How we can support you to have a calm and confident birth

During our antenatal classes we spend a great deal of time discussing all types of birth. Sometimes the balance between being positive and being realistic can be tricky. I have written a blog post about positive realism and I think it helps to explore that idea a little more. Our intentions are never to scare people but we have to be completely honest too. Birth prep matters and whilst we really want people to think about their plan A and what this might look like to them, it's good to be aware that plan B, C and D might also happen on the day itself. This isn't because you have done something wrong or because you didn't prepare in the right way. It's because birth is, for the most part, beyond our control.

We can't ever promise that coming to our classes will ensure a straightforward, vaginal birth but we can promise that you will leave our classes feeling calm and confident about what lies ahead. As midwives and mothers, we understand how important it is that you feel heard, supported and informed during your birth. Our classes are designed to help you prepare mentally, physically, and emotionally for a birth experience that feels empowering, respectful, and calm. No matter how or where you have your baby.

How We Can Support a Calm and Confident Birth

I have written previously about a positive birth. What this means and why we think it's important. It's worth a wee read here. A calm, confident birth ties into this obviously and our classes at Grow+Gather can help you in your birth prep journey in so many ways.

Active Birth Classes

Our active birth classes are designed to help you understand the natural physiology of labour and how to work with your body rather than against it. Drawing on both professional expertise, as midwives, yoga and hypnobirthing teachers as well as our own experiences of giving birth, we teach:

• upright and forward-leaning positions

• effective breathing and relaxation techniques

• movement that encourages progress and comfort

• partner approaches that genuinely make a difference

These classes give you and your birth partner a practical, adaptable toolkit that can be used in any birth setting.

Antenatal Workshops

Our antenatal workshops offer clear, structured education that helps you navigate labour, birth, and the early postnatal period with confidence. As midwives, we provide balanced, evidence-informed information; as mothers, we bring honesty, reassurance, and real-life understanding.

Workshops cover:

• the stages and physiology of labour

• birth choices and decision-making

• understanding interventions

• practical newborn preparation

You leave with a comprehensive understanding and a sense of readiness.

Private 1:1 Support

For parents who prefer a personalised approach, we offer confidential one-to-one sessions. These allow us to tailor our support to your unique circumstances, experiences, or concerns.

Private sessions may include:

• personalised birth planning

• guidance for VBAC, induction, or previous complications

• emotional preparation after a difficult prior birth

This is space for you any anything you might need or want to discuss, at home with our full attention.

Support for Birth Partners

We are really aware of how important your birth partner can be in helping to promote those feelings of confidence and calm. This isn't just about the person giving birth and we want partners to feel prepared, confident, and valued too. We have a full post about the role of birth partners here. Our midwife-mother perspective helps us explain what genuinely helps in labour, what partners can expect emotionally, and how they can contribute to a calm environment.

Supporting You With Expertise and Empathy

Our approach blends clinical expertise with empathy, insight, and practicality. We know the difference that feeling supported can make, and we are committed to helping you approach birth with honesty, reassurance, and confidence. A calm, confident, positive birth is not about achieving perfection, it is about feeling informed, respected, and supported at every stage.

If you would like to hear more about our classes then please get in touch. We would love to hear from you. Why not send us an email or follow us on instagram.

hello@growandgather.co.uk

@growandgatheredinburgh