The Stirling Birth School

29/12/2025

✨ Comfort measures in labour: Sterile Water Injections ✨

At The Stirling Birth School, I love helping you explore all the options available to support a positive birth experience — including some that many people haven’t heard of.

One option available within NHS Forth Valley for hospital births (when trained staff are on shift) is sterile water injections — a simple, drug-free technique that can offer fast and effective pain relief during labour.

💧 What are they?

Sterile water injections involve placing tiny amounts of sterile water just under the skin of the lower back. They’re especially helpful for easing intense back pain during labour.

💛 Why might you choose them?

*Fast pain relief (can last up to 3 hours)

*Drug-free and safe for both mother and baby

*Can be repeated if needed

*Ideal for those preferring minimal or no medication

⚠️ Any risks?

*A short stinging sensation (20–30 seconds)

*No statistically significant side effects or complications

🏥 Availability in Forth Valley

This option is available in hospital settings when staff trained in the technique are on shift. If it’s something you’d like to explore, mention it in your birth preferences and speak with your midwife during pregnancy.

🌿 Want to learn more about preparing for birth? My next group birth preparation course starts on 15th February 2026 — perfect if you’re due in April, May or June. I’d love to support you as you get ready for a confident, informed and positive birth experience.

🤍 Your birth, your way. 🤍

Believe. Breathe. Birth.

Claire x

13/12/2025

🗓️ New Year, New Confidence in Birth 🗓️

My next group hypnobirthing & antenatal course starts Sunday 15th February 2026, running for 4 weeks from 6–8.30pm at The Highland Gate Hotel.

This course is ideal if you're pregnant and due in late March, April, May or June — perfect timing to prepare, feel informed, and build confidence before birth.

It’s designed for mums-to-be and their birth partners who want more than “go with the flow.” We’ll explore your options, build supportive birth partnerships, and help you look forward to birth — not fear it.

💥 Early bird discount if booked more than a month in advance

⚠️ Limited spaces — this course always sells out

🔗 Full details on my website (link in bio)

📩 Any questions? Just get in touch!

Believe. Breathe. Birth.

Claire x

19/11/2025

06/10/2025

🤩 SO grateful for this feedback 🤩

It means a lot to hear how my Spring group course supported this lovely couple — not just in preparing for birth, but in navigating real decisions with confidence.

At The Stirling Birth School, there is a focus on practical tools, informed choices, and ongoing support. Birth doesn’t always follow a script, so we explore many options to help parents feel ready, whatever path their journey takes.

Thank you so much for sharing your experience and for trusting me to be part of your journey.

Believe. Breathe. Birth.

Claire x

03/10/2025

🔄 A change of plan is not failure 🔄

Birth doesn’t always follow the script we imagined — and that’s okay. A change of plan doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It means you’re adapting, responding, and making the best choices for you and your baby in the moment.

This affirmation is a powerful reminder that flexibility is strength, and informed decisions are empowering — no matter how your birth unfolds.

Believe. Breathe. Birth.

Claire x

29/09/2025

🗓️ New Year, New Confidence in Birth 🗓️

My next group hypnobirthing & antenatal course starts Sunday 11th January 2026, running for 4 weeks from 6–8.30pm at The Highland Gate Hotel.

This course is ideal if you're pregnant and due in February, March, or April — perfect timing to prepare, feel informed, and build confidence before birth.

It’s designed for mums-to-be and their birth partners who want more than “go with the flow.” We’ll explore your options, build supportive birth partnerships, and help you look forward to birth — not fear it.

💥 Early bird discount if booked more than a month in advance
⚠️ Limited spaces — this course always sells out
🔗 Full details on my website (link in bio) 📩 Any questions? Just get in touch

Believe. Breathe. Birth.

Claire x

26/09/2025

🎉 October Class: Fully Booked! 🎉

I’m absolutely thrilled to share that the October group course is now FULL! A huge thank you to all the amazing couples who’ve signed up — I can’t wait to guide you through this transformative journey of antenatal preparation and hypnobirthing.

Your inbox will be buzzing soon with a special email to help you get started — keep an eye out!

Let’s do this together.

Believe. Breathe. Birth.

Claire x

14/08/2025

HE'S HERE! 🥳

Welcome to the world, little one! I am so thrilled to announce the safe arrival of our third baby 👶

I'll be taking some time to soak up all the newborn snuggles and adjust to life as a family of five. I can't wait to share my birth story with you all in a little while, but for now, we're in our happy little bubble. 💕

Thank you for all your support and understanding!

Believe. Breathe. Birth.

Claire x
💙💙💙

02/08/2025

🌟 I am ready to meet my baby 🌟

But let's be honest, patiently waiting is a whole new level of mental gymnastics in the third trimester of my third pregnancy! 🤭

My heart and mind are completely ready to welcome this little one, but my body is a cosy, albeit slightly crowded, little home they're still loving.

So, for now, it's a game of faith and patience. I'm taking all the deep breaths and trusting that my baby knows the perfect time to arrive. Soon, we'll be in each other's arms. 🥰

Ready when you are kiddo.

Believe. Breathe. Birth.

Claire x

28/07/2025

Alright, let's talk about the infamous phrase, "it's like sh****ng a watermelon." 🍉💩

While it's a common (and wildly misleading) saying, it's actually a pretty unhelpful (and inaccurate!) way to describe birth.

Here's the real lowdown, because our bodies are seriously incredible:

• Your va**na is a master of expansion: Your va**na isn't a rigid tube! It's an incredibly stretchy, muscular canal designed specifically to expand dramatically to accommodate a baby. Think of it less like a fixed pipe and more like a super-stretchy, magical exit tunnel.

• Baby's head is smartly designed too: And it's not just your body! Baby's skull bones aren't fused yet. They're actually separate plates with gaps (fontanelles) that can overlap and mold as they navigate the birth canal. This "molding" helps them fit through more easily. So, it's a team effort!

• Postpartum recovery is real: Yes, things will feel different for a bit (understandably!), but your va**na has an amazing ability to recover and return to its pre-birth state. It's truly resilient.

Now, for a bit of cheeky perspective: We don't often stop to marvel at, or question, how an erect 🍆 can expand and then relax, do we? We just accept that it's designed to do its thing. So why do we doubt the incredible, adaptive power of the va**na, which is literally designed for this very purpose?!

Trust your body. It knows what it's doing. You are amazing! 💪

Believe. Breathe. Birth.

Claire x

**napower

20/07/2025

"I can do this because I am doing this." This affirmation isn't just words, it's a powerful reminder of the incredible strength and resilience we find when we're in the thick of it. Whether you're in labour, navigating contractions, or just getting through another day of pregnancy, remember you're already showing up, you're already strong, and you are absolutely capable. You've got this because, well, you're literally doing it! 💪

Believe. Breathe. Birth.

Claire x

14/07/2025

👶 Are you pregnant and due in November, December or January?

Join my Complete Birth Preparation Group Course and empower yourself AND your birth partner for labour & delivery!

Starting Sunday, 12th October, I invite you and your birth partner to join me for a transformative 4-week journey at the lovely Highland Gate Hotel in Stirling. This group course offers a supportive and empowering environment where you'll connect with other expectant parents while gaining the knowledge and tools to navigate labour and delivery with confidence.

As a qualified secondary school teacher with 15 years of experience, I bring a passion for education and a commitment to creating a positive learning experience. I also speak from personal experience, having benefited greatly from antenatal education and hypnobirthing during my second pregnancy and birth.

Throughout the course, we'll explore a wide range of topics, including:

✨Understanding the stages of labour and the role of hormones
✨Harnessing the power of mindset and identifying/addressing any birth fears
✨Exploring various comfort measures and effective labour positions
✨Learning how to write a birth plan and advocate for the birth you desire
✨Practicing relaxation and visualisation techniques through hypnobirthing

This is more than just a class; it's an investment in your journey to parenthood. Join me, and let's empower you to welcome your baby with confidence and joy!

Course Details:
Start Date: Sunday, October 12th
Location: The Highland Gate Hotel, Stirling
Time: 2.5 hours per session (x4 sessions)
Early Bird Discount: Book before Sept 12th and save!

Don't miss this opportunity to embrace a positive and empowering birth experience. Register now and embark on this exciting chapter with confidence! Link in bio.

Believe. Breathe. Birth.

Claire x