Who am I and why am I here?
Excitement, Fear, Overwhelm, Joy - all feelings that you experience when you are expecting a baby. And then what? What do we do with these emotions? How can we work with them to help us on this pregnancy and parenthood journey? This line of questioning was how it all began for me. I was trying to educate myself, attempting to learn about what was going on in my body. I wanted to know how I was going to navigate all of the positive and negative sensations that pregnancy offered. And then I came across hypnobirthing. It was, and still is, the best investment I made in myself and in my babies. It has led me to what I do today. I have 3 children and being a Mum to them is the hardest job I have ever done, but the joy they bring is beyond anything I could ever imagine and I am so grateful for the incredible birth stories I get to share with them. Being able to play a small part in people's birth experiences is so overwhelming and special. Knowing the impact hypnobirthing can have, I wanted to make it more accessible and support women so that they can have an empowered experience.
Reclaiming Birth and how Hypnobirthing can help
Birth is important, Birth is tough, Birth is incredible, Birth is ours and we are fighting to reclaim it. It sounds very radical when said in such a way, but all I really mean is that I believe we should take ownership of our birth experiences to ensure that we are listened to, supported and encouraged. Believing in our bodies and listening to our instincts during pregnancy, birth and postnatally is one of the most powerful tools at your fingertips. That, along with the right support, can make your birth experience so much more positive. Working with a hypnobirthing coach can help you to recognise and utilise the strength you already have within you, as well as teaching you beneficial, life altering tools that you can use during your birth and beyond. “My body, my baby, my birth”. Once you have given birth, you are reborn as a Mother. Being able to concentrate on your new beautiful baby as well as the new version of yourself is immensely important. You are amazing and you are YOU! Women’s Wellbeing during the postpartum period is so important, but often it is simply not prioritised. Take a look at the list of potential self-care activities that can really help you to take time for yourself during the postpartum period.
Community for Mothers
Community and Connection is something I continue to explore when I hold space for mothers and their babies during my Mini Magical Moments sessions. Prior to being a hypnobirthing coach, my background involves a degree in music education and a career in secondary school education. I took what I learned from these experiences to create a supportive, calming and creative space for babies and their Mum’s. What I have experienced during the first year of running my business is that we need connection, we need community and we need support - it is how we are programmed but it is not always easy to find.
“Real loneliness is not necessarily limited to when you are alone” - Charles Bukowski
Have you ever been in a room full of people but still felt unseen or alone? I know many people have felt like this. Therefore I set out to offer mums, who are often at their most vulnerable (postpartum), the opportunity to attend classes in small settings. I wanted them to feel supported while spending quality time bonding with their new baby. “Charlotte’s class is the best part of my week. I really look forward to having adult conversations with Mums who just know what it's like.” This type of environment really benefits a new, second, third or fourth time mother because it allows us to feel seen and recognise that we are not alone.
A community of women who support one another, build each other up and want to watch you thrive is a community that I want to be a part of. Mums need this connection and deserve this space - it is essential for our wellbeing. Come and explore everything Charlotte has to offer at Grow with The Flo Hypnobirthing here.
Charlotte is a Mum of 3 and started her Grow with the Flo birth and baby business at the start of 2022 - the name is inspired by her daughter Florence and the business has been built on the desire to support women.