Explore every episode of the podcast The Hypnobirthing Podcast
Dive into the complete episode list for The Hypnobirthing Podcast. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.
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Title
Pub. Date
Duration
Episode 133 - What Hypnobirthing Really Is (and Isn’t)
12 Jan 2026
00:13:15
In this episode, I’m setting the scene for the season by gently unpacking what hypnobirthing really is, and what it isn’t. So many parents come to hypnobirthing feeling pressure to do it “right,” to stay calm, or to have a certain kind of birth, and I want to take that pressure away.
Hypnobirthing isn’t about control or perfection. It’s about understanding your body, feeling safe, and having choices. I talk about the nervous system, why safety matters in birth, and what a positive birth truly means; regardless of how your birth unfolds.
If you’re pregnant and looking for more support, I share details of my hypnobirthing courses and doula support in the below. And if this episode helped, I’d love you to follow the podcast or leave a review.
Episode 132 - From Home Birth to Healing: Emilie's Powerful Hypnobirthing Story
02 Dec 2025
00:32:43
In this episode, I chat with Emilie, a mum of two who shares her honest, uplifting, and deeply relatable story of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum recovery.
Emilie planned a home birth for her second baby after a fast first labour; and her instinct proved right. She talks us through her surprisingly quick home birth, how hypnobirthing techniques helped her stay calm and in control, and the vital role her partner played throughout the experience.
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.
Episode 33 - Physiological Birth with Kemi Johnson
06 Sep 2021
00:48:38
Today's episode is so exciting. I chat to birth keeper, doula, hypnobirthing teacher and Independent Midwife, Kemi Johnson all about what physiological birth is, how we can best achieve it and why the current maternity system is letting us down.
This episode is honest and harsh at times. But it is so important that you listen so you are aware of the system you find yourself in, and how you can protect yourself against it.
In today's episode I aim to give you a confidence boost! Remember that you can say no to any treatment or intervention you want. No is a complete sentence.
In this episode I am riding solo! I talk to you about how to really empower yourself when it comes to labour. I talk about why it's so important to feel empowered and ways in which you can achieve this.
Episode 30 - Birth Partners with Sallyann Beresford
12 Jul 2021
00:50:15
In this week's episode, I talk to antenatal teacher, doula and author Sallyann Beresford about the incredibly important role of the birth partner.
We talked about some of the mistakes they make, Sallyann gave her top birth partner tips and we also talked about the benefit of having a doula with you at the birth.
Episode 29 - Birth Story: Overcoming Fear around Childbirth
05 Jul 2021
00:50:13
In today's episode, I speak to previous client of mine, Claire on how she overcame a real fear she had around childbirth. She also shares her incredible home birth story.
Episode 28 - How to Physically Prepare for Labour with Bethany Ford
28 Jun 2021
00:39:22
Today's episode features physiotherapist and yoga instructor Bethany Ford, who shares why the pelvic floor is so important in helping us to prepare and recover from labour and also talks about the benefits of pre and post natal yoga. It was such a joy to speak to Bethany and learn how we can make sure our body is as prepared as possible for labour.
Episode 27 - Birth Story: How Birth Photography Works
21 Jun 2021
00:57:12
Today's episode is so special because I welcome on two great guests! I chat with the lovely Danielle about her incredible home birth experience and also chat with photographer Mia all about birth photography, what is was like photographing Danielle's labour and how it can really add to the experience.
Episode 26 - Talking Positive Birth with Susy O‘Hare
09 Jun 2021
00:46:35
Happy 1st Birthday to the podcast! This is the 1st birthday episode and I was so excited to welcome Susy O'Hare on to chat all about her positive birth experiences, why she filmed her births and the responses she got from doing so.
Episode 25 - Birth Story: A Positive Birth at Home
24 May 2021
00:25:42
In today's episode I welcome on podcast listener Danielle to share the story of her birth with her daughter Frankie. Danielle was an avid listener and went on to practise hypnobirthing and had an amazing home birth.
In today's episode I discuss the negative culture surround birth, and how it can deeply impact our view and experience of birth.
Also how hypnobirthing helps to reframe these negative beliefs and helps you to feel confident and empowered about taking the control back over your birth experience.
If you are enjoying the podcast, please rate and review it! I'd love to know your thoughts.
Episode 122 - Calm in the Unexpected: Charlotte’s Hypnobirthing Journey Through Preeclampsia
11 Aug 2025
00:46:07
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.
Episode 22 - Birth Story: A Positive Caesarean Story
12 Apr 2021
00:29:57
In this episode I talk to Rebecca Oxtoby about her positive caesarean experience. She gives her tips on making it as positive as possible and her view on how hypnobirthing helped her so much with hers.
This episode is all about the fourth trimester, AKA the first 3 months of your babies life. Why it is so important, how you can look after yourself during this time and why some people think babies are born too early!
Episode 20 - Birth Story: A Positive First Birth during Covid
15 Mar 2021
00:36:38
Episode 18 welcomes another guest and another positive birth story. I taught Chanel and her partner Alex back in November 2020 and they went on to achieve an incredibly positive birth. Chanel's story is great as this was not only her first birth but she was also considered 'high risk' and gave birth during the Covid pandemic.
In today's episode I talk about something which most people don't want to think about and definitely don't want to happen - tearing in labour. I will discuss why it happens, how to prevent it from happening and how best to heal if you do require stitches after your labour.
Episode 17 - Special Episode - My Breastfeeding Journey
25 Jan 2021
00:21:30
In this special episode of the podcast, I talk all about my breastfeeding journey. How we got on at the start, why we ended up feeding for 27 months and how we eventually stopped.
I include tips for those just starting out on their journey and tips on how to stop when the time is right.
This episode talks about the importance of words and language used during pregnancy and birth and how this can have a negative effect on how well we labour and how we feel about our birth experience.
Episode 15 - Aromatherapy for Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond
07 Dec 2020
00:28:09
In this episode I welcome special guest, Kirsty, from Take Five Aromatherapy. Kirst chats to me about the benefits of aromatherapy during pregnancy, birth and after baby is born and how aromatherapy can compliment your hypnobirthing practice.
Place of birth is one of the most important decisions you will make throughout your pregnancy and one which is often based on assumptions and not facts.
In this episode I talk you through the different birth place options and how to make the best choice for you.
Episode 121 -Trusting the Flow: Karen’s Empowering Home Birth Story
28 Jul 2025
00:45:26
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.
The episode talks about why pain is such a bad word, why we should ignore those people who tell us how ‘painful’ labour is and how hypnobirthing can help to reduce pain during labour. I also talk about some of the pain relief options that are available to you because hypnobirthing is not anti pain relief AT ALL.
In today's episode I sit down and have a chat with my good friend, Emilia, about her two inductions. She talks about how hypnobirthing helped her when she was induced for a second time and says hypnobirthing is 'the best thing I've ever done'.
In today's episode I talk all about inductions. They are a hot topic and some of the stats around them are quite shocking. I discuss this and also give some tips on what to do if you decide an induction is the best route for you. Plus how hypnobirthing can help an induction labour.
In today's episode I discuss birth plans and how important they are. We are often told that they are pointless because they never get stuck to, and I talk about why this isn't true. I also talk about why we should have more than one birth plan.
Episode 8 - Special Episode - How I Exclusively Pumped for 1 Year
17 Aug 2020
00:25:08
This episode is a special as it isn't about hypnobirthing or pregnancy, but instead it is about my pumping journey and why I ended up exclusively pumping for my daughter for 12 months.
There isn't loads of information available about exclusively pumping, which is why I wanted to record my story as well as give some of my top tips.
In this week's episode, I sit down to interview a previous client of mine, Jim, who has been a birth partner for the birth of both of his children. He gives two different perspectives on being a birth partner, one where he felt helpless and quite scared and the second after they had done hypnobirthing, where he felt like he had a real role to play and ended up having an amazing experience. This episode really shows how hypnobirthing is for birth partners too.
In this weeks episode I talk all about the important role of birth partners. How things used to be 60 years ago and how things might look in the future. Plus I talk about how hypnobirthing can help birth partners too.
On today's episode I am joined by my very first guest! My very good friend and previous client, Marie, joins me to talk about her experiences of opting for a vaginal birth after having a previous caesarean. Her story is very positive and empowering and hopefully it will be helpful for anyone considering a VBAC.
In today's episode I discuss the history of hypnobirthing. Where the theories originated and how we went from birthing like other mammals to birthing on our backs as is 'the norm' today.
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.
Today I am telling you my two positive birth stories. I had my daughters in 2016 and 2018 and did hypnobirthing with both of them. Both of their births were different but both very positive and hypnobirthing helped me to achieve this.
In this episode I discuss what hypnobirthing is and what it isn't. I talk about the many assumptions and misconceptions around hypnobirthing and give you an idea of what you can expect to learn during a hypnobirthing course.
I am a qualified hypnobirthing teacher and also a mum of 2. Having used hypnobirthing for both of my daughters births and qualifying as a teacher, I wanted to create a podcast series on hypnobirthing which would be a positive space for birth chat and discussions as well as lots of positive birth stories told by mums themselves.
Episode 119 - Abbie’s Calm and Empowering First Birth Story
30 Jun 2025
00:29:56
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.
Episode 118 - Maddie’s Calm Caesarean: Trusting Her Instincts After a Challenging Early Labour
23 Jun 2025
00:43:45
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.
Episode 117 - Meconium in the Waters: Katie’s Empowering Shift from Home Birth to Hospital
16 Jun 2025
01:10:20
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.
Episode 116 - A Positive Birth Story: Hypnobirthing Through Induction and Prenatal Depression
09 Jun 2025
01:08:01
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
Episode 115 - From Fear to Trust: Katie’s Empowering Birth Story
02 Jun 2025
00:20:17
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!
Episode 114 - Not Just Luck: How Emy Used Hypnobirthing for a Positive Birth
26 May 2025
00:50:10
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!
Episode 131 - How to Prepare for the Fourth Trimester: Expert Advice from Life Postpartum
25 Nov 2025
00:36:52
In this episode of The Hypnobirthing Podcast, I’m joined by Hanna, co-founder of Life Postpartum, a holistic recovery platform created to support women through the often-overlooked postpartum period. After experiencing her own challenges and feelings of uncertainty after birth, Hanna was inspired to build an accessible and affordable space where new mums can find the care and guidance they need.
We chat about why postpartum recovery deserves just as much focus as birth preparation, and explore the physical, emotional, and nutritional sides of healing after birth. Hanna shares how Life Postpartum connects women with trusted experts and resources, and we talk about the importance of self-care, support, and community during the fourth trimester.
If you’re pregnant or recently postpartum, this episode is full of practical insight and gentle encouragement to help you approach recovery with confidence and compassion; and a reminder that you don’t have to do it all on your own.
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.
Episode 111 - Special Episode: One Way or a Mother - A New Podcast Series from Dr Elliot Berlin
28 Apr 2025
00:27:21
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.
Episode 110 - Feeling Empowered for Birth with Dr Elliot Berlin
21 Apr 2025
00:50:18
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.