The Positive Births NZ podcast

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, sothat all Laura did was stay in her zone and go with the flow.This is a great episode for all birth support people tolisten to.If you too would like to feel calm, confident and preparedfor your birth check out your range of options at www.positivebirhts.co.nzLaura and Josh did their hypnobirthing course in person inPapamoa with Sophie Brooke, www.loveyourbirth.co.nzwho uses the Positive Births book and course materials.

Christl shares with us her three different birth experiences. Archie’s birth at 39 weeks included meconium present in waters, synthetic oxytocin, kiwi cup and forceps which left Christl feeing a bit daunted about birth when it came to her 2nd pregnancy. However, armed with some different information and confidence she then planned and experienced a homebirth – with baby Elsie arriving ‘en caul’. We then discuss her 3rd birth, another homebirth to Darcy. Despite being in the best possible state for a normal, natural physiological experience for the whole birth there was a issue with the placenta randomly stuck after Darcy arrived, which required hospital transfer and subsequent removal.The books Christl mentioned made a difference to her are written by midwife and author Ina May Gaskin.If you too would like to learn some hypnobirthing skills to help you feel calm and confident for your birth check out all your options at www.positivebirths.co.nz

An inspiring induction story from solo mum Kobi who was surrounded by her ‘village’ for her empowering birth to Dovie.Kobi wasn’t scared of birth, but she was ideally planning on a homebirth, so there was a bit of mindset shifting needed to be done at the end of her pregnancy when it appeared that Dovie’s growth was slowing right down.Listen to how Kobi worked through her change of plans, how her induction played out at 38 weeks (balloon and synthetic oxytocin with epidural), the beautiful hospital space filled with empowerment and calm energy.A great episode to listen to for all parents embarking on an induction journey. This episode of the Positive Birth New Zealand podcast is brought to you by Daisy. At Daisy they're passionate about supporting women through every stage of pregnancy. Their first product 'Morning Relief' is a gentle science-backed supplement designed to ease the nausea that up to 90% of mums to be experience - because every woman deserves to feel supported and empowered in her journey to   motherhood. www.drinkdaisy.co.nzIf you too would like help and support through your pregnancy through private sessions or group classes to help you feel calm and confident for your birth head to: www.positivebirths.co.nz to find out more.The other episode mentioned with another solo mum from this podcast is Sara's hospital births to Caleb and Jacob.

Charlie wants to let you know that you can still have abeautiful birth in a hospital with an obstetrican. She’s had two such births, she chose obstetrican care to support her medical condition of Hashimotos.Having her thyroid removed in 2021 and managing with medication, Charlie shares with us her conception, pregnancy and birth journeys with one of the biggestchallenges – prodromal labour for 3 weeks at the end of her pregnancy with Noah.This influenced her decision to opt for an induction andyou’ll hear about how this went with epidural too.In her second pregnancy Charlie was keen to allow labour tostart naturally and it certainly did – albeit a bit earlier than most. At 35+5 weeks her membranes released and this started James arrival. When he decided to come during a hospital check it was a smooth and fast birth.If you'd like to learn the tools Charlie used to support her check out your options on www.positivebirths.co.nz

A smooth homebirth for a first baby, this is a great storyfor all first time parents to listen to, incase you too might like to “trial” a homebirth.Georgia shares with us the rocky start to her pregnancy witha severe bleed at 6 weeks being a  sub chorionic hematoma and then all was well – until the 12 week scan. At that stage she was told that baby had a high risk result for Down Syndrome. Listen to how Georgia handled the news of this, the wonderful advice her mum gave and why and how she chose “joy”.From there we hear about her thoughts on birth and how they changed in her pregnancy, leading her to “trial” her homebirth – smooth, fast, and “epic”.If you too would like to learn the skills Georgia found usefulfor her labour and birth head to www.positivebirths.co.nz

Jordi has been through a lot with her two daughters Rosie and Margot. In this episode we hear about the differences between a fear filled birth and one where she felt calm and in control.Included in this chat are:·      Miscarriage and immediate conception·      Antenatal anxiety ·      30 weeks discovery of Rosie having  bilateralduplex kidneys, ·      The example of fear and tension leading to pain ,epidural, pushing with no sensation, the position of baby resulting in a c-section·       Chorioamnionitis. (infection of the amnioticsac)·      Rosie’s surgery on day 5·      When pregnant 10 months later she received fullsupport from obstetrician at hospital encouraging her to attempt a VBAC (vaginal birth after c-section).·      Coping mechanisms used by Jordi to feel incontrol, using her breath and interpreting the sensation differently. ·      Jordi checked a few days prior to labour andbeing already at 6cms.·      Birthing a big baby at 4.8 kgs 10lbs 6 oz.·       Meconium aspiration syndrome which progressedinto pneumonia, Margot on oxygenFor this and so much more tune into our conversation. If you too would like to benefit from the tools andtechniques Jordi used in her birth to Margot, head to www.positivebirths.co.nz

Ashlee is mum to 3 children under 3 years old and has a range of birth experiences – so she shares with us the details of them all, with a focus on her most recent unassisted fast homebirth to Willow.Ashlee’s first birth to Alicia involved a range of intervention including induction (due to baby’s size), being prepped for C- Section, with baby born vaginally and a 3rd degree tear. We hear about the details of this birth and how it impacted on Ashlee’s decision to have a “beautiful” elective c-section to 2nd baby Jackson.What made Ashlee decide to have a homebirth for her 3rdbaby? She wanted the birth she’d always hoped for, so made some important decisions around this and did the work, got into the best mental state and chose the right midwife to support her. In this chat we also discuss unplanned pregnancy, hospital stay after her 1st baby, midwives feeding baby colostrum, pelvic floor healing, elective c-section.If you too would like to benefit from the skills that Ashlee learnt in her pregnancy, head to www.positivebirths.co.nz for a range of hypnobirthing options.

Gabby shares with us what she learnt in her first two birthsthat made her decide to do some proper prep (i.e the Positive Births hypnobirthing course) in her third pregnancy.She explains her first birth to Lucy was and induction due tohigh blood pressure and ended in a C-Section. Her second birth to Caleb was a successful vbac with epidural.When it came to her third pregnancy with Hazel, Gabby andhusband Boyce took some time to learn information, tools and do some mindset work to feel more prepared and empowered for this experience.As a result Gabby was able to advocate for herself, askquestions, decline the offered induction and allow her body to go into labour naturally. Once things got going she used her tools and had a relatively fast, natural hospital birth.If you too would like to learn some practical tools for yourbirth head to www.positivebirths.co.nzto check out all your options.

“Back up your ‘she’ll be right’ with some actual tools to dothis” is what Serena would say if she could go back in time to her pre-pregnant self before first baby Maeve arrived. Serena reflects on her two different experiences of birth –both with the same intense sensations; but in her second birth Serena was now armed with tools, techniques and a mindset that helped her work with what was happening in a different way.Her first birth to Maeve ended in a c-section. ( If you’re notin the mood today for a not so positive story, please skip to around 27 mins) We then talk about Serena’s positive preparation for baby #2. You’ll hear about the compromise on planned birth place and the commitment Serena and her husband made to their VBAC journey, how the hypnobirthing tools and techniques made a big difference.Listen to the incredible birth story, of Serena backingherself, doing her own vaginal checks and the decision they made to make a move to hospital. There’s a dramatic arrival of baby Nylah, but all in the best possible way. Serena achieved her wished for and worked for VBAC!If you too would like support to prepare mentally, emotionally and with practical tools and techniques for your positive birth reach out to Helen at www.positivebirths.co.nz.

 "You just feel like you've discovered this amazing secretabout physiological birth and having an amazing birth experience, you just wanna scream it from the rooftops” Mia would love to tell everyone to have a homebirth to feel as amazing as she did in having a redemptive birth for hersecond baby Oscar. It has had a profound impact on her.In this episode we cover the first birth of James whichincluded  a stretch and sweep – membranes releasing with meconium and constant monitoring. Mia was happy to be a ‘good patient’ , follow the rules and do what she was told without questioning too much; fully trusting in the expertise of the midwives. You’ll hear about how covid times impacted on her after care – and there may be parts of this story you find distressing – please skip over this if you're not up for anything negative today.Her second birth is what we are focussing on, theinformation and education Mia undertakes which results in her decision to homebirth, her hypnobirthing preparation, and then how the birth plays out.We also discuss Rhesus Negative, bleeding early inpregnancy, relationships with midwives.In this episode we also reconnect with Mia several weekslater after the initial recording about the birth for Mia to generously share what she has been experiencing in postpartum- the intense feelings of sadnessand grief. She explains how she is navigating this time, what it feels like, what she is doing to try to help , and what would be helpful if you too knew someone who was struggling with this phase of life. Mentioned in this episode: The great birth rebellion podcast, The Midwives Cauldron Podcast, Acupuncturist Rachel Wilson https://www.naissance.co.nz/rachel If you too would like to feel prepared for your positive birthcheck out the resources on www.positivebirths.co.nz

“It was the most exciting feeling, so powerful. I washonestly just feeling so privileged that my body could, could experience it. I had like awesome music playing and just that pushing phase was just fun.”Anna shares with us her first birth, a c-section to Kaiden andhow she experienced postpartum pre-eclampsia, with spiking blood pressure and scary panic attacks. This impacted greatly on her early days as a mum and naturallywas a concern when she became pregnant again.Working through the fears and emotions of postpartum andkeen to attempt a VBAC Anna got into the right mind space, with the right support to achieve this.Through her second birth, despite the same patterns playingout again, something different occurred to enable Anna to succeed in her desire to have a vaginal birth. Yes, she describes the pushing phase of her labour as “fun.”Fortunately, her postpartum with Leo was much easier andmore enjoyable.If you too need support to prepare for your positive birth, check out the resources for you at www.positivebirths.co.nz