Birth Stories
Real birth stories from real mums—sharing their journeys, choices, and experiences.
The Birth of Lochi
a story shared by Lauren
After a difficult first birth that ended in a caesarean and a long, painful breastfeeding journey, I knew I wanted something different this time. I wanted a VBAC that felt calm and informed, and I wanted to trust my body again.
Pregnancy & Preparation
My pregnancy with Lochie was far from easy. I had intense morning sickness that never really left, pelvic girdle pain that made even walking a challenge, and prodromal labour that started at the end of November and kept teasing me for weeks.
But throughout it all I had the tools Heather had taught me. I listened to my tracks every night, practised my calm breathing, used my anchors and slowly rebuilt my confidence in birth.
Early Labour & Hospital Stay
I was due on 15th December, but by 14th December I was admitted to the antenatal ward because the prodromal labour had become relentless and I was feeling sensations in my caesarean scar.
Derek had to leave every night which was hard, so I worked even harder to keep my oxytocin flowing. I dimmed the lights, used my scent anchor, listened to my MP3s and reminded myself that my body and baby were safe.
Even though my surges were regular, my cervix stayed at two centimetres. I kept using my breathing to stay relaxed and avoid slipping into the fear tension pain cycle that Heather had taught me about.
Induction & Active Labour
On 16th December at around 3pm the decision was made to induce me. I used BRAIN to make sure it felt right and it did.
First they broke my waters which got things moving slowly, then later I was started on Pitocin. The surges became stronger and more intense but I stayed upright, breathed through each one and used the visualisations I had practised for months.
Derek massaged my back and whispered my affirmations to me. Even though the induction was clinical and bright and noisy at times, we created our own birth bubble.
I felt calm and in control.
Choosing Pain Relief
Hours passed and the Pitocin surges eventually became overwhelming.
I knew from everything Heather had taught me that choosing pain relief is still a positive and informed choice.
I asked for an epidural and the moment it was in I felt my whole body soften. I could still feel the surges but they were muted and I was able to relax deeply.
Derek and I watched Friends and laughed between surges which kept my oxytocin high. Within an hour I had gone from a few centimetres to fully dilated. My body had been waiting for that moment of release.
Birth
I pushed for an hour, using my breathing and staying connected to my body. Then I felt a new sensation in my scar and the midwives noticed that Lochie’s heart rate was dipping.
I stayed calm because I understood what was happening and I trusted the team. When they recommended an episiotomy I felt no panic. I knew from my hypnobirthing tools that accepting help when it is needed is still a positive birth.
I breathed, stayed relaxed and focused on meeting my baby.
At 02.10 on 17th December our beautiful boy Lochie was born. Derek cut the cord and we held him in the warmest, most peaceful bubble.
NICU & Recovery
After a couple of hours together he was taken to NICU for help with his breathing. This part was hard.
I was grateful he was safe and being cared for, but I was not floating through it. I was tired, emotional and frightened in a way that only a NICU parent understands.
Even then, the techniques Heather had taught me helped me stay grounded. I used my breathing to steady myself and reminded my mind that Lochie was in the right place.
He breastfed almost immediately after birth
and even with a feeding tube in NICU he continued to breastfeed and still does now.
After a couple of days he was well enough to come back to us and we finally got to be together as a family.
A Family Moment
One of the most beautiful moments of my life was when Harris, two years old and so proud, got to hold his little brother for the first time.
Watching him look down at Lochie with such gentle wonder made every difficult moment worth it. It felt like our family had clicked into place.
I got the VBAC I had dreamed of. I felt powerful, informed and calm throughout, even when plans changed.
I healed emotionally from my first birth and stepped into motherhood again feeling proud of myself.
Heather gave me the knowledge, confidence and tools to have the positive birth I deserved. I will always be grateful to her for helping me bring Lochie into the world with strength and joy.
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