In this episode, Haley shares her honest and inspiring birth story with me. Haley’s labour was induced, which brought some challenges she hadn’t anticipated, including a drop in her baby’s heart rate and the possibility of an episiotomy, something she really wanted to avoid. Despite these hurdles, Haley had a natural, unmedicated birth and met her baby just six hours after labour began.

Haley talks about the experience of pushing through uncertainty, the surprising speed of her labour, and the special moments after birth, including delayed cord clamping and skin-to-skin time with her newborn. She also reflects on the emotions that come with birth, from relief and gratitude to the adrenaline rush that follows.

What You’ll Hear:

• How Haley managed her induction and responded to the baby’s changing heart rate
• The importance of support from her midwife, doula, and partner during labour
• Her determination to avoid an episiotomy and how she pushed through the final stages
• Insights on how a twisted umbilical cord may have affected her baby’s size and birth plan
• The quick progression of her labour and going home the same day
• The experience of post-birth adrenaline and settling into life with a newborn
• A conversation about the differences between spontaneous and induced contractions

Haley’s story offers a grounded look at how birth plans can change, but how positive and empowering birth can still be. It’s a reassuring listen for anyone preparing for birth or interested in real-life birth experiences.

To learn more about my doula packages visit https://www.thenurturenest.co.uk/doula-services

To purchase one of my courses, please visit https://www.thenurturenest.co.uk/courses

If you have benefitted from this podcast and would like to say thanks, you can now buy me a coffee! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thenurturenest

View my birthy book recommendations here https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/influencer-e2ad919d

Follow me on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/the_nurture_nest/

Follow me on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/thenurturenesthypno

Get 10% off your birth pool here https://go.referralcandy.com/share/JKHGBJ3

Get 10% off a BabyCare TENS Machine. USE CODE 10NURTURENEST http://babycaretens.com?afmc=46

In today’s episode, I chat with listener Abbie, who shares the beautiful and inspiring story of her first birth. Abbie’s journey is a powerful reminder that positive and empowering first births do happen — and they can go exactly to plan!

Abbie and her partner immersed themselves in hypnobirthing education, listening to the podcast and taking my Essentials Course, which helped them feel informed, prepared, and calm going into birth. From navigating early labour at home with candles and baths to a peaceful water birth in the hospital, Abbie’s story highlights the power of trusting your body, listening to your instincts, and creating a supportive birth environment.

🎙️ In this episode, we discuss:

• How Abbie discovered hypnobirthing and prepared with her partner

• Why she chose a water birth and how it felt for her

• The emotional ups and downs during early labour (including news about a family member)

• How her partner and mum supported her beautifully throughout

• The moment she realised she was further along than she thought

• A calm, connected birth experience and meeting her baby in the water

• A huge thank you to Abbie for sharing her story, I know it will inspire and reassure so many first-time parents.

To learn more about my doula packages visit https://www.thenurturenest.co.uk/doula-services

To purchase one of my courses, please visit https://www.thenurturenest.co.uk/courses

If you have benefitted from this podcast and would like to say thanks, you can now buy me a coffee! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thenurturenest

View my birthy book recommendations here https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/influencer-e2ad919d

Follow me on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/the_nurture_nest/

Follow me on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/thenurturenesthypno

Get 10% off your birth pool here https://go.referralcandy.com/share/JKHGBJ3

Get 10% off a BabyCare TENS Machine. USE CODE 10NURTURENEST http://babycaretens.com?afmc=46

In this episode, Maddie shares the story of her first birth; planned as a home birth but ultimately ending in a calm and empowering caesarean.

Diagnosed with polyhydramnios during pregnancy, Maddie went into labour and experienced a week of intense contractions that weren’t progressing. After being dismissed at hospital and told it was early labour, she trusted her instincts and returned a few days later, this time insisting on further assessment.

Faced with pressure to induce, Maddie stood firm and chose a caesarean birth, which turned out to be a beautifully calm experience, one she would choose again in the future.

We discuss:

• The emotional toll of prolonged early labour

• Trusting your instincts when you're not being heard

• Why a caesarean can be a positive and empowering choice

A powerful reminder that trusting your instincts can lead to the right birth for you.

Find out more about polyhydramnios here https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/polyhydramnios/

To learn more about my doula packages visit https://www.thenurturenest.co.uk/doula-services

To purchase one of my courses, please visit https://www.thenurturenest.co.uk/courses

If you have benefitted from this podcast and would like to say thanks, you can now buy me a coffee! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thenurturenest

View my birthy book recommendations here https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/influencer-e2ad919d

Follow me on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/the_nurture_nest/

Follow me on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/thenurturenesthypno

Get 10% off your birth pool here https://go.referralcandy.com/share/JKHGBJ3

Get 10% off a BabyCare TENS Machine. USE CODE 10NURTURENEST http://babycaretens.com?afmc=46