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

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

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!

Cain Weibel

04/02/2021

Joanna has helped us transform our nerves and anxiety into calm and controlled excitement and we are now both looking forward to meeting our baby. The Hypnobirthing course is great for any expectant parents no matter what past experience they have had. Thank you so much

Mrs S Kirkman

11/01/2021

I did the Three Step Rewind technique with Jo over 3 sessions via Zoom and I must say that I thoroughly recommend it. Jo has a very calming, kind manner which makes it very easy to relax and go through the visualisation process with her. I would definitely say that the technique has made a positive difference to how I feel.

Emily Smith

23/12/2020

I highly recommend Jo's classes to any newly expectant parents. We attended in early 2020 a few months ahead of my due date. At this time we didn't know what was coming with COVID and the techniques and hypnosis we learned during Jo's classes were invaluable to me. With the situation changing all the time and birth partners unable to attend until established labour everything I learned helped me to stay at home for as long as possible as well as stay calm and focused when I was in hospital alone. I felt empowered and so did my birth partner. Due to the pandemic some of my birth plan had to change but I always felt in full control of my decisions and that I had made the best choices for myself and my baby. I would totally recommend a face to face introduction to hypnobirthing and the fact that Jo is a practicing midwife at the local trust meant that we felt well informed ahead of my labour. Thank you Jo

Lucy Duncalfe

22/12/2020

I am so grateful to Joanna for the expert support and guidance she gave me during my second pregnancy. I gave birth to my baby in May- during lockdown. I had previously practised hypnobirthing with my first child 3 and a half years prior and knew that I wanted a refresher but I had put it off because I wasn’t sure I wanted support via Zoom or that it would be useful. I decided to contact Joanna and as soon as I heard her friendly voice over the phone I cried! I realised just how stressed and anxious I was about having my baby during the pandemic and the uncertainty that surrounded it all. Joanna couldn’t have been more understanding, empathetic and knowledgeable. We later had a Zoom video call and she made me feel so comfortable to discuss my concerns. It wasn’t at all awkward online. She listened carefully and then talked through all options open to me to ensure I felt in control of the decisions I was making but also to accept that plans can change and whatever was to happen I would be ok. Her professional experience as a midwife and her current knowledge of the hospital meant she could give me a really clear and up to date insight into everything. My partner was unable to be at the birth due to shielding and this was causing me the most upset. I also had a last minute panic that I wouldn’t remember how to use hypnobirthing to remain calm when the time came. Joanna worked with my previous hypnobirthing experience and was immediately able to remind me that I was capable of being calm and in control during labour. Alongside breathing techniques and positive affirmations, we practised visualisations which was something I hadn’t used properly before. During labour the visualisations were absolute magic! I didn’t require any pain relief and remained completely calm throughout. I was at my favourite place by the sea in my head the whole time! I am so grateful for Joanna’s guidance and support and can’t recommend her highly enough.

Katie Marcham

21/12/2020

My husband and I attended The Wise Hippo Sussex Hypnobirthing course with Joanna earlier this year and we have nothing but high praise for our experience! The course helped me to feel calm, relaxed and positive in late pregnancy and then supported me in birthing my beautiful baby boy. My husband (birth partner) was provided with tools to support me and said he witnessed how much the hypnobirthing was helping me. Despite it being in the middle of a pandemic, when I look back at the experience of giving birth I feel so positive. I know the hypnobirthing course was a huge part of that and I am still using the tools I learnt today in motherhood. We are so grateful to Joanna and would highly recommend!

Lucy Jones

13/10/2020

Fully informative and relaxing. The remote format during Covid period worked really well.

Thomas Adami

25/07/2020

We thoroughly enjoyed our hypnobirthing class and were very grateful Jo was able to provide the class virtually even in Covid Lockdown when most other classes and courses were not running! Both Tom and I learnt a lot and were pleased to meet a lovely group of fellow expect first time parents. would definitely recommend to others. Thanks again Jo - Francesca, Tom & Baby George Adami xx

Maria Grompou

11/06/2020

I cannot recommend Jo enough! She is very communicative and knowledgeable. Her lovely calming voice, the breathing techniques and relaxation scripts help me and my partner enjoy my pregnancy and actually look forward to the day our baby arrives. The classes are also very useful for my birth partner because he feels he is a part of the whole experience. Jo and her classes help us feel comfortable and make informative decisions about pregnancy, labour and birth.

Matt McDonald

09/06/2020

Jo was absolutely outstanding. Katie has really benefited from many of the practises she has taught. The programme has really helped us to prepare for the arrival of our daughter. Can't recommend enough