Look Forward To Your Birth & Feel Fantastic After

Midwife-Led Hypnobirthing Antenatal courses and Placenta Encapsulation for Natural & C-Section births

Louise Balm Midwife of 14 years, St Albans Hertfordshire

Congratulations on your pregnancy, or happy browsing if you are simply planning ahead!

So, you’ve probably heard horror stories about birth, and are worried it might be long, painful, and fear losing control.

You may be feeling anxious about needing stitches or how you’ll feel and recover after the birth.

Or, perhaps you just want the confidence and reassurance from antenatal classes led by a Midwife.

If this sounds like you, I can help!

Louise Balm

Midwife of 14 years.

St Albans, Hertfordshire.

Did you know that Hypnobirthing…

  • Shortens labour
  • Decreases pain
  • Increases your chance of having a natural birth
  • Gets birth partners involved
  • Promotes quicker recovery after the birth especially with placenta pills

By the time your baby is due, you’ll be feeling calm, confident, prepared; and looking forward to the birth of your baby!

 

“Louise’s experience as a Midwife and calm and friendly manner set her apart from the rest. I highly recommend her classes to anyone who wants to feel calm, relaxed, mentally and physically prepared and ready for the labour.”

Kate Trust

Your guide to giving birth in Hertfordshire mockup

Your Guide to Giving Birth in Hertfordshire

The basics of what to do and when! Features local recommended services.

Midwife- Led Hypnobirthing Courses For Natural & C-Section Births, BirthBalm Baby Basics & Placenta Encapsulation

Group Hypnobirthing Course St Albans

Private Hypnobirthing Course St Albans or via Zoom

Hypnobirthing Refresher Class St Albans or via Zoom

Confident C-Section Course, St Albans or via Zoom

Placenta Encapsulation

Couple Taking Part in the BirthBalm Baby Basics Course

BirthBalm Baby Basics

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Niamh Hickey profile picture
Niamh Hickey
15 July 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Louise provided us with all of the tools we needed to have calm and positive births with both of our children. Despite our daughter's birth not going to plan, I felt in control at all times due to the guidance we were given in our first set of hypnobirthing sessions. When it came to the refresher course, it was fantastic to catch up with Louise and she instilled confidence in both myself and my partner that we would go on to have another positive birth experience, regardless of what might happen. Throughout my labour with our son, I felt relaxed and, again, in control. We were able to have my dream birth - a pool birth - and were able to return home within a few hours of our son arriving due to the straight forward nature of his birth. I believe this was because of the hypnobirthing techniques that Louise equipped us both with. Thank you so much!
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Sarah Southall
4 July 2026
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Before meeting Louise I was incredibly anxious about birth and worried on a daily basis. After speaking to Louise at Sunday brunch club I went home to my husband and said I really wanted to do her hypnobirthing course as I instantly trusted her when she said she thought she could help. We signed up for a course the next month and both agree it was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made. After only one class I was already feeling more positive about birth and by the end of the course I had a completely different mindset about approaching birth which made the second half of my pregnancy much more relaxing. Whilst my birth wasn’t the “ideal” birth I’d hoped for, despite various interventions along the way I felt calm and in control and both me and my husband said on the drive home from the hospital we were so pleased we did Louise’s course and learned all the calming techniques as without it we think it would’ve been a much more traumatic experience. I could not recommend Louise enough and anyone in the area considering hypnobirthing I would say do it - you won’t regret it!
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Alicia Pearson
30 June 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Louise has been so attentive from start to finish. Always reachable for any questions. I went for the 50/50 placenta pills. Such a seamless process. Louise provided me with all the Instructions and package for my placenta, she kindly collected my placenta from Milton Keynes’s hospital and were ready for express delivery once I was home from my c section. Wonderful experience would highly recommend to all ladies wishing to utilise the organ our body magically creates for our babies to restore what may have been lost.
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Nina McCue
18 June 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
I picked up my placenta freezer and Louise was so friendly and informative. We had an emergency c section the next day and the communication was brilliant and Louise picked up our placenta within 30 minutes of us messaging. My tablets arrived two working days later and I’ve started them straight away. I went for the 50/50 mix. I would highly recommend Louise and this service it’s been so easy, fast and efficient.
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Cara Weber
18 June 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
I couldn’t recommend Louise enough! Having always been very nervous/scared around the idea of birth, I knew I needed to put the time and practice into switching my mindset. Louise really stood out to me when researching for a hypnobirthing instructor/course due to her vast experience and previous career as a midwife. I felt a small group situation would be right for me, and Louise provided a calm, safe space where she led us through each stage, sharing different practices we could use to have a positive birth. The sessions were engaging and she encouraged questions from myself and my partner, as well as the other couples in the session. The 1:1 recap I had at 37 weeks was the perfect check in opportunity as I came closer to my due date where I could ask any ‘last minute’ questions or seek some much needed reassurance. (Louise had also said, reach out at any time if there were any questions - so you didn’t have to wait for a session). I couldn’t be happier with my birth - it was everything I wanted. I had my baby girl at 38 weeks, at home in the birth pool and It was the calmest experience. I tuned into my body, leaning into the affirmation ‘my body and baby know what they are doing’ and I focused on my breathing throughout, so much so I completely forgot about any pain relief that was available to me. Getting into the water at around 8cm was the ultimate relief and I felt like my body floated and knew this was the final step before I got to meet my baby. Louise’s knowledge and support were invaluable to my partner and I, and we can’t thank you enough for enabling us to have such a positive birth experience.
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Lauren Tyler profile picture
Lauren Tyler
11 June 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
I wanted to have my placenta made into pills after a tough recovery in my last pregnancy. Louise was great throughout, kept us well informed of what to do, quickly responsive to any questions we had and was on hand throughout my labour/delivery to collect the placenta quickly. Pills were ready the next day too which is a bonus, I’ve definitely noticed a difference in my mental health and recovery this time round, highly recommend! Thank you Louise xxx
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Maya Robinson - Nugent profile picture
Maya Robinson - Nugent
3 June 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
I cannot recommend Louise Balm enough for Hypnobirthing. Despite being induced, Louise provided the skills and breathing techniques that allowed me to have the most positive experience. She was also incredibly helpful to my husband And how he could assist me during birth We opted for 1:1 Sessions which were honestly incredible. Thank you so much Louise!
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Helena Viveros
28 May 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
I had my placenta collected and made into capsules by Louisa. The whole process was really straight foward and communication with her pre and post delivery was really smooth. She supplies all the kit required to collect the placenta safely which is really helpful too. I had a C-Section and couldn't see my placenta and my partner was too busy jumping around of excitement for our baby boy, just wish I could've seen it before the process.
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Lauren Cloke
18 May 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
We honestly can’t imagine going through pregnancy without Louise’s support and guidance. From the very beginning, she gave us such a positive and empowering experience through hypnobirthing, helping us both feel calm, informed, and excited for birth. Thanks to her, we’ve learnt so much and have really bonded as a couple throughout the process. Louise is incredibly warm, kind, and supportive, and her knowledge is amazing. You can really tell she was an experienced midwife — she explains everything so clearly and makes you feel completely reassured and confident. Every session left us feeling more prepared and empowered. We’re so grateful for everything she’s taught us and would recommend her to anyone expecting a baby. She has made such a positive difference to our pregnancy journey, and honestly, we can’t believe people go through pregnancy and birth without a Louise by their side! Thank you Louise! Lauren & Lorenzo x
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Andrada Tabrea
14 April 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
I did the hypnobirthing course with Louise in Nov 2025 and I couldn’t recommend it enough. The course helped me calm my nerves and anxiety about the whole giving birth process and empowered me with knowledge and confidence to advocate for myself. My partner participated in the course as well and it gave him so much knowledge about the whole labour and birth process, helping him better understand the physiology of birth and everything involved. We would highly recommend Louise to anyone looking to gain confidence and calm their nerves in preparation for labour and birth.
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Lillie Hart profile picture
Lillie Hart
8 April 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Had a wonderful experience collecting and using my placenta capsules with birthbalm! And would recommend to any pregnant ladies thinking of doing the same. The first few weeks with my little boy were the most precious happy times I have ever had and these capsules definitely aided with my hormones during this time!
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Emily Bradfield profile picture
Emily Bradfield
16 January 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Louise has been incredibly helpful during my pregnancy with the 1-1 antenatal session both my partner and I attended and the placenta encapsulation has been great, so seamless and convenient. Not to mention the energy I’ve had taking the capsules and being told consistently how well I look, despite the sleepless nights. Would highly recommend to anyone interested to support you postnatally!
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Emily May profile picture
Emily May
20 December 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Love my placenta pills and tincture! Louise is so helpful and lovely, I’m really happy I found her. The placenta pills really helped my recovery, I’m so glad I chose to do it.
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Fayebelina Garrad profile picture
Fayebelina Garrad
2 December 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
I found the lovely Louise on Instagram after researching the benefits of placenta encapsulation. I wanted to make sure both myself and my baby received all the goodness we needed in those early days. This is my third baby, and I would certainly choose to do this again (even though I’m not planning any more!). Louise was extremely professional and informative throughout. My son was born at 06:30 after a very long and traumatic labour, and we placed the placenta exactly as Louise instructed. She collected it at 07:45, and I received my placenta capsules the very next day. I also had a placenta tincture made, which was ready in September, and I chose to have my placenta turned into a homeopathic remedy for both myself and my baby, which was created by a separate specialist. I genuinely feel this supported my recovery 100%. I felt energised—especially important with two other children running around—and I noticed a real difference compared to my previous postpartum experiences. I couldn’t recommend Louise enough.Thank you Louise. Highly recommend.
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Chantelle Morgan profile picture
Chantelle Morgan
24 October 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
We had a fantastic experience with Louise. The classes were super helpful in helping us prepare for birth. We have learnt brilliant strategies and tactics to support us for all eventualities. It was a lovely opportunity to spend time as a couple slowing down from everyday life and focusing on this special time together. Louise was friendly, accommodating and made us feel relaxed and created a safe space to discuss our anxieties and excitement. What is brilliant is that she is a trained midwife so able to educate us with that professional experience weaved in also.
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Lizzie Deacs
17 October 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Would highly recommend Louise if you’re looking for an excellent hypnobirthing instructor or want your placenta encapsulated! An absolute must if you’re interested in a calm, empowering labour and a positive postpartum period 🤩
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Lois-Ann O'Hara
27 June 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
The process is really simple and Louise will literally sort everything making the process easy and stress free. She will provide all of the kit for you with clear instructions for the hospital staff and birthing partners. The tablets have arrived at my home really quickly and I'm excited to get started. Would recommend to others 😊
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Sophia Papacostas
24 June 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
I couldn’t be happier and would recommend Louise to anyone. I decided to encapsulate my placenta in capsules and tincture form. I had a home birth and Louise came the same day to collect the placenta, and just two days later she dropped the ready product back to me. I am still shocked at how quickly she was able to do it and provide me with the benefits! Thank you once again ☺️
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Amy Lisney-Smith
29 May 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Thank you so much Louise for our refresher session today! Out of everything that I’ve got going on, I feel more prepared and ready to meet my baby over anything else and you have been such a huge part of making that possible so THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR EVERYTHING X x
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Vladislav Osnaci
26 May 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Awesome experience, very friendly, positive energy and helpful, would recommend to everyone, job done really fast

Upcoming Dates: 4 week Group Hypnobirthing Course

Full Antenatal Programme- In Person

 

July/August 2026

Fully Booked

September/October 2026

September 15th, 22nd, 29th, Oct 6th 6.30pm-8.30pm

October/November 2026

October 14th, 21st, Nov 3rd, 10th,6.30pm-8.30pm

November/December 2026

Nov 17th, 24th, Dec 1st, 8th 6.30pm-8.30pm

 

 

Hi, I’m Louise Balm

Midwife of 14 years in the NHS

Experienced HypnoBirthing Coach since 2009

Over 2,500 couples have benefited from BirthBalm classes

HypnoBirthing mum of two beautiful girls

Placenta Encapsulation Specialist

Testimonials

 

“I’m so pleased we chose Louise! Her blend of such experience as a Midwife, deep knowledge and realism is exactly what I’d hoped for! We also just loved the was you explain everything so simply- makes it easy to remember! Thank you Louise!”

Lisa Cherry

Placenta pills

Hypnobirthing