Hello, I’m Holly.
A hypnobirthing teacher, mental health therapist and baby massage instructor.
Bit of a confession: I still flinch a tiny bit when I tell people I’m a hypnobirthing teacher.
Not because I’m not proud of it - I am
But hypnobirthing gets a bad rep. All floaty language, flower imagery and women moaning on yoga balls. And honestly? That’s exactly what put me off the first time around.
I was pregnant, overwhelmed and quietly bricking it. I couldn’t see how breathing techniques or visualising a blooming lotus was going to help when the real stuff hit. So I avoided all of it. I told myself I’d just “see how it goes” and listen to the professionals. It felt like the sensible, go-with-the-flow option.
Turns out, that flow was more of a tidal wave.
I felt unprepared, unheard and like I didn’t really have a say in my own experience. I did what I was told. But I didn’t feel calm. I felt swept along. And when it was all over, I was left with this low hum of what just happened? that no one had really prepared me for.
What I know now is that going with the flow only works when you know how to swim.
When you understand what’s happening in your body, how your mind plays a role and how to advocate for yourself when things get intense - that’s when birth feels doable
Whether you’re pregnant or holding your baby in one arm while scrolling with the other, you’re in the right place
Right now, you might be…
Turning up to appointments expecting answers with your midwife, GP, or health visitor and leaving more confused than when you walked in
Googling things like “what actually happens during an induction” or “how long should it hurt down there” because no one’s explained it clearly
Watching other mums online talk about birth plans, baby routines or perineal massage and wondering if you somehow missed a class no one told you about
That’s where I come in.
I’m not here to add more questions, more pressure, or another never-ending to-do list.
I’m here to make things feel clearer. Simpler. More doable.
My classes are friendly, down-to-earth and full of “wait, why did no one tell me this?” moments. We keep things real. No awkward icebreakers, no pressure to “get it right” and always space for a laugh when you need one.
Think: clear explanations, genuinely useful coping tools and the kind of support you wish someone had given you sooner. Whether you’re pregnant and overwhelmed, or a few weeks postnatal wondering if it’s normal to still feel like you’ve been hit by a bus - this stuff actually helps.
My style is calm, honest and very much “let’s cut the crap.” I certainly won’t tell you how to give birth or act like there’s one right way. But I am here to help you feel more steady, clear-headed and more like you - even when it all feels like a lot.
What to expect at Birth Then Baby
Subsidiary Diploma in Health and Social Care
BSC Psychology (First Class)
Postgraduate Certificate in Low Intensity Psychological Therapies
KGH Diploma in Hypnobirthing
Baby Massage Instructor Certificate by Little Rosebuds Academy
Hypnobirthing Expansion Training accredited by Love Your Birth
Certificate in Supporting Families through Pregnancy and Baby Loss
My Qualifications
Get To Know Me
My favourite Instagram picture:
My pride and joy:
FAQs
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During childbirth, fear can make labour more painful and longer because it causes tension in the body. Hypnobirthing helps by relaxing the body and calming fears by using different Hypnobirthing techniques.
This relaxation helps the uterus muscles job a lot easier, making labour more comfortable and for some, quicker.
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Probably my most asked question!
My Hypnobirthing and Antenatal classes use a mix of Hypnobirthing methods, with therapeutic techniques I use within my work as a mental health therapist.
You can expect to learn:
Breathing Techniques: Designed to help you feel calm, comfortable and birth your baby
Visualisations: Designed to help you ‘escape’ stress, by helping your mind focus and creating a sense of relaxation during labour. Visualisations can also help make the pushing stage of labour more straightforward.
Positive Birth Affirmations: Their main job is to hype you up during pregnancy and birth, to help you feel confident, in control and focused during childbirth.
Creating Anchors: These are sensory cues that trigger feelings of relaxation
Birth Partner and Self-Hypnosis Scripts: Designed to be used throughout pregnancy and birth, these scripts can help ground your mind and feel calm and collected throughout your labour
Massage Techniques: To help you feel as comfortable as possible during pregnancy, labour and birth
Hypnobirthing Audios: Designed to help you release fears, physical tension and create a positive mindset around childbirth
Understanding and Managing Worries: I will use therapeutic techniques used within my therapy work to help you understand any worries you have about pregnancy, birth, or the postpartum period and how you can learn to manage these worries.
These are just the ‘main’ Hypnobirthing techniques used, but you will learn so many different ways to help you feel more confident as you approach labour.
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There are no rules as to when you should start a hypnobirthing course. It is totally down to personal preference.
I’ve had some clients who felt more anxious about pregnancy/birth, therefore started soon after their 12 week scan. And I’ve also had clients start within their last month of pregnancy.
There are are some things to practice in the run up to birth, so starting hypnobirthing earlier can give you more time to do this.
Generally speaking, most clients attend a class between 20-35 weeks pregnant. But I welcome clients at all stages of pregnancy!
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NCT (National Childbirth Trust) antenatal classes tend to focus more on teaching information on pregnancy, childbirth and early parenthood. This might include topics such as the stages of labour, feeding options, safe sleep recommendations etc. Whilst is is important to understand all of this information, it does not necessarily prepare you to deal with the emotional and physical challenges of labour and birth. Simply ‘knowing’ about birth, does not prepare you for a positive experience. You can understand more about what I mean by this here.
My Hypnobirthing & Antenatal Classes cover not only the ‘stuff you need to know’ about birth and the postpartum period (such as stages of labour, how the body works during birth, pain relief options etc). But I also teach the techniques and skills you need to help you prepare for a more positive birth and postpartum experience. As far as I’m aware, this isn’t included in an NCT/Other antenatal classes.
Some of my clients have also participated in other antenatal classes and it doesn't necessarily have to be seen as a 'hypnobirthing vs NCT' situation! They have shared that while the antenatal information I offer covers similar content to other courses, overall, I provide a deeper understanding, leading to increased confidence in decision-making and managing unexpected situations during childbirth.
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Yes, you can absolutely use hypnobirthing techniques even if you're being induced or having a planned c-section!
In fact, my hypnobirthing classes cover what to expect during an induction, assisted or caesarean birth, so you can feel prepared and empowered no matter how your birth goes.
Hypnobirthing isn't limited to natural, unmedicated births—it can be beneficial for all types of childbirth experiences.
The hypnobirthing and therapeutic techniques taught in my classes can help you stay calm, manage discomfort, and maintain a positive mindset during induction, c-section, or however birth plays out.
My previous clients found that hypnobirthing helped them feel more empowered, confident, and in control, regardless of the circumstances surrounding their birth.
My courses teach you how to adapt the techniques to suit your unique birthing journey and preferences.