Show Notes
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.
More from The Positive Births NZ podcast
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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.