With a background in nursing and over a decade working in Neonatal care, Rebecca Brannelly has always been deeply connected to the sacred journey of birth and motherhood. After seeing firsthand the limitations of modern maternity systems and experiencing her own difficult birth, she was inspired to create MindBodyBirthdedicated to empowering women through evidence-based, holistic and intuitive childbirth support. Now a certified doula and passionate advocate for informed, nurturing care, Rebecca guides women to trust their bodies, their intuition, and the transformative power of birth itself. Here she talks to The Natural Parent magazine about the passion behind what she does, the challenges she has overcome and her hopes and dreams for the future.
The passion: What inspired you to create your business?
I have always felt deeply called to give birth. Early on, I knew I wanted to support women during this sacred transition. I trained as a nurse with the intention of moving into midwifery, but once I started working in the Neonatal Unit, I quickly realized that modern maternity care was not aligned with the kind of support I wanted to provide.
I often found myself in the Labor Ward, witnessing high-risk births. What stood out to me was how overworked and stretched the midwives were. There was no room for the kind of personalized, nurturing care that every woman deserves. Births were not magical. they felt clinical, rushed and sometimes brutal.
I stayed in Neonates for 12 years, completing my Specialty qualification and over time, my favorite part of the role became helping and empowering parents. I loved helping mothers bond and nurse their premature babies – guiding them through those powerful first moments. There was something sacred about that relationship, and I was drawn more and more to that side of the work.
The real turning point came with the birth of my youngest. I thought I was prepared. I had the knowledge, the birth plan, the mindset. But once I got to the hospital, none of that seemed to matter. I felt disappointed, unheard and left with a deep disappointment that my birth had been taken away from me. This experience lit a fire in me. I knew I had to help other women not feel the way I did.
While on maternity leave, a close friend asked me to attend the birth of her baby. She was planning a free birth and said she couldn’t imagine doing it without me. She saw in me something that I did not yet fully possess – that I could bridge the gap between medicine and holistic care, offering women informed, grounded and deeply intuitive support.
At her urging everything fell into place. My background, my values, my passion for evidence-based care, and my holistic lifestyle all aligned perfectly. Supporting women in birth is where I need to be.
The launch: How did you get started in the first place?
And so, MindBodyBirth was born
Everything unfolded naturally – an organic progression rooted in passion, purpose and a deep trust in where I was being led.
I threw myself into learning, immersing myself in education and research that really enlightened me. I completed my doula training in 2022, alongside a Freebirth program, and soon after, I had the honor of attending the birth of my friend’s daughter. This experience confirmed everything I thought could be born and must to be: calm, holy, undisturbed. The room was dimly lit by a salt lamp, the night was quiet and there was no rush, no chaos. Just me and her partner, bearing witness as she moved forward on her mighty journey with grace.
From there I knew I wanted to support women in every way possible. Not only at their birth, but also before them. I expanded my offerings to meet women wherever they are, however they need support.
The 30-minute holistic childbirth preparation course – Designed for busy women who want clear, concise and empowering information without the hype. Ideal for those who are short on time but have a big intention.
1:1 Empowerment Hour – A space to be truly heard. Whether in person or online, these sessions offer clarity, evidence-based guidance, and emotional support for women who feel dismissed by caregivers or navigate fear, uncertainty, or complex decisions.
Personalized empowerment videos – Ideal for those who find face-to-face or video calls too intense but still want connection and guidance. After completing a short questionnaire, I send back a completely personalized video message full of encouragement, insight and support – something they can return to whenever they need reinforcement.
Full Birth Coaching Package – For women who want deep, continuous support throughout their journey. This includes everything from preparation to birth, where I come across as the advocate you once wanted – informed, intuitive and wholeheartedly in your corner.
Each of these offerings was created with intention – to honor the sacredness of birth, hold space for women’s voices, and remind them of the power they have always had.
Innovation: What has been the biggest breakthrough for you with your business?
The biggest turning point in my business came when I made the bold decision to leave my NHS job. The change was immediate and powerful – as if a mist had lifted. I felt completely out of alignment with the workplace culture, exhausted and lacking space to truly honor my calling.
Stepping away created the energetic clarity I needed to fully emerge into my purpose. Since then, my business has grown naturally and intuitively, driven by connection and community.
I was recently invited to Her Holy Bustle podcast – an amazing platform that has allowed me to share my journey and reach more women on the sacred path of birth and motherhood. And now – the privilege of working with The Natural Parent Magazinefurther expanding my reach to women who resonate deeply in this transformative era.
Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
As a mother of five and a business owner, I had to learn how to adapt.
One of the strongest lessons? The importance of maintaining strong boundaries – both for me and my children.
I have embraced what some might call a anti-traditional egoism: a set of daily rituals that keep me grounded, centered and connected to myself. Because here’s the truth – women have been sold the idea that we can “have it all,” but rarely ask for it at what cost?
I learned that slowing down, honoring your body and prioritizing rest are not luxuries – they are necessities. When you move from a place of regulation and peace, instead of obligation or exhaustion, the time you spend with your children or your business becomes much more meaningful and important.
This is not about doing more. it’s about doing it differently and doing it well.
