About me
Guiding Your Journey from Pregnancy to Parenthood
Welcome!
I'm Claire Bushell, a passionate advocate for empowering birth experiences and holistic family well-being. My mission is to guide and support expectant and new parents through the transformative journey of pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood.
My Approach
I believe in the innate wisdom of the body and the power of informed, mindful preparation. With a degree in Biological Sciences as my foundation, I've built upon this knowledge with formal qualifications in hypnotherapy and counselling. My aim is to provide you with the knowledge, tools, and support you need to make confident choices about your birthing and parenting preferences.
My hypnobirthing journey began with studying the Marie Mongan method, which introduced me to the power of mind-body techniques in childbirth. As my practice evolved, I chose to teach The Wise Hippo hypnobirthing programme developed by Tamara Cianfini. This programme particularly resonates with me due to its emphasis on preparing for 'the right birth on the day' - an approach that empowers parents to navigate their birth journey with flexibility and confidence.
In addition to my hypnobirthing training with Marie Mongan and Tamara Cianfini, I've had the privilege of learning from some of the most influential figures in the birthing and parenting world:
- Michel Odent, pioneer of natural childbirth, advocate for water birth, and founder of the Primal Health Research Centre in London
- Sheila Kitzinger, author and pioneer of natural childbirth who led a powerful crusade against the medicalisation of birth through her research, writing, and advocacy
- Janet Balaskas, founder of Active Birth and pioneer of the natural birth movement, who revolutionised modern childbirth by championing women's right to move freely and choose upright positions during labour
- Debra Pascali-Bonaro, renowned doula trainer and childbirth educator, known for her work in promoting positive birth experiences across 40 countries
- Sarah Ockwell-Smith, founder of the 'gentle parenting' movement and expert in evidence-based, psychological approaches to childcare
Their collective wisdom has profoundly influenced my approach to supporting families through the transformative experience of pregnancy and birth. I've incorporated Sarah's gentle parenting philosophy into my post-natal support work, having trained with her in BabyCalm post-natal classes.
This combination of birth preparation and early parenting support helps create a seamless transition into parenthood for my clients.
Creating Community
For seven years, I ran The Wellbeing Centre, where I fostered a nurturing environment for expectant and new parents (as well as it being open for all). I facilitated monthly peer-support groups, including a Home Birth Group and a PANDAS support group for those experiencing postnatal challenges. These experiences deepened my understanding of the diverse needs of families during the transition to parenthood.
My commitment to improving maternity care extends beyond individual support. I volunteered on the Maternity Services Liaison Committee at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, where I engaged with new mothers to understand their birthing experiences and help improve local maternity services.
Current Services
Today, I offer:
- Group and private hypnobirthing antenatal courses in Berkshire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire and Wiltshire
- Monthly calm birth support meetings (coming soon)
- Post-natal support with one-on-one sessions, to help nurture and guide you through your unique journey into parenthood
- Access to a network of experienced pregnancy and post-natal professionals
Whether you're preparing for birth or navigating the early days of parenthood, I'm committed to supporting your well-being every step of the way. Let's embark on this beautiful journey together, embracing the transformative power of birth and the joy of new beginnings.
Book a Complimentary 30-Minute Discovery Call to learn more about how we can work together to create your positive birth experience.
