Ariel Moreton-Pike is the owner and founder of Mighty Birth Co. and she is on a mission to help families have a better birth. Living in Hampton, UK, with her husband and two children, she has a good understanding of the joys (and challenges) of parenthood, having been inspired to become a Hypnobirthing Coach by her own childbirth experiences. Mighty Birth Co. courses are carefully designed to give you the tools to transform your birth, while providing a safe, supportive, inclusive, nurturing, respectful and honest space. Their welcoming, expert-led hypnobirthing classes help you build the skills for a calmer, more confident experience, however you choose to give birth. Here Ariel talks to The Natural Parent Magazine about the passion behind what she does, how she balances work and family life, and the pros and cons of running her own business.
The passion: What inspired you to set up your business?
Throughout our lives, we’re often taught that birth is something to fear. We see images on TV of women lying on their backs, screaming, which only reinforces this fear. My inspiration to become a Hypnobirthing Coach came from my own childbirth experiences. Hypnobirthing was a revelation for me – it showed me that birth doesn’t have to be something to feel anxious or scared about.
The driving force behind Mighty Birth Co. is straightforward: I want to help other parents have a better birth experience, no matter how they choose to welcome their little one. It’s easy to underestimate the importance of preparation and just think, “I’ll go with the flow,” but knowing your options and understanding what’s happening can be game changing. It was an essential part for me to feel confident, strong, and in control during childbirth, and I want to pass that knowledge on to others.
Having two children, I used hypnobirthing techniques during both of my births. Understanding what my body was doing during labour gave me the confidence I needed. My husband, as my birth partner, also felt calm, prepared, and empowered, which made a world of difference. Having positive births was a true team effort, and it’s incredible how much birth partners can contribute when they’re well-informed and involved.
I wanted to create a holistic approach with my courses – not just providing tools for parents to stay calm, but also helping them navigate the maternity system, understand their options, and give them the tools to advocate for themselves. Hypnobirthing might have an odd-sounding name, but its principles are deeply rooted in science and share similarities with sports psychology. It covers things that traditional classes might miss, and for many parents it’s transformational.
The launch: How did you start out in the beginning?
With a lot of hope, determination, coffee, and late nights! Balancing everything with two small children meant that once they were asleep, I’d dive right back into work.
Once I found the courage to start, it didn’t feel like hard work-each step forward was incredibly satisfying. Knowing that I was building something I loved and believed in kept me motivated and energised.
The innovation: What was the biggest breakthrough for you with your business?
One of the biggest breakthroughs – one that took quite a few car journeys with my children napping in the back – was finding the right name for my business.
I had a clear vision of the business I wanted to create, but I couldn’t move forward without a name that captured the strength, resilience, power, and inclusivity I envisioned. The idea of being and feeling ‘Mighty’ resonated deeply with me, and that’s how Mighty Birth Co. came to life.
Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
I’m still figuring out what balance looks like for our family, and I expect it will continue to evolve as we all grow. I haven’t met anyone who feels like they’ve perfected it!
Right now, with both of my children still being toddlers, I’ve noticed how much my mood and patience impact the positivity of our day. They really feed off my emotions, so creating a harmonious balance isn’t just about making time for them – it’s about being present, patient, and calm during that time. Starting my day by checking in with how I’m feeling has been a game changer. If I’m stressed or tired, taking a few deep breaths helps ground me and prepares me for the day ahead.
I’ve found that having some structure, communicating clearly, and involving the kids in daily tasks helps them feel like part of the family unit. They love helping with things like watering the plants or cooking dinner. An unrushed evening routine also sets the stage for smoother bedtimes, allowing me to transition into work mode for sessions with clients, whether at my home in South West London or over Zoom.
