Sometimes, you hear one positive birth story and it stays with you. There’s something unique about someone else’s experience quietly having the power to change the direction of your own story. For Nicole Harwood, it was hearing one woman talk about giving birth at home that planted a seed. Until then, birth had largely been…
Giving birth can feel daunting even when you know exactly how the maternity system works. Add an unfamiliar healthcare system, different expectations and conversations happening in a language that is not your own and giving birth abroad can suddenly feel much more complicated. For the founder of Born in Trust, Titia Kesteloot, that experience became…
When Charlotte Butterworth-Pool launched The Smart Doula nearly two years ago, she didn’t set out to reinvent what birth support could look like. However she did want to help a few expectant parents navigate the confusing tangle of maternity guidelines in the UK. What she didn’t expect was that her approach, entirely virtual, deeply evidence-based, and available by…
Yoga is not just a physical practice; it’s a philosophy that emphasises the mind-body connection with breathing techniques and meditation, each offering numerous benefits for both physical and mental well-being. When applied to pregnancy, yoga offers a holistic approach to preparing for childbirth, including teaching movements and positions that can make labour more comfortable and…
When Sarah Cheeseman was expecting her first child, she was absolutely terrified of the thought of giving birth. The fear of pain, the unknown, and all the ‘what ifs’ swirled in her mind, leaving her feeling anxious about the upcoming experience. But something happened that completely transformed her mindset and ultimately changed the course of…
Julia Kitching’s journey into the world of hypnobirthing and birth support wasn’t driven by fear, but by fascination—thanks to her mother. Growing up, Julia’s mum shared stories of her own birth experience with such positivity that it shaped Julia’s entire view of childbirth. “My mum told me birth wasn’t painful, just uncomfortable and intense,” Julia…
Six Tips for Birth Planning if you have Gestational Diabetes Being diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes can throw a spanner in the works of anypregnancy. By Fiona Deans of Fiona Deans Hypnobirthing All of a sudden, you need to swap out the chocolate for other low-sugar snacksand you’re being sent for more scans and appointments than…
Induced vs spontaneous labour – what are some of the key physiological differences? Why do I need to think about induction? by Lisa Harris from Doula For You The word induction often can start being swirled around quite early on in pregnancy, and you will almost definitely have friends or family members who have been…
Beautiful Starts founder Victoria Kerslake: Changing lives one birth at a time. Victoria Kerslake’s CV is varied: From working in the corporate world to training as a teacher, working for charities and volunteering. “I’ve gone from climbing the corporate ladder, to giving back as a teacher, to now a Hypnobirthing instructor,” Victoria reflects. “All in my…
Breathing techniques and positive birth affirmations… hypnobirthing is a wonderful world of calming strategies to get you through labour. But when the bright lights of the operating theatre come calling, can hypnobirthing still be useful? Laura Thompson delves into this hotly debated topic!
The information provided on Pregnancy Pal is for general information and educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Every pregnancy, birth and postnatal experience is different. Always seek advice from your GP, midwife, consultant or other qualified healthcare professional if you have any questions, concerns or symptoms relating to your health or the health of your baby. Never delay seeking medical advice or disregard professional guidance because of information you have read on this website.
Pregnancy Pal does not accept responsibility for decisions made based on the information provided on this site.