The Positive Births NZ podcast

Sofia shares her straight forward homebirth to first baby, AtlasIn 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 postpartumSofia 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.nzFollow us for more info and inspiration @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 careUsing positive birth stories to improve mindsetInduction with several stretch and sweeps, balloon, epidural, syntocininPositive interactions with hospital staffThe 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

Rachel shares her experience of 4 pregnancies withHyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) and her 4 positive births to Rhys, Harper, Brooklyn and George.In this episode our chat includes:- Rhys born 2020 at 38 weeks + 5 days, a straight forwardbirth with 4 hours of established labour, -difficult after pains-Pregnant again soon after and dealing with HG with an 8month old-Harper 2022 – born at week 40. Rachel took laxatives the day before to see if that would help ramp things up, fast efficient birth, struggled to bond, hard to settle baby -Third pregnancy with Brooklyn in 2024 was the most difficultHG experience-Incredible support from Timaru hospital-Moving house around due date, laxatives to get labourstarted-George 2026 – very different experience with Waikato DHB,luckily HG didn’t last as long as previous pregnancies, born 38+5 labour story a little bit different from his siblings likely due to position.You can find Rachel’s baby boutique: Zus and Co: @zusandco.nz, www.zusandco.co.nzMentioned as a supplement support for HG and general morning sickness: Weareaggie.co.nzUse discount code: AGGIEPB20 for a 20% discount of the Morning Relief supplementsIf you would like to learn a range of skills to help youmentally prepare for labour and birth check out your options at www.positivebirths.co.nzFor more chats and info on preparing for your positive birthfollow us @positive_births_nz

What a transformative journey Erin went through in her pregnancy, from being terrified of everything about giving birth to achieving a straight forward, uncomplicated, home waterbirth.In this episode our chat includes:-Erin’s fears and how that was a barrier to her considering becoming a mother-Nerves about miscarriage, was worried throughout her pregnancy- the Blake's pouch syndrome,- A placenta in two pieces. (bilobed or bipartite placenta)-Natural labour occurring at 39 weeks, straight forward home waterbirth with no internal checks.If you have phobias, fears, anxiety, fear, concerns about your birth it can be very beneficial to work on releasing and reducing the emotional charge from them. There are a range of hypnotherapy tools Helen can support you with to help you move through any difficult topics and feelings. For more information reach out to helen@positivebirths.co.nzFor more chats, info, inspiration and positive birth preparation follow @positive_births_nz

Emily shares some powerful messages and her learnings from her second pregnancy and birth following a difficult first birth to Alfie. In this chat today we discuss:-First pregnancy planned home birth but transferred to hospital after long labour -Limited midwife choice due to rural location -Experienced interventions she didn’t want-Reflection on birth trauma and emotional impact-Use of Havening therapy to process and release trauma and anger-Second pregnancy Initially considered a freebirth, but chose a supportive midwife-Very clear boundaries: minimal interaction, no vaginal exams, undisturbed space-Letting go of over-preparation and focusing on inner connection-Importance of intuition in both birth and motherhood-Choice of midwife impacting on experiencesIf you would like to focus on connecting within and incorporate breathwork, mindfulness and relaxation tools for your pregnancy, birth and postpartum head to www.positivebirths.co.nz to find a range of online and live course options. Helen also provides support for birth healing as a certified hypnotherapist and Healing Birth practitioner. Contact Helen at helen@positivebirths.co.nzFor more chats, info, inspiration and positive birth preparation follow @positive_births_nz

Zoe compares her two births to Jackson and Kalia sharing her learnings along the way.In this chat we discuss: -Ignorance is bliss vs being informed and knowledge is power-Declining the gestation diabetes glucose challenge test-Using hypnobirthing tools in labour and postpartum-Breastfeeding challenges and tongue tie -Placenta encapsulation-Homebirth with support of Doula-Home waterbirth experienceIf you too would like to use hypnobirthing tools for your labour, birth and postpartum head to www.positivebirths.co.nz.You'll find a range of online and live courses plus one on one support from Helen.For more chats, info, inspiration and positive birth preparation follow @positive_births_nz

A positive induction story after Holly intentionally did the work to make sure she was calm as opposed to being anxious or worried in her pregnancy.In this episode we chat about:Holly’s mum doing Hypnobirthing in 1989 Holly and Aarons hypnobirthing preparationHow Holly didn’t want induction or c sectionInduction at 42 weeks with MisoprostalQuick birth with no interventions or pain releifBaby born en caul Surgery for retained placenta If you too would like to feel calm, confident and prepared for your birth head to www.positivebirths.co.nzThere are a range of live and recorded courses for you to choose from to get the tools and techniques on board to use in pregnancy, birth and life beyond.For more chats, info, inspiration and positive birth preparation follow @positive_births_nz

"It's never it's never really smooth sailing" was how Claudia felt during her second pregnancy and she had every right to feel that way.Claudia's birth journeys involved a huge amount of resilience, determination, time and effort and in our chat together I’m so grateful she shares all the details.Topics discussed in this episode are:-PCOS, and fertility journey; including finding out she was pregnant and had miscarried on the same day-Difference between pathological and physiological pain-Elodie - Asynclitism presentation, 5 hours pushing. Homebirth, Virus, hospital for a few days, challenges breastfeeding, cerebal palsy diagnosis-Fear of 2nd pregnancy, miscarriage of twins, theimportance of acknowledging them -Baby in unstable lie at 30 weeks – moving a transverse baby-The resilience of dealing with constant challenges-Wave visualisations-Homebirth of Harvie-Placenta encapsulationAll of this (and more) makes for a truly inspiring episode.To help encourage Harvie to move into an optimal position Claudia used https://balancedbirth.nzTo support a positive mindset and use practical tools for labour Claudia purchased the Birth with Calm and Confidence online hypnobirthing course from www.positivebirths.co.nzFor more chats, info, inspiration and positive birth preparation follow @positive_births_nz

Holly was excited about birth and happy to just roll with it– the plan was to “birth a baby”.Inspired by attending her sister's fifth birth in her pregnancy Holly learnt some skills and tools from the Positive Births online Birth with Calm and Confidence course and you’ll hear what her favourite tools were in her pregnancy and labour. Unable to find an LMC in her area she was enrolled with acommunity midwife which meant phoning to book in an on call midwife once she was in labour before travelling to the nearest birth centre over an hour away.Holly shares how supportive her mum and sister were whenthey turned up and the power of having other women in the room with her.This is a great down to earth, no sugar coated account of anintervention free, physiological first birth. Following Walter’s arrival was a 5 day hospital stay due to suspected infection and breathing issues.You can find Holly’s gorgeous Instagram page at @grownbyholly where she shares her love of growing food and flowers, type B baking and her dairy farmer wifeing. If you too would like some skills and tools for your birth, head to www.positivebirths.co.nzfor a range of hypnobirthing options – live and online.For more chats, info, inspiration and positive birth preparation follow @positive_births_nz

Bailey’s labour didn’t start the way she planned for it to,but from the work she had done in her pregnancy she was feeling “far more excited than scared,” and that shift from fear to excitement became one of the most powerful parts of her journey.In this episode Bailey talks about preparing for what she callsher “ultra marathon” preparing for something challenging, understanding how her body works, and using hypnobirthing tools. You’ll love to listen to Bailey clarify her “whys” – how shewrote down her reasons for wanting a physiological birth.Even after having to pivot to an induction setting, she created a calm birth space, used her breath, protected her environment, and worked with her body.And then comes that experience — lifting her baby onto her “the most incredible moment of my life.” Bailey’s birth is a reassuring story for anyone navigatingthe possibility of induction. It’s proof that preparation, mindset, and trust can transform the experience — even when the path takes a turn. If you'd like to have the advantage of a positive mindset and hypnobirthing tools, check out your options - live and online courses with Helen 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.

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

This episode with Vanessa provides an incredible insightinto the impact of HG (hyperemesis gravidarum). A three times HG survivor Vanessa vulnerably shares the darkness and challenges of being unable to function and having to rely on drugs (and her mum) to survive all her pregnancies.Not only did Vanessa have to deal with HG but also another condition of Vulvodynia.Her first two births to Evie and Kendall were C-Sections,but in her 3rd pregnancy Vanessa decided she wanted to attempt a VBA2C.Despite being extremely depleted physically, mentally andemotionally Vanessa persisted through 61 hours of labour to birth baby Aliya, and also suffered a post partum haemorrhage.This episode is eye opening as to how severe HG affects the lives of families, the medication required and the mental strength needed to get through pregnancy.Vanessa has generously offered her guide to caring for yourheart and mind during HG to all listeners. You can email her at vaneforsyth@gmail.com .Vanessa’s facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/VanessaJoyPoetryFor all information about HG including treatment guides, DrFejzo's work and the HELP score to assess HG severity:HER Foundation - hyperemesis.orgThe facebook page for peer support is "Hyperemesis PeerSupport NZ"https://facebook.com/groups/885735235288936/This episode is sponsored by Aggie @weareaggieYou can find Morning Relief at weareaggie.co.nz and in selected stores across New Zealand.For a 20% discount off Aggie's Morning Relief use code:AGGIEPB20Vanessa used hypnobirthing tools to help her through her long labour - if you too would like to learn hypnobirthing techniques for your pregnancy, labour, birth and postpartum check out your range of course options at www.positivebirths.co.nz