Shannon Doughty
Founder & Hypnobirthing Instructor
Hi, I'm Shannon, founder of Doughty Birth Co., a qualified teacher, mum of two and self-confessed birth nerd.
My love of all things pregnancy and birth began during my first pregnancy, when I discovered hypnobirthing and became fascinated by how birth works, what our bodies are capable of and the choices available to us.
My first birth, in hospital, showed me the importance of knowledge, adapatability and informed consent. My second birth was a homebirth and a completely different and utterly amazing experience. These two very different births have shaped who I am today and inspired me to go into birthwork thus Doughty Birth Co. was founded after the birth of my second child.
I'm a qualified antenatal and hypnobirthing practitioner, trained infant feeding supporter, and a local Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnership (MNVP) volunteer. My aim is to help parents feel informed, prepared and confident as they navigate pregnancy, birth and the fourth trimester.
Birth can and should be an amazing, positive experience. The birth of your child is a huge moment in your life and should be treated as such. It is important that you feel comfortable with the way your child enters the world.
There certainly isn't one “right” way to give birth. I believe you deserve to understand how birth works, know your options and understand your rights so that you can make informed decisions about your care. To me informed consent is valued above all else; it is the absolute foundation of birth preparation because true confidence begins when you know your voice matters.
Hypnobirthing isn't about guaranteeing a particular type of birth. It's about giving you practical tools and knowledge that can help you approach birth with confidence, whatever your birth ultimately looks like.
I want you to feel comfortable asking questions, challenging something that doesn't feel right, changing your mind and advocating for yourself when you need to. And I want you to know that informed choice doesn't mean making every decision alone. Sometimes the right choice for you will be an unexpected intervention, a change of plan or to do nothing and wait. Being informed means understanding your options and being an active part of those decisions.
My role isn't to tell you how to birth your baby. It's to help you feel prepared to navigate your birth in the way that feels right for you.
My Birth Philosophy
Why Doughty Birth Co.?
Doughty is my surname but it also means brave, determined and persistent: qualities that feel very fitting for birth, parenthood and the journey into both.
At Doughty Birth Co., our aim is to help you navigate your pregnancy journey, labour and early days of parenthood embracing those qualities. I want you to leave Doughty Birth Co. feeling like you have the knowledge, confidence and voice to be an active participant in your own care.
Brave enough to ask questions.
Determined enough to make informed choices.
Persistent enough to speak up when you need to.
And I will be with you every step of the way, with ongoing support even when your course is finished.
That's why Doughty Birth Co. is the best choice for you.