Rise & Glow Births

✨Kiran’s birth story✨ I was so so honoured to be at this birth and see such a strong determined mama bring her baby girl Japnoor into this world.

I am still in awe ❤️

You can read Kiran’s amazing birth story at www.riseandglowbirths.com/blog (link in bio) - enjoy!

Laura xx

Neither of my sons’ births went to plan… 🤷‍♀️ I had planned a waterbirth in a birth centre for my first, and a homebirth for my second. However both of them were born on dry land in delivery suite as they both arrived pre-term!

But that didn’t actually matter because the things that were most important to me DID happen:
⭐️ I was freely moving throughout labour and spent very little time on a bed.
⭐️ I felt calm, confident and in control, even when things weren’t going to plan.
⭐️ My husband and I worked as a team and actually had a lot of fun together during labour!
⭐️ I gave birth in an upright position, feeling super powerful…
⭐️ …and I caught my babies with my own hands!

It was never my priority, but I also ended up not using any pain-relief drugs for either labour as the hypnobirthing tools worked so well ✨

➡️Have a think about what is most important to YOU for the birth of your baby and focus on making that happen 🙌

My Hypnobirthing classes will help give you the tools for a positive birth…and I’m currently running 20% off all group courses until end of January! 😍

⭐️Pop over to www.riseandglowbirths.com to find out more! ⭐️

Laura xx

First two babies of 2024 have arrived!! 😍

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Thank you Kristina for this lovely review! My next home-based course in Abbey Wood is now ✨fully booked✨ but I also run courses in various venues around Greenwich and Bexley.

My next available Group Hypnobirthing courses start on:
🚀1st February in Eltham SE9
🚀 or 24th February in Woolwich SE18

Both courses are perfect for anyone expecting a Spring or Summer baby!

Find your perfect antenatal course at:
🌅www.riseandglowbirths.com 🌅 or pop me a message if you have any questions.

Laura xx

✨ Positive Birth Story ✨A few months after our Hypnobirthing class, I was delighted to hear from first time Mum Lucy that she had an amazing positive birth in Lewisham Birth Centre, just as she had planned 😍

If you enjoyed reading Lucy’s story, head over to www.riseandglowbirths.com/blog (link in bio) for more Positive Birth Stories!

I'll be at this fab event next Saturday! Come say hello and grab a bargain or two while you're there! ☺️

Laura xx

ONE WEEK TO GO until BEXLEY Mum2mum Nearly New Sale!!!
📌When: Sat 23rd September, 10.30am – 12.30pm.
📌Where: Falconwood Community Centre, 31-39 Falconwood Parade, Welling DA16 2PG.

Hundreds of baby and children’s bargains will be waiting to be found! We will be packed with great quality baby and kid’s clothes, toys, books and equipment at a fraction of the high street price. You can save hundreds!

Also attending:
* Blossom Babies Classes Bexley
* Rise & Glow Births

Link to the event: https://www.facebook.com/events/840454970505980

Many pregnant families are happy to hear if they are being offered an induction. It means less time being pregnant, and means you get to meet baby sooner right?!

But before making that decision (as it is always YOUR decision to make), here’s a few things you really need to know...

1️⃣ Induced contractions can be more painful

Induction is started by artificial hormones, which can over-stimulate the uterus and create more intense contractions, with shorter breaks in between them. It is therefore more common to require an epidural if you’re having an induction.

2️⃣ Inductions can be stressful for baby

Baby has not yet signalled to your body that they are ready to be born. Therefore artificially-induced contractions can cause baby to become distressed. As a result, your care-providers will prefer you to have continuous monitoring during labour to monitor baby’s wellbeing.

3️⃣ Inductions often lead to the "Cascade of Interventions"

A hormone drip, continuous monitoring, and potentially an epidural means you’ll be confined to lying on the bed...AKA the most difficult position to give birth in! This means you can’t move around and use gravity to birth your baby, leading to higher rates of other interventions, in particular episiotomy, forceps, and/or unplanned caesarean.

4️⃣ You don't HAVE to accept an Induction

Your hospital may have a policy to offer inductions to all women at 40weeks + 10 days (or earlier for “high risk” pregnancies).

But hospital policies are only guidelines. You don’t have to follow those guidelines if they don’t feel right to you and your specific situation:

⭐️You have the right to decline an induction for any reason.

⭐️You have also have the right to ask for more time to make a decision.

During your pregnancy, it’s so important to educate yourself on your birth rights, as well understanding the risks relevant to your specific situation, so that you can confidently make informed decisions.

5️⃣ You can (and should!) still use Hypnobirthing tools during an Induction

If having an induction is the right decision for you in the end, you can still absolutely have a positive birth.

Your hypnobirthing tools will actually become even more important in a medicalised birth, so help you overcome the various challenges I’ve already mentioned.
..So please don’t throw your birth plan out of the window!

Find out more about preparing for a positive birth at www.riseandglowbirths.com

Laura xx

✨Positive Birth Story✨ First time Mum Becky was told throughout her pregnancy that her baby was measuring "big". After additional growth scans, she was offered an induction…

Read about how Becky confidently made decisions that were right for her and her baby and enjoyed a wonderful positive birth!

Full story at www.riseandglowbirths.com/blog

It’s Xavi’s 3rd birthday tomorrow so I’ve been reflecting on his birth story lately.

While I was on the postnatal ward I wrote his birth story in the notes on my phone as I didn’t want to forget a single detail. I’m so so glad I did - it’s such a lovely thing to look back on now 3 years on.

If you’d like to read my full birth story in detail, grab a cuppa and head over to: https://www.riseandglowbirths.com/blog/read_201622/where-it-all-began-the-birth-of-xavier.html (link in bio/stories)

Coucou! I thought I’d introduce myself for those of you who don’t know me yet 👋

— A FEW FACTS ABOUT ME —

⭐️ I’m mama to two cheeky little boys Xavier (almost 3) and Max (14 months). They are both full of energy and really know how to make me laugh!

⭐️ I have two jobs - by day I’m a Project Manager for a tech company, and then in the evenings and at weekends I teach Hypnobirthing!

⭐️ My husband is French and we speak French altogether at home. Xavier has recently started taking the mick out of my British accent when I speak French… 😂🤦‍♀️

— MY STORY —

Before I got pregnant for the first time in 2020, I had spent my whole life thinking that birth was this scary, traumatic, dangerous medical ordeal…

Fortunately my lovely midwife told me to look into Hypnobirthing and that changed everything for me. Thanks to the tools my husband and I learned, our first son Xavier’s birth was liberating, empowering, and even fun!! 😍 Sure it was intense, and often challenging, but I loved every minute of it and couldn’t wait to do it again!

And I did!! 💪 20 months later, our second son Max was born. Once again, I bloody loved it!! My husband and I were laughing together for most of my labour and once again I didn’t need any medical interventions, pain relief or even any stitches 👌

— MY MISSION —

I now know that my mission in life is to help as many women as possible have a positive birth too 🧡 So many women spend their pregnancy in fear of labour and are traumatised by their births, and I’m detemined to make this change… 🔥

My classes help you enjoy a glowing pregnancy, a positive birth & the best possible start to parenthood 🌅

⭐️ Group Hypnobirthing Courses (in person - SE London & Kent)
⭐️ Private 1:1 birth prep coaching (online or in-person)
⭐️ Online Hypnobirthing Workshops

🧡 Head to www.riseandglowbirths.com to find out more! 🧡

Pregnant and want to prepare for a positive birth? ✨Come and join our FREE Hypnobirthing Taster Class in our beautiful venue in Woolwich - The Yoga Space London! 🧘‍♀️

Tickets: www.riseandglowbirths.com/the-yoga-space-london

Enjoy an hour of practical birth tips, a free pregnancy goody box, and a chance to meet other pregnant mamas in a gorgeous riverside yoga studio.

Saturday 20th May, 2pm

The Yoga Space London, SE18 6EY (6 mins walk from Woolwich Arsenal tube station on the Elizabeth Line).

🤰Suitable from 12-32 weeks pregnant - birth partners welcome too!

Tickets are FREE but very limited so book your space in advance at www.riseandglowbirths.com/the-yoga-space-london

See you there!

Laura xx

🧡The Birth Story of Ibraheem🧡

First time parents Rumaysa and Saamer joined my group hypnobirthing course back in September. They are both lovely, positive and open-minded people who were really proactive about preparing for their baby’s birth.

After Baby Ibraheem arrived, I absolutely loved reading their birth story, especially how they worked together as a team. Thank you for sharing your story to help other expectant parents 💕

Welcome to the world Baby Ibraheem and a huge congratulations to this wonderful mama and papa!

👉 Grab a cuppa and go and read baby Ibraheem’s inspiring birth story at www.riseandglowbirths.com/blog (link in bio) ☕️

💥 New client birth story coming soon! 💥

Rumaysa’s amazing birth story will go live on my website tomorrow at www.riseandglowbirths.com/blog (link in bio). It’s a really inspiring story and I’m so grateful to Rumaysa for sharing it to help other pregnant mamas prepare for a positive birth!

🧡 Pop back tomorrow to read her wonderful birth story! 🧡

Just a reminder that you are all absolute rockstars, like 🚀

How amazing is it that childbirth is driven by the “love hormone”, AKA Oxytocin? 🧡

The aim of Hypnobirhing is keep that oxytocin flowing for an easier & more comfortable labour.

Like these tips? 🧡 Take a look at my in-person Group Hypnobirthing classes in Bexley & Greenwich where we get to grips with the more practical side of Hypnobirthing 💥Think massage for labour, aromatherapy, and plenty of other incredible oxytocin-boosters! ✨💆‍♀️

👉 Find out more at www.riseandglowbirths.com (link in bio) 🧡

IMPORTANT: The way we feel about birth impacts our whole pregnancy.

Many people people go through their pregnancies expecting to experience birth as:
⛈️ Scary
⛈️ Painful
⛈️ Out of control

However, imagine how much more you can enjoy your pregnancy if you are armed with knowledge and tools that will enable you to experience birth as:
🌅 Calm
🌅 Teamwork
🌅 Exciting!

💪 Imagine feeling “confident”, “powerful” and “in control” during your pregnancy as you prepare for the best day of your life - meeting your baby! 🧡

It means you can really glow, let go of anxiety, and fully enjoy the rest of your pregnancy!

Bookings are open for my next Group Hypnobirthing Course in Bexley / Sidcup:

Weds 1st, 8th & 15th March
North Cray Neighbourhood Centre

➡️ See link in IG bio for details and to book your place!

🚀Next Week!🚀 Online Masterclass packed with practical Hypnobirthing tools to help you rock your birth 💪🤰👶🏼 Sign up at 💥 www.riseandglowbirths.com/workshop 💥

💥 Did you know there is no “perfect” position to give birth in? 💥

Birth positions are a personal preference and something to experiment with during pregnancy with the support of your birth partner and whatever props you want to use in labour.

HOWEVER, by getting off the bed, and getting off our backs, we can create 30% more space in the pelvis for baby to come down… 🤯 30%!! 🤯

Take time during your pregnancy to learn HOW your body is designed to work during labour, for an easier, more comfortable birth! 💪

This page is taken from my client course journal (gorgeous artwork credit to ) and is one of the many practical topics we cover in my birth prep classes.

🚀Next online workshop: Weds 8th Feb
🚀Next in-person group hypnobirthing course: Weds 1st, 8th, & 15th March.

See link in bio for course details and booking link (www.riseandglowbirths.com)

💥 Fabulous feedback from my latest Online Hypnobirthing Workshop! 💥

In my mission to make Hypnobirthing available and affordable for all pregnant people, I now offer a one-off online workshop, in addition to my in-person antenatal courses.

This online workshop is perfect for you if...

💥 You want quick and affordable Hypnobirthing: maybe you're short on time/budget and aren't able to commit to a full Hypnobirthing course

💥 You want a concise antenatal class that focusses on practical techniques: maybe you work late or have an older child to look after so a one-off online workshop suits you best

💥 All levels of knowledge are welcome: you can be totally new to hypnobirthing or maybe you've given birth to three Hypnobabies already!

💥 Only £40!💥

Sign up at www.riseandglowbirths.com/workshop (link in bio)

💖 Share with a pregnant friend who’s on the fence about trying Hypnobirthing! 💖

Morning sickness can be really reeeeally rough rough 🤢 Whether you’re plagued by constant nausea all day or whether you have to reach for the bucket whenever you see food, it can be difficult to deal with.

When I was pregnant I used to keep a pack of crackers and ginger nut biscuits in my work desk and try to nibble regularly throughout the day (easier said than done!)

Did you suffer with morning sickness? What helped you to deal with it? Let me know in the comments 👇👇👇

What a year it’s been! It’s hard to comprehend how much my life has changed since this time last year…

A few highlights of 2022…
👶🏼 Baby Max arriving in April, slightly ahead of schedule!
👨‍👩‍👦‍👦 Seeing my eldest son Xavier become the sweetest big brother - watching the two of them giggling together just lights up my heart!
👩‍🏫 Following my true passion in life and training as a Hypnobirthing teacher with
💥 Setting up my own business for the first time!
👯‍♀️ Connecting with other small local businesses and birth workers (you’re all rockstars!!)
💝 Teaching Hypnobirthing to over 40 couples since I launched Rise & Glow Births 6 months ago!

It’s been the most rewarding thing helping pregnant couples prepare for a positive birth. Running my own small business has been a real journey for me and not always an easy one, juggling two small kiddies and getting far too little sleep, but I’m so so happy to have chosen this path. The day we give birth is one of the most important (and unforgettable!) days of our lives, and it’s so important to help women prepare for this in the best possible way.

After my final class of 2022 this evening I’m taking a few weeks off Social Media and teaching Hypnobirthing until the end of 2022 to enjoy time with my little family.

My DMs are still open for all pregnant mamas if you need any support during your pregnancy over the festive period🎄

Otherwise I’ll be officially back online for my Free Mini-Masterclass on 4th Jan, and my Group Hypnobirthing course in Bexley which starts on 11th Jan. Details in my bio if you want to come and join us (only one space left!)😍

Wising you and your families a very Merry Christmas ❤️

Laura xx

The Birth Story of Freddie

First time Mama Steph brought gorgeous baby Freddie into the world, weighing a chunky 9lb 3oz!

Following our Hypnobirthing classes together, Steph and her partner Ben decided to plan for a Home Birth. However as Steph’s due date came and went, an induction seemed more and more likely…

Fortunately, at 41weeks + 5 days, Freddie decided to make his entrance to the world! Head to my blog to hear Steph tell his incredible birth story in her own words 🧡

www.riseandglowbirths.com/blog (link in bio)

🤯 You’ll never guess what happened 11 minutes after this photo was taken… 🤯

Yep, baby arrived!! 👶🏼

This beautiful first-time mama Steph gave birth to her baby boy just **11 minutes** after this amazing photo was taken!

At this point Steph had been in labour for about 4.5 hours, feeling great with the support of her midwife, her birth partner and their dog Junk 🐾 You can see how chilled and in control she’s feeling 🧡

Congratulations Mama - we’ll share Steph’s amazing birth story soon!

Also, how incredible is it to have your dog supporting you at your homebirth?! 🐶

Animals help us release oxytocin and can be a helpful and soothing presence at birth. During our Hypnobirthing classes, Steph and I talked about including her dog Junk at her birth, and he’s actually one of the reasons she decided to opt for a Homebirth.

Would you have your pet present at your birth? Let me know in the comments!

I’m so fed up of the narrative we see on TV that Dads are useless at births. They’re always conveyed as being clueless and more of hindrance than anything… 🙄

🚨This is simply not true!! 🚨

Dads and non-birthing partners have THE most important role in the room. They know Mana better than anyone so understand what she needs to help her relax and keep that oxytocin flowing…💕

Hypnobirthing helps couples understand the science of birth, teaches practical tools for an easier labour, and defines the role of the birth partner so they can confidently support Mama on the big day.

💪 Positive birth happens when couples work as a TEAM, using their Hypnobirthing tools together. 💪

I love this quote from a recent Dad-to-be showing how he felt after doing our Hypnobirthing course 🧡

Share with your birth partner and head to my bio for details on how they can confidently support you on the big day!