We had the good fortune of connecting with Emily Edison and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Emily, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Pregnancy, birth and postpartum is something that I have been passionate about ever since my own journey into motherhood 7 years ago. But it wasn’t until my second pregnancy that the fire was lit to make it my life’s work. I was only two months postpartum when decided to take the leap of faith and start my childbirth education business. It was a crazy time to be sure (sleep deprivation, self doubt, and navigating the uncharted waters of setting up an LLC definitely taught me a lot!) but my passion for birth work kept me motivated!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I own Flagstaff HypnoBirthing— I’m a childbirth educator and birth and postpartum doula. I am passionate about birth work and believe that women and families should feel supported and empowered on their birth journey.

HypnoBirthing is an evidence based curriculum, which includes special breathing, relaxations, affirmations, visualizations, meditative practices, hypnosis deepenings, attention to nutrition and positive body toning.   Most importantly, it provides a safe space to release fear, to ask questions, learn and to grow.  Families learn how to make the best decisions for themselves, for their baby, for their own personal birth experience.  HypnoBirthing teaches that tension and fear do not have to be part of the birth experience.  By using the tools and techniques of the HypnoBirthing philosophy, mothers remember how to connect deeply with their inner wisdom, their inner knowing— the truest part of themselves.  My favorite part about this work is seeing the emotional transformation parents go through— from starting in a place of fear and anxiety, to looking forward to birth with excitement and joy. To walk with women and their partners during one of the most transformative experiences of their lives is a true honor.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I came to Flagstaff from Phoenix when I was 18 years old. It’s amazing to realize that I’ve now lived here half my life!

I love the small town charm and the gorgeous night skies. There’s so much to love about Flagstaff!!

Here are some of my favorite spots: I love the ease of a lazy stroll through the aspen forest. Listening to the “leaf music” and basking in the streams of sunlight is my favorite way to spend a few hours. Then, it’s off to Steep Tea House for a cup of their delicious herbal teas (and of course a freshly baked treat). Next, we’d pop into my my favorite bookstore, Brightside Bookshop, where we could browse until our heart’s content—you’ll find me in the fantasy section! Then a quick walk around the block to MartAnne’s Breakfast palace for chilaquiles and a chai latte.  Belly’s full, we can’t forget to pop in to Plantae—because there’s always room for one more plant! On the first Friday of the month, there’s nothing better than meandering downtown, checkin’ out the art shows, maybe stopping at Heritage Square for some live music and dancing. On a full moon night, we could join a full moon ceremony and howl at the moon! On a starry night, we can drive up Observatory Hill to the city overlook pull out, where we’d city gaze and star gaze and soak in the beauty of Flagstaff!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My biggest shoutout goes to Kristen Pearson, owner of Flagstaff Doulas. She has been my biggest supporter and an amazing mentor. She is a powerhouse of wisdom, support, empathy and passion. Her presence in the birth community is such beautiful one. Kristen has done so much to make Flagstaff a supportive and positive place for growing families while also supporting other birth workers.

Website: www.flagstaffhypnobirthing.com

Instagram: @flagstaffhypnobirthing

Facebook: @flagstaffhypnobirthing

Other: flagstaffhypnobirthing@gmail.com

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.