BIRTH PREPARATION+
The antenatal class that combines antenatal education, hypnobirthing tools, evidence based information and passed down wisdom and knowledge.
We speak to many women and families anxious about giving birth, feeding, and parenthood. It would be easier sometimes to bury your head in the sand and go with the flow, but trust us, that isn’t the flow you want to follow. There is a vast difference between going with your flow, which is informed and built on a solid foundation and that of the maternity system. But here is the thing: to develop a solid foundation for yourself will take some learning and unlearning!
If you want more involvement in birth than simply ‘showing up, trusting the system, and having a baby,’ you are in the right place. With 35 years of experience, we know exactly what it takes to prepare for birth and parenthood. We will support you every step of the way and be your biggest cheerleaders.
We know from experience that one will directly impact the next. We will prepare you for birth, take you through infant feeding (breastfeeding, bottle feeding, and everything in between) and the first few months after birth. We aren’t here to provide you with a tick-box birth plan, birth positions and pain relief options.​​
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We are here, so when you are thrown a last-minute curve ball, you know exactly what to do and do not feel worried or alone. You are prepared and understand the next steps and what your options are.
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We are here, so when birth takes you to the very edge, you aren’t surprised or fearful.
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We are here, so if your birth takes various twists and turns, you don’t feel like you failed or did something wrong.
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We are here, so when a friend or family member comments that your baby can’t possibly need another feed or a health care provider says something, but your intuition says another, you feel confident enough to do what is right for you and your baby.
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Most importantly, we are here to support you every step of the way. A hug when it all starts to feel overwhelming and you have a wobble, we will pick you back up and reassure you that you are not alone, ever.
You’ve got this, and we are with you every step of the way.
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Join the Birth Preparation+ course now. This course combines antenatal education, hypnobirthing, breastfeeding, bottle feeding, and the newborn weeks. Available in Shropshire & Cheshire online and in-person small groups and private support.
Steph
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BA (Hons) Midwifery, Dip KGH Hypnobirthing & Infant Feeding Coach
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Thank you for finding your way to my page. I’m Steph, the founder of Birth Nerd, a former NHS midwife, certified birth educator, doula, and breastfeeding and infant feeding specialist.
My journey into the world of birth, babies and feeding started long before I had my children. Birth has always fascinated me from a very young age, and in 2009, I started my midwifery training. Birth Nerd was launched in 2018, and since then, I have supported 100s of families to prepare for a positive and informed birth. I have seen it change rapidly in the 15 years since I started working in the maternity system. Birth trauma is increasing, intervention is skyrocketing, and there is a real staffing crisis.
Birth Preparation+ has been designed to fill the vast hole in birth preparation. It brings together the data, evidence, critical thinking, science, and knowledge…..with nuance and holding you at the centre. So you can work out what is right for YOU.
Many antenatal courses are good at helping you know that you have options, but here at Birth Nerd, we take you to the next level. With support and education, you will learn how to work out what feels right for you and how to get them.
Giving birth isn’t just about medicine and science. It is about intuition, love, support, heart, wisdom, history and feelings. When all of the above is combined, it is an incredible force. Your thoughts, feelings and intuition are valid. We will hold and nurture you.
Whether your pregnancy and birth are everything you hoped for or you are thrown curve ball after curve ball, our honest, realistic support will make whatever kind of birth you have an informed and powerful one.
How to work with Steph
PREGNANCY
Steph has over 16 years of experience and knowledge as a former NHS midwife, certified birth educator she knows how to support you every step of the way.
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Group Birth Preparation+ courses run monthly in Shrewsbury. This course can also be accessed from further afield via Zoom and privately both in-person or online.
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Steph also offers 'Power Hours' Here you can borrow her brain for an hour or two. Looking at birth choices and options, maybe there is a curveball you would like to discuss or 'top up' your knowledge.
BIRTH
Steph offers two comprehensive birth doula packages like no other in Shropshire.
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Steph has experience working as an NHS professional and independently as a birth worker. She has thorough understanding and knowledge of the physiology of childbirth but also of the 'system'. She is confident in liaising and building rapport with midwives and doctors involved in your care.
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Steph is very experienced and will support all births from planned hospital births and caesarean right the way through to birthing at home.
THE EARLY WEEKS
Breastfeeding & Infant feeding support in Shrewsbury, Shropshire.
Steph is here to help you meet your infant feeding goals with support every step of the way.
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Steph is accredited by Birth Baby & You and registered as an Infant Feeding Coach & Breastfeeding Counsellor with FEDANT.
Every feeding journey is unique and will customise the support to suit your specific needs and challenges.
