The Positive Births NZ podcast

Helen Bartrom
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Be inspired by positive birth stories from parents across NZ who've used hypnobirthing to help them have a relaxed, calm, confident and empowered birth regardless of the circumstances they navigated. A range of stories exploring what helped birthing parents, what they achieved and what they would do differently if they could do it all again. To buy the book or check out our classes see www.positivebirths.co.nz

  1. #164. Bailey's positive induction to Romy

    2D AGO

    #164. Bailey's positive induction to Romy

    Bailey’s labour didn’t start the way she planned for it to,but from the work she had done in her pregnancy she was feeling “far more excited than scared,” and that shift from fear to excitement became one of the most powerful parts of her journey. In this episode Bailey talks about preparing for what she callsher “ultra marathon” preparing for something challenging, understanding how her body works, and using hypnobirthing tools. You’ll love to listen to Bailey clarify her “whys” – how shewrote down her reasons for wanting a physiological birth. Even after having to pivot to an induction setting, she created a calm birth space, used her breath, protected her environment, and worked with her body. And then comes that experience — lifting her baby onto her “the most incredible moment of my life.” Bailey’s birth is a reassuring story for anyone navigatingthe possibility of induction. It’s proof that preparation, mindset, and trust can transform the experience — even when the path takes a turn.   If you'd like to have the advantage of a positive mindset and hypnobirthing tools, check out your options - live and online courses with Helen at www.positivebirths.co.nz

    1h 3m
  2. #163. Tanay's empowered breech labour and C-Section

    MAR 4

    #163. Tanay's empowered breech labour and C-Section

    What do you do when your homebirth dreams are shattered because your baby is discovered to be in a footling breech position at 40+3?? There is so much for you to gain from listening to this episode with Tanay, where she shares her journey that did not go anywhere near to plan — and yet became one of her greatest lessons in surrender, strength, self-trust and healing. What began as a firm decision to avoid hospital at all costs unraveled into a breech diagnosis, an attempted ECV, a change of midwife, more plan changes, spontaneous labour, progress to 9cm and then ultimately a c-section birth in the very place she had initially feared the most.  This story provides an example of what happens when you pursue all options and don’t give up. Tanay kindly shares how we worked through her fears, by using somatic hypnotherapy to untangle the events that caused her to feel very anxious in hospitals. She was then able to proceed in a calm, relaxed and empowered manner. Tanay shifted her focus to what she could control, rather than what was outside of her control and this mindset paid off for her really well. This is a powerful conversation about control, surrender, mindset and healing. Because sometimes the most positive births aren’t the ones that go to plan — they’re the ones where we grow the most. If you would like some help to release your fears or untangle any traumatic past events please reach out to helen@positivebirths.co.nz Tanay and Hadley completed the Positive Births Ultimate course in their pregnancy which includes ongoing support - such as the extra hypnotherapy sessions we were able to do at week 40 of her pregnancy. You can find details of all course options at www.positivebirths.co.nz

    53 min
  3. #162. Hannah's HBAC waterbirth to Darcie

    FEB 28

    #162. Hannah's HBAC waterbirth to Darcie

    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.

    1h 9m
  4. #161. Lauren's home waterbirth to Tully

    JAN 27

    #161. Lauren's home waterbirth to Tully

    A gorgeous home waterbirth story after the stars aligned at 37 weeks and Lauren found the right midwife who "oozed calmness". In this episode we hear about Lauren's belief in herself, but the desire to be prepared. How doing an in person Hypnobirthing day retreat got Ryan fully onboard to know how to support. Navigating the acceptance of having a New Year's due date and therefore limited LMC care (which then resolved!) There's sun bathing in labour, the unique 'quack' signal to Ryan to time the waves, the trust Lauren's midwife had in Lauren knowing when it felt right to push. There's the meeting of Tully, the largest placenta ever seen and the postpartum transfer to hospital for a blood and iron transfusion. There's joking and laughter and a super chill baby. This is an amazing, uplifting, inspiring homebirth story of a first baby - a must listen for all! If you too would like to experience the Positive Births Matakana day retreat (or a similar course) like Lauren and Ryan, check out your options at www.positivebirths.co.nz

    1h 18m
  5. #160. Ella's footling breech homebirth to Mackenzie

    JAN 25

    #160. Ella's footling breech homebirth to Mackenzie

    Ella shares the birth stories of both her sons, Archie and Mackenzie, and what shines through is her calm, practical mindset and deep trust in her body. That first birth planted a seed of confidence for her future, and Ella also reflects on how motherhood (including Archie’s recurring ear infections) shaped the way she began questioning “standard” medical approaches and seeking more informed, holistic options. Mackenzie’s pregnancy felt straightforward - but the birth itself took a huge turn: Ella experienced an unexpected footling breech birth at home, with Mackenzie arriving at 4.6kg (10 pounds). The best part is how everyone remained calm and hands-off, and Ella could work with her body. Ella also shares the reality of the postpartum chapter:having to be transferred to hospital due to very high blood pressure and later learned she had postpartum preeclampsia. She speaks honestly about advocating for herself and her baby, the importance of informed consent, and how she used hypnobirthing tools (especially breathing and “melt”) to stay calm through uncomfortable moments. This episode is empowering, eye-opening, and a powerful reminder that a “positive birth” can mean feeling in control, supported, and listened to — even when the journey includes unexpected twists.  If you too would like to use hypnobirthing tools to help you for your labour and birth (whatever it may be) check out your options at www.positivebirths.co.nz

    1h 29m
  6. #159. Lucy's 3 positive births (2 birthcentre, 1 homebirth)

    JAN 22

    #159. Lucy's 3 positive births (2 birthcentre, 1 homebirth)

    Lucy shares the whirlwind story of welcoming three babies ina very short space of time — Eddie, Alice, and Walter. Lucy reflects on her first pregnancy with Eddie, including going overdue (to 41+6), a fast first labour, and what it felt like navigating the “overdue” pressure. She alsoshares the surprise twist of falling pregnant with baby number two just a few months after Eddie arrived, and the mental shift that came with realising youcan feel confident advocating for what’s right for you. A big theme in Lucy’s story is postpartum and feeding — shespeaks really openly about breastfeeding challenges (flat nipples, pain, mastitis, mixed advice, and the emotional impact), and what ultimately helped her bond and feel more at peace. With each pregnancy, Lucy grew in confidence,leaned into hypnobirthing tools more deeply, and also drew on her own physical strength — including staying active right through pregnancy — to cope with back-to-back pregnancies while parenting little ones at the same time. Lucy’s third birth with Walter (a Christmas Eve baby) camewith a bit of a curve ball. She shares what helped her stay grounded, and the magic of welcoming Walter at home with big siblings meeting their baby brother in the most beautiful way. Lucy's advice to her pre-pregnant self is "do the hypnobirthing course in the first pregnancy" - so if that's you, wondering if you should, or not, jump onto www.positivebirths.co.nz and check out your range of options. Your future self will thank the you of now!

    1h 5m
  7. #158. Vanessa's 3 pregnancies with HG & her VBA2C to Aliya

    JAN 18

    #158. Vanessa's 3 pregnancies with HG & her VBA2C to Aliya

    This episode with Vanessa provides an incredible insightinto the impact of HG (hyperemesis gravidarum). A three times HG survivor Vanessa vulnerably shares the darkness and challenges of being unable to function and having to rely on drugs (and her mum) to survive all her pregnancies.Not only did Vanessa have to deal with HG but also another condition of Vulvodynia. Her first two births to Evie and Kendall were C-Sections,but in her 3rd pregnancy Vanessa decided she wanted to attempt a VBA2C. Despite being extremely depleted physically, mentally andemotionally Vanessa persisted through 61 hours of labour to birth baby Aliya, and also suffered a post partum haemorrhage.This episode is eye opening as to how severe HG affects the lives of families, the medication required and the mental strength needed to get through pregnancy. Vanessa has generously offered her guide to caring for yourheart and mind during HG to all listeners. You can email her at vaneforsyth@gmail.com . Vanessa’s facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/VanessaJoyPoetry For all information about HG including treatment guides, DrFejzo's work and the HELP score to assess HG severity: HER Foundation - hyperemesis.org The facebook page for peer support is "Hyperemesis PeerSupport NZ" https://facebook.com/groups/885735235288936/ This episode is sponsored by Aggie @weareaggieYou can find Morning Relief at weareaggie.co.nz and in selected stores across New Zealand. For a 20% discount off Aggie's Morning Relief use code:AGGIEPB20Vanessa used hypnobirthing tools to help her through her long labour - if you too would like to learn hypnobirthing techniques for your pregnancy, labour, birth and postpartum check out your range of course options at www.positivebirths.co.nz

    1h 43m
  8. #157. Zoe's hospital birth to Florence & homebirth to Goldie

    12/26/2025

    #157. Zoe's hospital birth to Florence & homebirth to Goldie

    With a scan showing a ‘potential’ issue late in her first pregnancy to Florence, Zoe was pressured for an induction which lead to series of interventions and a hospital birth. Zoe shares her learnings and then her second experience of birth with Goldie. A natural physiological, home waterbirth proving that yes, her body knew exactly what to do when there was no interference. Zoe shares how hypnobirthing and homeopathy helped her through her pregnancy and birth. Another great episode for all parents looking for a contrast between hospital and home birth scenarios. If you would like to gain practical tools to use in your pregnancy, labour and postpartum head to www.positivebirths.co.nz for a range of resources, online courses and live in person courses.

    1h 6m
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Be inspired by positive birth stories from parents across NZ who've used hypnobirthing to help them have a relaxed, calm, confident and empowered birth regardless of the circumstances they navigated. A range of stories exploring what helped birthing parents, what they achieved and what they would do differently if they could do it all again. To buy the book or check out our classes see www.positivebirths.co.nz

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