The Positive Births NZ podcast

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

" I'm so proud of what I did. It was amazing. I did everything in the world that I could."Having previously shared her first birth to Arcadia on this podcast Elizabeth was set on preparing for a VBAC for her second baby's arrival.In this episode we cover the brutal obstetrician's manner about a VBAC, then Elizabeth's change to another care provider - who turned about to be an absolute godsend.She shares her experience of the breech position of baby, the ECV (manual turning of baby to a vertex/head down position) and her fear of needles.We also chat about the "coincidence" of listening to the Come on Out Baby track and having her waters release at this time, with subsequent start of labour.Elizabeth shares her coping mechanisms through labour and then how she made the decision to have a c-section, whereby her obstetrician performed a beautiful, gentle experience where Elizabeth could see her baby come up, out and into her arms.This is a wonderful story for all VBAC parents to tune into, proving that, if, for any reason unknown or out of your control, you aren't able to have your vaginal birth, then it still can be a positive birth experience.If you too need support for your VBAC or for releasing a fear or needles or to learn a set of skills for your positive birth journey, check out all the options at www.positivebirths.co.nz

Midwife Rosa knew 1000% she wanted a homebirth and there seemed to be no reason why she wouldn't be able to have one.She trusted in her body and physiological birth. She didn't pack a hospital bag, but when her membranes released and 48 hours later there wasn't enough progress...her birth plans needed to change.Rosa shares with us her journey into the hospital setting, getting out of her 'midwife brain', negotiating with the obstetricians, the intervention she chose and her requests when it came time to go to theatre.Rosa is proud of being able to reflect and process her story where she can think positively about it and share it all with you here.If you too would like to gain tools and techniques to use in any and every type of birth head to www.positivebirths.co.nz

During the start of her first pregnancy Tessa learnteverything she could about the truth of physiological birth which resulted in it becoming very obvious that home was the best place for her to birth her baby.As the right midwife didn’t appear for Tessa, she proceeded through her pregnancy tuning into her body, trusting her body, using her intuition and her ability to “just know”. Tessa shares how she worked on re-programming hersubconscious to believe birth was safe and how she moved through her fears.Also within this chat topics included are:Education around birth, Reprograming the subconscious, releasing fears, tuning into her intuition – “I just knew”, her partners journey to be comfortable with freebirth, understanding how the truth feels in her body, tearing and healing.I also put Tessa on the spot with a couple of trickyquestions – was it just luck that allowed her to birth her baby, smoothly, safely at home with no midwife?This is an episode full of wisdom, massive intuition, trust,power, strength, and courage. I encourage you to listen with an open mind and heart.You can find Tessa on Instagram @tessapitttI encourage you to watch her “Safer Childbirth” webinar https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UrPJCnamiF63RjWCEyMDz9z0wHX3eE0K/viewIf you would like to learn practical tools, techniques to reprogram your subconscious, to trust your body and release fears, check out the range of course options at www.positivebirths.co.nz**All live courses (online and in person) are currently funded until 31 Dec 2025 thanks to The Village/Wright Family foundation - which means there's no cost to you!

Erin bravely opened up about her initial fear of pregnancy and childbirth. Early on, she believed that a C-section under general anesthesia would be the safest and most manageable option for her. However, everything began to shift after she hired a supportive doula and found her midwife. Through their guidance, she discovered the power and beauty of natural, physiological birth—and realized that was the path she truly wanted.As she immersed herself in birth podcasts and practiced hypnobirthing techniques, Erin grew more confident in her ability to give birth naturally. And when the time came—she did just that.Reflecting on her birth experience, she shared, “I was the best version of myself. I was present, calm, confident, and I was just handling it really well.”Baby Wyatt made his entrance into the world in the birth pool, still ‘en caul’—born inside his amniotic sac—a rare occurrence often considered a sign of good luck in many cultures.If you too would like to learn skills and tools for your birth journey head to www.positivebirths.co.nz to find out more.

First time parents looking for a really great birth story –here’s one for you from Emma.Knowing that she needed to be in the right mindset and liked to feel in control it was natural for Emma to seek out hypnobirthing. She shares with us the specific tools and techniques she practised in her pregnancy and successfully used in her birth and postpartum.Other topics you’ll hear about in this chat include: pelvicgirdle pain, her midwife’s support, birth environment, the wonders of oxytocin and a difficult breastfeeding journey. Emma learnt hypnobirthing with Sophie Brooke from www.loveyourbirth.co.nz who is based in Papamoa, NZ.If you too would like to learn skills, tools, techniques andmindset strategies check out Sophie’s courses or the range of support and course options at www.positivebirths.co.nz

Sam shares the stories of her 4 daughters’ births – with a focus on Riley’s birth where she found that some hypnobirthing tools and techniques made a huge difference.As busy mum to Olive, Augie, Darcy and now Riley, Sam is also a business owner and prioritised her fitness and strength to help her through life, pregnancy and birth.You’ll hear about her range of experiences of birth - with Olive in England, the stretch and sweep followed by a kidney infection. The sudden return to NZ in 2020 pregnant with Augie, meeting her midwife who she just clicked with. The house renovations, 2 subsequent homebirths and then her 4th pregnancy where there was a little more anxiety.I had to ask Sam: “When you’ve had 3 previous births (2 of them very straightforward at home) why on earth would you need to learn hypnobirthing breathwork and relaxation for your 4th birth?”Sam will tell you it made SUCH a difference.For her to have practised breathing, to have the affirmations, to go off to sleep listening to relaxation tracks with positive information for birth, it helped her to feel a new level of calm and assurance it Sam says she just wishes she had learnt the skills earlier, but she felt so good having the stuff to draw on for Riley’s birth that it was so worth it.I loved hearing about Riley’s birth, how the whole family was there at 430am once she arrived – and you too need to listen to the end; to smile about how the birth pool was eventually used…….If you’d like to learn tools and techniques for your birth – no matter if this is your first pregnancy or your 4th (or 5th or 6th) and no matter what stage of your pregnancy you’re at – head to www.positivebirths.co.nz for a range of course and support options.

"I look back on that day and I cannot help but smile. I'm like, I did it. She just slipped on out.”PJ's body and baby knew exactly what to do when it came to time for Frankie to be born. It was a very fast labour and birth - 2 hours from the first physical signs, to holding Frankie in her arms. While it might have been rather quick PJ says " all of the chaos that was going on at the end just completely faded away. And the oxytocin ride was just insane." In this episode we cover PJ’s first birth experience with Charlie, and the comparisons between a C-Section experience and her VBAC. (VBAC = vaginal birth after C section).PJ shares the tools and techniques she learnt and used, her fear release to help her mentally get into the right space and the mad nesting urge as soon as she finished up at work.You’ll hear about the sudden onset of labour on a day and time that nobody would really have predicted, the fact that they weren’t ready or packed for a trip to the hospital and the moment of tingles – the two deer that made themselves present for both of her births (very cool). Despite the experience being very fast PJ does not feel she was traumatised by the experience but now can really feel the full effects of a physiological birth journey, and how that is positively shaping her mothering experience.We chat about the transformational time of birth – how a birth not only births a baby but a mother and she shares her advise to her younger self (and for anyone else) preparing for labour and birth.If you too want to feel calm, confident and prepared for your positive birth check out the range of information, support, resources and courses at www.positivebirths.nz

Rose shares her two experiences of homebirth to sons Oscar and Oliver. Plus there’s so much more – topics covered in our chat today include (and are not limited to) :Missed miscarriage and long time to move through this; conception journey before Oliver’s arrival; gender disappointment; music in labour; Mum being the midwife; husband Andre blowing up the birth pool by his breath alone!; My random experiences 30 years ago in Romania (yeah, off topic but arrived into the convo); Dad's role as birth support and parent; family present at the birth. I hope you enjoy this very interesting chat I had with Rose, I really appreciate her open and honest accounts of the difficulties she has experienced – along with the proud achievements of learning how powerful, strong and resilient she is.If you too would like some tools and support for your positive birth journey head to www.positivebirths.co.nz to find a range of resources for you.