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Koala Antenatal, Wellingborough (2026)

30/03/2023

Baby Rex arrived Monday evening after over a week of prodromal labour and then a speedy labour into the birth pool at home.

I had the BEST birth team and the birth went exactly as planned! Highly recommend having a doula, it wouldn't have been the same experience without the amazing Becki. My husband has been the best advocate for me through this pregnancy and prepared the birth pool and space beautifully, it was such a magical experience and I feel on cloud 9!

Rex was 10lb 11oz, I had no tearing and used hypnobirthing breathing, the birth pool and a wave comb as pain relief. I'd planned to have a glass of wine as pain relief but just didn't get the chance. 🍷

We had some complications after he was born but thankfully after a quick check managed to stay home, Rex is fine and I'm a bit anaemic but getting better.

Believe in yourself and your choices and advocate for yourself, you have a choice in everything in your birth, you don't 'have to' do anything.

I'll post the full story some time when we're out of our tired but blissful baby bubble 💕

02/03/2023

Labour Snacks!

I've started putting together a box of things I think I/my birth team might like, I'm trying to avoid anything too stinky 🤣

A lot of people have said they regret having too much 'dry' food, I can't currently think of anything less dry to have though?

Too much sugar isn't ideal (Don't look too closely at my box of sugar 🤣) a bit as a boost, you're better off thinking of birth as a marathon, you wouldn't start a marathon hungry, you'd tank up on some carbs (depending on what you fancy/your body is doing at the time).

I'll be home so have access to the fridge/freezer/takeaways so this is more just extra stuff in case I fancy it at the time and can easily be shoved in a bag to transport if required.

What helped you in labour? Have I missed anything important?!

26/01/2023

Home Birth Prep

All you really need is the right mindset and some towels, however I'm someone who bounces between being super prepared with things or not at all prepared, and apparently home birth is something I'd like all the nice touches for!

My awesome sister in law gave us her birth pool that she never got to use due to a speedy baby, and we gave it a dry run to make sure it was all good as it's been a few years since inflated. Time will tell if it finally gets to have a baby in it! 😆 I don't think I'd mind a shorter labour after last time 🤞

My biggest preparation has been mental, I've been listening to hypnobirthing tracks, taking time to have a bath when I can (I love a winter bath at the best of times but being pregnant just triples this!), Reminding myself that I've got this!

Having a really supportive family and team around me has been so helpful too, my husband is amazing, we've got the most amazing doula who is the best advocate and support we could have wished for, I think this will be (and already has been) a total game changer after my first birth where I really could have done with a good advocate, and knowing a whole lot more to be honest. My husband works away so having a guaranteed person to be with me for the birth has really made me feel at ease too!

Just by planning a home birth you reduce your risk of so many things such as caesarean and episiotomy, even if you don't end up birthing at home.

Home birth is safe for first time birthers. The statistics show that these people may more commonly transfer to hospital due to wanting better pain relief/transitioning/other non emergency reasons.

I've seen a lot of people put off home birth or being told they're 'Not allowed', however all maternity services are optional and you are in charge of where you birth. You may choose to birth in hospital as that feels safest for you, or you have information that means it would potentially be safer for you or baby to birth in hospital (do your research though, you don't have to follow the hospital's policy), but it's all your choice!

Has anyone home birthed before? 🏠 🤰👶

Have you got any great tips to share? 👇

19/01/2023

A little update...

You may have noticed I've been quiet for a while, and the reason is we are expecting Koala baby #2! I've been focussing inwards on myself and baby and avoiding hearing any negative experiences, and just needed to shut myself away from social media for a bit.

We found out we were expecting just after our daughter's 2nd birthday.

I feel so bonded with this bump compared to with my first, and have really found myself trusting my body and the baby to know exactly what they're doing. It has been such a different pregnancy, not ruined by lockdowns, and I've been taking full advantage of being able to buy them (surprise gender, not plural babies) clothes from actual shops!! (Sending husband with instructions to get vests from Tesco on his lockdown shop when they were constantly sold out was not quite the joyful experience I'd planned for)

I was a bit miffed to find I have an anterior placenta again, though it hasn't stopped this baby from beating me up from the inside, so it's definitely different to my last in so many ways!

I'm nearly 31 weeks so baby is due end of March/April, I'll be sharing some updates about my hypnobirthing/home birth prep and then hopefully will open classes again some time next year 😁

01/06/2022

A bit about me: Hi! Im Kayla and I am mum to one wonderful child, who was born in Summer 2020. Here's a bit about how I got into hypnobirthing and where I'm at with setting up.

I live in a village near Wellingborough with my husband, child, annoying cat and 5 chickens! My husband is into motorbikes and cars and works away 10 weeks at a time, the child is basically becoming a copy and paste version of him so that's a joy 😅😂

I love reading, or used to, but appear to have long lasting baby brain (I've been told it never leaves!) And struggle to get into anything these days, apart from Netflix things (yay for new Stranger Things!). I hate housework and I like to pretend I'm into gardening but mostly I just kill everything, 0/10 for gardening advice. Harry Potter is life and I love a bath, but hate the ocean. Sand is grim.

I'm going to start building a community and want to arrange meet ups and walks so we can feel more connected and supported! Parenthood is hard, and this promised village isn't always around, and there is so much conflicting advice that can leave you reeling. I'm a bit of a safety nerd but a firm believer in your child your choice. Message me if you ever need any support 💕

I'm just looking at where to hold my classes and working hard behind the scenes getting things ready, hoping to start classes in September! 🐨

31/05/2022

Here is a list of some supportive local people you can check out for support, advice, and fun! In no particular order:

We went to when S was little, and loved them! They have weekly themes and the songs are catchy! I sometimes miss Cooper the Caterpillar..

Have a mix of classes including sensory play, baby sign language, massage, messy play and active play, all designed to stimulate your baby's mind and body! Run by the awesome Trudie and Chloe, it's based in Finedon Road Industrial Estate, Wellingborough.

is a nature school run by Marie. She hosts outdoor play sessions at the most gorgeous venue, including nature walks and nurture mums. She takes you on a walk through the woods, pointing out what is going on in the natural world. We've listened to birds, been shown earwig eggs, planted flowers, played in the mud kitchen amongst many other things. The Beautiful Bear also does baby brunches hosted by...

Weaning expert Sarah has great baby brunch events and advice on starting your baby on solid food, and when you book a class with me you'll have video access to her video through The Birth Uprising!

Is your go to for all things baby-wearing. My koala child needed to be worn a lot of the time, and Becky's support means my back isn't broken! Yay! Becky also arranges sling walks which are a great chance to meet other like-minded parents.

Further afield is
Which is a magical venue run by
And who are two of the nicest people you could ever meet. They run various classes and activities, including a play cafe. It's great being able to chat while your child plays in a safe space, and their vegan cinnamon rolls are life. They're a trek away in Weedon but trust me, it's worth the drive.

runs events, usually at The Cloud Space, that encourage your child to explore loose parts and schema play. This is something I worked with in my last job as a teacher and it is so important for child development! Carys has the most wonderful activities and you can leave her to clean up the mess, woo!

27/05/2022

Hats on Newborns...

Helpful or hindrance?!

This is not a judgement at all if you've put a hat on your baby or not.

If it's something you've dreamed of, or it's a family heirloom, or knitted by your nana, or you bought it as part of your newborn's first outfit and have had it picked out and ready for months...

Then seeing your baby in that hat will release your oxytocin and have the desired effect of getting your placenta out and releasing hormones that help you to bond with your baby.

If you are on the fence, this post may help you make your decision, or you may learn a magical fact about b***s!

23/05/2022

Got yourself a koala baby?
Nap trapped or cluster feeding?

Share your tips for other parents below ⬇️

Babies do not like to be put down. This is a natural response, we are carrier mammals, except unlike other animals whose babies grip to their fur, we have to give up at least one arm to hold ours!

Though normal, having to hold your baby all the time can be difficult when you just want to get things done!

For those days where your baby just won't be put down, having multiple tables in your favourite spots around the house, set up ready for those Netflix marathons, can really help take the load off. And if you get any free time, make a sandwich in advance so you just have to grab it from the fridge when baby is grumbling (because they always know when you're hungry, right?!)

If you have older children or don't have the time to put your feet up and rest, baby wearing can be a saviour!

Visit your local sling library for advice and to find out what baby carrier works for you. Our local person in Northants is . Becky does Zoom consultations and can post a sling if you aren't local.

In July I'll be doing a sling peer support course with Becky so I'll be able to help with babywearing too 😁

19/05/2022

Have you been told you 'need' an induction because you can't be pregnant past 42 weeks?
..That might not strictly be true!

Always ask for what reason you are being advised to have any interventions, then do some research and use your BRAIN to decide if this is something you want.

Your body autonomy and choices override hospital policy which is not individualized care.

Your placenta doesn't get to 42 weeks, check its watch and think nah that's it I'm clocking off now. No other organ does that, why would the placenta?!

16/05/2022

Vaginal Examinations...

A daily occurrence for many midwives, but not a daily occurrence for many of us with a va**na!

The main takeaway: Many people don't realise that they are totally optional, there are many other ways to tell if you are in established labour, there are risks and benefits you can weigh up and decide if they're for you!

**nalexamination

16/05/2022

I'm Koalafied! 🐨

Over the weekend I attended 's Instructor Training.

It was INCREDIBLE!

I have learned so much from the best group of people but wow my mind is buzzing with so much information.

The next step is sorting a venue and getting some resources, watch this space!

12/05/2022

A good friend of mine suggested joining an antenatal program with her, so I joined without any idea what I was attending. Without doubt, attending that course was probably the best decision I made during my whole pregnancy.

At 40+1 I woke up around 4:30am, and like every pregnant woman jumped up and headed straight to the loo, at this point I noticed a bloody discharge. I went back to the bedroom, woke Chris and told him that it must have been my show. I climbed back into bed and tried to rest as I was sure it would last for hours. I've not idea how long I was back in my bed but I was restless and couldn't get comfortable so I put on my relaxation tracks and started walking around the bedroom.

By 6am I was in the bath, breathing through my surges using the techniques I had learnt at class. I remember wanting to be alone. Every time Chris came in the bathroom, I would send him out. By 7am my surges were getting closer so we called the hospital. The midwife asked to speak to me and I told her how I was feeling, I paused the conversation for each surge, however the hospital told me I probably wasn't in active labour and suggested I take two painkillers.

I remember this moment very clearly, we put the phone down and I told Chris I couldn't do it, I told him I needed help. Straight away Chris helped me to get my breathing back with each surge and I made my way back to the bathroom, the place I felt safe. At this point my waters broke.

I don't remember much more after this until I felt our baby's head. I shouted Chris to say our baby's head was there, of course he told me not to be so dramatic as he popped his head around the door. Thankfully he got into the room for the next surge and caught our little boy. We called the ambulance at 7.40am.

It's strange because I feel like I watched myself give birth. I still can't believe I did it, I never screamed or shouted, I just felt like my body knew what to do. It's the proudest moment of my life. However, I will note, the next chapter waiting for the ambulance was not as calm. Chris was jumping around like a human pogo stick, our little boy was screaming and I definitely began to panic

Thank you for sharing, Jen!

Koala Antenatal

30/03/2023

02/03/2023

26/01/2023

19/01/2023

01/06/2022

31/05/2022

27/05/2022

23/05/2022

19/05/2022

16/05/2022

16/05/2022

12/05/2022

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