Breathing techniques
Simple, practical breathing techniques to help you stay calm and focused through each stage of labour.
Calm Birthing Course
Our midwife-led calm birthing course helps you build confidence and ease anxiety before labour and birth. Across two relaxed 90-minute sessions, you and your birth partner learn breathing, relaxation and visualisation techniques you can use in any birth setting. It is evidence-based, practical and accessible from the comfort of your own home.
Available atLPC City (E1)
What is the calm birthing course?
Our calm birthing course is an evidence-based programme designed to build your confidence and reduce fear around labour and birth. It is facilitated by an experienced midwife with specialist training in calm birth education.
The course runs across two 90-minute sessions, giving you time to learn, practise and ask questions at a pace that suits you. Sessions explore the mind-body connection and how to work with your body during labour, rather than against it.
Why calm birth preparation can help
Many parents come to us feeling nervous about labour, unsure what to expect, or carrying worries from a previous birth. Learning what happens in the body during labour — and having simple techniques ready to use — can make the experience feel less daunting.
The course focuses on preparation you can genuinely use on the day, whether that means staying grounded through contractions, keeping your breathing steady, or helping your birth partner know exactly how to support you.
What the course covers
Relaxation and visualisation
Relaxation and visualisation practices designed to support a calm and positive birth experience.
Mind-body connection
An understanding of the mind-body connection and how to work with your body during labour.
Tools for your birth partner
Practical tools and techniques for both the birthing person and their birth partner, so you feel supported together.
Birth preferences and choices
Guidance on birth preferences, informed decision-making and understanding the options available to you.
Any birth setting
Preparation suitable for all birth settings — home, midwife-led unit or hospital.
Who the course is for
The calm birthing course suits a wide range of expectant parents, whether this is your first baby or you are preparing for a birth after a difficult previous experience.
- First-time parents who want to feel informed and prepared before labour begins.
- Anyone feeling anxious or fearful about birth who would like practical, calming techniques.
- Parents preparing for a home birth, a midwife-led unit or a hospital birth.
- Birthing people who want their birth partner to feel confident supporting them on the day.
- Those revisiting birth preparation after a previous birth that felt overwhelming or unplanned.
Good to know
- Available online (Zoom or telephone) or face-to-face.
- Same-day (phone or online) and weekend appointments available.
- 5* rated service on Google, Trustpilot and Doctify.
- We work with insurance companies — please get in touch to enquire.
- Delivered across two 90-minute sessions, at a pace that suits you.
- Facilitated by an experienced midwife with specialist training in calm birth education.
Calm birthing course — your questions answered
How is the course structured?
The calm birthing course is delivered across two 90-minute sessions. This gives you enough time to learn each technique, practise it, and return to ask questions, without feeling rushed.
The course is accessible from the comfort of your own home and moves at a pace that suits you, so you can absorb everything comfortably before your baby arrives.
Can my birth partner take part?
Yes. The course includes practical tools and techniques for both the birthing person and their birth partner. Involving your partner means you can practise together and they will know exactly how to support you during labour.
Many parents find that having a shared language and a set of agreed techniques helps them feel like a team on the day.
Is the course suitable if I am planning a hospital birth?
Absolutely. The techniques you learn are suitable for all birth settings — whether you are planning a home birth, a midwife-led unit or a hospital birth. The breathing, relaxation and visualisation practices can be used wherever you give birth, and whatever turn your labour takes.
When should I take the calm birthing course?
There is no single right time, but many parents choose to complete the course in the second or third trimester, so the techniques are fresh and well-practised before labour begins. If you would like guidance on timing for your circumstances, our midwives are happy to advise.
If you have concerns about your pregnancy or your baby's wellbeing, contact your midwife, GP or maternity unit promptly.
Will the course cover my birth preferences?
Yes. Alongside the breathing and relaxation techniques, the course includes guidance on birth preferences, informed decision-making and understanding your options. This helps you feel more confident having conversations with your maternity team and making choices that are right for you.
If you would like a dedicated, in-depth session focused solely on your birth plan, our midwives also offer a separate birth planning appointment.
Does this replace my NHS antenatal care?
No. The calm birthing course is designed to complement your existing antenatal care, not replace it. You should continue to attend your appointments with your NHS midwife or maternity team.
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for guidance specific to your individual circumstances.
Contact
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Sources & clinical references
The figures and clinical statements on this page are drawn from the sources below. Guidance evolves — always discuss your individual circumstances with a clinician.
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)Antenatal care (NG201) — recommendations on preparing for labour and birth, birth preferences and shared decision-making2021
- NHS — Best Start in LifeAntenatal and hypnobirthing classes
- NHSWhere to give birth: the options
- Cochrane Database of Systematic ReviewsRelaxation techniques for pain management in labour2018
- Tommy'sFear of childbirth (tokophobia)