About me

Hello, I’m Joy, antenatal teacher, perinatal therapist, and trusted local expert based in Winchburgh. Over the last 20 years, I’ve helped thousands of parents across West Lothian and beyond prepare for the exciting (and often overwhelming) experience of pregnancy, birth and new parenthood. I’m not just someone who teaches this stuff, I’ve lived it. I’ve navigated birth, the postnatal rollercoaster, and the emotional upheaval that can come with it. Now, I help people feel informed, calm, and emotionally ready, whatever their path to parenthood looks like. Let’s be honest: it’s not just about knowing how labour starts or what a muslin is for. You deserve support that helps you feel emotionally strong, confident, and seen. When I was pregnant with my son, I found myself drowning in conflicting advice and fear of the unknown. I was overwhelmed and, quite honestly, lost in a sea of information and when things got really tough, I didn’t have the emotional support I so badly needed. That lack of support led to severe postnatal depression, which left me feeling isolated, anxious, and unsure how to find my way forward in those early, fragile months of motherhood. That experience has never left me, and it’s exactly why I do this work. I don’t want anyone else to feel that alone. I’m here to offer the kind of support I wish I’d had: clear, compassionate, and grounded in real understanding. Whether you’re navigating pregnancy anxiety, birth trauma, or just the emotional weight of becoming a parent, you deserve to feel seen and supported. I’m passionate about helping people find their voice, feel confident in their choices, and rebuild trust in themselves whether that’s through my antenatal courses or gentle trauma recovery sessions. I’m not here to tell you what to do. I’m here to walk alongside you, offering tools, knowledge and connection to make the path ahead feel that bit lighter, clearer, and calmer. As an antenatal educator, I run in-person antenatal courses in Linlithgow for parents who want to feel more than just “prepared”. You’ll leave feeling informed, empowered and emotionally equipped, with a clearer understanding of birth, your options, and the kind of community support that can carry you through early parenthood. Alongside my core antenatal courses, I also work as a perinatal therapist, offering one-to-one trauma and anxiety support for those navigating the emotional impact of pregnancy, birth or the postnatal period. Whether you're processing a previous traumatic birth, feeling anxious about an upcoming labour, or struggling with intrusive memories or emotions that just won’t shift, I offer a safe, gentle space to help you move forward. Whether this is your first baby or your fifth, you deserve support that addresses both the practical and emotional sides of becoming a parent. My work is evidence-based, non-judgemental, and rooted in the belief that with the right tools and support, you can feel more confident and connected, whatever your path looks like. My Approach: Evidence-Based, Compassionate, and Personal I believe that knowledge is power but feeling emotionally supported throughout pregnancy, birth and early parenthood is just as important. That’s why everything I offer is grounded in evidence, rooted in empathy, and delivered in a way that actually helps. With training in both adult education and perinatal mental health, I design my sessions to be interactive, practical and real. You won’t find lectures, judgement or a one-size-fits-all approach here. Instead, we focus on open conversation, hands-on learning and real-life examples that leave you feeling confident, informed and emotionally prepared. Whether you’re flying solo, in a couple, same-sex, IVF, rainbow pregnancy, or just figuring it out as you go, you’re welcome. You’ll be given the tools and support you need to thrive, in a space that truly sees you. A Little About Me When I’m not talking birth, I’m probably out with my dog in muddy boots, singing badly in the kitchen whilst baking, or disappearing into a true crime audio book. My shoe collection is unnecessary. My crush on Matt Bomer is fully justified. I believe in small joys, swearing when needed, and support that feels like a deep breath. That’s what I bring to everything I do. If you’re pregnant, processing a past experience, or just want a space to feel less alone, I’d love to welcome you in.

Education

DipHE Antenatal Education (2010)

BD Hons Divinity Pastoral Care & Counselling (1998)

Certification and training

COSCA Cert. Counselling Skills (1999)

Hypnobirthing Mama Serene (2019)

Aromatherapy for Childbirth (2021)

Specialties

Languages

English

Service introduction

Imagine feeling totally confident about your baby’s birth, knowing that you have tools to feel calm and in control of your birth experience however it happens! I offer realistic and evidence based childbirth education for mum-to-be and their birth partners both in person and online. Hypnobirthing focussed antenatal courses - looking at the ethos of hypnobirthing but traditional antenatal course topics too. Power Up Your Birth Skills workshops - increasing your confidence by looking at self-help skills for labour and birth.

Packages

Ratings and reviews