The Positive Births NZ podcast

Clementine shares the journey of the births of her twochildren and the profound difference preparation and support can make. Her first birth with her son Theo began with very little antenatal preparation, andbecame a difficult hospital experience that left her feeling overwhelmed and unsupported at times.In her second pregnancy Clementine recognised that herprevious experience had impacted her deeply. Determined to approach birth differently, she began actively educating herself through books, podcasts, positive birth stories, and conversations with her midwife. She focused on mindset, physical preparation, affirmations, and creating an environment where she felt calm, safe and in control. Over time, her fear was replaced with confidence and trust in her body.Baby Evie was born at home, Clementine was surrounded bysupportive midwives and in the comfort of her own space, experienced the calm, empowering birth she had hoped for. Her story is a powerful reminder that birth experiences can be transformed through knowledge, support, and intentionalpreparation — and that it’s never too late to reclaim confidence in your body and your birth.If you would like to feel calm, confident and prepared for your birth come along to the Free Webinar held live on Monday 30 March. Register at www.positivebirths.co.nz/free-webinar/or you can watch a recording here https://www.positivebirths.co.nz/free-webinar/)Plus check out the range of course options available to you at positivebirths.co.nz

Bailey’s labour didn’t start the way she planned for it to,but from the work she had done in her pregnancy she was feeling “far more excited than scared,” and that shift from fear to excitement became one of the most powerful parts of her journey.In this episode Bailey talks about preparing for what she callsher “ultra marathon” preparing for something challenging, understanding how her body works, and using hypnobirthing tools. You’ll love to listen to Bailey clarify her “whys” – how shewrote down her reasons for wanting a physiological birth.Even after having to pivot to an induction setting, she created a calm birth space, used her breath, protected her environment, and worked with her body.And then comes that experience — lifting her baby onto her “the most incredible moment of my life.” Bailey’s birth is a reassuring story for anyone navigatingthe possibility of induction. It’s proof that preparation, mindset, and trust can transform the experience — even when the path takes a turn. If you'd like to have the advantage of a positive mindset and hypnobirthing tools, check out your options - live and online courses with Helen at www.positivebirths.co.nz

What do you do when your homebirth dreams are shattered because your baby is discovered to be in a footling breech position at 40+3??There is so much for you to gain from listening to this episode with Tanay, where she shares her journey that did not go anywhere near to plan — and yet became one of her greatest lessons in surrender, strength, self-trust and healing.What began as a firm decision to avoid hospital at all costs unraveled into a breech diagnosis, an attempted ECV, a change of midwife, more plan changes, spontaneous labour, progress to 9cm and then ultimately a c-section birth in the very place she had initially feared the most. This story provides an example of what happens when you pursue all options and don’t give up. Tanay kindly shares how we worked through her fears, by using somatic hypnotherapy to untangle the events that caused her to feel very anxious in hospitals. She was then able to proceed in a calm, relaxed and empowered manner. Tanay shifted her focus to what she could control, rather than what was outside of her control and this mindset paid off for her really well. This is a powerful conversation about control, surrender, mindset and healing. Because sometimes the most positive births aren’t the ones that go to plan — they’re the ones where we grow the most.If you would like some help to release your fears or untangle any traumatic past events please reach out to helen@positivebirths.co.nzTanay and Hadley completed the Positive Births Ultimate course in their pregnancy which includes ongoing support - such as the extra hypnotherapy sessions we were able to do at week 40 of her pregnancy. You can find details of all course options at www.positivebirths.co.nz

Hannah shares her truly powerful, uplifting successfulVBAC story — and a reminder of what can be possible when you feel informed, supported and safe. Almost nine years after her first birth ended in an emergency caesarean following an induction, Hannah knew she wanted a very different experience for her next birth. She committed to preparing differently this time: shifting fear, building confidence, and surrounding herself with theright support to aim for the healing birth she’d been hoping for.In this conversation, Hannah shares how she preparedmentally and emotionally for a VBAC — including immersing herself in positive birth stories, practising breathing and relaxation daily, and strengthening her inner belief that birth could be physiological and empowering. She also made anearly decision that home was where she would feel safest, finding a midwife who was supportive of an HBAC while still feeling equipped to stay flexible if plans needed to change.Hannah’s labour unfolds beautifully — from early signs and ahospital check for reduced movements, to labouring at home with a TENS machine, affirmations on repeat, and strong support from Liam. Darcie is born in the birth pool, with Hannah catching her herself and describing the moment as “the most incredible, magical, healing experience.” Hannah also shares the real postpartum chapter: unexpected feeding challenges, donor milk, triple feeding,and the determination that led to exclusive breastfeeding by around 4–5 weeks.  This is a must listen - A powerful story of self-belief,preparation, and the kind of empowerment that stays with you for life. If you too are preparing for a VBAC consider using hypnobirthing tools and skills to help you get into the right mindset and know how to work with your body to feel calm, confident and capable. You can find a range of course options (The Ultimate course is my recommendation for VBAC parents, and the one that Hannah and Liam did) at www.positivebirths.co.nz.

A gorgeous home waterbirth story after the stars aligned at 37 weeks and Lauren found the right midwife who "oozed calmness".In this episode we hear about Lauren's belief in herself, but the desire to be prepared. How doing an in person Hypnobirthing day retreat got Ryan fully onboard to know how to support. Navigating the acceptance of having a New Year's due date and therefore limited LMC care (which then resolved!) There's sun bathing in labour, the unique 'quack' signal to Ryan to time the waves, the trust Lauren's midwife had in Lauren knowing when it felt right to push.There's the meeting of Tully, the largest placenta ever seen and the postpartum transfer to hospital for a blood and iron transfusion.There's joking and laughter and a super chill baby.This is an amazing, uplifting, inspiring homebirth story of a first baby - a must listen for all!If you too would like to experience the Positive Births Matakana day retreat (or a similar course) like Lauren and Ryan, check out your options at www.positivebirths.co.nz

Ella shares the birth stories of both her sons, Archie and Mackenzie, and what shines through is her calm, practical mindset and deep trust in her body. That first birth planted a seed of confidence for her future, and Ella also reflects on how motherhood (including Archie’s recurring ear infections) shaped the way she began questioning “standard” medical approaches and seeking more informed, holistic options.Mackenzie’s pregnancy felt straightforward - but the birth itself took a huge turn: Ella experienced an unexpected footling breech birth at home, with Mackenzie arriving at 4.6kg (10 pounds). The best part is how everyone remained calm and hands-off, and Ella could work with her body.Ella also shares the reality of the postpartum chapter:having to be transferred to hospital due to very high blood pressure and later learned she had postpartum preeclampsia. She speaks honestly about advocating for herself and her baby, the importance of informed consent, and how she used hypnobirthing tools (especially breathing and “melt”) to stay calm through uncomfortable moments. This episode is empowering, eye-opening, and a powerful reminder that a “positive birth” can mean feeling in control, supported, and listened to — even when the journey includes unexpected twists. If you too would like to use hypnobirthing tools to help you for your labour and birth (whatever it may be) check out your options at www.positivebirths.co.nz

Lucy shares the whirlwind story of welcoming three babies ina very short space of time — Eddie, Alice, and Walter. Lucy reflects on her first pregnancy with Eddie, including going overdue (to 41+6), a fast first labour, and what it felt like navigating the “overdue” pressure. She alsoshares the surprise twist of falling pregnant with baby number two just a few months after Eddie arrived, and the mental shift that came with realising youcan feel confident advocating for what’s right for you.A big theme in Lucy’s story is postpartum and feeding — shespeaks really openly about breastfeeding challenges (flat nipples, pain, mastitis, mixed advice, and the emotional impact), and what ultimately helped her bond and feel more at peace. With each pregnancy, Lucy grew in confidence,leaned into hypnobirthing tools more deeply, and also drew on her own physical strength — including staying active right through pregnancy — to cope with back-to-back pregnancies while parenting little ones at the same time.Lucy’s third birth with Walter (a Christmas Eve baby) camewith a bit of a curve ball. She shares what helped her stay grounded, and the magic of welcoming Walter at home with big siblings meeting their baby brother in the most beautiful way.Lucy's advice to her pre-pregnant self is "do the hypnobirthing course in the first pregnancy" - so if that's you, wondering if you should, or not, jump onto www.positivebirths.co.nz and check out your range of options. Your future self will thank the you of now!

This episode with Vanessa provides an incredible insightinto the impact of HG (hyperemesis gravidarum). A three times HG survivor Vanessa vulnerably shares the darkness and challenges of being unable to function and having to rely on drugs (and her mum) to survive all her pregnancies.Not only did Vanessa have to deal with HG but also another condition of Vulvodynia.Her first two births to Evie and Kendall were C-Sections,but in her 3rd pregnancy Vanessa decided she wanted to attempt a VBA2C.Despite being extremely depleted physically, mentally andemotionally Vanessa persisted through 61 hours of labour to birth baby Aliya, and also suffered a post partum haemorrhage.This episode is eye opening as to how severe HG affects the lives of families, the medication required and the mental strength needed to get through pregnancy.Vanessa has generously offered her guide to caring for yourheart and mind during HG to all listeners. You can email her at vaneforsyth@gmail.com .Vanessa’s facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/VanessaJoyPoetryFor all information about HG including treatment guides, DrFejzo's work and the HELP score to assess HG severity:HER Foundation - hyperemesis.orgThe facebook page for peer support is "Hyperemesis PeerSupport NZ"https://facebook.com/groups/885735235288936/This episode is sponsored by Aggie @weareaggieYou can find Morning Relief at weareaggie.co.nz and in selected stores across New Zealand.For a 20% discount off Aggie's Morning Relief use code:AGGIEPB20Vanessa used hypnobirthing tools to help her through her long labour - if you too would like to learn hypnobirthing techniques for your pregnancy, labour, birth and postpartum check out your range of course options at www.positivebirths.co.nz

With a scan showing a ‘potential’ issue late in her first pregnancy to Florence, Zoe was pressured for an induction which lead to series of interventions and a hospital birth. Zoe shares her learnings and then her second experience of birth with Goldie. A natural physiological, home waterbirth proving that yes, her body knew exactly what to do when there was no interference.Zoe shares how hypnobirthing and homeopathy helped her through her pregnancy and birth.Another great episode for all parents looking for a contrast between hospital and home birth scenarios.If you would like to gain practical tools to use in your pregnancy, labour and postpartum head to www.positivebirths.co.nz for a range of resources, online courses and live in person courses.

Ashleigh planned for a homebirth when pregnant with Charlie for but ended up navigating the hospital system at 42 weeks and 2 days where her labour started. She shares about the challenges and the battles they had along the way including constant monitoring preventing her from moving around; a ventouse and episiotomy. There are aspects of this experience that Ashleigh felt were traumatic for her and she worked on releasing these and preparing for a different birth early in her second pregnancy.With full conviction she could achieve a homebirth with her second baby Lucy, Ashleigh shares how this played out and her ability to be able to instinctively move with her body as baby descended in her smooth waterbirth.This episode provides a great comparison of Ashleigh’s experiences of birthing in the hospital vs homebirth.If you would like support to prepare for your birth check out all your options including group classes, private one on one sessions or online recorded courses all available at www.positivebirths.co.nz

From the moment Anneke’s first baby Monty arrived she knew her next birth would be a VBAC.Therefore, excited to pregnant and expecting baby #2 Anneke intended, prepared, visualised and believed in her ability to have this VBAC.Her midwives were on board and all was going well until……..the routine appointment with the hospital obstetrician at 33 weeks.Get ready to tear your hair out about what the obstetrician says to Anneke and – how it derailed her – but only for a short time.After releasing her fear and negative emotions and moving through a hypnotherapy exercise, plus repeating the VBAC education workshop, Anneke was back in the drivers seat ready to go into labour naturally and avoid another C-Section.This is Anneke’s powerful journey of really listening to her own intuition, trusting herself, and for the very first time ever in her life going against what a medical professional suggested and she comes out so very super proud of herself.If you too would like tools and techniques and/or to release trauma or fear please check out all your options including one-on-one personal sessions, online recordings or live group classes see: www.positivebirths.co.nz.For the VBAC education workshop see: @Kristinwhite.vbaceducator

If you’d like another example of a normal, natural healthy, physiological birth of a first baby you’re in the right place today.Anna’s homebirth experience has helped her develop a senseof self trust that she is no relying on in her postpartum and we discuss how important this is.At 38 weeks Anna experienced a very long (almost 7 days)latent labour. Despite the long days and nights of intermittent sensations impacting her energy levels and testing her resolve she knew a short term fix (ie induction) would interfere in the type of birth she had planned an prepared for; therefore Anna persevered.Finally one night labour kicked off and as her midwife said, that week of latent labour was “money in the bank” because when Anna suspected things were happening and asked her midwife to check where she was at, she was doing pretty well.Her breathing and relaxation was her saving grace through both the latent and active stages of labour and if you too would like to benefit from some tools and techniques that are useful and relevant for all types of birth check out your options on www.positivebirths.co.nz.

Kiwi Beth and her partner moved to Majorca Spain whilepregnant with their first baby. Beth’s plan was to have a homebirth and she shares what she needed to do to make that happen – as the system in Spain is very different to NZ. Despite what was planned baby had other ideas as he wasready to arrive at 34+5 so this birth ended up being in hospital. Beth explains what happened after baby was born and how it was difficult to advocate for herself and baby due to the language barrier.In her second pregnancy Beth was determined to have the homebirth and of course she did and she shares her very fast straight forward experience with baby #2.Beth can be found at www.mybody-mybirth.comand you might like to check out her exploration card pack – designed to inspire open and meaningful conversations between you and your birth partner so you can feel more connected, prepared, and confident as you prepare to welcome your baby.For all listeners – purchase a pack of the birth cardsbefore December 31 2025, use code Positive20 for a 20% discount!

After a beautiful pregnancy and birth to Olive (which hadinvolved a major mindset shift about birth) Nicole found herself in her second pregnancy fearful of not being able to have another positive birth. She searched for stories of mums having the experience of 2 great birth stories andcame up short. Which is one of the big reasons she is here – to share the fact that it IS possible.In this episode you’ll hear about Olive’s conceptionjourney, the smooth pregnancy, the not knowing and then the learning for Nicole's first birth. The mindset work Nicole did in her second pregnancy to Juno, where she overcome doubts and fears;  her thoughts about freebirth, a dream her midwife had and how they navigated quite a quick transfer to the birthcentre with Olive in tow.If you too would like to learn skills and tools for yourpositive birth journey, you can find out more at www.positivebirths.co.nz.There are live group courses in person and online, plus online recorded digital packages. Helen also offers one on one support for complex fears and trauma and deeper emotional support.

"It turned into this incredible natural, beautiful, almost pain free like experience with such a natural high. It was phenomenal".Natasha and Joel prepared in pregnancy with learning skills and tools from their Positive Births hypnobirthing course. Natasha explains how they used their tools in her pregnancy and for labour, with Joel being an incredible support during the induction process.Due to high blood pressure and pre-eclampsia Natasharequired an induction which started with misprostal and then moved onto the balloon, release of membranes and synthetic oxytocin. Throughout this she used her mindset, relaxation and breathwork to keep calm and relaxed. When her bodywas ready to birth baby, she describes the involuntary pushes, with baby Aiden born rapidly.If you too would like to have the skills, tools and mindsetfor you and your partner to use in your labour, birth and life beyond, head to www.positivebirths.co.nz for yourcourse options. Natasha mentions listening to another episode from this podcast which is: Jess' experience of PUPPPS, positive induction and hospital birth to Will.

Jana shares her experiences of an induction and hospital birth with Mia and then very soon after, the journey of embarking on what turned out to be a wonderful homebirth for Charlie.Within this episode Jana shares within her first pregnancy and birth:High blood pressure, the need to travel 3 hours to Dunedin for hospital care at the end of pregnancy, navigating a ‘grey’ situation, coping with differing opinions, induction with misoprostol, epidural, ventouse, unconsented clamping of cord, processing trauma. In Jana’s second pregnancy – hiring a doula, making big decisions, having hard conversations, surrender, and a straight forward homebirth to Charlie.This episode is dedicated to all the parents from Central Otago and/or similar areas who have to make big decisions about whether to stay in the area to birth at a birthcentre or home, or make the big trip (sometimes 3 hours or more) to the nearest hospital.Mentioned in the episode:The Body keeps the Score by Bessel Van der KolkKate Wolfe Doula: www.domeyoga.co.nz/birth-supportHealing and processing birth with somatic and hypnotherapy techniques : helen@positivebirths.co.nz

As a young mum Jena was prepared for the “worst” experience of her life – giving birth, but it turns out that it wasn’t as bad as she was told it would be.Xavier had a 2 vessel cord (occurring in approx. 1% ofpregnancies) which required extra monitoring through pregnancy but arrived healthy and strong, although Jena birthed posterior and had a 3rd degree tear.A couple of years later Zephyr arrived in a fast waterbirth(also posterior) and Jena is very proud of being able to handle these two births.However, when Zephyr was 4 months old Jena was shocked to discover she was pregnant again. Furthermore after her first scan there were concerns for her baby. Jena shares her experience of the NIPT test and an Amniocentesis(Amnio) to discover her baby boy had Downs Syndrome.Jena openly discusses what the path looked like for her andher family and their decision to choose TFMR (termination for medical reason) at 18 weeks.Trigger Warning: Obviously this episode comes with a triggerwarning for anyone not wanting to hear the details of this very difficult and heartbreaking experience. This episode is released during Baby Loss Awareness week 2025 in tribute to the short life of Roman.

Two miscarriages with IVF and then a natural conception - Amanda shares with us her challenging conceptionjourney and to mark Baby Loss Awareness Week at the time of recording, we chat a little bit more about the very common (yet often not talked about) topic of miscarriage.In Maddison’s pregnancy Amanda experiences a sub chorionic hematoma but from there she is low risk, a healthy pregnancy, therefore a homebirth was absolutely a possibility. Amanda shares her prep, how she gained knowledge andconfidence for birth and talks us through her homebirth and breastfeeding journey.If you too would like to learn skills, knowledge and toolsfor your positive birth head to www.positivebirths.co.nzto find out about online and live in person courses plus online recorded courses and many other resources.For more resources on miscarriage healing head to https://www.positivebirths.co.nz/miscarriage-healing/

Following 2 C-sections Rabia did everything she could toachieve her home VBA2C and in this episode you’ll hear all about what she did, how she did it and you’ll undoubtedly be inspired by her perseverance, dedication;her ability to take charge, make decisions and trust the process.Her journey included a complete mindset change and allowed new doors to open up for her (while some closed). She shares about her change of midwifery care, finding a doula and how this felt difficult. There was all thedifferent learning and the care she engaged in and was supported by. This was a full mental, physical and emotional preparation journey.Learn why Rabia didn’t tell her mum or hardly anyone elsethat she knew that she was planning a homebirth.Resources mentioned in this chat:Link to Kikis Home VBA2C story: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4uvH3s0IuuzjTwcoRdC4m5Link to Kristin – VBAC Birth Educator : Instagram @kristinwhilte.birtheducatorThe Great Birth Rebellion podcastIf you too would like to learn mindset tools, breathwork,relaxation and benefit from a fear release exercise, plus more, check out the options at www.positivebirths.co.nz

A great episode to listen to for understanding how you can roll with the unpredicted curve balls and have your partner fully support you – so that all you have to do as a birthing mother is simply “go with the flow”. Laura shares her 2 positive hospital births to Oliver and Eddison where both she and partner Josh were prepared having taken a hypnobirthing course in their first pregnancy, and a private refresher session in their second pregnancy.However, nobody can predict the curveballs that might occur which included in her first birth: meconium present in her waters early in labour, leading to an early transfer to the hospital, extra monitoring, a cervix that needed manual adjustment, talk of c section.In her second birth to Eddison there was the unavailability ofthe birth centre and the strange coloured water at the hospital (I mean who could predict that!?)Laura shares how she was able to stay in her zone, how herhypnobirthing tools worked so well for her. In her second birth she shares exactly how Josh was able to take care of everything – without having to ask her any questions – he knew exactly what to do, when to do it, how to do it, so that all Laura did was stay in her zone and go with the flow.This is a great episode for all birth support people to listen to.If you too would like to feel calm, confident and prepared for your birth check out your range of options at www.positivebirhts.co.nzLaura and Josh did their hypnobirthing course in person in Papamoa with Sophie Brooke, www.loveyourbirth.co.nzwho uses the Positive Births book and course materials.