The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
There are many misconceptions about hypnobirthing, like the idea that it’s only for vaginal births, often in a birthing pool, and without any pain relief.
While there are a tiny number of courses that promote this approach, I believe in finding the right birth for you. Hypnobirthing is for all types of birth. I focus on providing balanced information so parents can decide what’s best for them – whether it’s their choice of pain relief or refining their birth plan. The tools and techniques I teach are grounded in science and research, empowering parents to feel more in control and prepared to meet their baby.
It’s encouraging to see more parents becoming interested in hypnobirthing, seeking to educate themselves about their options and improve their birth experience. I’m grateful to be part of that educational journey during such a crucial time in their lives.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
One of the biggest surprises for me was how emotional this career path has been. Every time parents I’ve worked with welcome their baby, I can’t help but shed tears of joy! The satisfaction of knowing that the tools I’ve taught made a difference in their experience is incredibly rewarding.
Of course, running your own business requires a lot of work, time, and juggling, but when you’re passionate about what you do, it’s all worth it. Meeting new people and realising there’s no longer a corporate glass ceiling is liberating. I’ve pushed myself out of my comfort zone, and that’s where the real growth happens.
Beyond the flexibility and being more present in my children’s lives, being my own boss has brought me a larger sense of happiness, calm, and fulfilment.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
My dream is for birth education to start earlier in life – for both young women and men. I want to help plant the seed that birth isn’t something to fear, that women have options, and that men, as potential birth partners one day, also have a crucial support role.
There’s a lot of work to be done in changing how birth is depicted in films and media. These portrayals shape our perceptions and expectations of childbirth. A calm, slow birth might not make for dramatic TV, but changing these negative representations is something I’d love to contribute to.
Ariel is excited to be a guest speaker at the Baby and Toddler show at Sandown Park in Surrey 27th-29th September. Visit her website for more details on how hypnobirthing can help you and follow her on Instagram @mighty_birth_co.
