About Me
Birth, Babies and 'Uncool' Music
Local expertise. Real empathy. Support that feels like a deep breath.
Hi, I'm Joy...
antenatal educator, perinatal hypnotherapist and breastfeeding counsellor, based in West Lothian.
For over 20 years, I’ve supported families through pregnancy, birth, feeding and the early days, with calm, practical, evidence-based care... but before any of the qualifications, I was a brand-new parent trying to find my feet.
I expected birth to be the hard part.
No one prepared me for the intensity of what came after - the feeding struggles, the identity shift, the “am I doing this right?” moments, and the quiet worry that I should be coping better.
When my baby arrived, I experienced severe postnatal depression with very little support. That changed me, and it’s a big part of why I do this work.
I’ve built the kind of support I needed back then: clear, steady, honest and genuinely inclusive. The kind that makes things feel more manageable, less overwhelming, and a lot more hopeful.
However you’re feeling today - excited, anxious, overwhelmed or a mix of everything - you’re welcome here.
Depth of Experience Matters
My approach to antenatal education is grounded in over 20 years of professional practice within maternity care and perinatal support.
Over that time, I’ve supported thousands of families across West Lothian and beyond, both privately and as an antenatal educator, mentor and assessor for the NCT, as well as mentoring educators and teaching for Blossom Antenatal.
My background spans adult education, perinatal mental health, trauma-informed practice and infant feeding.
This depth of experience shapes how I work - calmly, clearly, and with a strong understanding of both the evidence and the realities parents face within maternity care.
My Community Roots
I’ve supported parents not only in groups and private sessions, but also within local maternity services and community spaces across West Lothian.
Over the years I’ve:
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supported dads through the Dads2B programme at St John’s Hospital
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championed parent voices through NHS Lothian Maternity Voices Partnership
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taught for the UK’s largest parenting charity
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and yes - even chatted about birth with curious primary school kids
This work isn’t just my job. It’s a joy and a privilege.
What I Offer
If you’re looking for support that feels calm, clear and grounded - you’re in the right place.
I offer:
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small-group antenatal courses in Linlithgow
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1:1 online support for antenatal education and birth preparation
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hypnobirthing sessions
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feeding support
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trauma-informed emotional support for anxiety, overwhelm, or difficult experiences
Support that meets you where you are - not a standard checklist, PowerPoint or script.
How I Work
My background is in adult education, perinatal mental health and trauma support.
But what matters most is my philosophy.
No pressure.
No assumptions.
No “right way.”
Just someone who knows the science, understands the system, and can hold space for whatever you bring - from a detailed feeding plan to the fact you’ve cried three times before 10am.
You’re human. You don’t need to be perfect.
You deserve support that helps you feel informed, steady and confident, and that’s what I bring to every space I hold.
A Little About Me
When I’m not talking birth, you’ll probably find me:
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out with my dog in muddy boots
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singing badly in the kitchen while baking
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listening to a true crime audiobook
My shoe collection is unnecessary.
My crush on Matt Bomer is fully justified.
I believe in small joys, swearing when needed, and support that feels like a deep breath.
A Foundation of Trust
DipHE Antenatal Education
Certified TBR 3 Step Rewind Practitioner
Student Perinatal Hypnotherapist
Certified Hypnobirthing Practitioner
Certified Breastfeeding Counsellor (NCT)
Cert. Counselling Skills
Certified Aromatherapy for Childbirth
Doula Training Nurturing Birth
Level 2 Babywearing Peer Supporter
BD (Hons) University of Glasgow
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