About Me
Empower your birth with evidence-based positive & GentleBirth antenatal classes in Kildare & surrounding areas.
Hello, I’m Maria Saunders, I'm a Kildare-based midwife, public health nurse, GentleBirth instructor and mother-of-two with one of the more surprising positive birth stories you’ll hear!
Since 2012 I've been supporting pregnant and new mothers throughout various stages, from the delivery ward, in positive birth antenatal classes, and in their homes postnatally. I am passionate about giving parents-to-be all the information they need to make informed, flexible, and confident choices about their births.
After attending one of my classes you will be equipped with the information you need to navigate through the hospital system and to negotiate the best birth for you.
Using my unique background as a midwife who participated in more than 200 mothers’ births and as a fully trained GentleBirth educator, I’ll empower you to have a confident attitude towards your pregnancy and birth.
As I am a qualified midwife, your insurance company may cover up to 50% of the cost of my classes.
Maria’s Journey
Training to be a midwife was one of the most rewarding and wonderful things I have ever done. It was such a privilege to be helping mums and dads at such a special time in their life. Midwifery really is my 1st love, it opened up a whole world of healing and supporting women, helping them through an incredible journey. #midwifery #restorativebirth #love
As a midwife, public health nurse for over 13 years I have seen firsthand the impact of a woman’s birth experience. I trained year long, as a birth trauma practitioner in the UK in 2019.
My second birth took place at the side of the road, in the back of my father in law’s car. And I felt calm, confident, and in control throughout this deeply moving birth. The power of informed birthing is an awe-inspiring thing.
Your birth, whether it's your first or subsequent baby, can be something you will look forward to, feeling confident and calm. And I firmly believe that understanding ALL your options will help you have a positive birthing experience.
A little intro into some of the services I provide xx
I hold Antenatal / Pregnancy classes in Kildare and the surrounding areas on a monthly basis.
You can visit my Restorative Birth Services Facebook Page see my next workshop dates and book classes online here.
I love speaking to my new parents before classes and learning more about them, so please drop me an email at mariasaundersbirth@gmail.com if you have any questions or if you just want to say hi!
Maria's Birth Story
Having experienced birth trauma myself over 7 years ago, although mild, this really inspired me to help other women that have birth trauma trauma. Looking back on my birth now, the main reasons I experienced birth Trauma were that my birth was more medicalised than I expected,due to cholestasis my bloods were borderline high and I was itching like mad. At my antenatal appointment the doctor suggested an induction of labour, having seen many women having inductions of labour as a midwife I knew it could be very challenging for both mum and baby.
Thankfully, the staff did listen to me. I met a wonderful doctor who was so kind. She was an older lady, I remember so clearly sitting in the bed, the midwives ready to start the induction and the doctor came in with her hand bag. She smiled and after some discussion, we agreed to have a more gentle introduction. I was left to my own devices for 5 plus hours, I bounced on my ball, listened to music and had some light snacks, myself and my husband had some lovely chats too.
As my 5 hours were ending, the oxytocin started.. I honestly went into my own world, switched off for about an hour and a half. The contractions were on top of each other, I knew the oxytocin was too high but I couldn't get the words out..after several hours, an epidural and a sigh of relief Adam was born. I remember lifting him up like a trophy, I was so proud and happy.
Daddy did skin to skin while I went to the theatre, as I had a perineal injury, 3rd degree tear. My last memory was looking at my husband and doing skin to skin. I remember the anaesthetist was so kind to me, I remember how attentive he was and how safe he made me feel. Afterwards, I did feel excited and was running on adrenaline, being a midwife myself I was determined to have a successful breastfeeding journey, which I thankfully did.
It was just on the way home from the hospital, I felt a sense of sadness , which I couldn't quite understand. I had this beautiful baby beside me in the car seat. In the days that followed I was doing well, but did feel a bit jumpy, I also noticed I became overwhelmed easily by people, sounds and I especially noticed this in the evening time. I also felt very disconnected from other people around me. I was also having some strange intrusive thoughts..this continued for several months.
When Adam was 3 months I remember standing in the park, a faint version of myself and knew I needed to do something. I emailed the hospital for a hospital debrief and later that evening, I contacted a psychotherapist who I knew specialised in Birth trauma.
Thankfully, I did recover fully, I was lucky enough to know a bit about the support available for birth trauma, but I also knew many women may not know where to gain the right care and support. This then inspired me to train in supporting women in recovery from their birth trauma.
In many ways I am very grateful for my experience, because it allows me to truly empathise with other women, to understand the very difficult feelings they may be having. I hope you know you are not alone, your feelings about your birth are valid, I understand what you are going through and your perception of your birth is what truly matters….it's not just about having a healthy baby, you truly deserve to heal and recover and to be heard.
What Sets Me Apart
As a qualified midwife, I have insight into the hospital, - I understand the inner workings and dynamics of a delivery ward. If your health insurance policy covers midwife-led antenatal and pregnancy classes, you may be entitled to claim up to 50% off my workshop fees back.
As a qualified midwife, I have seen first-hand over 200 births. I have seen various types of births and understand the importance of good communication from health care providers.
As a public health nurse, I’ve observed the impact a positive or negative birth experience can have on the mother in the post-natal period. I've seen first-hand how a positive birthing experience - even one that didn't go exactly as imagined - has a massive impact mother's postpartum emotional and physical recovery.
I have had two completely different births myself. During my first, I had a minor medical condition that meant I would need to be induced. As you've read, my second birth was not in an ideal setting however was calm and intervention-free. Though both births were challenging in different ways, they were both very positive thanks to the GentleBirth programme I had studied and participated in.
I am passionate about evidence-based information, balanced with support and joy. Millennia of practice have made women very capable of birth. I don't believe that medical intervention needs to mean a reduction of the mother's power, or that an unmedicated birth can't benefit from science and technology.
Please don't hesitate to drop me an email with any questions about my classes or your circumstances. Or just to say hi; I love talking to new parents and parents to be!
The Maria Saunders Workshops
My workshops are held on the weekends in a relaxed and informal manner. I greet clients in a warm and friendly way, with a cup of tea and a chat. I don’t arrive with a predetermined birth plan for you, instead, I discuss and outline all your options and help you discuss and discover the birth you would like. A "positive" birth experience to me means an experience where the mother was aware of all her options, felt well informed, confident and supported making decisions for herself and her baby at every turn. My classes set out to empower your positive birth, whatever that looks like to YOU.
What you’ll take away from my one-day workshops
A positive and confident outlook on your birth.
Daily strategies can help to reduce stress and help you to have the most positive experience possible.
The basics of having a birth in an Irish hospital or home setting, from appointments to the delivery ward to leaving for home.
Information on how to build your labor toolkit.
Information on the signs of labor and when to attend the hospital.
How to confidently negotiate the best birth for you.
Information on natural ways to labor at home for longer safely, comfortably, and confidently.
Information on how your partner can have an active and supportive role in your birth.
The power of meditation, mindfulness, and self-hypnosis while pregnant, in labor, and ways that it can help your transition to parenthood in a beautiful way.
Access to online content from GentleBirth that offers support and insights on everything we discussed on the day and more.
My Credentials
My Happy Clients
I Have Worked With
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Birth Trauma?
Birth trauma is a psychological condition, that may lead to Birth trauma' is distress experienced by a mother during or after childbirth. While trauma can be physical it is often emotional and psychological.
Birth trauma is not just about what happened during labor and the birth. It can also refer to how you, as the mother, are left feeling afterward. Sometimes the effects of birth trauma can emerge, and continue for, sometime after you've given birth.
At the time of birth, you may have felt fearful, helpless, or unheard. After the birth, it's possible to feel shocked, guilty, or numb and even experience panic attacks or anxiety.
If you notice any of these symptoms, you may be experiencing birth trauma. If so, you are certainly not alone. It's been estimated that up to 1 in 3 women who give birth may experience birth trauma.
https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/birth-trauma-emotional
2. What is Birth Trauma resolution?
Birth trauma resolution is a quick and effective treatment (Jenny Mullan, 2019) that helps to reduce the debilitating symptoms of birth trauma. This can include relaxation techniques, helping to reduce some of the painful emotions or feelings attached to birth trauma. Helping you to heal and move forward. In the sessions, we also address other challenges you may be having i.e reduced confidence, difficulties bonding with baby or in personal relationships.
3. What can Birth Trauma resolution therapy be used for?
It can be used for birth, pregnancy-related trauma. Including miscarriage, pregnancy, and infant loss. Hx of IVF or fertility issues, or difficulties conceiving a pregnancy.
4. How long are the sessions?
The sessions are generally between 1 hour to 1.5 hours, depending on whether the session is online or in person. As the structure to both vary slightly.
5. Where do the sessions take place?
The sessions can be delivered online or in person, whichever is your preference. I rent a room in Naas that is freely available for use, I also have space at home I use from time to time. Alternatively sessions can be delivered via zoom, in the comfort of your own home.
6. What can I expect from the sessions?
Initially, I will take some of your details and ask you to fill out a questionnaire, to gain some background information. It will also give you an opportunity to share and validate your experience of birth. I will also look at some of the symptoms you may be having and how we can address them. I will also give you some guidance and relaxation techniques that may be helpful for you.
7. How do the online sessions work?
When you book your appointment, I will then send you an email link for our zoom session. I will ask you to enter a passcode on entering the zoom call to ensure a confidential space is protected and maintained.
8. What do I need to prepare for my online session?
Ideally using a laptop and headphones will help you to get the most out of your session, also ensuring you have a good internet connection. I will discuss the online patient treatment form with you prior to commencing to ensure we have everything safely in place.
9. What can I expect after the session?
Sometimes after doing this type of treatment you may feel tired, I would advise you to rest afterward, drink plenty of water. I will follow up with you, the following week or you can contact me in the meantime if you have any queries.
10. How can I tell if my treatment has been successful?
I use a tool that helps me to identify if the treatment has been effective at I will discuss this with you. Many times women will give feedback about the benefits of the treatment and how the sessions have helped them.
11. How many sessions does it generally take?
Generally there can be good effects seen from 2 to 4 sessions.
12. How often do the sessions take place?
Ideally, on a weekly basis, they take place, this is to ensure continuity of care and works well on a therapeutic level.
13. Are there any reasons I may not be able to attend BTR therapy?
People with a history of bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, would not be suitable for me to treat however I would refer you to a registered counselor or psychotherapist for support.
In addition, if you have a medical condition i.e. epilepsy you may require a letter from your GP prior to commencing your treatment.
14. Can my partner attend BTR therapy also?
Yes partners can experience trauma also and can benefit hugely from BTR therapy.
15. Is there anywhere else I can gain support?
Yes, there is lots of support available, I have set up a Facebook group: Birth Trauma Support Ireland. It is a safe confidential space, to gain support, share your experience and gain insight into birth trauma. Birth trauma support Ireland.
Also, PND Ireland and Nurture Heath have great resources for postnatal depression.
16. Do you have insurance and liability cover?
Yes, I am fully insured for professional liability in my practice as a birth trauma practitioner resolution and Gentlebirth instructor. I am also a registered active member, of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland.
