What sets my antenatal courses apart from NHS courses? I provide a more personalised experience. Unlike many NHS courses, where the groups can be quite large, my classes have a maximum of 6-8 couples. This smaller group size allows me to focus on your individual concerns and ensure you and your partner receive the information and support you need. What do you cover in your courses? We cover course content not only from a factual perspective but also from an emotional and practical viewpoint, something that NHS courses often don't have time for. Additionally, the Complete Birth Prep Package includes hypnobirthing and postnatal topics, which are not always included in NHS courses. What happens after I complete the course? Even after our time together has finished, I'm here for you. You can still reach out to me even after your baby is born. Whether your plans change or you need extra support, you'll have the continuity of working with me. I am here for you every step of the way.

People have unique ways of learning. Some like to hear information, while others prefer watching, writing, or hands-on experiences. That's why my courses cater to various learning styles to make everyone feel included. You'll get to work in small groups, with your partner, and as a whole group. You're in control of your level of participation – nothing is mandatory. In simple terms, we won't be sitting in a big circle all the time with me talking at you. You can engage as much as you're comfortable with.

Absolutely! We'll be covering the topic of Caesarean births. We'll not only discuss what happens during a caesarean but also how you can make it a positive and special experience - one which you have options and choices to make it unique to you. You can even use relaxation techniques, like hypnobirthing, to stay calm during the procedure. Plus, all the information we share about post-birth recovery and baby care is relevant and valuable for you

I want to share helpful information with you so that you can make the best choices for you and your baby. We'll explore natural ways to deal with the feelings of labour and how your body and hormones work. We'll also talk about what options the local hospitals have It doesn't matter to me how you decide to have your baby, as long as you feel like you know what's going on, you have a say in the decisions, and you have support. My goal is to help you feel more ready for childbirth, no matter how it happens

Learning for 6 hours might sound like a long time, but don't worry! We have regular breaks for snacks and a lunch break to make sure you feel comfortable. My courses are really relaxed. You do what you need to do to be comfortable.

This course is for everyone. It's not just for mums, but also for birth partners, partners, and parents-to-be. Everyone is important, and you're all included.

If you'd like to come by yourself, that's perfectly okay. Most of my activities don't require working with a partner, and we can adjust them to make you feel at ease. If your birth partner can't make it, you're welcome to bring a friend or a family member for support.

You can decide when you want to join the Birth Prep with Joy course. Some people start early in their pregnancy to practice hypnobirthing techniques for a longer time (if they choose to use them) and to have longer to think through their birth options. Others join later in their pregnancy. I've supported expecting mums anywhere from 17 to 38 weeks into their pregnancy on this program. In short, it's all up to you when you want to start the course. It's never too early or too late to learn about your birth options and how to prepare for life with a newborn.

Absolutely! You will be approaching the material with a different insight which can be really beneficial. I have often supported parents who are a looking for a refresher course having moved to the area and are wanting to find out more about local maternity services and to meet other local parents. A refresher can also be a great way to help you to prepare for birth in a different way than you did before or if you know that you are having to give birth different this time around.

Get in touch! Feel free to ask me anything about the course, the content or whatever! I am always happy to help to make sure you feel like you are booking the right birth prep for you.

After you sign up for a course with me, I'll reach out to say hello and share the details about the day. I'll also ask if there's anything important I should know before the course begins. Anything you make me aware of is held in strictest confidence and is not shared by me with any other course member. Equally, if I need to make any adaptations to the course to help with your learning, I have the time to do that.

No. I am not able to provide individual medical advice and would always ask that you refer specific medical concerns to your midwife or doctor.

As part of The Complete Birth Prep Package + Hypnobirthing course, I am around after the course has finished if you have further questions or your birth plans change. We can arrange to catch-up via WhatsApp or Zoom at a mutually agreeable time. There is not a time limit placed on this service, however I am not on-call and whilst I will endeavour to work with you as soon as possible, there may be a delay due to my own personal circumstances such as holidays etc.

Hypnobirthing uses antenatal education, self-hypnosis, relaxation, massage and breathing techniques to help release any fear or tension you may have around birthing your baby. Hypnobirthing can trace its roots back to the work of Grantley Dick-Read in the 1930s. Since then there have been many studies looking at the positive impact learning hypnosis for childbirth can have on women. A systematic review in 2020 concluded "it improved childbirth experience by reducing fear and pain and enhancing a sense of control. It improved women's emotional experience and outlook towards birth with less anxiety, increased satisfaction, fewer birth interventions, more postnatal wellbeing and a better childbirth experience overall." Catsaros S, Wendland J. (2020) Hypnosis-based interventions during pregnancy and childbirth and their impact on women’s childbirth experience: A systematic review.

Hypnobirthing can't guarantee a pain-free labour, but it can help you feel more in control and better able to manage the sensations by giving you a good understanding of what's happening in your body during labour. Some women find that they can use the techniques and coping strategies from hypnobirthing all the way through labour. Others might use these techniques for as long as they're comfortable before considering other options. There's no one-size-fits-all approach – it's about what works best for you! It can also be beneficial during various stages of labour, whether you're at home, in a car on your way to the hospital, in the triage area, and more.

NO! Forget anything on television, hypnosis is not magic! A hypnotic state is something we all enter into several times a day. Have you ever driven the car, arrived at your destination and can’t, for the life of you, remember how you got there? That is a hypnotic state. It is not the same as being asleep or unconscious and the only person who has control over the situation is you.

Do not use the hypnobirthing downloads or practice the techniques or exercises contained within these downloads whilst driving or operating machinery. If you suffer from epilepsy, clinical depression or any other nervous or psychiatric condition please check with your doctor / medical professional before using hypnosis as their can be individual contraindications. ​ The information provided during The Complete Birth Prep Package or Online Workshops do not constitute medical advice. If in doubt, please consult your doctor or midwife.

A non-refundable deposit of £50 can be paid to reserve your space. An invoice for the remaining balance will be sent 4 weeks before the start of the course. This must be paid in full 3 weeks before the course starts to confirm your place. If choosing to pay via PayPal there is an option to pay for the full course in instalments.

If you cannot attend all the dates of your course due to illness or other unexpected commitments, then I offer up to 1hr Zoom contact time to discuss anything related to the content you missed. I am happy to offer dates which I am available to do this based on my other work commitments.

By signing up to, purchasing or accessing any in person or online course, or online content (website and social media) from Birth Prep with Joy, you are agreeing to the following: PAYMENT TERMS Your space on any course will be confirmed on receipt of full payment. REFUNDS - IF YOU WISH TO CANCEL YOUR PLACE - A full refund if a cancellation is notified 31 days or more prior to the commencement of the course. - Refunds are not available after course commencement. - Refunds under any other circumstance are at sole discretion of Birth Prep with Joy. Please contact me. For private Hypnobirthing Essential courses, every effort will be made to rearrange sessions to suit you if required. Once sessions have been confirmed, we may not be able to rearrange them. Birth Prep with Joy reserve the right to cancel, change or alter the dates and venues of any course at any time. If the course changes from the advertised description and you are no longer able to attend, you will be offered a full refund or alternative time or course to suit you at no extra cost. IMPORTANT THINGS TO NOTE: The information shared by Birth Prep with Joy in courses, online or in correspondence is not there to replace medical advice. We are unable to comment or advise on any personal medical circumstances. If you have any concerns about your or your baby’s health or wellbeing, you should always contact your midwife or health care provider. Birth Prep with Joy accepts no responsibility for any of the decisions you make in regards to your pregnancy and birth. - Taking part in any physical exercises, positions or movements provided by the course should only be done when deemed safe by your midwife or healthcare team. - When taking part in any physical activity on the course, you are responsible for ensuring your space and equipment are safe to use. - Birth Prep with Joy accepts no responsibility for injury caused by taking part in any physical activity on the courses. -If you have any concerns, (including but not exclusively) bleeding, pain, reduced movement, feeling of light headedness, sickness, nausea or any unusual feeling- stop, and contact your midwife immediately. DISCLAIMER Using Hypnobirthing techniques and other birth prep ideas discussed during an antenatal course are not a substitute for the advice of or the presence during birth or any part of pregnancy or labour of a qualified medical practitioner, midwife or obstetrician. Any questions or doubts that you have about the use of Hypnobirthing or the safety or appropriateness of this programme by you or any third party in any part should be discussed by you with your medical caregiver before the commencement of a course. Birth Prep with Joy accepts no responsibility for the inappropriate use of Hypnobirthing techniques or other birth prep ideas discussed during an antenatal course. Hypnobirthing is intended solely as an 'aid' to 'help' increase the comfort of labour and birth and is not in any way a guarantee or promise of expected, imagined or actual outcome of the labour or birth in any way shape or form. Participation in Antenatal and Hypnobirthing classes in any part or in total by any person is undertaken with the understanding by any persons that no litigation or legal action whatsoever will be initiated or that no form of compensation or reimbursement or refund will be claimed or applied for at any time now or in the future against Birth Prep with Joy. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY Any recording or written material included as part of this course and all rights worldwide (including Intellectual Property Rights) relating thereto respectively are the sole property of Birth Prep with Joy or others from whom such rights may be derived (whether or not protected by trademark and copyright laws) and may not be used other than for the personal use of the participant without obtaining prior written permission. GDPR The participant also agrees that Birth Prep with Joy shall hold your details on file and on computer and, in accordance with the GDPR Act 2018, you have the right to view, amend or delete your individual file by giving not less than seven days' written notice. We treat your personal data with the utmost care and keep only relevant information to process your booking. We will not sell or give your information to a 3rd party. By engaging in any content, purchases or otherwise, from Birth Prep with Joy, you are agreeing to the above terms and conditions. If at any time you have any questions regarding the above, you can contact Birth Prep with Joy at info@birthprepwithjoy.com

Hypnobirthing Essentials is a 2 hour online course. It is a condensed "whistle-stop" tour covering all the vital components of hypnobirthing in an 'information giving way.' so that you can take the skills taught and practice them in your own time after the course has finished. It focusses purely on labour and birth - what happens during labour and how you can work with your body to make birth easier and more comfortable for you. The skills learned can be used for a vaginal birth but also for a caesarean birth and induced labour. It's the perfect choice for those with limited time before their baby arrives, those looking to complement another antenatal class (such as NCT or NHS), or if you have done hypnobirthing before and are looking for a refresher.

As part of the Hypnobirthing Essentials course, I am happy to arrange a 1 hour Zoom call at a mutually agreeable time if you have further questions or your birth plans change. There is not a time limit placed on this service and whilst I will endeavour to work with you as soon as possible, there may be a delay due to my own personal circumstances such as holidays etc.

Hypnobirthing uses antenatal education, self-hypnosis, relaxation, massage and breathing techniques to help release any fear or tension you may have around birthing your baby. Hypnobirthing can trace its roots back to the work of Grantley Dick-Read in the 1930s. Since then there have been many studies looking at the positive impact learning hypnosis for childbirth can have on women. A systematic review in 2020 concluded "it improved childbirth experience by reducing fear and pain and enhancing a sense of control. It improved women's emotional experience and outlook towards birth with less anxiety, increased satisfaction, fewer birth interventions, more postnatal wellbeing and a better childbirth experience overall." Catsaros S, Wendland J. (2020) Hypnosis-based interventions during pregnancy and childbirth and their impact on women’s childbirth experience: A systematic review.

Hypnobirthing can't guarantee a pain-free labour, but it can help you feel more in control and better able to manage the sensations by giving you a good understanding of what's happening in your body during labour. Some women find that they can use the techniques and coping strategies from hypnobirthing all the way through labour. Others might use these techniques for as long as they're comfortable before considering other options. There's no one-size-fits-all approach – it's about what works best for you! It can also be beneficial during various stages of labour, whether you're at home, in a car on your way to the hospital, in the triage area, and more.

NO! Forget anything on television, hypnosis is not magic! A hypnotic state is something we all enter into several times a day. Have you ever driven the car, arrived at your destination and can’t, for the life of you, remember how you got there? That is a hypnotic state. It is not the same as being asleep or unconscious and the only person who has control over the situation is you.

Do not use the hypnobirthing downloads or practice the techniques or exercises contained within these downloads whilst driving or operating machinery. If you suffer from epilepsy, clinical depression or any other nervous or psychiatric condition please check with your doctor / medical professional before using hypnosis as their can be individual contraindications. ​ The information provided during The Complete Birth Prep Package or Online Workshops do not constitute medical advice. If in doubt, please consult your doctor or midwife.

Ideally, yes. It makes it easier for me to talk to you and for the course to be more engaging. I appreciate there may be times though when you might have to turn it off for a minute or so if something is going on in the background. ​ If you are taking part in a free taster session then you do not have to have your camera on.

These are facilitated on Zoom which is free to download on a computer, tablet or smartphone.

By signing up to, purchasing or accessing any in person or online course, or online content (website and social media) from Birth Prep with Joy, you are agreeing to the following: PAYMENT TERMS Your space on any course will be confirmed on receipt of full payment. REFUNDS - IF YOU WISH TO CANCEL YOUR PLACE - A full refund if a cancellation is notified 31 days or more prior to the commencement of the course. - Refunds are not available after course commencement. - Refunds under any other circumstance are at sole discretion of Birth Prep with Joy. Please contact me. For private Hypnobirthing Essential courses, every effort will be made to rearrange sessions to suit you if required. Once sessions have been confirmed, we may not be able to rearrange them. Birth Prep with Joy reserve the right to cancel, change or alter the dates and venues of any course at any time. If the course changes from the advertised description and you are no longer able to attend, you will be offered a full refund or alternative time or course to suit you at no extra cost. IMPORTANT THINGS TO NOTE: The information shared by Birth Prep with Joy in courses, online or in correspondence is not there to replace medical advice. We are unable to comment or advise on any personal medical circumstances. If you have any concerns about your or your baby’s health or wellbeing, you should always contact your midwife or health care provider. Birth Prep with Joy accepts no responsibility for any of the decisions you make in regards to your pregnancy and birth. - Taking part in any physical exercises, positions or movements provided by the course should only be done when deemed safe by your midwife or healthcare team. - When taking part in any physical activity on the course, you are responsible for ensuring your space and equipment are safe to use. - Birth Prep with Joy accepts no responsibility for injury caused by taking part in any physical activity on the courses. -If you have any concerns, (including but not exclusively) bleeding, pain, reduced movement, feeling of light headedness, sickness, nausea or any unusual feeling- stop, and contact your midwife immediately. DISCLAIMER Using Hypnobirthing techniques and other birth prep ideas discussed during an antenatal course are not a substitute for the advice of or the presence during birth or any part of pregnancy or labour of a qualified medical practitioner, midwife or obstetrician. Any questions or doubts that you have about the use of Hypnobirthing or the safety or appropriateness of this programme by you or any third party in any part should be discussed by you with your medical caregiver before the commencement of a course. Birth Prep with Joy accepts no responsibility for the inappropriate use of Hypnobirthing techniques or other birth prep ideas discussed during an antenatal course. Hypnobirthing is intended solely as an 'aid' to 'help' increase the comfort of labour and birth and is not in any way a guarantee or promise of expected, imagined or actual outcome of the labour or birth in any way shape or form. Participation in Antenatal and Hypnobirthing classes in any part or in total by any person is undertaken with the understanding by any persons that no litigation or legal action whatsoever will be initiated or that no form of compensation or reimbursement or refund will be claimed or applied for at any time now or in the future against Birth Prep with Joy. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY Any recording or written material included as part of this course and all rights worldwide (including Intellectual Property Rights) relating thereto respectively are the sole property of Birth Prep with Joy or others from whom such rights may be derived (whether or not protected by trademark and copyright laws) and may not be used other than for the personal use of the participant without obtaining prior written permission. GDPR The participant also agrees that Birth Prep with Joy shall hold your details on file and on computer and, in accordance with the GDPR Act 2018, you have the right to view, amend or delete your individual file by giving not less than seven days' written notice. We treat your personal data with the utmost care and keep only relevant information to process your booking. We will not sell or give your information to a 3rd party. By engaging in any content, purchases or otherwise, from Birth Prep with Joy, you are agreeing to the above terms and conditions. If at any time you have any questions regarding the above, you can contact Birth Prep with Joy at info@birthprepwithjoy.com

Pregnant people and their partners who are wanting to find out more about breastfeeding and how to initiate breastfeeding successfully.

No! The aim of this workshop is to explain how breastfeeding works and steps you can put into place to make establishing breastfeeding as easy and positive as possible. If you choose to breastfeed, formula feed or combination feed after this workshop, the decision is yours.

This is an information and educational workshop looking at the science behind breastfeeding. During this workshop, I will not be able to offer personalised breastfeeding support. If you are currently breastfeeding and are looking to speak with someone about a concern, then I would recommend the NCT Infant Feeding Telephone Helpline. 0300 330 0700. The line is open everyday from 8am to midnight, including bank holidays.

These are facilitated on Zoom which is free to download on a computer, tablet or smartphone.

Ideally, yes. It makes it easier for me to talk to you and for the course to be more engaging. I appreciate there may be times though when you might have to turn it off for a minute or so if something is going on in the background. ​ If you are taking part in a free taster session then you do not have to have your camera on.

By signing up to, purchasing or accessing any in person or online course, or online content (website and social media) from Birth Prep with Joy, you are agreeing to the following: PAYMENT TERMS Your space on any course will be confirmed on receipt of full payment. REFUNDS - IF YOU WISH TO CANCEL YOUR PLACE - A full refund if a cancellation is notified 31 days or more prior to the commencement of the course. - Refunds are not available after course commencement. - Refunds under any other circumstance are at sole discretion of Birth Prep with Joy. Please contact me. For private Hypnobirthing Essential courses, every effort will be made to rearrange sessions to suit you if required. Once sessions have been confirmed, we may not be able to rearrange them. Birth Prep with Joy reserve the right to cancel, change or alter the dates and venues of any course at any time. If the course changes from the advertised description and you are no longer able to attend, you will be offered a full refund or alternative time or course to suit you at no extra cost. IMPORTANT THINGS TO NOTE: The information shared by Birth Prep with Joy in courses, online or in correspondence is not there to replace medical advice. We are unable to comment or advise on any personal medical circumstances. If you have any concerns about your or your baby’s health or wellbeing, you should always contact your midwife or health care provider. Birth Prep with Joy accepts no responsibility for any of the decisions you make in regards to your pregnancy and birth. - Taking part in any physical exercises, positions or movements provided by the course should only be done when deemed safe by your midwife or healthcare team. - When taking part in any physical activity on the course, you are responsible for ensuring your space and equipment are safe to use. - Birth Prep with Joy accepts no responsibility for injury caused by taking part in any physical activity on the courses. -If you have any concerns, (including but not exclusively) bleeding, pain, reduced movement, feeling of light headedness, sickness, nausea or any unusual feeling- stop, and contact your midwife immediately. DISCLAIMER Using Hypnobirthing techniques and other birth prep ideas discussed during an antenatal course are not a substitute for the advice of or the presence during birth or any part of pregnancy or labour of a qualified medical practitioner, midwife or obstetrician. Any questions or doubts that you have about the use of Hypnobirthing or the safety or appropriateness of this programme by you or any third party in any part should be discussed by you with your medical caregiver before the commencement of a course. Birth Prep with Joy accepts no responsibility for the inappropriate use of Hypnobirthing techniques or other birth prep ideas discussed during an antenatal course. Hypnobirthing is intended solely as an 'aid' to 'help' increase the comfort of labour and birth and is not in any way a guarantee or promise of expected, imagined or actual outcome of the labour or birth in any way shape or form. Participation in Antenatal and Hypnobirthing classes in any part or in total by any person is undertaken with the understanding by any persons that no litigation or legal action whatsoever will be initiated or that no form of compensation or reimbursement or refund will be claimed or applied for at any time now or in the future against Birth Prep with Joy. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY Any recording or written material included as part of this course and all rights worldwide (including Intellectual Property Rights) relating thereto respectively are the sole property of Birth Prep with Joy or others from whom such rights may be derived (whether or not protected by trademark and copyright laws) and may not be used other than for the personal use of the participant without obtaining prior written permission. GDPR The participant also agrees that Birth Prep with Joy shall hold your details on file and on computer and, in accordance with the GDPR Act 2018, you have the right to view, amend or delete your individual file by giving not less than seven days' written notice. We treat your personal data with the utmost care and keep only relevant information to process your booking. We will not sell or give your information to a 3rd party. By engaging in any content, purchases or otherwise, from Birth Prep with Joy, you are agreeing to the above terms and conditions. If at any time you have any questions regarding the above, you can contact Birth Prep with Joy at info@birthprepwithjoy.com