Amy – Unpacking the first birth when preparing for the second birth

On the podcast this week, we have Kathryn sharing her story of two births, one as a partner, and one as the birthing woman. Kathryn was in awe of her partner the first time around, and had to overcome her fear of birth, to be ready to have their second child. She discovered early on, she had a second uterus, which may have had an impact on the growth of the baby. Managing medical opinions and possibilities was good practice for her to ultimately trust her body and her birth. Which she did, and went on to have a very beautiful, manageable vaginal birth. With the support of her wonderful partner, she decided that she didn't just want to survive birth, but to enjoy her birth so she could be ready to be a mother - and they made that happen as a team.  

On today's episode we're discussing a very different birthing journey. Alex, a midwife, who wanted three vaginal births and ended up with three caesareans. With each birth Alex reclaimed her power and her ability to know intuitively what is right for her and her baby. She went from trying to please her caregivers, to following her own path and getting an independent midwife. She talks about the value of labour and the influence this had on her post birth experience. There is much wisdom shared in this episode for all to enjoy.  

Kate shares with us today two stories, the second one resulted in a VBAC. She calls her second birth a healing birth, and we explore what are the things that made the biggest difference to her second time around. Kate had to face her greatest fears during labour and she ends up pushing out a very large baby with no complexity. A story of strength, stamina and the conquering of fears. You will love it. Links: Transform Parenting website Transform Your Birth course Better Birth: The Calm Confidence Mini Course Free resource: Medical necessity vs choice?

In this episode I explore the idea of surrender in birth, and why preparing for birth isn't necessarily about learning how to control what happens, but learning how to meet what happens. I talk about what it really means to surrender during labour, the conditions that help us to let go, and how fear and resistance can affect our experience of birth. I also share some practical ways you can practise surrender before labour begins, and why these skills can stay with us well beyond birth and into parenting. Enjoy! Links: Transform Parenting website Transform Your Birth course Better Birth: The Calm Confidence Mini Course Free resource: Medical necessity vs choice?

I loved this conversation, as Amy unpacks in great detail about the internal fears and resistance she experienced in her first birth. She then approached her second birth differently by focusing on what she really wanted, and to address the mental, emotional and spiritual side of birth. As a result, something inside her surrendered much more deeply - and she believes played a big role in her experiencing the birth of her dreams. This is a conversation that we rarely hear when talking about birth - and one worth listening to. Enjoy! Links: Transform Parenting website Transform Your Birth course Better Birth: The Calm Confidence Mini Course Free resource: Medical necessity vs choice?  

Eli is a yoga teacher who shares the story of her two births. Both were induced, the first one was well supported, the second one involved conditions that were not ideal and prevented her from really being able to connect to herself and her breath. We dive deep into the power of the mind in birth, and how breathing supports the optimal physiological response in the birthing woman. Eli has some great advice for preparing for birth and managing the intensity. You will love her wisdom.  Links: Transform Parenting website Transform Your Birth course Better Birth: The Calm Confidence Mini Course Free resource: Medical necessity vs choice?

Dominique shares her experience of an unmedicated physiological birth without intervention, and how preparation and mindset helped her navigate labour. In this birth story, we explore the power of allowing physiological birth to unfold without unnecessary interference, how Dominique worked through last-minute fears, and the techniques she used to harness the power of her mind during labour. Dominique also reflects on how her birth experience helped set her up for the transition into parenting. A beautiful birth story filled with practical insights for preparing for labour, building confidence and trusting your body. Links: Transform Parenting website Transform Your Birth course Better Birth: The Calm Confidence Mini Course Free resource: Medical necessity vs choice?          

Today I am talking to my dear friend Bilal, a Chiropractor who specialises and has a deep passion for pregnant women and babies. We speak a lot on this podcast about what moves the needle in birth, and working with your nervous system and the body's natural resources to rebalance and optimise - is absolute gold. A great conversation with a beautiful man - I know you will be inspired to treat yourself to some bodywork and recognise the importance of unloading the stress response. Enjoy dear hearts!

This week on the podcast I have Chelsea and Bilal sharing the birth story of their second child. A planned homebirth took an unexpected turn, in that it needed to proceed in the hospital. Adjusting our minds from our ideal birth, to that which unfolds - is every person's challenge. Giving birth is the ultimate lesson in surrender, and Chelsea and Bilal demonstrate this beautifully through their story. They are both an inspiration - enjoy! Links: Transform Parenting website Transform Your Birth Today Better Birth: Mini Gift Free resource: Medical Necessity vs Choice

Today I experienced the joy of talking with Daniella about her homebirth. She came into the birth process feeling confident in her ability to give birth, and she prepared using the Transform Your Birth course. This really got her partner on board and he became an integral part of the birth logistics. Daniella exudes confidence in her ability to give birth and she surrendered completely into labourland. The interesting thing about her story is that her contractions never showed signs of being 3 minutes apart regularly, and she caught her midwives off guard. I loved hearing about her meeting with her daughter. It was a divine moment. A lovely - confidence building story - enjoy dear ones. Links: Transform Parenting website Transform Your Birth Today Better Birth: Mini Gift Free resource: Medical Necessity vs Choice