place of fear (based on a previous birth experience) that those fears and worries can be overcome and a positive birth experience can happen.

Daisy's mummy Aimee outlines her birth experience below and what led her to take ‘a leap of faith’ and sign up for my HypnoBirthing course. I remember meeting Aimee for the first time at her Pilates class and she had so many questions for me, and I could tell she was sceptical about what I was saying. I am so pleased she found out more and signed up! Big thank you to Aimee and Phil for sharing this wonderful feedback and birth story.

“I had a bad experience with the birth of my first son Theo and was very scared about giving birth to my second. As a turn of fate, I met Terri from Cornwall HypnoBirthing at one of my Pilates classes, I was very sceptical about the whole Hypnobirthing thing. I decided to speak to a few people about hypnobirthing and then though, why not...it can’t hurt... lets give hypnobirthing a try, as surly anything will help, and I do not want to re-live a labour as I had with Theo.

How happy I am that I met Terri that day and that I decided to go on the hypnobirthing course. I felt truly beautiful and empowered through my whole labour. It was an incredible experience which made me feel unbelievable as a woman and a mother.

This is my story about Daisy’s birth:

What a truly amazing experience, the evening before Phil and I had a wonderful dinner and a glass of wine and made love. We both slept through the night and then that morning Theo opened the door and came into bed with us and we had lovely cuddles. Our perfect little family about to grow.

We made fresh coffee and put on our welly boots and headed to Colan Woods for a lovely family walk with the dog.

During our walk at about 8:30 I started feeling tightening sensations every four minutes I thought this could be it but didn’t want to jinx it so just kept monitoring the feelings I was having they felt lovely I was starting to get excited the walk was perfect.

On getting home the tightening sensation were still there every four minutes 30 to 45 seconds just going by nicely and easily still no need to really think about or worry about anything so me and Phil watched a nice movie together it was just so perfect spending time together.

After Lunch the sensations were getting a little bit stronger, I packed a backpack for Theo... I thought this could really be happening we took the dog and we went for another walk around the boating lake it was about 12 o’clock and the tightening were getting stronger. Now through every surge I had to stop sway my hips and breathe through it or walk slowly. They were noticeable, and I couldn’t just walk easily or talk through them. We carried on our nice walk to drop Theo off at Phil’s mums, still not really thinking anything was happening too soon.

When we got back to our house I definitely started feeling a lot more pressure on all the surges. I went to my room and put on my birthing affirmation and breathed in some essential oils, at that point it felt as if everything was stopping and the surges which were coming every four minutes changed to every 10 minutes and I just lay there relaxing thinking oh no it’s stopped. Then suddenly I remember I felt this strong change of feelings coming over me. The sensations were intense causing my skin to go all goose pimpled, I stood there looking at the dog who was whimpering and he licked my belly thinking what’s going on here. I felt in my mind it was getting time to call the midwife, but I still felt that I did not want to phone her for them to come and tell me that I was only a few centimetres which would break my heart. I paced around up and down trying to see if the sensations were getting stronger or weaker and what was happening to assess the situation.

It was happening... I went to tell Phil, and I called the midwife.

Then the sensations started taking me to a different place. I was standing on the breakfast bar and this urge and fullness pulsed through me. I felt my leg rise into the air and said to Phil this baby is coming. I felt down between my legs and felt a smooth bulge starting to come out of me. It wasn’t the head I had no idea what it was but something was coming out [it turned out to be her membranes sack as they were still intact]. So quickly Phil put some more kettles of hot water into the water bath and told me to get in. With some help I got into the water bath, grabbed the handles and within three minutes and a few intense surges and an animalistic Roar from within the depths of my being, Daisy my perfect little baby just came out. she came out in the sack smoothly and wonderfully. Phil and I turned around and picked her up and I put her to my chest we just had a baby and we had done it all ourselves, it felt exhilarating. I felt beautiful and proud of myself and my body. Daisy didn’t cry when she first was lifted from the water, she simply made a little purr just to let us know she was ok. She was born into this world in the most peaceful and perfect environment we could have wished for.

12/8/18 3:45pm 6lbs 13 oz

Our perfect family”

I had the joy and privilege to meet little Daisy this week; one of many amazing parts of my job.

If you are inspired by Aimee's story and want to find out more about HypnoBirthing or any of the other services I offer please get in touch via the 'Contact Me' page or email info@cornwallhypnobirthing.co.uk

This is me! Q&A

I'm on the countdown to my daughter going back to school, bringing with it the realisation that I wont be, so I thought it's a good time to help you get to know me (and what I offer) a bit more. I recently did some filming with Jo Buckley Photography (watch this space for the link to view the clip) and she asked me some great questions which I have shared with you here:

About My Business…what do I do?

I am a HypnoBirthing Practitioner, Clinical Hypnotherapist, Antenatal Educator, Doula and Independent Health and Wellbeing Champion.

I offer private and group HypnoBirthing classes in Cornwall. I teach the Mongan Method of HypnoBirthing – it is a complete Birth Education Programme that teaches simple but specific self-hypnosis, relaxation and breathing techniques for birth. HypnoBirthing is as much a philosophy of birth as it is a technique for achieving a satisfying, relaxing and stress-free method of birthing. During the course you will learn how to tune in to your natural instincts, call upon your body’s own natural relaxant and thus lessen, or even eliminate, discomfort and the need for medication. You will also eliminate your fears and enter your birthing with calm confidence.

I also offer Bespoke Antenatal classes – these can include anything that a couple would like to learn. For example I can support with knowledge and education about the body and what will happen during labour, relaxation for pregnancy and birth, breathing techniques, writing a comprehensive birth plan, positions for labour and birth, informed consent and decision making and much more.

I am a clinical Hypnotherapist and offer solution focused therapy specialising in I specialise in:

Anxiety​

Stress

Confidence/Self-esteem

Phobias

Habits

Fear Release

EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique)

Pregnancy

Hypnotherapy is an alternative healing method that is used to create subconscious change in a person in the form of new responses, thoughts, attitudes, behaviours or feelings. The use of hypnotic techniques will give you the power and confidence to make the changes you want to make in your life. Hypnotherapy can assist with changing old habits, resetting negative behaviours, and challenging and discarding unhelpful self beliefs.

I am also a HypnoBirthing Doula - A Doula is a non-medical person who stays with and assists a woman before, during, or after childbirth, to provide emotional support and physical help if needed. Continuous support during birth from a Doula, is associated with improved overall health of the mother and the baby, shorter labour time, reduced risk of a c-section, reduced mortality rates and a lower need for medical intervention or pain relief.

I run Relaxation Workshops in Newquay, Falmouth, St Austell and soon to be in Truro. The Workshops is designed to equip you with some tools and skills you can use to begin a relaxation routine and to help your in life's every day challenges. During the Workshops you will learn Breathing Techniques, Instant and Rapid Relaxation Techniques, Guided Visualisation, Progressive Muscle Relaxation and Mindfulness.

As an Independent Health and Wellbeing Champion I go in to schools, colleges and small businesses offering workshops to staff and students – mindfulness, relaxation, better sleep, and de-stress. My teachers workshops are very popular and the feedback I get is that it really makes a big difference in how they cope with the stresses of life’s daily demands.

What makes my business unique/special?

I think my unique selling point comes from 2 separate approaches. Firstly I am a HypnoBirthing mum myself. I have first-hand experience of using and implementing all of the HypnoBirthing techniques and went on to have a wonderful, calm and natural birth. So when I say HypnoBirthing works – I truly know it because I’ve done it! Secondly, I am not only a HypnoBirthing practitioner but a Clinical Hypnotherapist, Antenatal educator and Doula, and an Independent Health and Wellbeing champion. All of these ‘hats’ mean I can tailor your experience to best suit your needs and requirements and give you the very best service.

Out of all the services I offer what do I just LOVE and think everyone needs?

Out of all the services that I offer I truly believe that the HypnoBirthing course is something that every pregnant couple need in their lives. Just read my testimonials and birth stories to see how much it impacts the lives of everyone who does it.

In what way do I go above/beyond for my clients?

Particularly when working with pregnant couples I can get very attached to them. After the 5 weeks is over although its exciting as it means they are now so ready to give birth to their baby, it’s also a really sad time for me as I don’t get to see them weekly anymore. However I always make sure I keep in touch until the baby is born and I love to go and visit parents and baby when they are ready. I take a little gift for the baby also. For my Doula clients I give them a copy of their birth story as a keepsake for their baby book. Not that I feel that any of this is above and beyond - it’s just what I love to do.

What am I passionate about outside of my business?

I am a mum myself, having used HypnoBirthing nearly 7 years ago when giving birth to my daughter. I love being a mum. I try to fill our weekends with activities and fun. I’m most definitely passionate about raising my daughter in the best possible way I can, so she is a happy, healthy and well rounded little person!

I am also very passionate about Breastfeeding and I am currently working towards a Breastfeeding Support Worker qualification with the ABM (Association of Breastfeeding Mothers). I think it is vital that new mothers get the support and care they need surrounding breastfeeding.

My perfect day?

Probably on the beach – Lusty Glaze is my favourite – sunshine, picnic, a bit of sea swimming, lots of sun bathing, with a chance to read a book in between digging holes and building sand castles with my daughter. Then picking up chip shop chips on the way home :)

What other local business do I love and why?

I have quite a list for this one!

Firstly I love Sprout in Newquay. I do my best to follow a vegan diet and this little gem of shop has an amazing range of vegetarian and vegan produce and services a delicious vegan one pot every day. I love their range of essential oils too. Website: sprouthealth.co.uk/

Fit Bumps and Mums in Newquay. Laura is such a passionate and driven woman. Her purpose build premises are a total delight and I’m lucky enough to run my Relaxation Workshops in her studio. Check out her timetable for everything that she offers. Website: http://www.fitbumpsandmums.co.uk/

Nick Steele – Osteopath. I first met Nick when he and his wife chose me to deliver their HypnoBirthing course. Since then I was used Nick as my osteopath and also as my daughters. He is a wonderful, kind, gentle and knowledgeable man, who is amazing at what he does. He specialises in babies and children, and can also work with pregnant mums. If you need an adjustment or are having some niggles, then get in touch with him. Website: https://www.nicksteeleosteopath.com/

Lewinnick Lodge – I just love this place. It does help that my partner is the exec chef there, but it’s such a wonderful venue. If I have a spare few hours in my working day I will head up there, sit and do my admin in the bar. They have free wifi and some great vegan options on their menu. From the breakfast menu my favourite thing is the vegan pancakes. https://lewinnicklodge.co.uk/

And of course, last but not least Jo Buckley Photography. Jo’s work makes me want to have another baby just so I can do one of her photoshoots and own some of her amazing photos. I wish I knew about her when my daughter was a newborn. Her work is beautiful and unique and I recommend her to all my HypnoBirthing clients. Website: https://www.jobuckleyphotography.com/

Let The Blogging Commence!

Well isn't this exciting! Apparently it's been a long time coming as I've been told by a number of friends and business minded people that it's about time I created a blog! So.... I've researched what makes a good blog post and read up on the 10 Top Tips for New Bloggers and to be fair, I'm none the wiser with knowing where to start! My plan is to blog my journey in to full time, self employment; the excitement, fun, games, stresses, emotions, highs, lows and all in between! I am also going to use this blog to share new birth stories, client feedback, useful information and articles surrounding Hypnobirthing, Hypnotherapy, Antenatal classes, Doula support and mindfulness/relaxation. ​

Friends and family keep asking me what it feels like being 'out on my own' now and how business is treating me, and I always reply with the same answer "It doesn't feel real just yet!" After working in Education for the past 17 years, August just isn't a month that I consider a working month! I obviously know that I will need to shift out of this engrained mindset by next year, however right now I still very much feel like I'm on Summer holidays and I'm blissfully unaware of the emotions that may come when it all becomes 'real'! I don't think it'll be until September the 5th comes; when my daughter goes back to school and all of a sudden I'll find myself driving home after dropping her off, instead of making my way up the road from her school to mine! I'm excited for this feeling of realisation, but also a little nervous.

I'm comforted that I already have bookings from September all the way through until January - with more enquiries coming in most days. This helps to cement that my decision was the right one, and I love the flexibility I can now offer when an enquiry comes in. I'm also really looking forward to getting my evenings back - the admin was taking over and I was finding myself sitting at my laptop until late most evenings, creating Facebook business posts, answering emails, planning sessions or coming up with engaging Instagram posts. Now with more time on my hands I'm planning to get this done within 'normal' working hours and allow myself my evenings to relax, maybe get my teeth in to a new box set, or actually spend some time with my partner and have some proper conversations! It's the simple things like that which will make such a difference.

To be at this point in my life where Cornwall HypnoBirthing and Hypnotherapy is going to be my full time job is something I never thought would happen. To be able to do what I love, to get the opportunity to work in a field I am so passionate about, and to be able to offer my services to even more couples/individuals, really is a dream come true. I do need to give my partner a little shout out here for giving me the 'gentle shove' I needed; without her support and complete confidence in me and my business I don't think I would be here doing what I'm doing! Thank you also to everyone else who has supported me and watched my business grow over these past 5 years. I'm sitting here typing this completely full of nervous excitement - I just know that it's going to be a wonderful journey!. Roll on September the 5th!