Birth Debrief / Afterthoughts
A safe space to process your birth
Birth is a profound life event, bringing not just physical changes but emotional and identity shifts as well. Whether your birth was straightforward or complex, planned or unexpected, the experience can stay with you in ways you may not have anticipated.
A birth debrief provides a safe, compassionate space to process your birth story—no matter what your experience was like.
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When a birth debrief can be helpful
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Birth can be exciting, overwhelming, empowering, or even traumatic. It can also be a mix of emotions that are difficult to put into words. You might:
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Feel confused or have unanswered questions about what happened
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Wonder why certain decisions were made or if you could have done anything differently
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Struggle with emotions around an unexpected birth experience.
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Be planning another pregnancy and want to work through your previous birth.
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Have had a positive birth but still want to reflect on the experience.
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Have experienced baby loss, including miscarriage, stillbirth, or neonatal loss, and need a space to process your journey with care and support.
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If your birth experience is something you think about often—whether with joy, sadness, confusion, or a mix of emotions—a birth debrief session can provide the space to reflect, heal, and move forward.
Book your birth debrief today and give yourself the time and support you deserve.
Experienced & Specialist Support – Led by Melissa, a qualified birth worker & birth trauma therapist
Tailored to You – Every session is personalised to your unique birth story & emotional needs
Compassionate, Inclusive Approach – Judgment-free support for all birth experiences & journeys
Why book a debrief with us
More Than Just a Chat – A professional, structured space to process, heal & gain clarity
Flexible & Accessible – Choose in-home, our hub, or online sessions at a time that suits you
Holistic Care – We support you beyond the debrief, helping you feel empowered moving forward.
What is a Birth Debrief / Afterthoughts Session
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A birth debrief is a one-to-one session designed to help you process your birth experience in a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space. Whether your birth was recent or years ago, talking through your experience can provide clarity, healing, and reassurance.
How Can a Birth Debrief Support You
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A birth debrief is a one-to-one session where you can:
💬 Talk openly about your birth in a supportive, non-judgmental space.
🔎 Gain clarity on what happened and explore any lingering questions.
💛 Process emotions around your birth—whether it was a positive, difficult, or unexpected experience.
🌱 Find peace and move forward, whether you are healing from trauma, preparing for another birth, or simply seeking closure.
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What Happens in a Birth Debrief
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During the session, you’ll have the opportunity to:
Talk openly about your birth – Share your thoughts, feelings, and memories in a supportive space.
Ask questions and gain clarity – Understand what happened during your birth and explore any unanswered concerns.
Process emotions – Whether your birth was positive, difficult, or unexpected, a debrief can help you work through your emotions.
Reflect with your partner – If they were present at the birth and would find it helpful, your partner is welcome to join the session.
Prepare for future births – If you’re planning another pregnancy, a debrief can help you move forward with confidence.
Every birth experience is unique, and a birth debrief is tailored to your personal story, giving you the space and time you need to reflect and heal.
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When Should You Have a Birth Debrief?
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A birth debrief can be helpful at any stage, whether your birth was:
Recent – If your experience is fresh in your mind and you need support processing it.
Months or years ago – If you still have lingering thoughts, emotions, or unanswered questions.
Before another pregnancy – If you want to understand and process your previous birth to help you feel more prepared.
After baby loss – If you have experienced miscarriage, stillbirth, or neonatal loss, a birth debrief offers a safe space to reflect, grieve, and receive compassionate support.
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There is no right or wrong time for a birth debrief. If you feel that reflecting on your birth could help you find clarity, peace, or reassurance, it’s never too late to have one.
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Where Can You Have a Birth Debrief?
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We offer birth debrief sessions in a location that feels most comfortable for you:
In Your Home – We can come to you, providing a safe and familiar space for your debrief.
At Our Hub – Join us in a welcoming and calming environment designed for support and reflection.
Online via Zoom – If you prefer a virtual session, we can connect online, allowing you to talk through your experience from the comfort of your home.
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No matter where or when you choose to have a birth debrief, you’ll receive compassionate, understanding support to help you process your birth in the way that feels right for you.
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How old should my baby be?For Baby Massage we recommend your baby is at least 4 weeks old until they are crawling (typically 6 / 7 months).
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Can my partner / grandparent also attend?Yes! We love to see partners and grandparents in our groups, we do ask that you let us know in advance so we can setup the environment to ensure everyone has enough space.
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What if I miss a sessionThese things happen, please don't worry. After the first session you will receive free access to our 4 week online course so you can redo this at home, having access to our 4 week online baby massage course means you can do the course over and over again. During our sessions we build the moves week up-on week so even if you do miss a session you will pick up the moves the following week.
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I have twins, can I attend?Absolutely! I am Twin Massage certified, which means you just need to book 1 space for you and your 2 babies. Baby Massage is one of the only classes you can do with both babies, their are a number of different ways in which we can do the class: You can massage both babies at the same time You can massage one baby this week and one baby next week You can massage one baby and I will massage the other This is all dependent upon what you're comfortable with and we can change this up every session. Please give me a heads up when you book so I can make sure you have enough resources for the 2 babies. If you do wish for another adult to come to massage your other baby then you will need to book 2 separate spaces.
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What if my baby has a medical condition?Whilst baby massage can greatly assist with many normal baby discomforts, if baby has any additional medical conditions we would recommend that you get consent from your GP prior to attending, once you've got this consent and you are both ready to attend then we will be there to support you every step of the way.
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What if my baby wants to feed / sleep / needs a nappy change?Our classes are completely baby led, if your baby needs a feed / sleep / cuddle / change then this is all normal and you will be encouraged to attend to the needs of your little one. You can feed / change / cuddle baby on your mat but we also provide changing tables & sofas if you want to be more comfortable.
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Is Baby Massage safe for premature babies?Yes! There are so many incredible benefits of baby massage and research has shown that premature babies can hugely benefit from the power of positive touch. It has been proven how baby massage can help with weight gain, aiding the development and function of the digestive system and in encouraging the bonding process (along with many others).
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How many people are in the class?We restrict the numbers on all of our group classes to a maximum of 12 babies in order to maintain an intimate atmosphere. We always set up in a circle structure and keeping the numbers to 12 allows us to create an environment where mums feel comfortable to share and feel supported. Being in a circle allows us to connect to other mums and create lasting friendships without feeling left out in any way.
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Can 2 people attend a class?Yes, you are more than welcome to bring your partner, mum, dad, friend, or whomever else you want to the session. All we ask is that you let us know in advance so so that we can make sure there is room for everyone.
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What if I miss a session?We know sometimes things come up or you or your baby get poorly. In the event that you have to miss a class, please do let us know if you can. Any course materials that can be sent to you from that week will be. Each class something new is added into the routine, so if you're unable to catch up on your own, we'll be able to go through it during the following session.
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How old should my baby be?Baby Stretch & Sing is perfect for babies from 12 weeks old to 10 months old.
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How many people are in the class?We restrict the numbers on all of our group classes to a maximum of 12 babies in order to maintain an intimate atmosphere. The class is setup so the weekly theme is in the middle of the group and attendees are setup around the theme. This ensures we are able to keep the classes intimate and so that mums feel supported and welcomed throughout.
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What are your T&C's?Please find all our T&C's here: https://www.beyondthebumpwarwickshire.co.uk/terms?fbclid=IwAR3NmYzU_KmCi5jEgWhmm0iqtrqDvt7EixxsHm3lWGmpZMSpTFiL1y1EakM
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Where can I find Beyond the Bump HubBeyond the Bump is located at Squab Hall Farm, Harbury Lane, Leamington Spa, CV33 9QB. Prior to attending your session you will be sent all of the details on how to find us and the barrier codes.
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ParkingBeyond the Bump Hub has ample FREE onsite parking. For day time sessions you will park in the car park diagonally across from Beyond the Bump Hub (50m). For evening sessions you may park directly outside Beyond the Bump Hub.
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FacilitiesBeyond the Bump Hub has onsite toilet facilities and a kitchenette where hot and cold drinks can be made.
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Are there baby changing facilities on site?Yes, we have a change table within our venue, and you are more than welcome to change your baby anywhere in the unit that you are comfortable. There is also a baby change unit at the cafe on site.
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Are there toilets on site?Yes, there are toilets on site. They are located in a separate venue just outside our unit. Umbrellas are provided in case it is raining.
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Are there places to feed my baby?Yes, our venue is feeding friendly, whether that is breast or bottle. We have comfortable chairs and a sofa that you can sit and feed in, or if your comfortable you can feed on the floor during class. We have a kettle and can provide hot water if you need it for formula making.
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Can my partner attend?Yes, our Pregnancy Classes, Antenatal Courses and Refresher Antenatal Courses are for 2 people. This could be your partner, birth partner or someone else who can offer you support.
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Can I come to a course alone?Absolutely, if you would prefer to come to a session alone then that is absolutely fine and you will be made to feel very welcome.
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Is the cost for one or two people?The cost is for 2 people, one pregnant person and one non pregnant person. This can be your birth partner, sister, mum, friend, whoever you prefer.
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When is the best time to start a course?Most people start an antenatal course around 29-32 weeks of pregnancy to ensure they finish the course before they are full term, however some people wish to attend earlier (from 25 weeks) and some book on last minute and start from 35 weeks. It is completely down to you & what you're most comfortable with but if you have a choice then we would recommend starting before 32 weeks of pregnancy.
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How many people are on the course?Our maximum is 9 couples, on average their are usually 6-8 couples per course.
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Can I access the information after the course ends?Absolutely, we continue to support you in 3 different ways: You get full access to our online course which means you can rewatch the full, or individual videos after the course ends. You are added to a group WhatsApp before the course begins, Beyond the Bump remain on this WhatsApp group until all babies are born, we are there to answer any questions, concerns & we frequently update you with any updates you need to be aware of. All of our handouts are given to you via an online Padlet which can be accessed at any time.
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What if I need to miss a session?We would recommend trying to attend all sessions but we're also aware that life happens, the beauty of our course is that you get full access to our online course which covers every topic we cover on the in-person course. If you need to miss a session we will let you know what you have missed and you can catch up using the online portal in your own time.
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Is the course suitable for second/third/fourth time parents?Definitely! We have many people attending the courses who already have children. Not only will you be able to connect with a whole new group of friends at a similar stage of pregnancy, but you will also refresh your memory on caring for your newborn and will have the chance to debrief your first birth in one of our birth debrief sessions. We do also offer an online refresher course if you'd prefer the latest evidence based knowledge without the social element.
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How do I secure my space?Take a look at our booking page & decide which course is the right one for you, complete the checkout and secure your space with a £49 deposit. The remaining balance will be invoiced to you 2 weeks before your course is due to begin.
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What is your refund policy?If you can no longer attend your antenatal course due to a medical reason, we will issue a full refund including your deposit. For any other reasons, any deposits paid are non refundable, should you wish to use your deposit against a different service then this will be honoured if spaces are available. If you have paid your remaining balance up front, then we will refund based on the below: 100% refund if cancelled within 1 month 50% refund if cancelled within 1 week 25% refund if cancelled within 48 hours 0% refund if cancelled in less than 48 hours or no shows
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Can my partner attend my session?Partners are more than welcome to join your birth debrief session, we can run this as a couples session. Birth Trauma Resolution Therapy is for one person at a time, we can offer partner sessions but these will be held as a separate session and must be made as a new booking.
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How many sessions are there?A Birth Debrief is a one-off session, usually between 60-90 minutes long. This can be done on your own, or with your partner. Birth Trauma Therapy is 3 sessions to start with, but can go up to 5 if needed and both parties agree. These are done on your own and not with partners.
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Can I bring my baby?If you are attending an Birth Debrief you are able to bring your baby if needed, although I would always recommend attending without them if you are able to, to give you a chance to focus completely on you. Birth Trauma Therapy sessions are not able to be attended with your baby, and you will need to find alternative care for them during these sessions.
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How do I know which option is right for me?I think that everyone, regardless of their birth experience, should have a birth debrief. Birth and becoming a parent is a huge change and it can be beneficial to process that during a birth debrief. That being said, if you are considering a birth debrief or Birth Trauma Therapy but you're not sure which would be most beneficial for you, book in a free 10 minute consultation where we can go through both options and decide how to proceed.