Introduction
Welcome to the BPIAB Full Birth Preparation and Hypnobirthing Course
Work your way through the sections in your own time. You’ll find links to trusted resources in two ways:
Within the transcript text, where relevant
By clicking the 'Find Resources' button like the one below:
Find Resources
If you’ve already completed the free Birth Prep Essentials course, feel free to skip ahead to the Environment section to avoid repeated content.
What to Expect from the Course
This course offers a clear, creative, and evidence-based approach to birth preparation. Whether you’re browsing to see if it’s the right fit or already ready to begin, you’re in the right place.
You’ll explore topics including:
The hormones of labour – what they do, how they feel, and how to support them
Stages of labour – from the earliest signs to after the birth
Your birth environment – and how to make it work for you
Where to birth – exploring your options and preferences
Body awareness – including biomechanics and baby positioning
The fourth trimester – preparing for the early postnatal weeks
Rights and decision-making – including how to write a flexible, values-led birth plan
This course is designed to work with all learning styles — it’s not just reading or talking. You’ll find visual prompts, engaging video, real-world examples, and accompanying cards from the Birth Prep In A Box toolkit shown on-screen throughout.
If you’d like to enhance your learning, you can purchase your own set of the Birth Prep In A Box cards, which include bonus information, birth planning tips, and reflection prompts.
Once you’ve finished this course, you also have the option to continue into the Hypnobirthing section, with access to MP3s and a deeper understanding of how hypnobirthing works for both brain and body.
Where possible, I recommend working through the course with your birth partner. It’s so valuable to prepare together — to reflect, learn, and build confidence side by side.
Throughout, you’ll find signposts to reliable resources, all carefully selected to help you take your learning further — not by falling down a search engine rabbit hole, but by connecting with thoughtful, evidence-based information.
Thanks so much for being here.
Let’s get started — together.
Warmly,
Sarah x
Doula, hypnobirthing teacher & birth photographer
How It Works
This course is designed to be flexible, visual, and tailored to your learning style. Here’s how to get the most out of it:
1. Choose your format
Each topic includes three ways to take in the information:
A clear image of the Birth Prep In A Box card
A short video or audio with spoken guidance
A written transcript to read at your own pace
Choose the format that suits you best — or mix and match.
2. Pick two methods for better learning
You don’t need to use all three formats every time, but I recommend choosing at least two. For example, you might read the card first and then watch the video to reinforce it.
This kind of gentle repetition supports memory and helps the information really stick.
3. Explore further with the Resource Library
At the bottom of each page, you’ll find a ‘Find Resources’ button.
Clicking this will take you to curated links for that topic — including evidence-based articles, podcasts, videos, and further reading to help you explore in more depth (without getting lost in a search engine spiral).
4. Book a recap call
You’re welcome to book a recap call at any point with me (Sarah) or one of our trained facilitators.
This optional 1:1 (or 2:1) session can be used to:
Recap specific course topics
Talk through your birth rights and choices
Ask questions about your personal situation
Write or review your birth plan
Build confidence in your birth partner’s role
…and anything else you need support with.
5. Mark each section complete — when you’re ready
Click the ‘Complete Step’ button once you’re happy with the content. You can return to any section at any time — there’s no pressure to get it all in one go.