A Penwortham mum has launched a hypnobirthing service to help other women enjoy giving birth.
Emma James became a first-time mum in 2020. Despite hearing other mums’ horror stories, Emma had what she describes as a ‘wonderful’ experience of birth. She decided to use her time as a new mum in lockdown to help change the negative perception that can surround giving birth.
Emma said: “With us being unable to leave the house, I needed something to occupy my time while my son Maxwell had his naps.
“Coming from a corporate background, I wanted to focus my attention on something I felt passionate about, and as a new mum, I couldn’t think of anything more fitting than hypnobirthing.
“Hypnobirthing is a complete antenatal education that enables a woman to work with her body and understand it is designed to give birth. It teaches relaxation and how to stay calm through labour, and also informs parents of how to be in control of what happens during pregnancy and birth.
“I completed my training over a few months, taking a detailed assessment before achieving my diploma. This led to me starting Preston Hypnobirthing.”
Emma now offers affordable support to parents throughout pregnancy until after the baby is born. While concentrating her services in Preston and Lancashire, Emma can also travel further afield or carry out sessions via Zoom.
Emma said: “I offer lots of resources and at least two face-to-face sessions couples, sometimes just mums. I visit them in their own home as it’s important that parents are in an environment where they are comfortable.
“During the sessions, we focus on a natural and calm birth. We cover topics such as how the uterus works during labour, the role of the birth partner, breathing techniques, and preparing for birth and for the hours immediately after birth.”
Read more: Prestonian graduate nurse celebrates achievements in her dad’s memory
With Preston Hypnobirthing’s first baby being born last week, and a number of others due in the coming weeks, Emma is looking forward to sharing the birth stories on Preston Hypnobirthing’s social media accounts.
Emma said: “Birth is something I love to talk about, and I believe all women deserve to have an enjoyable experience.
“It’s one of the most amazing and significant things a woman can experience, so it should be memorable for all the right reasons.”
To find out more, follow @prestonhypnobirthing on Instagram or email prestonhypnobirthing@gmail.com.
Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines