Jess Gendall, Antenatal Hypnobirthing Teacher

About Me

I am a hypnobirthing antenatal teacher and mum of two boys. I am deeply passionate about helping more women have a birthing experience that leaves them feeling confident and empowered.

I first discovered hypnobirthing when I was pregnant with my son in 2021. To be honest, I initially had the misconception that hypnobirthing was a bit "hippy" and would involve hypnosis. However, I was also scared of giving birth and knew that unless I took control of the situation and found a way to address my fear, my anxiety would overwhelm me. I had previously struggled with health anxiety and knew that I didn't want my motherhood journey to begin in that way.

After completing a hypnobirthing antenatal course, I realised how wrong my original assumptions had been. Yes, you learn a lot of breathing and relaxation techniques, but you also learn a huge amount about the logic, process, and science of pregnancy and labour.

This left me feeling confident, informed, and calm in the lead-up to giving birth. After having my first son and experiencing the incredible benefits of hypnobirthing firsthand, I knew I wanted to share it with other parents. I trained under the hugely knowledgeable and accredited Katherine Graves from KGHypnobirthing, and it is this antenatal course that I now teach.

I teach group and one-to-one hypnobirthing classes, as well as pregnancy relaxation sessions at Headroom in Forest Hill.

What is Hypnobirthing?

Hypnobirthing helps you prepare for the birth of your baby by releasing any fear, tension, or worry you may have about labour or birth. This, in turn, helps expectant mothers feel more confident, calm, and prepared for the arrival of their baby.

During the course, you will learn techniques such as deep breathing, visualisation, and affirmations to help you achieve a calmer and more confident state of mind. By understanding the physiological process of birth, you will learn how to work with your body and mind to minimise tension.

The hypnobirthing approach not only empowers women to trust their bodies but also encourages the involvement of their birth partners, helping to create a more supportive environment throughout the birthing experience.

You will also receive the information you need to navigate the healthcare system, including understanding which procedures are routine and what alternatives may be available. This knowledge will help you make informed decisions for both you and your baby throughout pregnancy and labour.

I am truly passionate about teaching, talking, and listening to women about all things birth-related, helping them to have a birth experience that leaves them feeling empowered and positive.

Qualifications

DipHB(KGH)

Specialisms

• Hypnobirthing
• Antenatal Preparation
• Mindfulness
• Breathing Techniques
• Birth Preparation