About Birth Boss

Me for new about 3.jpg — Ellie Dunkley

-founder of Birth Boss

I am a hypnobirthing & antenatal educator trained by Katharine Graves (KGH) a Royal College of Midwives accredited course); a birth and postnatal doula trained by Kicki Hansard at the Birth Bliss Academy; a birth trauma practitioner trained by Alex Heath at the College of Perinatal Mental Health; and a trainee breastfeeding counsellor providing support with- breastfeeding, chest feeding and human lactation with the Association of Breastfeeding Mothers (ABM).
I’m a mum of two, a positive birth enthusiast and a believer in the strength of good postnatal support.

my hypnobirthing story: how it began

Whilst expecting my daughter in 2016, I was probably like most mums-to-be out there, excited to meet my little one and for the journey ahead, but also anxious about the experience of birth itself.

I had resigned myself to the belief that, whilst the birth would probably be painful, it was (in the grand scheme of things anyway) a relatively short-term pain for long-term gain.

Like most of my friends before me, I signed up to an NCT class. I hoped to learn a little bit more about the birth process, but mainly to make some mum pals to share maternity leave with. Friends who might be up for a chat at 2am whilst doing the night feeds!

I read that hypnobirthing could allow me to have a shorter, less painful labour and that I might not need the drugs I had been expecting to demand immediately on the first twinge!

This hypno business was worth a shot, I thought!

So my partner and I went along to our first session, sceptical but intrigued about what we would learn. Three hours later, after our first session, we were both absolutely sold!

Everything that had been explained to us was so logical. There was no big secret, weird hippy chanting or "fanny magic" involved at all. There were practical things we could take away and do (and not do) to make birth a better experience.

I went on to have a wonderfully empowering experience with the birth of my daughter in 2016. You can read my full birth story here. I began raving about the wonders of hypnobirthing – sharing my insight with every pregnant person I encountered.

When expecting my son in 2018, I was actually looking forward to giving birth again!

Following the birth of my son, I decided that I wanted to invest more of my time into letting others know that birth doesn’t have to be something we just endure, but something to enjoy and be proud of. Something which can positively impact how we feel about our ability to parent, to give us confidence and improve our transition into parenthood.

Behold, Birth Boss was born!

Read my positive birth stories

the birth boss philosophy - my approach

The first thing I want to say is - I am not the Birth Boss - you are!

I provide a source of support to women and birthing people which: helps them to feel prepared and in the best position to give birth; offers practical and emotional support during birth and the postnatal period; and helps parents who are struggling with a difficult birth experience to draw on their own healing abilities.

I believe that a positive birth experience sets us up for the best start to parenthood.

I also believe that if you didn’t get the birth you wanted and you’re struggling to come to terms with that, I can help you with resolution and moving forward, perhaps even, a better birth next time around.

I am accepting of your birth and parenting choices. I do not aim to push any agenda of what the ‘ideal’ birth or postnatal period should look like.

I understand that your individual circumstances are unique. There is no "one size fits all" when it comes to birth or parenting. I am enthusiastic about helping you achieve the birth and parenthood experience you want.

So, whether you are electing to have a caesarean birth or a home water birth, whether you are planning to co-sleep or sleep train, I endeavour to provide you with all of the information you need to feel confident in your choices.

I will give you all of the tools and teach you techniques which will assist you in having the best possible birth experience.

Hypnobirthing is applicable and hugely beneficial to ALL births.

It is my firm belief that it is not how we give birth that matters, but how we feel about how we give birth that’s important. How you as a mother and a parent feel about your birth experience, will stay with you. If we can make these feelings positive, we set ourselves up for the best start in parenthood.

A positive birth experience can lead to:

increased maternal/paternal satisfaction
lower risk of suffering postnatal depression
better informed partners who are able to provide greater support during the birth itself and postnatally
the foundation for a stronger bond with your baby

Birth Boss is on a mission to grow a community of empowered women and parents, not afraid to share their positive birth stories, so that they can inspire others to take a more proactive approach to their birth preparation and stack the odds in their favour of totally bossing their birth!

Come join our community!

a safe pair of hands

I am a trained KGHypnobirthing teacher - a Royal College of Midwives accredited course, a trained birth and postnatal doula by the Birth Bliss Academy and a trained birth trauma practitioner specialising in the three step rewind technique with the College of Perinatal Mental Health.

I am insured by BGI Insurance | Risk Management.

For more information on KGHypnobirthing, click on their logo

For more information on the Birth Bliss Academy, click on their logo

For more information on TBR College of Perinatal Emotional Health, click on their logo.

Further training I’ve undertaken:

I am committed to maintaining my knowledge about birth by attending regular training so that I can continue to provide my clients with the most up to date information. I am insured by Holistic Insurance Services.

Doula UK Introductory Workshop & ongoing mentoring

LGBTQ+ Competency in Birth and Beyond

Bio Mechanics for Birth

Birth Boss courses

Ready to begin your journey into parenthood feeling calm, confident and in control? Head over to my courses page and find the one that’s right for you.

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Want to discuss how my doula or trauma services can help you? Simply book in a time which suits you for a FREE 30 minute consultation.

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Image credit: Mum breastfeeding by Maple Hollow Photography