“Our labour/birth was everything that we could have hoped for; calm, smiles, laughs, respect and support all played a huge role.”

I was so lucky to work with this beautiful couple not once but twice as they prepared for both their first & second births.

Second time we did a 1:1 as a refresher to help them get in the ‘zone’ and I got to meet their first little love via zoom as well as she played happily around mum and dad during the class.

One theme that was really interesting as we reflected on their first birth was the people pleasing element - and it’s not uncommon, I felt it myself, the pressure we place on ourselves to do and be in labour… and sometimes it’s just a simple reminder to leave the people pleasing and the good girl at the door!

Restricting or censoring your behaviour during such a primal event is only going to make it more challenging for YOU!

Embrace the noise, the grit, the mess.. and did she ever.. enjoy this empowering hospital birth story and thank you endlessly for allowing me to work alongside you both.

Story by Selegna

“Our labour/birth was everything that we could have hoped for; calm, smiles, laughs, respect and support all played a huge role. 13 hours all up, at home for as long as possible until I could feel pressure growing with each contraction. It was such a positive experience in early labour, particularly feeling in tune and empowered enough to make my own call on when it was time to head into hospital, and be able to share the early experience with our two year old, who was so sweet and gave me lots of cuddles whilst we explained that baby brother would be arriving soon.

When we got to hospital, the midwives were amazing and really considered our birth preferences. There were no interventions, no examinations, just Rob and I being allowed our space to bring our boy into the world. They set us up in the room with candles and warm light and left telling us "this is your space to do what you need to do just buzz us if you need or when you're ready".

I used all the tools in my toolbox, lots of breath work and leaning into the contractions. Lots of upright movement and circular motion. We remembered to have fun as well, grooving along to our labour playlist in between contractions. There were big cuddles with Rob and him holding me up whilst I leaned into the bigger contractions.

I also had the tens machine on the whole time, and used my comb as well, until just before it was time to push I requested the gas which just helped to get me in the zone so that I could climb on the bed and start pushing whilst kneeling. Rob was also constantly reminding me "your body knows what to do, listen to your body. You don't have to please anyone else". My waters broke when I started pushing and I think we only did about 6 big pushes and he was here; 9.9lb and the calmest little man.

No coached pushing, no grazes or tears AND a physiological third stage - something I was hoping for after a PPH with our first. It was such a wonderfully empowering experience, and I'm so grateful for how supportive the midwives were of our preferences and the care they showed us.”

Selegna & Rob

Thanks Selegna for sharing your story.

Much love -

*Information shared is of a general nature only and is not medical advice — please see your own care provider for specific and individualised information and advice. All personal strories & photos are shared with permission.

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