Over the years I have led antenatal education in the NHS, teaching classes and training other midwives to be antenatal teachers. In 2012 I introduced hypnobirth into an NHS hospital. It was so popular that I went on to write two books and publish articles on the benefits of this type of preparation. I now train midwifes and obstetricians to be hypnobirth practitioners across the UK.
I strongly believe that growing and birthing a baby is quite incredible, and yet there is little real preparation for what will be the biggest day of your life. I am passionate about women and birthing people’s rights and choices, so feel strongly that great evidence-based information while you are pregnant is essential.
As a senior clinical lead in the NHS, I work towards making information as accessible as possible, and that includes creating a website and working with community groups to ensure their voices are heard. I have created a series of films for parents focusing on antenatal preparation, and a series of films for staff focusing on diversity within maternity services. These have been shared internationally into 12 countries.
I am a guest lecturer at the University of East Anglia and am often invited to speak at conferences about my work. I have recently contributed to The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists video series on tackling health inequalities and delivered talks for UNICEF and The Royal College of Midwives on health inequalities in maternity.
When I’m not talking about birth, learning about birth, sharing stories about birth and being an all-round birth geek, I like nothing more than guiding parents through the maze of information available. I know that knowledge is power, and I see myself as a birth activist. So, if you’re looking for evidenced based information, someone to guide you through your choices and somewhere to learn techniques and skills for birthing your baby – you’ve come to the right place. Welcome!
