The Hypnobirthing Podcast

In this episode of The Hypnobirthing Podcast, I’m joined by Karen as she shares the powerful and instinct-led birth of her son at home.

Karen opens up about how hypnobirthing helped her stay grounded during labour, why releasing control was a turning point, and the unforgettable moment she caught her own baby. She reflects on the intense emotions that followed, and how they shaped her view of the experience.

Whether you're planning a home birth, considering hypnobirthing, or simply love a raw and honest birth story, this one will leave you feeling inspired and uplifted.

• 🌸 Resources & Links

  • 🤰 Doula Packages – Discover how I can support you throughout pregnancy and birth: The Nurture Nest Doula Services
  • 🎓 Hypnobirthing Courses – Learn tools and techniques to feel calm and confident: Explore Courses
  • ☕ Say Thanks – If this podcast has helped you, you can buy me a coffee here
  • 📚 Claire’s Book Recommendations – My favourite reads for pregnancy and birth: Amazon Book List
  • 📖 The Little Book of Positive Birth Stories – Celebrate inspiring birth stories: Get Your Copy Here
  • 🎬 Birth Time Documentary – Get 20% off with code CICADA20: Watch Here
  • 📸 Instagram – Daily tips, birth stories & inspiration: @the_nurture_nest
  • 🛁 Birth Pool Discount – Get 10% off here: Claim Offer
  • ⚡ BabyCare TENS Discount – 10% off with code 10NURTURENEST: Shop Here

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Haley shares her honest and inspiring birth story with me. Haley’s labour was induced, which brought some challenges she hadn’t anticipated, including a drop in her baby’s heart rate and the possibility of an episiotomy, something she really wanted to avoid. Despite these hurdles, Haley had a natural, unmedicated birth and met her baby just six hours after labour began.

Haley talks about the experience of pushing through uncertainty, the surprising speed of her labour, and the special moments after birth, including delayed cord clamping and skin-to-skin time with her newborn. She also reflects on the emotions that come with birth, from relief and gratitude to the adrenaline rush that follows.

What You’ll Hear:

• How Haley managed her induction and responded to the baby’s changing heart rate
• The importance of support from her midwife, doula, and partner during labour
• Her determination to avoid an episiotomy and how she pushed through the final stages
• Insights on how a twisted umbilical cord may have affected her baby’s size and birth plan
• The quick progression of her labour and going home the same day
• The experience of post-birth adrenaline and settling into life with a newborn
• A conversation about the differences between spontaneous and induced contractions

Haley’s story offers a grounded look at how birth plans can change, but how positive and empowering birth can still be. It’s a reassuring listen for anyone preparing for birth or interested in real-life birth experiences.

• 🌸 Resources & Links

  • 🤰 Doula Packages – Discover how I can support you throughout pregnancy and birth: The Nurture Nest Doula Services
  • 🎓 Hypnobirthing Courses – Learn tools and techniques to feel calm and confident: Explore Courses
  • ☕ Say Thanks – If this podcast has helped you, you can buy me a coffee here
  • 📚 Claire’s Book Recommendations – My favourite reads for pregnancy and birth: Amazon Book List
  • 📖 The Little Book of Positive Birth Stories – Celebrate inspiring birth stories: Get Your Copy Here
  • 🎬 Birth Time Documentary – Get 20% off with code CICADA20: Watch Here
  • 📸 Instagram – Daily tips, birth stories & inspiration: @the_nurture_nest
  • 🛁 Birth Pool Discount – Get 10% off here: Claim Offer
  • ⚡ BabyCare TENS Discount – 10% off with code 10NURTURENEST: Shop Here

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode, I chat with listener Abbie, who shares the beautiful and inspiring story of her first birth. Abbie’s journey is a powerful reminder that positive and empowering first births do happen — and they can go exactly to plan!

Abbie and her partner immersed themselves in hypnobirthing education, listening to the podcast and taking my Essentials Course, which helped them feel informed, prepared, and calm going into birth. From navigating early labour at home with candles and baths to a peaceful water birth in the hospital, Abbie’s story highlights the power of trusting your body, listening to your instincts, and creating a supportive birth environment.

🎙️ In this episode, we discuss:

• How Abbie discovered hypnobirthing and prepared with her partner

• Why she chose a water birth and how it felt for her

• The emotional ups and downs during early labour (including news about a family member)

• How her partner and mum supported her beautifully throughout

• The moment she realised she was further along than she thought

• A calm, connected birth experience and meeting her baby in the water

• A huge thank you to Abbie for sharing her story, I know it will inspire and reassure so many first-time parents.

• 🌸 Resources & Links

  • 🤰 Doula Packages – Discover how I can support you throughout pregnancy and birth: The Nurture Nest Doula Services
  • 🎓 Hypnobirthing Courses – Learn tools and techniques to feel calm and confident: Explore Courses
  • ☕ Say Thanks – If this podcast has helped you, you can buy me a coffee here
  • 📚 Claire’s Book Recommendations – My favourite reads for pregnancy and birth: Amazon Book List
  • 📖 The Little Book of Positive Birth Stories – Celebrate inspiring birth stories: Get Your Copy Here
  • 🎬 Birth Time Documentary – Get 20% off with code CICADA20: Watch Here
  • 📸 Instagram – Daily tips, birth stories & inspiration: @the_nurture_nest
  • 🛁 Birth Pool Discount – Get 10% off here: Claim Offer
  • ⚡ BabyCare TENS Discount – 10% off with code 10NURTURENEST: Shop Here

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Maddie shares the story of her first birth; planned as a home birth but ultimately ending in a calm and empowering caesarean.

Diagnosed with polyhydramnios during pregnancy, Maddie went into labour and experienced a week of intense contractions that weren’t progressing. After being dismissed at hospital and told it was early labour, she trusted her instincts and returned a few days later, this time insisting on further assessment.

Faced with pressure to induce, Maddie stood firm and chose a caesarean birth, which turned out to be a beautifully calm experience, one she would choose again in the future.

We discuss:

• The emotional toll of prolonged early labour

• Trusting your instincts when you're not being heard

• Why a caesarean can be a positive and empowering choice

A powerful reminder that trusting your instincts can lead to the right birth for you.

Find out more about polyhydramnios here https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/polyhydramnios/ 

• 🌸 Resources & Links

  • 🤰 Doula Packages – Discover how I can support you throughout pregnancy and birth: The Nurture Nest Doula Services
  • 🎓 Hypnobirthing Courses – Learn tools and techniques to feel calm and confident: Explore Courses
  • ☕ Say Thanks – If this podcast has helped you, you can buy me a coffee here
  • 📚 Claire’s Book Recommendations – My favourite reads for pregnancy and birth: Amazon Book List
  • 📖 The Little Book of Positive Birth Stories – Celebrate inspiring birth stories: Get Your Copy Here
  • 🎬 Birth Time Documentary – Get 20% off with code CICADA20: Watch Here
  • 📸 Instagram – Daily tips, birth stories & inspiration: @the_nurture_nest
  • 🛁 Birth Pool Discount – Get 10% off here: Claim Offer
  • ⚡ BabyCare TENS Discount – 10% off with code 10NURTURENEST: Shop Here

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Hypnobirthing Podcast, I’m joined by listener Katie, a first-time mum who laboured for a long time at home but ultimately ended up giving birth in hospital due to the presence of meconium in her waters.

Katie shares her beautiful and empowering story, walking us through her mindset as she prepared for a home birth and how she navigated the unexpected changes with calm and confidence. Even though her plans changed, she felt in control and supported throughout, thanks to her hypnobirthing techniques and a strong connection with her birth team.

We talk about:

• How Katie prepared mentally and physically for her home birth
• The moment her plans changed and how she handled the transfer to hospital
• The role of her birth partner and support network
• Using hypnobirthing tools to stay grounded and calm during labour
• Reflections on her experience and advice to other first-time mums

Katie’s story is a wonderful reminder that birth doesn’t have to go exactly to plan to be a positive, empowering experience.

• 🌸 Resources & Links

  • 🤰 Doula Packages – Discover how I can support you throughout pregnancy and birth: The Nurture Nest Doula Services
  • 🎓 Hypnobirthing Courses – Learn tools and techniques to feel calm and confident: Explore Courses
  • ☕ Say Thanks – If this podcast has helped you, you can buy me a coffee here
  • 📚 Claire’s Book Recommendations – My favourite reads for pregnancy and birth: Amazon Book List
  • 📖 The Little Book of Positive Birth Stories – Celebrate inspiring birth stories: Get Your Copy Here
  • 🎬 Birth Time Documentary – Get 20% off with code CICADA20: Watch Here
  • 📸 Instagram – Daily tips, birth stories & inspiration: @the_nurture_nest
  • 🛁 Birth Pool Discount – Get 10% off here: Claim Offer
  • ⚡ BabyCare TENS Discount – 10% off with code 10NURTURENEST: Shop Here

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode, listener Nanouk shares her journey through prenatal depression and labour induction, and how hypnobirthing helped her stay calm and confident. She discusses the emotional challenges of induction and the power of breathing and mindset to manage fear.

Key Points:

• Coping with prenatal depression
• Navigating labour induction
• Using hypnobirthing to stay relaxed and trust your body

If you’re experiencing prenatal depression, remember you’re not alone — help is available. Here are some UK organisations offering support:
💙 Mind – Mental health support: mind.org.uk
💙 Tommy’s – Pregnancy and baby support: tommys.org
💙 Birth Trauma Association – Emotional support after birth: birthtraumaassociation.org.uk
💙 NHS Perinatal Mental Health Services – Find local support via your GP or nhs.uk

Worldwide:
🌍 Postpartum Support International (PSI) – postpartum.net
🌍 Motherhood Collective – motherhoodcollective.org
🌍 March of Dimes – marchofdimes.org
🌍 World Health Organization (WHO) – Mental Health in Pregnancy – who.int

The book Nanouk talks about by Lucy Jones can be found here https://tinyurl.com/23xb9cxu

• 🌸 Resources & Links

  • 🤰 Doula Packages – Discover how I can support you throughout pregnancy and birth: The Nurture Nest Doula Services
  • 🎓 Hypnobirthing Courses – Learn tools and techniques to feel calm and confident: Explore Courses
  • ☕ Say Thanks – If this podcast has helped you, you can buy me a coffee here
  • 📚 Claire’s Book Recommendations – My favourite reads for pregnancy and birth: Amazon Book List
  • 📖 The Little Book of Positive Birth Stories – Celebrate inspiring birth stories: Get Your Copy Here
  • 🎬 Birth Time Documentary – Get 20% off with code CICADA20: Watch Here
  • 📸 Instagram – Daily tips, birth stories & inspiration: @the_nurture_nest
  • 🛁 Birth Pool Discount – Get 10% off here: Claim Offer
  • ⚡ BabyCare TENS Discount – 10% off with code 10NURTURENEST: Shop Here

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Hypnobirthing Podcast, I speak with Katie, a listener and first-time mum, who shares her remarkable journey from planning an elective cesarean due to intense fear of childbirth to ultimately having a spontaneous, physiological birth in a birth center. Katie candidly discusses how hypnobirthing techniques, daily podcast listening, and mindset shifts helped her overcome fear, cancel her cesarean, and trust her body’s incredible capabilities.

This uplifting story is a perfect reminder of how powerful preparation, education, and belief in your body can be when it comes to birth. If you’re feeling anxious or uncertain about your own upcoming birth, Katie’s story might just be the confidence boost you need.

👶 In This Episode:

• Why Katie initially planned a cesarean and how fear shaped her early pregnancy mindset

• The pivotal role of hypnobirthing and podcast episodes in helping her regain confidence

• Her decision to cancel the cesarean at 39 weeks and decline sweeps/interventions

• Going into spontaneous labour just after her sister’s wedding (where she was Maid of Honour!)

• A fast, empowering birth centre experience and how it changed her perspective on birth

• Plans for the future, including potential home birth considerations

If you found Katie’s story helpful or inspiring, please consider sharing this episode with someone you know who’s pregnant or leave a review—it really helps others find the show!

• 🌸 Resources & Links

  • 🤰 Doula Packages – Discover how I can support you throughout pregnancy and birth: The Nurture Nest Doula Services
  • 🎓 Hypnobirthing Courses – Learn tools and techniques to feel calm and confident: Explore Courses
  • ☕ Say Thanks – If this podcast has helped you, you can buy me a coffee here
  • 📚 Claire’s Book Recommendations – My favourite reads for pregnancy and birth: Amazon Book List
  • 📖 The Little Book of Positive Birth Stories – Celebrate inspiring birth stories: Get Your Copy Here
  • 🎬 Birth Time Documentary – Get 20% off with code CICADA20: Watch Here
  • 📸 Instagram – Daily tips, birth stories & inspiration: @the_nurture_nest
  • 🛁 Birth Pool Discount – Get 10% off here: Claim Offer
  • ⚡ BabyCare TENS Discount – 10% off with code 10NURTURENEST: Shop Here

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Emy, a listener who shares her beautifully calm and instinct-led first birth story. Originally from Sweden and now living in Bristol, Emy talks about how hypnobirthing helped her prepare mentally, release fear, and embrace the unknowns of birth with confidence and positivity.

From early surges at home to a magical birthing suite experience, Emy’s story is full of empowering moments, supportive instincts, and wonderful reminders of how important it is to trust your body. This is a birth story you won’t want to miss—especially if you’re preparing for your first birth.

A huge thank you to Emy for sharing her story so openly!

🎧 What we cover in this episode:

• How Emy used hypnobirthing to replace fear with confidence

• The importance of mindset and preparation

• Listening to your body and following your instincts

• The role of her supportive birth partner

• Giving birth in a midwife-led unit and what that was like

• Why every birth story matters—even the calm and positive ones!

• 🌸 Resources & Links

  • 🤰 Doula Packages – Discover how I can support you throughout pregnancy and birth: The Nurture Nest Doula Services
  • 🎓 Hypnobirthing Courses – Learn tools and techniques to feel calm and confident: Explore Courses
  • ☕ Say Thanks – If this podcast has helped you, you can buy me a coffee here
  • 📚 Claire’s Book Recommendations – My favourite reads for pregnancy and birth: Amazon Book List
  • 📖 The Little Book of Positive Birth Stories – Celebrate inspiring birth stories: Get Your Copy Here
  • 🎬 Birth Time Documentary – Get 20% off with code CICADA20: Watch Here
  • 📸 Instagram – Daily tips, birth stories & inspiration: @the_nurture_nest
  • 🛁 Birth Pool Discount – Get 10% off here: Claim Offer
  • ⚡ BabyCare TENS Discount – 10% off with code 10NURTURENEST: Shop Here

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode Summary:
In this solo episode, I dive into one of the most common questions I'm asked: Is hypnobirthing enough? If you've completed a course or are thinking about starting one, this episode is essential listening.

I explore what hypnobirthing teaches you, why it's a powerful foundation, but also why it’s just the beginning of truly preparing for a positive birth experience. I unpack how deeper education, regular practice, and understanding the maternity system are key to feeling empowered and supported — especially when birth doesn’t go according to plan.

In this episode, I talk about:

• Why hypnobirthing is more than a checklist item

• How the maternity system impacts your birth experience

• The importance of informed decision-making and knowing your rights

• What else you need to do beyond a course to feel truly prepared

• The crucial role of your birth partner and how they can confidently advocate for you

• Why preparation for the postpartum period matters just as much

Whether you’re planning a home birth, birth centre experience, or hospital delivery, this episode will help you reflect, refocus, and rethink what “being ready” for birth really looks like.

• 🌸 Resources & Links

  • 🤰 Doula Packages – Discover how I can support you throughout pregnancy and birth: The Nurture Nest Doula Services
  • 🎓 Hypnobirthing Courses – Learn tools and techniques to feel calm and confident: Explore Courses
  • ☕ Say Thanks – If this podcast has helped you, you can buy me a coffee here
  • 📚 Claire’s Book Recommendations – My favourite reads for pregnancy and birth: Amazon Book List
  • 📖 The Little Book of Positive Birth Stories – Celebrate inspiring birth stories: Get Your Copy Here
  • 🎬 Birth Time Documentary – Get 20% off with code CICADA20: Watch Here
  • 📸 Instagram – Daily tips, birth stories & inspiration: @the_nurture_nest
  • 🛁 Birth Pool Discount – Get 10% off here: Claim Offer
  • ⚡ BabyCare TENS Discount – 10% off with code 10NURTURENEST: Shop Here

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today's episode, I welcomed on listener Sarah who shared the story of her unplanned caesarean and why it was so positive for her. Thank you Sarah!

• 🌸 Resources & Links

  • 🤰 Doula Packages – Discover how I can support you throughout pregnancy and birth: The Nurture Nest Doula Services
  • 🎓 Hypnobirthing Courses – Learn tools and techniques to feel calm and confident: Explore Courses
  • ☕ Say Thanks – If this podcast has helped you, you can buy me a coffee here
  • 📚 Claire’s Book Recommendations – My favourite reads for pregnancy and birth: Amazon Book List
  • 📖 The Little Book of Positive Birth Stories – Celebrate inspiring birth stories: Get Your Copy Here
  • 🎬 Birth Time Documentary – Get 20% off with code CICADA20: Watch Here
  • 📸 Instagram – Daily tips, birth stories & inspiration: @the_nurture_nest
  • 🛁 Birth Pool Discount – Get 10% off here: Claim Offer
  • ⚡ BabyCare TENS Discount – 10% off with code 10NURTURENEST: Shop Here

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.