The Positive Births NZ podcast

What do you do when your homebirth dreams are shattered because your baby is discovered to be in a footling breech position at 40+3??

There is so much for you to gain from listening to this episode with Tanay, where she shares her journey that did not go anywhere near to plan — and yet became one of her greatest lessons in surrender, strength, self-trust and healing.

What began as a firm decision to avoid hospital at all costs unraveled into a breech diagnosis, an attempted ECV, a change of midwife, more plan changes, spontaneous labour, progress to 9cm and then ultimately a c-section birth in the very place she had initially feared the most.
 This story provides an example of what happens when you pursue all options and don’t give up.
Tanay kindly shares how we worked through her fears, by using somatic hypnotherapy to untangle the events that caused her to feel very anxious in hospitals. She was then able to proceed in a calm, relaxed and empowered manner.

Tanay shifted her focus to what she could control, rather than what was outside of her control and this mindset paid off for her really well. This is a powerful conversation about control, surrender, mindset and healing. Because sometimes the most positive births aren’t the ones that go to plan — they’re the ones where we grow the most.

If you would like some help to release your fears or untangle any traumatic past events please reach out to [email protected]

Tanay and Hadley completed the Positive Births Ultimate course in their pregnancy which includes ongoing support - such as the extra hypnotherapy sessions we were able to do at week 40 of her pregnancy. You can find details of all course options at www.positivebirths.co.nz

Hannah shares her truly powerful, uplifting successfulVBAC story — and a reminder of what can be possible when you feel informed, supported and safe.
Almost nine years after her first birth ended in an emergency caesarean following an induction, Hannah knew she wanted a very different experience for her next birth. She committed to preparing differently this time: shifting fear, building confidence, and surrounding herself with theright support to aim for the healing birth she’d been hoping for.
In this conversation, Hannah shares how she preparedmentally and emotionally for a VBAC — including immersing herself in positive birth stories, practising breathing and relaxation daily, and strengthening her inner belief that birth could be physiological and empowering. She also made anearly decision that home was where she would feel safest, finding a midwife who was supportive of an HBAC while still feeling equipped to stay flexible if plans needed to change.
Hannah’s labour unfolds beautifully — from early signs and ahospital check for reduced movements, to labouring at home with a TENS machine, affirmations on repeat, and strong support from Liam.
Darcie is born in the birth pool, with Hannah catching her herself and describing the moment as “the most incredible, magical, healing experience.”
Hannah also shares the real postpartum chapter: unexpected feeding challenges, donor milk, triple feeding,and the determination that led to exclusive breastfeeding by around 4–5 weeks.
 
This is a must listen - A powerful story of self-belief,preparation, and the kind of empowerment that stays with you for life.
 
If you too are preparing for a VBAC consider using hypnobirthing tools and skills to help you get into the right mindset and know how to work with your body to feel calm, confident and capable. You can find a range of course options (The Ultimate course is my recommendation for VBAC parents, and the one that Hannah and Liam did) at www.positivebirths.co.nz.

A gorgeous home waterbirth story after the stars aligned at 37 weeks and Lauren found the right midwife who "oozed calmness".
In this episode we hear about Lauren's belief in herself, but the desire to be prepared. How doing an in person Hypnobirthing day retreat got Ryan fully onboard to know how to support. Navigating the acceptance of having a New Year's due date and therefore limited LMC care (which then resolved!)
There's sun bathing in labour, the unique 'quack' signal to Ryan to time the waves, the trust Lauren's midwife had in Lauren knowing when it felt right to push.
There's the meeting of Tully, the largest placenta ever seen and the postpartum transfer to hospital for a blood and iron transfusion.
There's joking and laughter and a super chill baby.
This is an amazing, uplifting, inspiring homebirth story of a first baby - a must listen for all!
If you too would like to experience the Positive Births Matakana day retreat (or a similar course) like Lauren and Ryan, check out your options at www.positivebirths.co.nz

Ella shares the birth stories of both her sons, Archie and Mackenzie, and what shines through is her calm, practical mindset and deep trust in her body.
That first birth planted a seed of confidence for her future, and Ella also reflects on how motherhood (including Archie’s recurring ear infections) shaped the way she began questioning “standard” medical approaches and seeking more informed, holistic options.
Mackenzie’s pregnancy felt straightforward - but the birth itself took a huge turn: Ella experienced an unexpected footling breech birth at home, with Mackenzie arriving at 4.6kg (10 pounds). The best part is how everyone remained calm and hands-off, and Ella could work with her body.
Ella also shares the reality of the postpartum chapter:having to be transferred to hospital due to very high blood pressure and later learned she had postpartum preeclampsia. She speaks honestly about advocating for herself and her baby, the importance of informed consent, and how she used hypnobirthing tools (especially breathing and “melt”) to stay calm through uncomfortable moments.
This episode is empowering, eye-opening, and a powerful reminder that a “positive birth” can mean feeling in control, supported, and listened to — even when the journey includes unexpected twists.
 If you too would like to use hypnobirthing tools to help you for your labour and birth (whatever it may be) check out your options at www.positivebirths.co.nz

Lucy shares the whirlwind story of welcoming three babies ina very short space of time — Eddie, Alice, and Walter.

Lucy reflects on her first pregnancy with Eddie, including going overdue (to 41+6), a fast first labour, and what it felt like navigating the “overdue” pressure. She alsoshares the surprise twist of falling pregnant with baby number two just a few months after Eddie arrived, and the mental shift that came with realising youcan feel confident advocating for what’s right for you.
A big theme in Lucy’s story is postpartum and feeding — shespeaks really openly about breastfeeding challenges (flat nipples, pain, mastitis, mixed advice, and the emotional impact), and what ultimately helped her bond and feel more at peace.

With each pregnancy, Lucy grew in confidence,leaned into hypnobirthing tools more deeply, and also drew on her own physical strength — including staying active right through pregnancy — to cope with back-to-back pregnancies while parenting little ones at the same time.
Lucy’s third birth with Walter (a Christmas Eve baby) camewith a bit of a curve ball. She shares what helped her stay grounded, and the magic of welcoming Walter at home with big siblings meeting their baby brother in the most beautiful way.

Lucy's advice to her pre-pregnant self is "do the hypnobirthing course in the first pregnancy" - so if that's you, wondering if you should, or not, jump onto www.positivebirths.co.nz and check out your range of options. Your future self will thank the you of now!