The Positive Births NZ podcast

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.
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