Ariel Moreton-Pike is its owner and founder Mighty Birth Co. and is on a mission to help families have a better birth. Living in Hampton, UK, with her husband and two children, she understands the joys (and challenges) of parenthood well, having been inspired to become a Hypnobirthing coach by her own birth experiences. Mighty Birth Co. Classes are carefully designed to give you the tools to transform your birth while providing a safe, supportive, inclusive, nurturing, respectful and honest space. Inviting, expert-led hypnobirthing classes help you develop the skills for a calmer, more confident experience, however you choose to give birth. Here Ariel talks to The Natural Parent Magazine about the passion behind what she does, how she balances work and family life and the pros and cons of running her own business.
The passion: What inspired you to create your business?
Throughout our lives, we are often taught that birth is something to be feared. We see images on TV of women lying on their backs and screaming, which only reinforces this fear. My inspiration to become a Hypnobirthing coach came from my own birth experiences. Hypnobirthing was a revelation for me – it showed me that birth doesn’t have to be something I feel anxious or scared about.
The driving force behind Mighty Birth Co. it’s simple: I want to help other parents have a better birth experience, no matter how they choose to welcome their little one. It’s easy to underestimate the importance of preparation and just think, “I’ll go with the flow,” but knowing your options and understanding what’s going on can be a game changer. It was an essential part for me to feel confident, strong and in control during labour, and I want to pass this knowledge on to others.
Having two children, I used hypnobirthing techniques in both my births. Understanding what my body was doing during labor gave me the confidence I needed. My husband, as my birth partner, also felt calm, prepared and empowered, which made a big difference. Having positive births has been a real team effort and it’s incredible how much birth partners can contribute when they are well informed and involved.
I wanted to create a holistic approach with my courses – not just giving parents tools to stay calm, but also helping them navigate the motherhood system, understanding their options and giving them the tools to advocate for themselves. Hypnobirthing may have a strange name, but its principles are deeply rooted in science and share similarities with sports psychology. It covers things that may be missing from traditional classrooms and for many parents it is transformative.
The launch: How did you get started in the first place?
With lots of hope, determination, coffee, and late nights! Balancing everything with two young children meant that as soon as I slept, I would dive back into work.
Once I found the courage to start, it didn’t feel like hard work – each step forward was incredibly rewarding. Knowing that I was building something I loved and believed in kept me motivated and energized.
Innovation: What has been the biggest breakthrough for you with your business?
One of the biggest discoveries – one that took several car trips with my kids sleeping in the back – was finding the right name for my business.
I had a clear vision of the business I wanted to create, but I couldn’t move forward without a name that captured the strength, resilience, power and involvement I envisioned. The idea of being and feeling “Strong” resonated deeply with me, and so Mighty Birth Co. came to life.
Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
I’m still figuring out what balance looks like for our family and expect it to continue to evolve as we all grow. I haven’t met anyone who feels like they’ve perfected it!
Right now, with my two kids still toddlers, I’ve noticed how much my mood and patience affect the positivity of our day. They really feed my emotions, so creating a harmonious balance isn’t just about making time for them – it’s about being present, patient and calm during this time. Starting my day with how I feel has been a game changer. If I’m stressed or tired, taking a few deep breaths helps and prepares me for the day ahead.
I have found that having some structure, clear communication and involving the children in daily tasks helps them feel part of the family unit. They like to help with things like watering the plants or cooking dinner. A seamless evening routine also sets the stage for smoother sleep schedules, allowing me to switch into work mode for client sessions, whether at my home in South West London or on Zoom.