The Hypnobirthing Podcast

Abbie’s Calm and Empowering First Birth Story

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

Maddie’s Calm Caesarean: Trusting Her Instincts After a Challenging Early Labour

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/ 

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

Meconium in the Waters: Katie’s Empowering Shift from Home Birth to Hospital

In this episode of The Hypnobirthing Podcast, I’m joined by listener Katie, a first-time mum who laboured for a long time at home but ultimately ended up giving birth in hospital due to the presence of meconium in her waters.

Katie shares her beautiful and empowering story, walking us through her mindset as she prepared for a home birth and how she navigated the unexpected changes with calm and confidence. Even though her plans changed, she felt in control and supported throughout, thanks to her hypnobirthing techniques and a strong connection with her birth team.

We talk about:

• How Katie prepared mentally and physically for her home birth
• The moment her plans changed and how she handled the transfer to hospital
• The role of her birth partner and support network
• Using hypnobirthing tools to stay grounded and calm during labour
• Reflections on her experience and advice to other first-time mums

Katie’s story is a wonderful reminder that birth doesn’t have to go exactly to plan to be a positive, empowering experience.

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

A Positive Birth Story: Hypnobirthing Through Induction and Prenatal Depression

In today’s episode, listener Nanouk shares her journey through prenatal depression and labour induction, and how hypnobirthing helped her stay calm and confident. She discusses the emotional challenges of induction and the power of breathing and mindset to manage fear.

Key Points:

• Coping with prenatal depression
• Navigating labour induction
• Using hypnobirthing to stay relaxed and trust your body

If you’re experiencing prenatal depression, remember you’re not alone — help is available. Here are some UK organisations offering support:
💙 Mind – Mental health support: mind.org.uk
💙 Tommy’s – Pregnancy and baby support: tommys.org
💙 Birth Trauma Association – Emotional support after birth: birthtraumaassociation.org.uk
💙 NHS Perinatal Mental Health Services – Find local support via your GP or nhs.uk

Worldwide:
🌍 Postpartum Support International (PSI) – postpartum.net
🌍 Motherhood Collective – motherhoodcollective.org
🌍 March of Dimes – marchofdimes.org
🌍 World Health Organization (WHO) – Mental Health in Pregnancy – who.int

The book Nanouk talks about by Lucy Jones can be found here https://tinyurl.com/23xb9cxu

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

From Fear to Trust: Katie’s Empowering Birth Story

In this episode of The Hypnobirthing Podcast, I speak with Katie, a listener and first-time mum, who shares her remarkable journey from planning an elective cesarean due to intense fear of childbirth to ultimately having a spontaneous, physiological birth in a birth center. Katie candidly discusses how hypnobirthing techniques, daily podcast listening, and mindset shifts helped her overcome fear, cancel her cesarean, and trust her body’s incredible capabilities.

This uplifting story is a perfect reminder of how powerful preparation, education, and belief in your body can be when it comes to birth. If you’re feeling anxious or uncertain about your own upcoming birth, Katie’s story might just be the confidence boost you need.

👶 In This Episode:

• Why Katie initially planned a cesarean and how fear shaped her early pregnancy mindset

• The pivotal role of hypnobirthing and podcast episodes in helping her regain confidence

• Her decision to cancel the cesarean at 39 weeks and decline sweeps/interventions

• Going into spontaneous labour just after her sister’s wedding (where she was Maid of Honour!)

• A fast, empowering birth centre experience and how it changed her perspective on birth

• Plans for the future, including potential home birth considerations

If you found Katie’s story helpful or inspiring, please consider sharing this episode with someone you know who’s pregnant or leave a review—it really helps others find the show!

Thank you to Wild Nutrition for sponsoring this episode. For 50% off for three months, visit www.wildnutrition.com/hypnobirthing

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

Not Just Luck: How Emy Used Hypnobirthing for a Positive Birth

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Emy, a listener who shares her beautifully calm and instinct-led first birth story. Originally from Sweden and now living in Bristol, Emy talks about how hypnobirthing helped her prepare mentally, release fear, and embrace the unknowns of birth with confidence and positivity.

From early surges at home to a magical birthing suite experience, Emy’s story is full of empowering moments, supportive instincts, and wonderful reminders of how important it is to trust your body. This is a birth story you won’t want to miss—especially if you’re preparing for your first birth.

A huge thank you to Emy for sharing her story so openly!

🎧 What we cover in this episode:

• How Emy used hypnobirthing to replace fear with confidence

• The importance of mindset and preparation

• Listening to your body and following your instincts

• The role of her supportive birth partner

• Giving birth in a midwife-led unit and what that was like

• Why every birth story matters—even the calm and positive ones!

Thank you to Wild Nutrition for sponsoring this episode. For 50% off for three months, visit www.wildnutrition.com/hypnobirthing

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

Is Hypnobirthing Enough?

Episode Summary:
In this solo episode, I dive into one of the most common questions I'm asked: Is hypnobirthing enough? If you've completed a course or are thinking about starting one, this episode is essential listening.

I explore what hypnobirthing teaches you, why it's a powerful foundation, but also why it’s just the beginning of truly preparing for a positive birth experience. I unpack how deeper education, regular practice, and understanding the maternity system are key to feeling empowered and supported — especially when birth doesn’t go according to plan.

In this episode, I talk about:

• Why hypnobirthing is more than a checklist item

• How the maternity system impacts your birth experience

• The importance of informed decision-making and knowing your rights

• What else you need to do beyond a course to feel truly prepared

• The crucial role of your birth partner and how they can confidently advocate for you

• Why preparation for the postpartum period matters just as much

Whether you’re planning a home birth, birth centre experience, or hospital delivery, this episode will help you reflect, refocus, and rethink what “being ready” for birth really looks like.

📚 I also shares her favourite books and resources for going beyond the basics — check the links below!

Thank you to Wild Nutrition for sponsoring this episode. For 50% off for three months, visit www.wildnutrition.com/hypnobirthing

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

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

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

Birth Story: Sarah's Positive Caesarean Birth

In today's episode, I welcomed on listener Sarah who shared the story of her unplanned caesarean and why it was so positive for her. Thank you Sarah!

Thank you to Wild Nutrition for sponsoring this episode. For 50% off for three months, visit www.wildnutrition.com/hypnobirthing

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

Special Episode: One Way or a Mother - A New Podcast Series from Dr Elliot Berlin

One Way or a Mother is a brand new long-form narrative podcast from Dr. Elliot Berlin, DC, host of The popular Informed Pregnancy Podcast. Each ten episode season follows one pregnancy and all the decisions, emotions, preparations, and history that goes along with it. Interviews feature the expectant mother along with husbands, parents, doctors, doulas, and surrogates.

In season one, listeners meet Arianna, pregnant with baby number two after a less than empowered first birth experience. Follow along over a ten episode arc as we hear the background that brought Arianna to where she is today before embarking on her current journey - that of a proactive pregnant mom using her lived lessons and current resources to create a different, more positive birth experience this time around. Included in each episode are interviews with Arianna’s important pillars including her mom, husband, doula, doctor, and other practitioners important to her process.

Feeling Empowered for Birth with Dr Elliot Berlin

On today's episode, I welcomed back on Dr Elliot Berlin to have a chat with me about the importance of feeling empowered for birth. How can we do that? A big thank you to Dr Elliot for taking the time to speak to me.

Thank you to Wild Nutrition for sponsoring this episode. For 50% off for three months, visit www.wildnutrition.com/hypnobirthing

Visit the Informed Pregnancy Plus website here https://www.informedpregnancy.tv/ 

Follow Dr Berlin on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/doctorberlin/ 

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