Personalized Guidance and Support for an

Empowered, Calm

Joyful Birth and Postpartum

Anyone can Birth With Ease

Birth With Ease® is a childbirth prep program that integrates HypnoBirthing and Prenatal Bonding (BA) to create an easier birth and empowered postpartum experience.

Sessions start between the 18-28th week of pregnancy and end around the 38th/39th week. (Early or late starts can be arranged upon request.). Program sessions are one hour long and held once a week until week 36, followed by 9 shorter sessions until your due date.

Our program consists of three stages:

  1. Bonding Awareness Sessions (2-3 sessions)

  2. "Baby Sessions" (8-10 sessions): Through deep relaxation (self-hypnosis) and focused breathing, you are guided to connect with your body and communicate with your baby. These sessions will help you gradually understand your baby's development, needs, and they ways they interact with you in the womb.

  3. "Separation Sessions" (8 sessions): This phase prepares both you and your baby for your birth and the beginning of your new life together.

  4. “Postpartum Sessions” (2): These sessions focus on unpacking the birth experience, recovery, bonding, and easing into new life as parents.

The benefits of Prenatal Bonding (BA) go far beyond the birthing process. Newborns whose mothers engage in this method tend to demonstrate greater emotional stability and adapt more easily to life outside the womb. These babies often cry less, sleep more soundly, and display early signs of emotional intelligence as they develop.

Greater Breastfeeding Success

98.5% of mothers report nursing after birth and 92% report they are still nursing 6 months after birth.

Drastically Lower Postpartum Depression

Reduce postpartum depression rates to less than 2% (G. Schroth, 2020) and Baby Blues 5%.

Healthy Attachment & Bonding

Helps parents learn baby’s cues and needs with greater ease, helps them understand baby's primary needs for acceptance, love, security.

Shorter, Less Painful Labors

More relaxed and less complicated pregnancies. Greater ease in the birth process for baby and mother. Fewer cesareans (only 12%)

Healthy Brain Development in Baby

Promotes healthy brain development and emotional well-being for your baby. Children have greater emotional maturity and calmer temperaments.

Healing from Traumatic Births

Parents are able to process through their pregnancy fears, concerns and past trauma related to birth experiences.

Birth With Ease is a 1:1 birth prep program that integrates HypnoBirthing with

Prenatal Bonding (BA) to create an easier birth and an empowered postpartum experience.

In the United States, maternity care often emphasizes the outcome of pregnancy rather than the emotional journey that leads up to it and the postpartum time that follows. Many women are becoming mothers feeling unsupported, and some even experience trauma during childbirth, leading to a growing dissatisfaction with our current system.

Prenatal Bonding (BA) fosters a deep connection between mother and baby, helping mothers sense their baby in the womb, address early challenges, and prepare for an easier birth. Studies of 8,000 cases since 1995 show significant benefits for babies’ physical and emotional development, leading to higher self-esteem and full potential after birth. It’s a powerful tool for prenatal research and one of the most effective health prevention methods for future generations.

In the early 1990s, Hungarian psychologist and psychoanalyst Dr. Jenoe Raffai developed a groundbreaking approach to support pregnant women from the earliest stages of gestation through birth. In 2009, Dr. Gerhard Schroth, a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, introduced this innovative method to the U.S. at the APPPAH Congress. Since then, Prenatal Bonding (BA) has steadily grown within the birth psychology community, both in the U.S. and worldwide.

Prenatal Bonding (BA) creates a deep connection between parents and their unborn baby, empowering both mother and fetus. It supports a healthy full-term pregnancy and a joyful birth experience. After birth, babies tend to nurse easily, form secure attachments, and show strong self-esteem and access to their potential.

What to Expect

  • In a relaxed environment, the mother connects with her baby through guided visualizations. This enhances bonding, facilitates communication, and provides insight into the baby’s needs, promoting a smoother birth and postpartum experience.

  • • Stronger attachment

    • Calmer babies

    • Easier birth process

    • Reduced postpartum depression and C-sections

    • Prevents intergenerational trauma

    This approach provides lifelong benefits for both mother and baby.

  • Birth With Ease is rooted in Prenatal Bonding (BA), developed by Hungarian psychoanalyst Jenoe Raffai, PhD, in the early 1990s. Introduced to the U.S. by Dr. Gerhard Schroth, this method fosters a deep mother-baby connection starting at 20 weeks of pregnancy.

  • Erica Manto Paulson is a highly experienced CAPPA Certified Doula, Childbirth Educator, dedicated to supporting mothers throughout their pregnancy journey.

    With specialized training in Prenatal Bonding (BA) from Dr. Gerhard Schroth in Germany, Erica is uniquely qualified to guide women through this groundbreaking approach, fostering a deep connection between mother and baby. Her expertise helps women navigate pregnancy, birth, and postpartum with confidence, promoting a calm and empowered birthing experience.

    Erica’s holistic approach provides compassionate care for both mother and baby.

  • We understand that your time is your most valuable investment, and we want you to feel confident trying Birth With Ease. That’s why we offer a Cancel Anytime Guarantee. You can cancel your participation at any time, and we will happily refund you for any unused sessions you’ve paid for.

    Whether you’ve signed up for the full series or selected sessions à la carte, you’re in control.

    Your commitment should feel right for you and your journey, no pressure, no risk.

  • When you register for Birth With Ease, you’ll begin by scheduling four initial sessions. The first two are dedicated to intake and getting to know the mom, couple, and their unique needs. The first session is 1:1 with the pregnant mom, and the second includes dad/partner, with mom’s permission.

    After these, the next 6 sessions focus on Prenatal Bonding (BA) with just mom, followed by two more with dad.

    The next eight are “Separation Sessions” to prepare for birth, then four sessions split between mom and dad. Finally, the last two are postpartum sessions, bringing the total to sessions 20.

Addressing the Postpartum Depression Epidemic

Addressing the postpartum depression epidemic in America is crucial for improving maternal mental health and overall well-being.With current rates of postpartum depression affecting a significant portion of new mothers, finding effective strategies for prevention and intervention is more important than ever.

Remarkably, Prenatal Bonding (BA) has been shown to reduce postpartum depression rates to less than 2%, as highlighted in recent research published in the Journal for Prenatal and Perinatal Psychology and Health.

By fostering a deep emotional connection between mother and baby, this approach helps to mitigate the risk of postpartum depression, offering a promising solution to this widespread issue and supporting healthier outcomes for mothers and their newborns.

Healing from Traumatic Births

Using Prenatal Bonding (BA), you have a valuable opportunity to process and heal from any previous traumatic pregnancy losses or negative birth experiences.

By engaging in deep, reflective sessions with your baby during your current pregnancy, you can address and release lingering emotional residue from past births. This process helps “clear the air,” allowing you to approach your new birth experience with a refreshed perspective and emotional clarity.

Let’s work together.

You deserve a birth experience and connection to your baby that feels as real as it is calm, joyful, and full of confidence. Birth With Ease is my personal invitation to join a journey that supports not only your birth but also your baby’s emotional well-being.

Together, we’ll create a space where you feel connected and empowered, welcoming your baby into the world with love and intention.

FAQs

  1. Does the evidence support this approach to healing and wellness?

    Mindfulness practices are supported by a growing body of research demonstrating its effectiveness. Numerous studies indicate that relaxation and breathing exercises can significantly reduce stress, anxiety, and pain perception.

    Self-hypnosis has been employed successfully in various medical contexts, showcasing its versatility and reliability. As an evidence-based approach, self-hypnosis offers tangible benefits for mothers and expectant mothers, providing a scientifically-backed tool to enhance mental and emotional well-being during the transformative stages of pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum.

    This empirical foundation underscores the credibility and efficacy of mindfulness practices, including Prenatal Bonding (BA), as a valuable resource for those seeking a holistic and evidence-supported approach to maternal wellness.

  2. What happens during a session, and how can it benefit me before and after I get pregnant?

    Sessions include a combination of relaxation exercises, breath work, self-hypnosis and guided meditation to provide a range of benefits, including stress reduction, anxiety management, and increased confidence during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.

  3. Can this be used as a complementary approach to traditional medical interventions during childbirth?

    Absolutely. Everything you will learn in working with me can complement conventional medical routes by promoting relaxation, easing pain perception, providing education and enhancing the overall experience. It is essential to communicate your intentions with your healthcare team to ensure a collaborative and comprehensive approach to your care.

  4. How does working with you support me in preparing for childbirth and beyond?

    I teach Prenatal Bonding (BA) and self-hypnosis to equip mothers with valuable tools for relaxation, visualization, and self-empowerment. By addressing mental and emotional well-being, I can help in preparing for childbirth with confidence. In the postpartum, this helps you manage stress, foster a positive mindset and connection with your baby, supporting the transition into motherhood.