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“I can’t wait to give birth again” even though her whole journey included many challenges, Caitlin shares all the details involved to meeting baby Remy.   In this chat we discuss the following: -Lengthy conception journey -Family history of pre-eclampsia, recommended aspirin butdeclined due to allergy despite recommendations – didn’t get pre -eclampsia -The Mitre 10 lady with her story…. -getting to 42 weeks and navigating induction -Foley balloon, misoprostal -Felt a band popping, nausea, shaking -Fast labour 9minutes to push him out -Tearing and episotomy -Post birth high -Loving postpartum   For your free guide to a positive birth and a freerelaxation track head to www.positivebirths.co.nzFor more info and inspiration follow us on @positive_births_nz

More than just a birth story, in this episode we chat on some deep and meaningfuls like death, loss and grief and children who remember before they were conceived. Wai speaks to the empowerment of a homebirth, losing her mum to cancer 4 months into her pregnancy, why she chose the support of a doula and how she felt after her quick homebirth.   Topics included : -The grief process and navigating it through pregnancy -3 yr old Aria’s experiences of birth and death -Support from a doula -Going 16 days past her due date -2 hours of established labour -Feeling ecstatic and energised after birth -Comparisons with a  psychedelic  journey and birth -Mothers blessing ceremony If you’d like to hear Wai’s first birth journey to meetingAria, you can find it here: Waimarie’s home waterbirth to Aria https://open.spotify.com/episode/3hCpcJrHhtBV9wdcGRbCnm   Resources mentioned: Anita Moorjani = Dying to be me The Signs – Laura Lynn Jackson The Light Between us - Laura Lynn Jackson To get your free relaxation track and guide to a positive birth head to www.positivebirths.co.nz Helen offers a range of hypnobirthing courses to support you in a calm, confident and empowered birth and one on one therapy and support in all aspects of birth. You can contact her directly [email protected] For more inspiration and information follow us on @positivebirths_helen

"It was everything opposite to what I planned." Arlene is here to share her story of experiencing the kindof birth she had hoped to avoid — and how, despite everything unfolding so differently from what she had planned, she was still able to have a positive birthexperience. Some of the topics in our chat today include: -Giving birth at age 42 -Reprogramming thoughts and fears about birth -Trigger warning - we talk about Baby loss of Arlene’s and a friend's -Miscarriage at age 40 – you can hear Arlene’s story at episode #115. Miscarriage chat with Arlene https://open.spotify.com/episode/6dZ0gu2pWwAbXerbbyyYk9 -Preparing for conception with fertility naturopath -Difficultly with constant nausea and throwing up all through pregnancy -Home burglary while 5 months pregnant – creating a safe space for a homebirth -Declining Gestational Diabetes test and plan if baby had it at birth -Arlene’s midwife supporting her desire to have an autonomous birth -5 days of labour at home -Complete respect from hospital staff -Successful walking epidural Leave any comments and questions in the comments below for Arlene or Helen. If you would like to receive your free guide on how to prepare for a positive birth and a free relaxation track head to www.positivebirths.co.nz For more information on a range of courses to help you feel calm, confident and empowered in any type of birth scenario see www.positivebirths.co.nz Helen offers trauma informed hypnotherapy and support for healing after loss and trauma. Please reach out if you'd like to have a confidential chat about support. For more information and inspiration follow us on @positive_births_nz

We finally have a twin birth story!!! – thanks to Devon whoshares with us her recent experience of a vaginal birth to her fraternal twin boys, Marlon and Remy In this chat we discuss:  - Di-di twins (dichorionic-diamniotic twins) are a type oftwin pregnancy where each baby has their own separate amniotic sac and placenta -How Devon was resigned to the fact that what was going tohappen would happen - Her relaxed, low key approach - The physical challenges - Extra scans  as Twin A flagged for growth restriction, -Induction with misoprostal, contractions without much restin between -Epidural & vaginal birth - Breastfeeding - First 3 months of life with babies Do listen to the end for Devon’s really  great advice at the end for all mums going through the newborn stage! If you'd like to prepare for your positive birth - no matter what circumstances you face, learn mindset skills, breathwork, relaxation tools and loads more at www.positivebirths.co.n To start today join the recorded online Birth with Calm and Confidence course: https://www.positivebirths.co.nz/online-recorded-classes/ For more information and inspiration follow us on @positive_births_nz

Two home waterbirths, two perfectly healthy babies who had both arrived after a very tech free, physiological pregnancy and birth. Tennille had no tests, no scans, no monitoring, just a few blood tests to keep an eye on her iron levels. She had no desire or need for any internal checks or monitoring of baby in either of her labours. Tennille shares with us how she became educated,worked with her body and tuned into her intuition. We discuss: - Ayurvedic living, a holistic lifestyle -The knowing of wanting a home birth -Finding a midwife during covid times -Baby born in water -Lotus birth -Intervention and technology free birth (blood tests for ironchecks) -Using intuition -Building a tiny home in 2nd pregnancy, surrendering to the birth environment -Breathwork and meditation being very familiar tools thankyou Tennille @vayu__mothers for beautifully articulating your experiences. For your free resources - your guide to a positive birth plus a free relaxation track, head to www.positivebirths.co.nz For more inspiration and information on preparing for your positive birth follow us @positive_births_nz

Abby shares her reasons and priorities as to why she chose to have an elective c-section to second baby Rorah and how this became her best decision for a positive birth. We hear about her difficult journey involving an emergency c-section to first baby Ari and subsequent severe postnatal anxiety and the loneliness of solo parenting. However, after enjoying a very different birth and postpartum to Rorah, Abby has set up a support system for other parents needing postpartum support. In this episode we cover: -Single mum journey with first baby -Emergency/crash c section with Ari -Postnatal anxiety and the relevant support networks -Maternal Mental Health -Abby's thoughts and feelings about what happened through that birth and how it impacted on her plans for 2nd baby -Fear of going through the same experience -Hyperemesis Gravadarium - Why Abby chose a c-section – her priorities -The birth and oxytocin -Breasteeding and a healing postpartum -Making hard decisions -Post partum services for mums near Hibiscus Coast, Orewa Abby can be found at: www.parentsupportpostpartum.co.nz @parentsupportpostpartum For a range of courses offering practical hypnobirthing tools, techniques and skills to feel calm, confident and capable for any type of birth see www.positivebirths.co.nz For support with trauma, fears, phobias and more feel free to reach out to Helen who is a certified trauma informed Hypnotherapist, and Healing Birth practitioner - you can book a no obligation 15 min chat by emailing [email protected] Follow for more positive birth stories and information @positive_births_nz

"The biggest achievement of my life...... it's about taking personal responsibility" Jaz shares her experience of her wild pregnancy and freebirth to her and Issak's first baby, Sage. Within this conversation we cover : -The unique environment when she discovered she was pregnant and how she told partner Issak -Wild pregnancy– no blood tests, no scans, no medical support or intervention -Taking full personal responsibility -Other people’s thoughts; a midwife’s comments -The sacredness of the sex, birth, death continuum -Dealing with any fear -The birth environment -Long early labour, using oxytocin and homeopathics -Very quick birthing phase -Aware parenting   To download your free guide on how to prepare for your positive birth plus a free relaxation track head here:https://www.positivebirths.co.nz/positive-birth-top-resources/ If you'd like to enjoy a course that helps you to feel calm, confident, prepared for any type of birth you'll find online and live course options at positivebirths.co.nz For more info and inspiration follow us on Instagram @positive_births_nz

A powerful, story of a strong mum in an intense situation for her first birth. Danielle is not traumatized by this birth experience, in fact she is pleased to share about all that went right for her. In this episode we discuss: - The decision to have children, oral contraception for 16 years - Coming to terms with, and processing pregnancy - Sister inlaw’s stillbirth - Unicorn pregnancy - learning hypnobirthing tools for mindset shift - Reasons to avoid hospital - Finishing work at 40 weeks pregnant - 41+5 and no pressure to induce - Using a TENS machine - Fast progression of labour  - Baby became bradycardic and Danielle needed to push hard to get him out in 4 mins - Baby born with cranial hematoma - Danielle’s midwives support and comments To download your free guide on how to prepare for yourpositive birth plus a free relaxation track head here: https://www.positivebirths.co.nz/positive-birth-top-resources/ For a range of in person and online courses along with personal sessions with Helen see www.positivebirths.co.nz For more info and inspiration follow on @positive_births_nz

Anna's fast birth of her 4th baby in hospital while synthetic oxytocin was being 'threatened' as her membranes had released almost 2 days prior. In this chat we cover: -Miscarriage before Freddy’s conception -First part of pregnancy worried about loss – listening toheartbeat helped -Fear release -Membrane release but no sign of labour within 36 hours. -Labour starts naturally in hospital just before syntheticoxytocin given -Wireless monitor not picking up baby’s heartbeat -One hour established labour -Astrologically a special day to be born  You can listen to Anna’s 3 other birth experiences here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4OkZFja4KOnK5lhyJgt1O8 If you're having your third or fourth baby too and would like a set of tools to feel calm, empowered and confident (and tools that are useful postpartum too!) here's the best course for you: https://www.positivebirths.co.nz/online-recorded-classes/ For more info and inspiration for a positive birth follow @positive_births_nz To download your free guide on how to prepare for your positive birth plus a free relaxation track head here:https://www.positivebirths.co.nz/positive-birth-top-resources/

While the circumstances around Finley's arrival could have been traumatic Amy is speaking here as a mum who has many positives to share during her journey to meet her baby. It was necessary to have a c-section and she felt calm, safe and empowered throughout. *Trigger warning that we cover the details of the difficulty of Finley coming out during the caesarean due to his transverse position. In this episode we chat on the following topics: -Fear of not being able to have babies -Miscarriage (which turned septic) -we mention : Massage for Miscarriage -Using different midwife for pregnancy and birth due to preferred birth location -Transverse positioning of baby  at end of pregnancy -37 weeks waters start leaking -C section process -Baby born with bruising -VBAC stats (see below) To download your free guide on how to prepare for your positive birth plus a free relaxation track head here: https://www.positivebirths.co.nz/positive-birth-top-resources/ If you would like to feel calm, confident and empowered no matter what your birth journey involves head to www.positivebirths.co.nz. You'll find a range of live and recorded course options plus one on one sessions available with Helen. For more info and inspiration follow us @positive_births_nz VBAC stats mentioned: Statistics come from various resources and presented in Kristin White’s VBAC workshop 2025. @kristindoula.birtheducatorNZ stats only 10% of mothers will chose a VBAC of those, 70% will be successfulUterine rupture risk after 1 previous c-section is approx. 0.5%, after 2 c-sections 0.9%Statistically more likely to have a cord prolapse or shoulder dystocia.Statistically more likely to have a uterine rupture if you have synthetic oxytocin than through a VBAC

Caroline and Coad both share their journey to meet Mia which involved the use of a strong mindset and tools to navigate curveballs at the end of pregnancy and during labour for the best possible outcome. In this chat we cover the following topics, and more: -First pregnancy becoming a miscarriage -Naturopath support for conception -NIPT test returning result for a baby boy -Scans weren’t able to see between baby’s legs so assumption stayed as a boy -41+4 having talks about induction, Caroline determined to go into labour spontaneously -Fear release of induction and hospital -Midwife’s check of cervix during the stretch and sweepindicated labour unlikely, however, Caroline went into labour that night -Recommendation of induction, Caroline and Coad asked formore time -Labour starts spontaneously but slow to progress – Carolineasked not to be told her dilation number (it was 0 when she thought she was in active labour) -Using mindset to keep going, sleeping between the waves, hospital staff noting Caroline is coping beautifully -3.5 hours later Caroline is at 7 cms -Episiotomy, mild forceps support for birth -40 mins after birth discovering their “boy” was in fact a“girl” Caroline and Coad joined the Positive Births Ultimate course to gain information, education, tools, techniques and ongoing support for their pregnancy. As you'll hear this proved invaluable for their end of pregnancy and labour journey. You can find the Positive Births Ultimate course at www.positivebirths.co.nz. Available in person and live online. To download your free guide on how to prepare for your positive birth plus a free relaxation track head here:https://www.positivebirths.co.nz/positive-birth-top-resources/ We mention the use of acupressure points, a great resource is from Debra Betts at https://acupuncture.rhizome.net.nz/acupressure/download.aspx/ for more information and inspiration follow @positive_births_nz

Lydia is an excellent example of a mum who committed to the hypnobirthing tools and then reaped the rewards – as you’ll hear her explain what made a difference in her second birth to Eloise. In this chat we cover: - How hypnobirthing made a huge difference for her and her practice routine - Sebastian’s birth in hospital, pressure to push -Doing everything possible to conceive a girl - Moving house and regions in pregnancy - Extra monitoring with a small baby, declined induction at 38 weeks - Making informed decisions - Being pregnant at the same time as her midwife - Difference in the sensations using the hypnobirthing tools as opposed to not using them Here is the Spotify link to the playlist that Lydia mentions: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5dRjQtPfHtKPAQV6VjqLvl?si=wgCFvjcNTtWdlwWXgb7DHw&pi=n384zBltTA-AK If you would like to learn hypnobirthing techniques to make a difference to your birth head to www.positivebirths.co.nz. Helen is NZ’s most experienced facilitator, with 19 years of experience sharing these tools to thousands of couples. You’ll find options for personal sessions, small groups live in person or online, or recorded courses. Don’t leave your birth prep to chance, your actions will make a difference. For more info and inspiration on positive birth prep follow us on @positive_births_nz

Ellen’s inspiring homebirth to second baby Rowan include thewords “rest”, “underwhelming”, “slumber party vibes”. Ellen has previously shared her first birth to Nuala on an earlier episode on the podcast;  you can find it by searching  Ellen'shospital birth to Nuala https://open.spotify.com/episode/5nF1izYF7fxIXJg5dtBMNH   Our chat includes the following topics: -Miscarriage in between first and second baby -Fear release exercise bought up subconscious fear instead of what she had expected -Tearing in her births -Dealing with anaemia in pregnancy -Baby born at 38 weeks -Laughing with toddler as labour starts = oxytocin -Using breathing for labour and for breastfeeding -Episiotomy to prevent big tear -Turning phone off so no distractions and no need to knowwhat the time was -Planned a waterbirth but was fine without the pool -Difficulty birthing the placenta, retained piece of membranecame out with a clot a week later at home Read the recent research that’s just been released aboutHypnobirthing: https://www.womenandbirth.org/article/S1871-5192(26)00056-9/fulltext summary: is a study conducted in Australia with a largegroup of women who participated in hypnobirthing education throughout their pregnancy. Conclusion: Hypnobirthing is associated with a significant reduction inthe use of epidurals, greater use of water immersion, and decreased odds of caesarean section. Study suggests that the use of Hypnobirthing during labourcan further support women’s aspirations to avoid pharmacological analgesia and achieve an unassisted vaginal birth. They also went onto recommend that - Maternity servicesshould explore ways to provide women with increased access to Hypnobirthing training. If you'd like to use the benefits of practical hypnobirthing tools and techniques for your labour, birth and postpartum check out your options at www.positivebirths.co.nz For more inspiration and information about positive birth prep follow us @positive_births_nz

Hayley shares her two positive birth stories – an inductionwith Lilah and birth centre waterbirth to Briar. In our chat today we cover the following topics: -Consultation with specialists around Conception journey -2nd trimester  fibroid degeneration, dealing withthe extreme pain resulted in belief she would be fine for birth -Plan for homebirth -High blood pressure week 38 -39+4Misoprostal induction, membranes released -Briar’s conception within first month -No fibroids -Midwives with different opinions -40+3 doubt worry about going into labour, stretch and sweep -Different way labour felt induction vs natural If you'd like to learn some hypnobirthing tools and techniques for your pregnancy, birth and postpartum, you can find a variety of live and online classes at www.positivebirths.co.nz For more info and inspiration follow us @positive_births_nz

Sofia shares her straight forward homebirth to first baby, Atlas In this chat we include: - Her very physical lifestyle as a dance teacher and Less Mills instructor, with cross fit right up until end of pregnancy -Signs of labour starting at 40+3 (burst of energy), 40+4sore back -Calm labour -Cervical lip and waiting for that to disappear -Pushing without an overwhelming urge -Midwife helping the pelvic floor as having troubles torelease it -instinctual postpartum Sofia purchased the Positive Births Short n Sweet onlinerecorded course to gain mindset, breathwork, relaxation skills to use through her pregnancy and birth. Find all course options at www.positivebirths.co.nz Follow us for more info and inspiration @positive_births_nz