I still have Melissa’s voice in my head four months after the birth of our daughter: “I’m focused on a calm, easy birth.” For weeks I had been practising the hypnobirthing meditations and affirmations and finally I was able to put it all into practice. The birth of our daughter was everything I had ever hoped for – gentle, peaceful and empowering. After only 2.5 hours in hospital and no interventions or drugs, I caught our daughter with my hands while kneeling on the bed as she gently slipped into this world. The hospital staff were very respectful of our wishes and didn’t interfere with the birthing process. It was just me, my husband, Melissa’s voice in my head and my breath. As soon as we saw our beautiful daughter, we knew we would call her Frida, which means ‘peace’. Birthing her in such a calm and gentle way has given me a confidence and trust in my body I’ve never known before. I cherish this feeling and I’m forever grateful for this life-changing experience.

Elke