Antenatal Education, Hypnobirthing & Birth Preparation.
Understanding, preparation, and calm for your birth.
Hi, I’m Rachel.
I’m an antenatal educator, birth enthusiast, occupational therapist (OT), and mother. I combine professional expertise with personal experience to guide and empower parents through pregnancy and birth.
I used to feel faint whenever I heard birth stories — the thought of labour made me anxious. But everything changed after I discovered hypnobirthing. After experiencing two completely transformational births, I realised how much the right preparation, mindset, and environment can transform the experience. Now, I’m driven to change the narrative for others, helping them approach birth with confidence rather than fear.
I’m passionate about challenging the idea that birth is something you just “go with” or “see what happens on the day.” I believe birth is something you do, not something that happens to you. My goal is to empower you and your birth partner to take an active role, so you can feel calm, confident, and in control — and experience a birth that is positive, personal, and empowering.
I trained with The Birth Uprising to deliver comprehensive antenatal education. My courses cover practical, evidence-based techniques to support relaxation, coping strategies, and partner involvement — all designed to help you feel calm, prepared, and in control on the day. Note: this is educational guidance and evidence-based preparation, not medical advice.
As a practising Occupational Therapist, I bring a unique lens to birth preparation. I understand motivation, the power of thought, and how the environment shapes experience. This informs my approach: creating strategies, exercises, and environments that help you feel confident, supported, and able to engage actively in your birth journey.
Rachel Box McGilp
Registration number OT083346
My Offering
I offer the following core services:
1:1 Hypnobirthing Course
Personalised, calm, and confidence-building support tailored to your unique birth journey.
Group Hypnobirthing Course
Connect, learn, and build confidence alongside other parents in a supportive group environment.
Birth Preparation Power Hour
A focused, personalised session to help you gain clarity, confidence, and practical strategies for your birth.
1:1 Hypnobirthing Course
Four 2-hour sessions · Online or In Person
Each session is engaging, practical and evidence-based, covering all aspects of hypnobirthing — breathing, relaxation, visualisation and partner support.
This is for you if:
- You want personalised support that reflects your specific circumstances, preferences and concerns
- You have questions or anxieties you'd like time to properly explore and work through
- You'd value a course shaped around you, rather than following a fixed group structure
Group Hypnobirthing Course
Four 2-hour sessions · Online or In Person
Practical, evidence-based and interactive, covering all key aspects of hypnobirthing: relaxation techniques, coping strategies and partner involvement.
This is for you if:
- You're happy to follow a structured course alongside other parents preparing for birth
- You'd find it helpful to hear others' questions and experiences as part of your learning
- You're looking for a supportive, guided introduction to hypnobirthing
Birth Preparation Power Hour
Single focused session · Online or In Person
This session draws on hypnobirthing principles and my OT expertise, guiding you to make informed decisions, build calm, and approach your birth with confidence.
This is for you if:
- You want help making decisions about your birth preferences or plan
- You're feeling unsure about a specific aspect of birth and want clear, practical guidance
- You'd like a focused session to sense-check your preparation and feel more confident moving forward
My Approach
My approach to birth preparation is uniquely informed by my background as an Occupational Therapist (OT) and my expertise as a hypnobirthing educator. By drawing on evidence-based strategies, I help you understand how thoughts, motivation, and your environment shape your birth experience. Every technique and resource I provide is designed to be practical, empowering, and tailored to your unique journey.
This professional perspective ensures that while I do not provide medical advice, the guidance you receive is rooted in research and clinical practice. My goal is to help you and your birth partner build the resilience and confidence needed to navigate your birth experience with a sense of calm and control.
All courses include: comprehensive resources, a tailored birth plan template, and personalised exercises. From 36 weeks, you will receive ongoing support to ensure you feel fully prepared, informed, and ready to take an active role in your birth.
Work with me
Birth preparation is a deeply personal journey. I believe in the importance of connecting and listening first, ensuring we are the right fit for each other before moving forward.
Please feel free to get in touch using any of the options below:
Alternatively, please fill in the contact form below