Useful Links

National Useful Links

aims.org.uk Association for Improvement in Maternity Services
homebirth.org.uk Support and research based information for those considering a homebirth
facebook.com/groups/189924444377031 Midsussexhomebirthgroup.co.uk – Local homebirth group
birthrights.org.uk Birth Rights
laleche.org.uk A friendly breastfeeding support site

Sussex Useful Links

bsuh.nhs.uk Brighton and Sussex University Hospital website
SweetWrappers.co.uk Baby Carrying Consultancy & Sling Library for Mid Sussex
echobabyphotography.co.uk Newborn Photography by Sally Clarke: From Bump to Birth & Beyond. 10% discount for Wise Hippo Sussex families
parentsbook.co.uk – Harriet Gibbs Health Visitor professional parenting advice and sleep support.
richingshealth.com Pregnancy and postnatal massage
sussex-cranial.co.uk Osteopath for mothers and babies – Tracey Cambridge
lactationconsultancy.com – Hilary Sparkes
thescanningroom.co.uk The Scanning Room ultrasound service
unityfertility.co.uk Fertility and Pregnancy Specialists
theheelercentre.co.uk Acupuncturist Mo Froud
bsuhmaternityvoices.co.uk Forum for maternity service users, providers of care and commissioners of services to work together to continually improve care
postivebirthmovement.org – A global movement, spreading positivity about childbirth
yourbirthchoice.co.uk Doula service with Lydia Retusch- Webb
purereflections-babymassage.co.uk baby massage
anderssonfirstaidtraining.co.uk Sussex based First Aid training with Katie Jardine. 15% for Wise Hippo Sussex Families.

Multiples Useful Links

twinformation.co.uk A five week Programme with specialist consultant midwife, Joanna Fitzsimons
twinstrust.org UK leading charity supporting twins, triplet and more.
multiplebirths.org.uk Supporting twin , triplets and more multiple Birth Foundation

Lizzie Zeyfert

14/02/2022

To anyone who is pregnant, I really do recommend attending the Wise Hippo Hypnobirthing course. We attended the course online as it was during the pandemic but Joanna made us feel very welcome and relaxed. The techniques we learnt helped keep me calm and level headed throughout my birthing experience. Although our birth didn't go the way we would have preferred we still had a very positive experience and that was thanks to the course as well as the staff. The course also involve my partner more in both the pregnancy and birth. The couples we met on this course have been an amazing support team and will be friends for life.

Ruth Toward

07/02/2022

We thoroughly recommend the wise hippo hypnobirthing course with Jo. Following a traumatic first birth, I was very anxious about this second birth experience but by doing this course and with the continual support from Jo, I feel so much more confident and relaxed going into this birth. I’ve been so relaxed during this pregnancy and this is 100% down to doing hypnobirthing with Jo. We did the course via zoom which worked out so well as we could relax in the comfort of our home and this was especially convenient since we already have a toddler so we didn’t need to worry about finding childcare. Thank you so much Jo!

Imogen Wade

I attended Joanna's course in August-September 2021 which was held all online via Zoom. While doing it online lacked the interactivity and collegiality of in-person, I found it much more practical and much easier to attend as the course took place in the evenings when I had to look after my older child and put her to bed. Joanna was a great instructor and I learnt a lot of new information and techniques, which I was able to use and helped to give me a positive, natural birth experience at the end of November.

alexandra sabu

31/01/2022

Joanna is the most kind and empathic midwife and trainer. It was a wonderful journey doing the hypnobirth course with her where I learned so much about my body, the birth itself and of course relaxation techniques for the big day. The course helped me a lot in the preparation for birth to stay relaxed and pacient in waiting for my baby, but also during labour by focusing on my breath and listening to the MP3s. Even though it didn't have the birth I "expected", I managed to go with the flow and make the best decisions for me and my baby. I highly recommend the hypnobirth course and especially Joanna as a trainer.

Kenny Cooling

07/01/2022

We really can not recommend Jo highly enough!! We were feeling overwhelmed by the whole process however Jo's warm and calm manner really helped us relax. We have learnt some excellent techniques to help us stay positive and by the end of each session we felt like a weight had been lifted! We completed our sessions over zoom which actually worked brilliantly as we felt even more comfortable in our own home. I particularly loved the fact that as Jo comes from a midwifery background she has a huge wealth of experience and knowledge. Jo we are so grateful for all your help and will be recommending you to all our pregnant friends!

Natasha Bright

23/08/2021

We completed the 4 week, private hypnotherapy course with Joanna via Zoom. Through her extensive experience and knowledge, Joanna offered us a fantastic level of practical information and support, tailoring the package to our individual needs. By the end of the course we felt totally different about our up and coming labour; our previous anxieties and concerns being completely reframed in our minds. The tools and strategies have given me confidence and reassurance and the ongoing practice continues to build on this as my due date draws nearer. Joanna has an extremely caring and compassionate approach which made us feel at ease straight away. Doing the course via Zoom was brilliant for us as it meant we didn't need to travel, could be comfortable at home and any Covid risks were eliminated. We didn't feel that we missed out on anything by using this medium instead of face to face- it was far more preferable for us. Joanna is a fountain of knowledge about hypnobirthing, labour in general and complimentary therapies and supports that are of interest for the like minded Mum to be! I would highly recommend this course to anyone!

Angelica & Craig

25/05/2021

We took the wise hippo classes because I had heard very positive things about hypnobirthing and wanted to feel like I understood the process of giving birth as that would help calm my nerves around it. I was drawn to Joanna's classes as she was a practising midwife, which made me feel like she'd have a complete picture of birthing experiences. The classes were all on zoom but informative and thorough with plenty of time to ask questions. I practised with my MP3s daily and repeated my positive birth affirmations and went into Labour feeling like I was doing something totally natural and I was completely capable of having the birth i'd planned. To cut a long story short - my labour was short, manageable and drug free and I ended up having our baby boy in the birthing pool within 90 minutes of arriving at hospital with my hypnobirthing tracks on repeat! I felt extremely proud of my body and delighted I got the birth I always wanted. Thank you Jo!

Richard Cooling

22/03/2021

Deciding to do this Wise Hippo course with Jo was by far the best thing we could have done to prepare for our baby to arrive. After a not so positive birth experience with our first son, it has really made us both not only feel completely confident and relaxed about this birth but also help us to understand and come to terms with our experience last time. The techniques that Jo has taught us have been so beneficial throughout the pregnancy and will no doubt be imperative during labour as well as being simple to master. Jo is so approachable and makes it known that she is always happy to answer any questions or give extra support if we need it! We did the sessions online and we could not fault them. We met some lovely people, learnt so much and came away feeling more prepared and relaxed about the birth after each session. We would recommend this course to anyone as a must! Thank you so much Jo!

Andy & Laura Madden

13/03/2021

I went to Joanna for two services, the Wise Hippo hypnobirthing course and the 3 step rewind therapy to recover and address from PND and PTSD. Both services were outstanding and I would recommend Joanna in a heartbeat. Some further info... Hypnobirthing - we had to do via zoom thanks to lockdown. I was dubious about doing it online, especially after a day of virtual work meetings. However, it was so informative, relaxed and calming, it felt like Joanna was with us in person. The information was invaluable and when mixed with Joannas midwifery expertise, her time and guidance is priceless. We've kept in touch with our fellow "hypnobirthers" which offers great support for like minded parents to be. 3 Step Rewind - again, sadly this was done over zoom but this method did not impact the therapy. I had been holding onto a past event with my first born for 4 years so I wasnt optimistic about 3 sessions changing my mind and addressing the issues. I couldn't be more wrong though! This truly works and is so powerful. Changing how your subconscious thinks really makes a difference. That dark feeling and thought that occupied my mind has done a 180 turn and I'm open minded and put the issue to rest. Joanna has such a kind nature, letting me take my time to explore the issue, offering support and a listening ear and then working her magic and skills to encourage me to think differently. I'd encourage anyone to give it a go. Joanna, you are a true angel, offering out of course advice and being a friendly person to turn to when in need. You have a heart of gold and I'm so glad you've steered me onto a positive pregnancy journey (with hopefully a positive birth, which I feel like I'm going to conquer). Thank you.

Katie Jardine

19/02/2021

My husband and I took part in Joanna's course before our daughter was born a couple of months ago. I had previously had a traumatic birth and was very worried about the birth this time round. The techniques we learnt set us up to have a relaxed and really positive experience and I was amazed at how much of a positive effect the sessions had. I thoroughly recommend this course to anyone giving birth - it helped so much!