I was recently contacted by The Express newspaper in response to recent speculation on when the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will announce their second pregnancy. With Meghan turning 38 this month, the discussion about "older mothers" has resurfaced, which can lead to mums feeling pressured to fall pregnant as soon as possible after their first birth. However recent research shows that waiting 12 months is the safest option for mothers.

And whilst some hospitals put you in the older mother category at 35, some set this at 40. However the most important factor is the mother's health, not her age.

Read the full article here.

Congratulating Ella (@DeliciouslyElla) and Matt Mills on the birth of their daughter, Skye, on Saturday, I feel absolute delight when I hear about a birth like this thanks to our teaching. The empowering birth which Ella experienced didn’t just happen – it was the result of the rational choices she made.  She chose to do a KGHypnobirthing class and she and Matt put in the daily practice needed to help her have a calm and confident mindset.  Her husband Matt attended the KGHypnobirthing course too, so he was fully prepared to support Ella in her choices.  Having expert support from those around her meant that she could focus on listening to her body and birthing baby Skye gently and normally.

Entrepreneur and influencer, Rachel Hunt, recently came to Katharine’s KGHypnobirthing parents courses at St Thomas’ hospital with her husband Sam and has written a wonderful review of her experience.

Being Rachel’s first pregnancy, she was feeling bombarded by people asking how she was going to give birth. She was struggling to answer the question, until, she says, “I discovered hypnobirthing.” She had heard friends talk about hypnobirthing but didn’t really know what it was. She already knew she wanted a natural birth, but beyond that, had no idea apart from wanting her husband Sam to be as involved as possible.

Being a birth partner can be a daunting experience. You may question how you can help the mother throughout her pregnancy and birth but your role is vital in ensuring both mother and baby have a positive birth experience. Netdoctor recently contacted me to discuss the role and importance of birth partners before, during and after labour.

The full interview can be read here.