The Positive Births NZ podcast

"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 helen@positivebirths.co.nz 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.birtheducator NZ stats only 10% of mothers will chose a VBAC of those, 70% will be successful Uterine 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

Teresina shares her fast, instinctive birth to Isabella, inthe water just a few minutes after arriving to the birth centre. In this chat we include topics such as: -PCOS – told she would never have kids, but how she used that diagnosis to become more in tune with her body -Birth culture in Mexico -Learning about birth in NZ -Changing midwives at 38 weeks to support the type of birthshe wanted – no intervention and no hospital. -Trusting that the body heals and knows what to do -Her labour while out walking, progressing as she’s leaving her apartment, navigating traffic to get to the birth centre, baby arriving just minutes later To learn the skills Teresina used in her pregnancy, birth and postpartum head to www.positivebirths.co.nz for a range of course options - online and in person. For more info and chats about positive birth follow us @positive_births_nz

This chat arose because of a thankyou email that Josie sent to me right at the very most perfect time that I needed it….. In this episode today we discuss: Difficulty finding a midwife for due date early January, which lead to the choice of obstetric care Using positive birth stories to improve mindset Induction with several stretch and sweeps, balloon, epidural, syntocinin Positive interactions with hospital staff The ripple effect A reminder that your birth involves your body and your baby, you can choose what feels right for you. Josie says she feels like she made the right calls along the way to choose induction, epidural and c section – that was the right decision for her. If you'd like to explore a range of hypnobirthing options check out www.positivebirths.co.nz. There are online recorded courses, online and in person live courses. For more info and inspiration for a positive birth in all sets of circumstances follow us on @positive_births_nz

A remarkable conception story where Kate share’s hope, inspiration and an admirable attitude about all that she underwent to meet her daughter Farah. In this chat we discuss: - Diagnosis of lymphoma, harvesting eggs, chemotherapy, tumor, stem cell transplant - Waiting for two years before embarking on IVF – smooth journey -Hematologist revealing he didn’t know of anyone in her situation that got pregnant -Mind body connection, mention of psychoneuroimmunology -Working with grief of loss of mum in pregnancy -Excruciating leg cramps -OB advising against homebirth -41 weeks midwives brew to get labour started -2 nights of labour and not dilated -No amniotic fluid - Anhydramnios -C-Section I loved Kate’s mum’s saying that Kate used in her journey: “We don't worry until there's something to worry about." If you would like to use hypnobirthing skills for yourjourney check out the range of online and live options at www.positivebirths.co.nz For more info and inspo on the positive birth journey follow us on @positive_births_nz

A redemptive second birth story that Lynnaire totally deserved after experiencing 3 miscarriages, pre-eclampsia, induction at 34 weeks to daughter Riley. In this chat today we discuss: -2 miscarriages prior to first pregnancy led to anxiety infirst trimester -Third trimester swelling 32 weeks diagnosis of severe preeclampsia -Birth at 34 weeks via 3 day induction, balloon, misoprostal,epidural, surgery for retained placenta -NICU for 6 weeks -Miscarriage prior to Issac’s conception -Parasite cleanse and naturopathic support -Pregnant until 41 weeks, induction misoprostal, baby born encaul -Creating the right birth space, (and the magic room #8 atWellington hospital) -Mention of @massageaftermiscarriage – for care packagesafter miscarriage You can find Lynnaire’s range natural baby products at @littlerose_natural, www.littlerose.nz If you too would like tools, techniques to support you in your positive birth journey head to www.positivebirths.co.nz for a range of course options. For more info, inspo about positive birth follow us @positive_births_nz

Dalen speaks about the different feelings she had between her first birth and second with feeling disconnected in her first birth to Oaklee but very grounded and present for Asher’s birth. This is an episode where there is definitely quite a difference between first birth and second birth experiences. In this chat we cover: -Being a younger mum -Intense long labour (convinced it would be fast) for first birth -Got to birth centre 1cm dilated -Felt disconnected -Difficult time and difficult recovery determined for this not to happen again -Education and communication with partner Josh as to how he could be even better support in 2nd birth -Using TENS machine, being in water, soft loose body -Very present for 2nd birth at home in the water Dalen is owner of @labourandlovenz https://labourandlove.co.nz/ where you can find a conscious practitioner directory, birth pool hire, natural products for birth and postpartum. This episode is sponsored by www.tenshire.co.nz , Natal Care Naturally has offered all listeners a 5% discount on their TENS machine hire. Use code: POSITIVEBIRTH A tens machine helps you to cope with the sensations of labour by using pulsing vibrations that reduces the intensity of the feelings by your brain. It also helps to stimulate endorphins the feel good hormones and naturally occurring body’s own morphine. All of this means that you’re more likely to feel more comfortable during your labour and of course a TENS machine works beautifully in conjunction with your hypnobirthing breathing and relaxation exercises too. You’ll get 6 weeks of hire and for those of you using hypnobirthing skills, you can practise these with the tens machine before you go into labour to feel how well they work together. If you’d like to gain some valuable hypnobirthing tools head to www.positivebirths.co.nz for course options and a Free Relaxation track. For more chats and info on a positive birth journey follow @positive_births_nz

Having enjoyed a very smooth pregnancy and feeling excited about her home bus birth Gemma was not expecting the curveball of a pre-eclampsia diagnosis just beforeweek 40. In this episode our chat includes: - Excited for birth, being surrounded by positive stories & the plan was a homebirth in their house bus - Diagnosis of pre-eclampsia just prior to week 40 and resistance to a hospital birth -Gemma’s decision not to have scans in her pregnancy -Getting into a positive mindset for the induction, using a hypnotherapy track to help -Induction with one dose of prostaglandin -Jared’s support and the inability to speak when she was deep in her zone -Listening-to her body when it felt pushy and not forcing it. The podcast episode Gemma mentions is episode #151 Natasha’s induction to Aiden on The Positive births NZ podcast https://open.spotify.com/episode/5c4G73U82WkWpBq30Ny7Fc If you too need support to get your mind into the right state for an unexpected induction, please reach out for your options at helen@positivebirths.co.nz If you’d like to learn tools and techniques for your labour and birth you can find a range of course options and personal support at www.positivebirths.co.nz For more info and chat about a positive birth journey follow us @positive_births_nz

" Do not underestimate the power of mental preparation. It's just so important. I wish that I'd done hypnobirthing the first time. I wish that I'd mentally prepared better the first time." Midwife Courtney shares her experiences of a hospital birth to Molly and homebirth to Teddy – both are posterior births. Within this chat we cover: -Courtney’s experience as a midwife of 3 years prior to first birth -Inaccuracy of scan predicting her baby to be big -Meconium stained waters when released, posterior labour,significant bleed, ambulance transfer to hosptial, epidural, -Tough postpartum and support through first 6 weeks -Missed miscarriage and healing from two miscarriages -Hypnobirthing with Teddy’s pregnancy and the importance of mental preparation -Going into labour just as maternity leave started at 37+4 -Posterior labour and homebirth to Teddy. If you’re also looking for other stories on this podcast featuring posterior babies, you can find -Tammy’s 3 waterbirths, -Leanne's powerful mind in an induction and posterior birth to Ayla -Gaia’s unassisted homebirth to Atley To get access to a free relaxation track to start your positive birth journey head to https://www.positivebirths.co.nz/positive-birth-top-resources/ Register for the free webinar : How to prepare for your positive birth here: https://www.positivebirths.co.nz/7pm Monday 8th June 2026 (if you've missed this one, there will be a recording on the website and another held in a few months time) For more info and chats on positive birth experiences follow @positive_births_nz