Birth isn’t just a physical experience; it’s a deeply mental and emotional one too. The way you prepare your mind can have a huge impact on how you feel during labour and beyond.

In this episode of The Hypnobirthing Podcast, I share 7 powerful ways to prepare your mind for birth so you can approach your baby’s arrival with calm, confidence, and trust in your body.

We’ll cover: ✨ Why knowledge is power in birth ✨ How to reframe negative beliefs and replace them with positive ones ✨ The importance of relaxation techniques and daily practice ✨ The role of visualisation in creating confidence ✨ How your support team impacts your mindset ✨ Managing the “what ifs” so you feel prepared for anything ✨ Using affirmations to remind yourself of your strength

Along the way, I’ll share how positive birth stories (like those in my book The Little Book of Positive Birth Stories and here on the podcast) can transform your mindset, and why hypnobirthing tools are so effective for preparing mentally and emotionally.

Whether you’re a first-time parent or adding to your family, this episode will give you practical, encouraging steps to feel ready for birth.

🌸 Resources & Links

• 🤰 Doula Packages – Discover how I can support you throughout pregnancy and birth: The Nurture Nest Doula Services
• 🎓 Hypnobirthing Courses – Learn tools and techniques to feel calm and confident: Explore Courses
• ☕ Say Thanks – If this podcast has helped you, you can buy me a coffee here
• 📚 Claire’s Book Recommendations – My favourite reads for pregnancy and birth: Amazon Book List
• 📖 The Little Book of Positive Birth Stories – Celebrate inspiring birth stories: Get Your Copy Here
• 🎬 Birth Time Documentary – Get 20% off with code CICADA20: Watch Here
• 📸 Instagram – Daily tips, birth stories & inspiration: @the_nurture_nest
• 🛁 Birth Pool Discount – Get 10% off here: Claim Offer
• ⚡ BabyCare TENS Discount – 10% off with code 10NURTURENEST: Shop Here

In this week’s episode, I chat with Katie, a new mum living in Surrey with her husband, baby, and dog. Katie shares her experience of pregnancy, going all the way to 43+6 before giving birth, and how hypnobirthing gave her the confidence to trust her body and instincts.

We talk about: ✨ Navigating the wait to 43+6 with calm and confidence ✨ How hypnobirthing supported Katie through pregnancy and birth ✨ Her reflections on how quickly time passes

Katie’s story is such a wonderful reminder of the power of preparation and trusting yourself during pregnancy and birth.

🌸 Resources & Links

• 🤰 Doula Packages – Discover how I can support you throughout pregnancy and birth: The Nurture Nest Doula Services
• 🎓 Hypnobirthing Courses – Learn tools and techniques to feel calm and confident: Explore Courses
• ☕ Say Thanks – If this podcast has helped you, you can buy me a coffee here
• 📚 Claire’s Book Recommendations – My favourite reads for pregnancy and birth: Amazon Book List
• 📖 The Little Book of Positive Birth Stories – Celebrate inspiring birth stories: Get Your Copy Here
• 🎬 Birth Time Documentary – Get 20% off with code CICADA20: Watch Here
• 📸 Instagram – Daily tips, birth stories & inspiration: @the_nurture_nest
• 🛁 Birth Pool Discount – Get 10% off here: Claim Offer
• ⚡ BabyCare TENS Discount – 10% off with code 10NURTURENEST: Shop Here

In this episode of The Hypnobirthing Podcast, I’m sharing the incredible hormonal cocktail that makes labour and birth flow smoothly. From oxytocin (the love hormone) to endorphins (your natural pain relief), your body has the perfect recipe to keep you calm, manage sensations, and bond instantly with your baby.

Learn how simple things like privacy, safety, and dim lighting can boost these hormones and help your body do what it’s designed to do.

✨ Tune in to discover just how magical your birthing hormones really are.

• 🌸 Resources & Links

  • 🤰 Doula Packages – Discover how I can support you throughout pregnancy and birth: The Nurture Nest Doula Services
  • 🎓 Hypnobirthing Courses – Learn tools and techniques to feel calm and confident: Explore Courses
  • ☕ Say Thanks – If this podcast has helped you, you can buy me a coffee here
  • 📚 Claire’s Book Recommendations – My favourite reads for pregnancy and birth: Amazon Book List
  • 📖 The Little Book of Positive Birth Stories – Celebrate inspiring birth stories: Get Your Copy Here
  • 🎬 Birth Time Documentary – Get 20% off with code CICADA20: Watch Here
  • 📸 Instagram – Daily tips, birth stories & inspiration: @the_nurture_nest
  • 🛁 Birth Pool Discount – Get 10% off here: Claim Offer
  • ⚡ BabyCare TENS Discount – 10% off with code 10NURTURENEST: Shop Here

In this episode, Charlotte shares her inspiring birth story and experience using hypnobirthing techniques during an unexpected induction due to preeclampsia. She opens up about the challenges of navigating high blood pressure, self-monitoring at home, and the difficult postpartum period that followed, including hospital readmission. Despite the hurdles, Charlotte emphasizes the importance of preparation, self-advocacy, and trusting your instincts. Her story is a powerful reminder that even when things don’t go as planned, you can still have a positive and empowering birth experience.

Tune in to hear Charlotte’s honest reflections and helpful insights for anyone facing similar challenges in pregnancy and beyond.

The podcast is taking a short summer break and will be back in September 2025 with brand new episodes. Thank you for your continued support.

To learn more about my doula packages visit https://www.thenurturenest.co.uk/doula-services

To purchase one of my courses, please visit https://www.thenurturenest.co.uk/courses

If you have benefitted from this podcast and would like to say thanks, you can now buy me a coffee! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thenurturenest

View my birthy book recommendations here https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/influencer-e2ad919d

Follow me on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/the_nurture_nest/

Follow me on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/thenurturenesthypno

Get 10% off your birth pool here https://go.referralcandy.com/share/JKHGBJ3

Get 10% off a BabyCare TENS Machine. USE CODE 10NURTURENEST http://babycaretens.com?afmc=46

In this episode of The Hypnobirthing Podcast, I’m joined by Karen as she shares the powerful and instinct-led birth of her son at home.

Karen opens up about how hypnobirthing helped her stay grounded during labour, why releasing control was a turning point, and the unforgettable moment she caught her own baby. She reflects on the intense emotions that followed, and how they shaped her view of the experience.

Whether you're planning a home birth, considering hypnobirthing, or simply love a raw and honest birth story, this one will leave you feeling inspired and uplifted.

Resources & Links:

To learn more about my doula packages visit https://www.thenurturenest.co.uk/doula-services

To purchase one of my courses, please visit https://www.thenurturenest.co.uk/courses

If you have benefitted from this podcast and would like to say thanks, you can now buy me a coffee! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thenurturenest

View my birthy book recommendations here https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/influencer-e2ad919d

Follow me on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/the_nurture_nest/

Follow me on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/thenurturenesthypno

Get 10% off your birth pool here https://go.referralcandy.com/share/JKHGBJ3

Get 10% off a BabyCare TENS Machine. USE CODE 10NURTURENEST http://babycaretens.com?afmc=46

In this episode, Haley shares her honest and inspiring birth story with me. Haley’s labour was induced, which brought some challenges she hadn’t anticipated, including a drop in her baby’s heart rate and the possibility of an episiotomy, something she really wanted to avoid. Despite these hurdles, Haley had a natural, unmedicated birth and met her baby just six hours after labour began.

Haley talks about the experience of pushing through uncertainty, the surprising speed of her labour, and the special moments after birth, including delayed cord clamping and skin-to-skin time with her newborn. She also reflects on the emotions that come with birth, from relief and gratitude to the adrenaline rush that follows.

What You’ll Hear:

• How Haley managed her induction and responded to the baby’s changing heart rate
• The importance of support from her midwife, doula, and partner during labour
• Her determination to avoid an episiotomy and how she pushed through the final stages
• Insights on how a twisted umbilical cord may have affected her baby’s size and birth plan
• The quick progression of her labour and going home the same day
• The experience of post-birth adrenaline and settling into life with a newborn
• A conversation about the differences between spontaneous and induced contractions

Haley’s story offers a grounded look at how birth plans can change, but how positive and empowering birth can still be. It’s a reassuring listen for anyone preparing for birth or interested in real-life birth experiences.

To learn more about my doula packages visit https://www.thenurturenest.co.uk/doula-services

To purchase one of my courses, please visit https://www.thenurturenest.co.uk/courses

If you have benefitted from this podcast and would like to say thanks, you can now buy me a coffee! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thenurturenest

View my birthy book recommendations here https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/influencer-e2ad919d

Follow me on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/the_nurture_nest/

Follow me on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/thenurturenesthypno

Get 10% off your birth pool here https://go.referralcandy.com/share/JKHGBJ3

Get 10% off a BabyCare TENS Machine. USE CODE 10NURTURENEST http://babycaretens.com?afmc=46

In today’s episode, I chat with listener Abbie, who shares the beautiful and inspiring story of her first birth. Abbie’s journey is a powerful reminder that positive and empowering first births do happen — and they can go exactly to plan!

Abbie and her partner immersed themselves in hypnobirthing education, listening to the podcast and taking my Essentials Course, which helped them feel informed, prepared, and calm going into birth. From navigating early labour at home with candles and baths to a peaceful water birth in the hospital, Abbie’s story highlights the power of trusting your body, listening to your instincts, and creating a supportive birth environment.

🎙️ In this episode, we discuss:

• How Abbie discovered hypnobirthing and prepared with her partner

• Why she chose a water birth and how it felt for her

• The emotional ups and downs during early labour (including news about a family member)

• How her partner and mum supported her beautifully throughout

• The moment she realised she was further along than she thought

• A calm, connected birth experience and meeting her baby in the water

• A huge thank you to Abbie for sharing her story, I know it will inspire and reassure so many first-time parents.

To learn more about my doula packages visit https://www.thenurturenest.co.uk/doula-services

To purchase one of my courses, please visit https://www.thenurturenest.co.uk/courses

If you have benefitted from this podcast and would like to say thanks, you can now buy me a coffee! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thenurturenest

View my birthy book recommendations here https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/influencer-e2ad919d

Follow me on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/the_nurture_nest/

Follow me on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/thenurturenesthypno

Get 10% off your birth pool here https://go.referralcandy.com/share/JKHGBJ3

Get 10% off a BabyCare TENS Machine. USE CODE 10NURTURENEST http://babycaretens.com?afmc=46

In this episode, Maddie shares the story of her first birth; planned as a home birth but ultimately ending in a calm and empowering caesarean.

Diagnosed with polyhydramnios during pregnancy, Maddie went into labour and experienced a week of intense contractions that weren’t progressing. After being dismissed at hospital and told it was early labour, she trusted her instincts and returned a few days later, this time insisting on further assessment.

Faced with pressure to induce, Maddie stood firm and chose a caesarean birth, which turned out to be a beautifully calm experience, one she would choose again in the future.

We discuss:

• The emotional toll of prolonged early labour

• Trusting your instincts when you're not being heard

• Why a caesarean can be a positive and empowering choice

A powerful reminder that trusting your instincts can lead to the right birth for you.

Find out more about polyhydramnios here https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/polyhydramnios/

• 🌸 Resources & Links

  • 🤰 Doula Packages – Discover how I can support you throughout pregnancy and birth: The Nurture Nest Doula Services
  • 🎓 Hypnobirthing Courses – Learn tools and techniques to feel calm and confident: Explore Courses
  • ☕ Say Thanks – If this podcast has helped you, you can buy me a coffee here
  • 📚 Claire’s Book Recommendations – My favourite reads for pregnancy and birth: Amazon Book List
  • 📖 The Little Book of Positive Birth Stories – Celebrate inspiring birth stories: Get Your Copy Here
  • 🎬 Birth Time Documentary – Get 20% off with code CICADA20: Watch Here
  • 📸 Instagram – Daily tips, birth stories & inspiration: @the_nurture_nest
  • 🛁 Birth Pool Discount – Get 10% off here: Claim Offer
  • ⚡ BabyCare TENS Discount – 10% off with code 10NURTURENEST: Shop Here