...a holistic approach towards supporting gentle birth...
 
Giving birth is perhaps one of the most challenging, yet potentially fulfilling events a woman will face during her lifetime. Making a real commitment to preparing for your labour can make all the difference towards safeguarding a positive birth experience for you, your baby and your partner. Being well informed of your choices and what impact the people and space around you can have on how your labour proceeds, as well as what effect any intervention may have, all helps to protect your chances of enjoying a gentle, physiological birth and a calm welcome for your baby.
 
One-to-one sessions
 
During this two hour birth preparation session, I offer you practical information on ways of working with your partner (and/or birth companion) to give birth to your baby avoiding unnecessary intervention. (I recognise and respect the value of medical intervention when implemented appropriately, and accept that it can become necessary during some women's labours/births despite everyone's best efforts.) I can also point you towards further resources to help you make your informed choices on the maternity care that feels right for you and your family.
 
We cover the following issues (not always offered in mainstream antenatal classes) and any other areas you would like to explore:
  • encouraging your baby into an optimum position for labour & birth
  • enlisting the emotional support that is right for you and your partner
  • protecting your birth environment from disturbance
  • promoting freedom of movement during labour
  • exploring your choices for the delivery of your baby's placenta
  • protecting skin-to-skin (bonding) time with your baby during the hour after birth
  • useful homeopathic remedies for birth and early parenting
To gain most benefit from the session, ideally being around 30-34 weeks through your pregnancy still gives you (both) time to prepare physically and emotionally for the birth of your baby. Ongoing email support until your baby is born, is included.
 
Location: I live in the Dumfries area (SW Scotland) and am happy to travel approx 20 mile radius or 30 minute drive, alternatively you are welcome to meet with me at my workplace.
 
Cost: £50 for two hour session and email/phone follow up (plus mileage @ 40p per mile if applicable). Sliding scale available.
 
Please feel free to contact me for an informal chat or further information.
 
Testimonials:
"I wanted to say thank you for our session: we both found it fascinating, encouraging and empowering. Bob especially feels like his role in all this is much clearer and he realises how important a part he has to play. And I feel better equipped to navigate my way through the obstetric jungle too. I think the work you're doing is fascinating and so worthwhile. I feel more confident in my own ideas … so hopefully things will work out okay."      
 
Michele and Bob, Glasgow
"The session last week was excellent and I think the baby agreed, after much crawling and birth ball rocking she is now in a good position so I'm really happy about that and ready to put some energy into a birth plan! Thanks again, your session was great and really built up some confidence in me for the labour."
 
Single mum, Dumfries
"We were so glad we'd seen you as it was a great help for C when she was in the early stages of labour. The optimal foetal positioning also worked as A was in the perfect position when it came to the delivery. Your advice also helped me greatly and gave me more confidence in being present at the birth. It was probably the most moving and profound moment I have ever experienced. Thanks again for all your superb help and support."
 
New dad, Glasgow