Meet TMM's Expert: Hypnobirthing and Mindful Breastfeeding
Introducing TMM Expert Laura Berkeley, The Lemon Tree
Hi I’m Laura...
Antenatal Educator, Hypnobirthing Teacher, Birth & Postnatal Doula, Mindful Breastfeeding Practitioner, Passionate Birthkeeper and Mummy to two little girlies.
I'm passionate about all things pregnancy birth & beyond & a woman on a mission to make a difference.
Most of my life, probably like some of you reading this, I had feared giving birth. I couldn’t wait one day to be a mummy, I have always loved babies, was intrigued by birth & dreamed of being a midwife but had heard so many horror stories about how challenging or painful childbirth was.
Back when I was pregnant in 2015 my partner & I decided to do a hypnobirthing course (his suggestion) after he had chatted to a guy at work who said his wife had THE most amazing birth using the tools. After lots of research we found that it wasn’t ‘hippy’, it was based on the science of birth, evidence & physiology. We thought it would be more worthwhile than the popular courses that everyone seems to book onto, where feedback from others was always ‘we made friends but really weren’t prepared for birth’. I wanted a positive birth so badly.
We plan for weddings, spend a fortune, buy the latest pram for god knows how much but why as a culture don’t we invest in our births? Fast-forward nine months after investing the time, energy & practice, prioritising our birth… we had THE most incredible birth! I was so relaxed she was almost born in the bath, 100% physiological, no intervention, I was so calm & really enjoyed the whole experience. Can you believe it? I actually couldn’t wait to do it again one day!
I remember thinking “why is everyone not doing this, why isn’t everyone birthing this way, every person needs to know about this & feel empowered when they bring their baby into the world”. I immediately trained to teach Hypnobirthing whilst my daughter was a baby & also became a breastfeeding peer supporter after a really challenging start to breastfeeding, I almost gave up through the hurdles, it might be natural but it’s not always easy. It was SO clear how much education & support were needed for birthing & feeding. It was quite apparent the huge lack of good quality education & access to good support in all areas. The Lemon Tree was born
Fast forward a couple of years of teaching & a lot of things unravelled. Hypnobirthing was great but wasn’t enough on it’s own, there are lots of versions of it now, a lot missing out key parts like the mindset work, release fears. Other well known courses weren’t truly preparing families with all the information, evidence & confidence they needed & I’ve watched/heard so many peoples births be sabotaged. People not being taught about biomechanics techniques or knowing what their options were, that they had options. So what could I do to change it? In knew I had to do something.
Birth work isn’t my job, it’s my calling in life.
I trained to be an International Childbirth Educator, wrote my own Antenatal Programme & whilst I was doing so I had my second daughter who was breech, born at home after an HG pregnancy in May 2020.
I created a programme that leaves no stone unturned. A course that’s completely honest, real, based on evidence, full of the most mind-blowing information, in an easy to learn enjoyable format, packed with tools & techniques for you to choose from.
A course that’s been created with more love & passion than you can ever imagine.
One that will truly & honestly prepare you for birth, to help you understand mindset, the physiology of birth, how you can support your mind & body. Ways to build your confidence know your rights, seek the support you need & navigate any curveballs. To birth YOUR way, where you want, how you want, no navigate the current maternity system, to prepare your birth partner & help you to achieve the empowering birth you deserve, no matter where or how you birth your baby.
I have two main goals & missions in life…the 1st is to be the best mummy I can to my girls, for them to grow up health, happy & confident. The other is share all I have to offer from my 3rd baby The Lemon Tree. To branch out making a difference to families lives as they blossom, bringing their babies into the world.
Educating, empowering & supporting them to make informed educated choices that are right for THEM. Finding their power & guiding them right from the start of pregnancy, through birth & right into parenthood.
Motherhood is a rollercoaster but I’m here for it all. As a birth doula it’s such a privilege to support women & families emotionally & practically as they bring new little lives into the world.
When I’m not working or mummying...
I’m usually getting my birth geek on, reading books, listening to podcasts, attending workshops & soaking up as much as I can to ensure I’m able to share the latest research with you all & to share lots of juicy info. I love learning, listening & supporting people. My partner also has his own companies so family time can be a tricky juggle but is really important to us. Days out & quality time with our girls is so precious in a busy world. I love a spa day & spending time with my good friends over a good G&T… got to be Hendricks & Fever Tree though.
I can’t wait to get to know you all & share more with you at TMM.
Laura
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