Building a hypnobirthing business whilst on maternity leave - Ruth's journey

Ruth Wookey became a Hypnobirthing teacher, whilst on maternity leave. Read about her business journey below...

I’m Ruth, I live with my husband and two daughters in Littleborough, Rochdale, and up until very recently, I was a Secondary school English teacher! I discovered hypnobirthing during my second pregnancy when I attended a face to face group course in my local area. I found it fascinating! I read so much about birth during my pregnancy and really enjoyed preparing for the birth! Then, when I had my baby (and not just a positive, but genuinely a transformational birth, by the way!) I just didn’t stop reading! I found myself reading more birth books whilst feeding and listening to birth podcasts whilst out walking or driving around! That’s when I thought, I’m not done with this, am I? I knew that hypnobirthing wasn’t just something I’d done for myself and my daughter, but probably something I wanted to be a big part of my life in the future. So, whilst on maternity leave, I enrolled in a hypnobirthing teacher training course, and started to very slowly (during nap times!) build what is now my hypnobirthing business, Pea In The Pod Hypnobirthing.

Building a successful Hypnobirthing business during nap times 

I've taught a number of couples privately, not just my full hypnobirthing course, but also a short course and even a Gentle Caesarean course for a couple who were expecting twins and had decided to have a planned caesarean. Aside from actually teaching, I’ve built my own website, learned a lot about business & marketing (not something I’d had much experience of coming from a teaching background) and have launched my business on Social Media. I’m teaching my first group course soon, which I’m really excited about! Somehow this has all fit round my family! I think my years as a teacher (and a working mum) trained me in the art of getting loads done in next to no time, so literally, every nap time, every moment my kids are occupied, I’ve just chipped away at jobs until they kind of get done! Bluey and Hey Duggee have played a part too, of course!

Ruth shares her biggest achievements to date from her Hypnobirthing business..

The feedback I’ve had from clients has been really positive, and that feeling is amazing! I’m really proud of what my clients have achieved for themselves and I guess I feel proud of the part I’ve played in helping them realise what they are capable of! Also, as a former techno-phobe, I’m actually proud/amazed at myself for creating a website all by myself! It was time consuming but actually really enjoyable, and I am really proud of it!

What is your top tip for anyone thinking about becoming a Hypnobirthing teacher?

My biggest tip would be not to worry about having a long term plan in place before you decide to take the plunge and do it. Things will gradually start to take shape as you go. If you know you want to do it, back yourself to make a success of it!

Ruth shares her future plans for her Hypnobirthing business...

My immediate goals are to start teaching group courses regularly and build a solid local reputation in Rochdale and the surrounding areas. My priority now is making sure that everyone who does a course with me gets a truly superb experience and tells all their pregnant friends how amazing it was! I want people to leave feeling empowered and excited about birth, and ultimately, I want them to have positive birth experiences!

You can follow Ruth over on Instagram page here and her Facebook page here

Thank you Ruth for sharing your story with us. It is wonderful watching you build your business.

Feeling inspired by Ruth? Find out if you've got what it takes to become a Hypnobirthing teacher and make a difference to expectant parents by taking our short quiz here.