Why should I attend a course or workshop with my little bubble?

my little bubble offers an exciting approach to Antenatal and Post-Natal learning. Your course leader Nikki, has trained with numerous birth professionals around the UK and beyond – allowing her to integrate all of this learning into a holistic course designed to prepare you for a positive experience no matter how you choose to birth your baby, or your desired path into parenthood. Nikki uses Active Birth techniques for labour and these valuable tools aim to prepare you and your birth partner for a positive birth experience not only physically, but mentally too.

When is the best time to attend an Active Birth workshop?

Any time from 20 weeks to 35 weeks of pregnancy

Is Active Birth only for home births?

No. Active Birth can be used in any environment. Unless there are medical complications in your pregnancy, you should be able to remain physically active during your labour and birth. The courses and workshops provide you with detailed information about the physiology of birth, the hormones involved in birthing and how to optimise these in any environment.

Do I need to be physically fit to have an ‘Active’ birth?

No. During the course or workshop you will be shown, and will practice gentle movements and positions to optimise your labour and birth – these movements do not require a high level of fitness. Aside from physical positions, Active Birth is also about being informed and ‘active’ in your decision making regarding your birth. Being empowered to make active choices can contribute to a positive birth experience even in cases where medical intervention is necessary for the safety of mother and baby.

Can I still remain active if I have SPD / PGP?

Yes, there are many options available to you with some adaptions especially for pelvic pain.

Can I still have an Active Birth if I am being induced?

Yes, there are a variety of techniques, positions and movements that are suitable with the induction process

What if I choose to have pain relief or medical interventions become neccessary during my birth?

You will learn a number of tools that will enable you to remain as active as possible, no matter how your birth unfolds. For example, the breathing exercises and visualisations/affirmations practised can even be used during a Ceasarean Birth.

How do I know if Active Birth is right for me?

The Active Birth workshop aims to maximise your chances of having a positive birth experience. We do not go into huge detail about medical intervention and pain relief (a handbook written by Janet Balaskas is provided to you if you book onto the full day workshop). We do mention various cirumstances that may arise in a normal labour and birth and suggest a few ways in which to remain active should pain relief be chosen, or medical intervention become necessary for the health of mother and baby. The ultimate outcome of this workshop is to empower women and their partners in all aspects of the birthing process and to feel confident in discussing options with Health Care Providers.

How do I book onto a Workshop?

Please contact me via the contact page / email or phone or complete the online booking form

Terms and Conditions of booking – See online booking

If you are a first time mum, nervous about giving birth – Active Birth can de-mystify the process, explain in simple language how you can increase your chances of a positive birth experience and fill you with confidence

If you have had a previous traumatic birth experience – Active Birth can help you to reconnect with your body, understand how fears and emotions may impact on your birth and reassure you of the amazing ability of the female body to give birth

If you have had previous positive births – Active Birth can refresh your knowledge of birth, physiology and hormones, and give you some time and space to focus on this birth

The central principle of an active birth, is for the woman to be free to move spontaneously and be led by her body, adopting upright positions during labour and birth. This practice makes birth easier, safer, more efficient and less painful.

Janet Balaskas coined the term ‘active birth’ and she is now internationally renowned for organising several groundbreaking events and conferences in the UK. These events stimulated the historic changes that have taken place in the UK in recent decades and continue to revolutionise maternity services today. Janet still works and teaches at The Active Birth Centre in London and is passionate about empowering women to understand their choices for labour and birth so that they have a positive experience.

Numerous studies in the last 50 years indicate that when birth is active the advantages are:

• the natural rhythm and continuity of birth are not disrupted
• uterine contractions are stronger, more regular and frequent
• dilation is enhanced
• more complete relaxation is possible between contractions
• first and second stages of labour are shorter – some studies show over 40 percent shorter in upright positions
• there is greater comfort, less strain and pain, so decreased need for analgesia
• the condition of the newborn is generally optimal
• women feel that they are fully participating, in control and more often experience giving birth as a wonderful and joyous experience

I offer independent birth preparation using Active Birth techniques. I am a Certified Active Birth teacher, trained by Janet Balaskas, the founder of The Active Birth Movement.

What I offer:

• A fresh approach to birth preparation – relaxed, informative, with up to the minute information

• Ideal to attend from 20 weeks pregnant onwards (I usually suggest 30 weeks onwards as the ideal time to do a workshop)

• A great accompaniment to NHS, NCT, Pregnancy Yoga or other birth classes

• An excellent refresher for parents expecting their second or subsequent baby

• A workshop that partners will actually enjoy! (read my testimonials…)

• APPROVED BY FEDENT

“This workshop is popular and transformational and is often the key to mothers and their partners becoming confident and relaxed, so that they are able to achieve a natural active birth” Janet Balaskas (to read more about Active Birth and Janet click here)