In this episode, I’m sharing my second birth story, an intense & powerful water birth - very different to my first birth which included an epidural, forceps, and an episiotomy! This episode isn’t about “doing birth perfectly” or avoiding pain. It’s about preparation, mindset, movement, and having tools to support a physiological or low-intervention birth, while staying open to all outcomes. I talk honestly about hypnobirthing, pain, TENS machines, gas & air, movement, water birth, and the mental shift that helped me stay present through labour. Whether you’re pregnant, preparing for birth, or simply curious about different birth experiences, this episode is for you. ⏱️ Episode Breakdown (02:26) My first birth recap: long labour, epidural, forceps & episiotomy(04:09) Early & prodromal labour, soft play, waters breaking & hypnobirthing(09:00) Pain, knowing what to expect & why hypnobirthing reduces (not removes) pain(10:48) Triage, vaginal exams, stretch & sweep, and navigating choices in birth(15:07) Birth centre, movement, UFO positions & using a TENS machine effectively(20:14) 5cm–10cm dilation, water birth, irregular contractions, gas & air, music & transition(26:44) The pushing phase & birthing in the water - how to avoid tearing (29:06) After the birth: shock, placenta delivery & afterpains(34:11) Key takeaways for birth preparation 🌿 Key Takeaways Practise hypnobirthing! It’s about mindset more than pain elimination Rest early, move often, and stay uprightFind pain relief tools that support youFocus on one contraction at a timeDo your research and be prepped If this episode resonates, save it, share it with a pregnant friend, and follow for more honest conversations about pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Thanks so much for listening 💛 🌐 Website: www.taradayhypnotherapy.com 📱 Instagram: @calm_mama_club_ 📱 TikTok: @calm_mama_club
