
Show Notes
"It was everything opposite to what I planned." Arlene is here to share her story of experiencing the kindof birth she had hoped to avoid — and how, despite everything unfolding so differently from what she had planned, she was still able to have a positive birthexperience. Some of the topics in our chat today include: -Giving birth at age 42 -Reprogramming thoughts and fears about birth -Trigger warning - we talk about Baby loss of Arlene’s and a friend's -Miscarriage at age 40 – you can hear Arlene’s story at episode #115. Miscarriage chat with Arlene https://open.spotify.com/episode/6dZ0gu2pWwAbXerbbyyYk9 -Preparing for conception with fertility naturopath -Difficultly with constant nausea and throwing up all through pregnancy -Home burglary while 5 months pregnant – creating a safe space for a homebirth -Declining Gestational Diabetes test and plan if baby had it at birth -Arlene’s midwife supporting her desire to have an autonomous birth -5 days of labour at home -Complete respect from hospital staff -Successful walking epidural Leave any comments and questions in the comments below for Arlene or Helen. If you would like to receive your free guide on how to prepare for a positive birth and a free relaxation track head to www.positivebirths.co.nz For more information on a range of courses to help you feel calm, confident and empowered in any type of birth scenario see www.positivebirths.co.nz Helen offers trauma informed hypnotherapy and support for healing after loss and trauma. Please reach out if you'd like to have a confidential chat about support. For more information and inspiration follow us on @positive_births_nz
More from The Positive Births NZ podcast
When Michelle received a gift of a massage after the loss of her baby, a massive ripple effect started. An idea was sparked, Michelle took action and now supports hundreds of mothers per year following the loss of a baby. In this episode Michelle shares her journey, thoughts and feelings of loss on Mothers Day and 2020 lockdown. We hear all about how her journey has lead to the creation of a charity and all about Massage After Miscarriage. If you would like to support this worthwhile charity head to www.massageaftermiscarriage.com or connect with Michelle on @massageaftermiscarriage
To mark Baby Loss Awareness week (Oct 9-15) we are here to acknowledge the short life of Lottie. Kaz openly and vulnerably shares her story just 4 weeks after her loss of Lottie in mid 2026. Lottie was thought and planned for, conceiving with IVF, and with consideration Kaz may experience HG again. They went to their 12 week scan and discovered no heartbeat. Kaz speaks about her options and feelings as there were no signs of miscarriage. After deciding to go private for the quickest procedure, her body didn’t respond to misoprostal, and she ended up with GA at public hospital. We chat on: -Balancing being in mum mode with grieving and processing -What has helped her through the first 4 weeks -The monarch butterfly experience -Connection and support from her partner Will -Other people’s opinions and thoughts, -At what point in time is it socially considered enough of aloss to grieve? -The real and raw conversations about moving ahead. At the time of this episode going to air Kaz is now pregnant again with a baby boy due in February. You can find Kaz on @bountiful_nz For a relaxation track and resources for healing head to: https://www.positivebirths.co.nz/miscarriage-healing/
”They told me that the day before, that labor could be quite quick with pre-eclampsia. Your body often just needs to get the baby out.” Edith shares her smooth induction with pre-eclampsia tofirst baby Jasper. Included in this chat: -Doing the recorded online Positive births course -High blood pressure 33 weeks -Admitted to hospital at 36+2 -Being well supported at Invercargill hospital -Misoprostal one day -Syntoncin on day 2 -Spent time in the water -Birthed in the pool (but not into the water) -Iron transfusion -Overwhelm with information postpartum and challenges with breastfeeding If you would like to feel calm and confident no matter whatchallenges or curveballs you face in your pregnancy, labour, birth you will enjoy the Birth with Calm and Confidence online recorded course, available at https://www.positivebirths.co.nz/online-recorded-classes/
To celebrate our 200th episode we chat to the internationally recognised Kiwi researcher and educator in the field of pregnancy and birth; Dr Sarah J Buckley who has just completed a PhD on Oxytocin.
“I can’t wait to give birth again” even though her whole journey included many challenges, Caitlin shares all the details involved to meeting baby Remy.