The History of the Holistic Birth Trust Foundation

The organisation has developed slowly and with a deep sense of certainty with each so called growth spurt. The original vision began with midwife and antenatal teacher Debra Norton.

The first steps were to offer study days to midwives in the south of England. This was initiated by Kings Alfred’s College Winchester. The aim of these study days was to explore and support ways for midwives to feel comfortable with the increasing numbers of women asking for a natural birth. These study days were facilitated by Debra Norton and Amanda Rayment. After a period of time the study days were developed into a training programme for anyone who desired to express their enthusiasm for women’s innate ability to birth their baby through working with pregnant and birthing women in their own communities.

This was a very exciting vision at the time with the hope that women who graduated would step forward in their communities offering their services to pregnant women. From a place within themselves of confidence, enthusiasm, trust, strength and love.

From the very small beginnings of this organisation there has always been a commitment to a model of self acceptance. As far as we are able to in each programme we strive to offer a course which encompasses our particular enthusiasm for the question what is the loving way for a baby to be born? This question is for and includes everyone who participates within the experience of birth. This is the essence from which the programmes then emerge. We have learnt this does include the physiology of birth, the psychology of birth, the politics of birth, the choices and decisions we make and the relationships we encounter.

All these aspects are included in the training programme, with the core foundation to be of assistance to parents in developing a relationship with their baby which is supportive, loving and appropriate to them. The intention being that from within the experience of support, learning to trust and affirmation of our innate abilities emerges parents and children more likely to experience happiness.

During the years the training programme format has changed several times. This is a direct reflection of our desire to learn and grow through the experience of offering the programmes.

Each programme offers its own unique blend and of course its own group of participants bringing a diversity and richness to each experience So far one year courses, two year courses and eight month courses have been offered.

Click here to see the brochure of the latest course.

In 2004 the decision was made to offer a two day conference. We wanted to bring together speakers who were well established and internationally known for their pioneering work in the field of birth. As a small organisation this was both challenging and rewarding. New skills were learnt in the process of networking, organising and facilitating such a large event.

As a symbol of our decision to communicate with as many people as possible in the arena of birth, we sought and obtained accreditation for the conference from the Royal College of Midwives.

A further development in our history is that in 2007 we made the decision to offer continual professional development study days. This is with the intention to be of assistance to our graduates and also to assist ourselves in making links and friendships with others.

Our Intention

We believe that in all relationships love is always the answer. Our intention is to continue learning and teaching this through training programs, our web site, conferences, film and networking.