Birth in Fitzroy North, Victoria | Local business

Birth

Locality: Fitzroy North, Victoria

Phone: +61 400 484 620

Address: Fitzroy High School, cnr Michael & Falconer sts, Nth Fitzroy 3068 Fitzroy North, VIC, Australia

Website: http://www.birtheducation.com.au/

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25.01.2022 Im kicking off my next series of classes tomorrow night. Sharing the night with the amazing @rheadempseybirth Preparing couples for that big day or night when they become parents. Heres Rhea and I (and my little Willow) back in 2009 attending the homebirth rally in Canberra where we protested for the right for women to be able to choose homebirth and midwives to be supported to be able to provide it. Come and join us on zoom if ur expecting a baby and want to be truely empowered and informed. www.birtheducation.com.au

24.01.2022 Tanyas birth story part 2 Sam arrives when I am in the shower. Beautiful, she says, and it all seems ok.... Labour is progressing smoothly. I am doing everything right. Smooth is excruciating. Ian fills the pool. Sam sits by and comforts me. I endure. I am in the heart of labour now. The pain reaches a new level, I cry out, learn to breathe through, surrender, acclimatise. I find comfort, the level rises again, and I am called to rise, struggle, find acceptance. Then again, a new height. No!, I cry out. Yes, replies Sam, equanimous and wise. Yes, I say. Yes is the only way forward. There is no room for no. It has to be yes. I squirm to find a position to accomodate the seizing, full body waves that crash through. It means you are getting close. Part of me wants to whine, How much longer?. But that is a question that wont take me anywhere. I climb into the pool. It feels beautiful in there. The water holds my pain. I kneel. I sing out to the universe. Notes of ohhhh and ahhhh, long, feminine, strong notes. I call on all the mothers to help me. Just as the world must overcome its darkest parts to be truly good, I must transform this suffering. New life is coming. I need to rise. I hold the side of the pool and lift myself up. You are coming. Out of a soft, malleable surrender comes the clear intention to push. Out of a soft, malleable surrender comes the clear intention to push. I am awake now. The process calls for courage. I resist. I am awake now. The process calls for courage. I resist. You need to stop trying to be comfortable and start stepping into the pain, Sam speaks. There is a threshold. I step in. I come into a strong squat and push. And wait. And push. It feels like hours. My weaker self wants to stop. It wants to ask when it will be over. But I push. It is day now. He is making progress. Just keep following your body. You are coming down. Down. Down. I want him to come. Im ready for him to come. Ian dont let go. Ian keeps rubbing my sacrum where the pain is rippling out. He gives me affirmations. A quiet pause. The last threshold. These pushes sting and burn like fire. I think about you, how much I want you to come.

24.01.2022 Plus a safe place that helps with co-regulation and calm any tricky developmental outbursts that may be starting to appear at this stage in their growth. And plenty of immune factors that everyone wants plenty of at the moment!!

24.01.2022 Repost from @grandma_said ... Lets talk KIDNEY HEALTH! The kidneys are very important organs for maintaining homeostasis in the body (meaning the balance or status quo of the body, things like pH levels, blood filtration, water levels, hormones, blood pressure, sodium levels, excretion of waste products and more). The kidneys are located at about belly button height, towards the back behind the liver and are about the size of a fist.... Theyre considered to be the powerhouse of the body in Chinese Medicine, supplying reserve energy to any other organ that is low on energy reserves. So it is vital to keep your kidneys functioning at optimum health to assist the whole body to maintain health and vitality. The Japanese, like many other cultures, believe that keeping the solar plexus (front) and kidneys (back) warm at all times is crucial to staying healthy. They take particular notice of whether or not their stomach feels cold as this is a first sign that your immune system might be weakened. It is said that the kidneys are the organs associated to and most affected by winter ~ so we will benefit in mind body and spirit to nurture and keep these vital organs warm its important to slow down and conserve energy, rest and keep the kidneys warm. Enter - The BellyWarmer / Kidney Warmer The Belly is similar to the Japanese style haramaki (freely translated as belly warmer ) and traditionally worn in case of illness - kidney pain, stomach ache, problems with your abdominal joints, and so on..it helps boost circulation by keeping your core warm which supports your kidneys and liver, helps digestion and eases menstrual cramps. Some interesting correlations between the kidneys and the body & emotions FEAR is the emotion associated with the Kidney. If you often have severe panic attacks, anxiety, and fear, your body may be trying to tell you that Kidney energy is running low or is imbalanced. THE EARS.... Read the full Kidney Health report by signing up to the Grandma Said blog on the website.. Information Sources: Traditional Chinese Medicine World Foundation Kahn Academy Dr. Akira Kawashima from Tokyo Women's Medical University

23.01.2022 Continued from previous post.... I was just about ready to give up and then the midwife told me it was time to push! I just remember feeling so excited for the next step, I was so close and I had made it this far. I ended up pushing for about half hour and we finally got to meet our precious little girl. A moment we will never forget and what an incredible journey. I had achieved the intervention free birth I had planned for -

22.01.2022 Lilli and Freddy sharing vital skin to skin. Read lillis birth story here. "My partner Karl and I attended your birth education course earlier this year. Our baby was born on 9 May and I am touching base to report back on our fantastic birth experience. Birth took place at the Mercy Hospital through Maternity Group Practice stream of care. Our baby Freddy arrived at 39.3 weeks according to my plan - natural physiological birth with no intervention or pharmacological pain rel...ief. The midwife recorded that active labour started at 9pm on 8/5 however I had painful contractions from 2pm and painless ones from 5am. I laboured at home for the entire first stage relying on the TENS machine and a combination of foot stamping, chanting a song/yelling and changing positions to counter the pain of the contractions. I arrived at hospital at 9.30am on 9/5 and the midwife said I was in transition at that point. The water bag came away about an hour and a half later, and I was pushing for between 45 - 60 mins before Freddy's head and body came out (two pushes within one contraction). Freddy weighed 3.28kg, was 51cm long with a 33.5cm head circumference. For me, the most useful learnings from your course related to the labour and birthing phases and specifics about what should be expected in each phase. This knowledge (and the booklet) was useful for preparing my birth plan, prompting discussions with the midwives about what my preferences should be and developing a vague "run sheet" for the labour. Actually during the pushing phase, I remembered a video from the course of a labouring mother struggling to get the head out as it kept slipping back up. She eventually changed position and birthed successfully. I felt a similar sensation during my pushes, which gave me confidence that it was only a matter of time before the head would eventually come through, potentially after changing position. The knowledge gained during the course assisted me to achieve the birth I wanted. I'm very happy we did it and I will recommend it to others who are going for the same type of birth as me. That first skin-to-skin contact basically went exactly as you said it would - amazing.

21.01.2022 Im very happy to have been part of niki and Michaels journey to become parents. They followed their hearts and intuition all the way which is undoubtedly a great way to start parenting. Swipe to read @nikimariahelena story

20.01.2022 http://chng.it/k7bkb6nh5X

19.01.2022 Another lovely birth story........ "My partner Karl and I attended your birth education course earlier this year. Our baby was born on 9 May and I am touching base to report back on our fantastic birth experience. Birth took place at the Mercy Hospital through Maternity Group Practice stream of care. Our baby Freddy arrived at 39.3 weeks according to my plan - natural physiological birth with no intervention or pharmacological pain relief. The midwife recorded that active lab...our started at 9pm on 8/5 however I had painful contractions from 2pm and painless ones from 5am. I laboured at home for the entire first stage relying on the TENS machine and a combination of foot stamping, chanting a song/yelling and changing positions to counter the pain of the contractions. I arrived at hospital at 9.30am on 9/5 and the midwife said I was in transition at that point. The water bag came away about an hour and a half later, and I was pushing for between 45 - 60 mins before Freddy's head and body came out (two pushes within one contraction). Freddy weighed 3.28kg, was 51cm long with a 33.5cm head circumference. For me, the most useful learnings from your course related to the labour and birthing phases and specifics about what should be expected in each phase. This knowledge (and the booklet) was useful for preparing my birth plan, prompting discussions with the midwives about what my preferences should be and developing a vague "run sheet" for the labour. Actually during the pushing phase, I remembered a video from the course of a labouring mother struggling to get the head out as it kept slipping back up. She eventually changed position and birthed successfully. I felt a similar sensation during my pushes, which gave me confidence that it was only a matter of time before the head would eventually come through, potentially after changing position. That first skin-to-skin contact basically went exactly as you said it would in the course - Freddy sought out the nipple almost immediately upon being put on my chest. It was quite amazing. The knowledge gained during the course assisted me to achieve the birth I wanted. I'm very happy we did it and I will recommend it to others who are going for the same type of birth as me."

18.01.2022 https://www.pinkymckay.com/will-a-bedtime-bottle-really-h/

17.01.2022 I love hearing back from my class participants. Posting here with Tanya's permission..... Hi Di, Just wanted to say thank you for your birth classes. Last week we welcomed our little girl Zoe and with the support of our case load midwife was able to have a natural physiological water birth at hospital with NO interventions of any kind. Went into labour on 2/6/20 at 6:30am and arrived at hospital at 1:30pm being 9cm dilated. It was really affirming to be told I was so far alon...g. Between 1:30-6:30pm was hard but I had a case load midwife who I fully trusted and guided me along. She knew my wishes and also is a big advocate for a natural physiological birth too. During the time we just tried different positions which she guided me through. I also used hypnobirthing tracks and a Tens machine as pain relief. She had to guide me though my breathing as I was doing shorter breaths, instead of long deep ones and once we started that then the labour started to progress more. I was also told if things didnt progress there would be an additional vaginal examination (my midwife didnt want to do this, but would have been part of hospital policy), so that helped me focus on my pushing. Zoe arrived via water birth at 6:36pm with the placenta being birthed not long after. We were discharged from hospital at 11:30pm that night and have been doing well. Thank you again to you and Rhea for your amazing work helping us prepare and get the labour we wanted. Regards, Tanya, Ben and baby Zoe di diddle childbirth educator/birth attendant ph: 0400484620 www.birtheducation.com.au www.facebook.com/birthedu

17.01.2022 Lilli & Freddy sharing vital first moments of skin to skin

16.01.2022 REad Tanyas beautifully written birth story here. So glad to have helped Tanya and Ian achieve their birth goals. With every scrap of time between feeds and rest and loving with my new baby, I have written up my birth story, if you are interested in reading..such a rite of passage to live through! and such a blessing on the other side! Waiting is the theme of the last days. Two weeks and two days now. When you wait, the stillness opens new doors. When material obligati...ons fade, there is space for deeper, magical impulses to emerge. You have been teaching me to slow down, to let go of schedules, to flow with life. Impatience itches. We keep putting off our hospital testing, afraid of the talk about induction. I try to veer my mind away from the anxiety of the fixed date. To trust that everything in life takes its own time to bloom. To trust in you, that you are fermenting and perfecting. A divine biological wisdom. The line battles the curve. We are watching television when my waters break. We prepare for sleep with an excited knowing. I coil in bed, my contractions deeper and stronger, until I cant lie down anymore. I stretch and hunch over. Ian moves the couch aside and lays down matting and blankets. He goes to bed to rest for what is to come. I keel over in the dark. Furniture becomes anchors. Moving through surges, they become darker and sweeter. You are coming. The night holds me until I moan loud enough that I cannot bear it alone. I call out to Ian. He wakes up and sits beside me, rubbing my back. He times the contractions to see if they are close enough together to call the midwife. 'Is this a con? he asks, and presses the timer. They are getting more and more intense. One too many times, he asks, Is this a con? Yes its a fucking con! It is time to call Sam. Each sensation layers upon the last, stretching me further. I move between leaning over the bolster, the couch, the armchair, the ball. Standing, pacing, squatting. My moans expand to fill and articulate each surge. I shower, sitting under the soothing heat. Water gifts some solace to the ringing pulse emanating from my sacrum. As you rotate and descend.

15.01.2022 Its so heartwarming to hear women coming out of their birth experiences feeling positive and empowered. Posted here with Annies permission. Hi Di. I'm writing to give you a huge thank you for your advice and wisdom. My birth experience went really well. First sign of any thing happening started at 8am (some period pain), contractions started at 9am, baby arrived at 5pm on the dot the same day. What a civilised labour my son gave me!! Must have got my mum's quick birth gen...es. Did not need any pain intervention, just used a tens machine. Helen of course was amazing, so quick thinking and experienced. Was so glad to have her as my midwife. I think your classes gave me some realistic expectations about birth and the confidence to stay calm and not to use pain medication. I don't see myself as a goddess but I do think it's helpful to tell yourself that it possible to give birth without medical intervention and that your body can do it. Rhea Dempsey had some excellent advice on that front as well as you. I hope you are still delivering classes, maybe online during these difficult times? I think women need your advice more than ever now. I would recommend your classes to friends of mine in Sydney if that were possible. Best Annie

15.01.2022 Zooming away here with my trusty babies Cotton and Vampire. (Named by my youngest when she was 4). Last night I covered breastfeeding. How to get the best start and how to keep going. Lots of info videos and discussion with my group who were all snuggled up at home. Next series will be back online at this stage. Starting Monday 13th July. Book now for an empowered birth! Numbers are unlimited and you can be anywhere in the world to join! #naturalbirth #vbac #antenatalclasses #prenatalclasses #breastfeeding

15.01.2022 https://www.facebook.com/DrRobynThompson/videos/202767811072275/

13.01.2022 Last night we zoomed support ideas, pelvic releasing and massage. Heres what one partner said, The relaxation massage provided the deep connection to my partners body and our babe I have been yearning for this pregnancy Love teaching these classes and helping couples come closer together in preparation for their babys birth. #birthpreparation #naturalbirth #vbac #prenatalclasses #birtheducation

12.01.2022 This amazing knowledgeable birth queen will be joining me in my zoom room on Monday 16th November to talk about her favourite four letter word PAIN. It’s an eye opening talk and @rheadempseybirth does it brilliantly. Bookings still open. Last series for the year. Next series starting (hopefully) face to face in Nth Fitzroy in February 2021 or if your not in Melbourne you can join my zoom series in March. Be informed. Educated. And ready before you give birth.

11.01.2022 @rheadempsey_birthingwisdom and I warming up before presenting to my current birth preparation group last night. I am still here providing information and education to women and their partners who want to feel empowered and resourced for the birth of their baby. Because Im zooming at the moment anyone can join from anywhere in Australia or worldwide. Looking forward to next weeks session where we will be exploring support ideas for partners. #naturalbirth #antenatalclasses #prenatalclasses #birthpreparation #painreleif #breastfeeding

10.01.2022 Sharing lovely birth story from Katelyn: "I am really excited to finally contact you and share with you the wonderful news of the birth of our little girl and let you know our incredible natural birth story. Introducing Cecilia Gratia, born on Tuesday, 7 July at 5:31pm. We have to say a huge thank you to Di and the incredible birth classes that me and my husband attended in May/June. We felt extremely educated and prepared to work hard for a drug free, natural birth, even th...ough most of our friends/family were sceptical and kept saying 'just be prepared for your plans to change'. I mostly felt so relieved having my husband so on board and equipped to help get me through the upcoming labour. My pregnancy was looking very promising with low risk, bub in a great position and everything fine until my 38 week appointment the doctor surprisingly saying she wants to induce at 39 weeks due to my fundal height being too small (belly size). I was surprised as a growth scan had shown baby not being small and so then I pushed back to atleast get to 40weeks before even considering. I tried everything to get bub to come before then, raspberry leaf tea, spicy food, pineapple, intercourse, hill walks, accupressure, aromatherapy, you name it. But by 40+3 and pressures from doctors, I agreed to be induced. Di gave me help in thinking through how to question and delay this process. After lots of prayer, I miraculously started contractions the night before I was due be induced. I went in that next morning to be checked so they would allow me to continue labour naturally and check my progression, and to their surprise had already dilated 5cm so they allowed me to stay at the hospital. I had an incredible midwife who I knew was rostered on and specially requested. The doctor insisted I needed constant monitoring due to the 'risks' of baby being small etc but I said that I will have regular checks and if her heart rate drops, I will put it on. (Which was never required!) con/

10.01.2022 Go to @rheadempseybirth for more details

10.01.2022 I’m so pleased that my classes translate so well as live streamed during restrictions. Last series for the year starting tonight. And excited to announce that I will continue to run some zoom sessions next year for anyone who can’t make face to face. "Dear Di, We are writing to thank you for your help and guidance in preparation of the birth of our baby daughter, Zara Rose. She was born on 3rd July and the birth was as incredible as I imagined. Attending your classes with m...y partner James allowed me to fully prepare and have the birth that I wanted. I felt very confident in my body's ability to birth my daughter and was sure James had been educated on ways to best support me through that process. We finished your classes ready and excited to birth our daughter. Early July 3rd my waters broke naturally, and I was advised to go into hospital for observations and to facilitate a plan. I went home and laboured and within 2 hours I was back at the hospital in active labour at 4 cm dilated. The journey back to hospital was where I had my first lapse in confidence and believed I couldn't do it. When I arrived at hospital, I was able to get into the bath and re-focus on my plan for the birth. I was aware from the classes that this wasn't going to be my only lapse in confidence throughout the labour and James and I had discussed what support I would like throughout to get through these difficult stages. Whilst in the bath my labour progressed well and was going to plan but due to some bleeding, I was unable to continue in the bath as they were required to monitor the blood loss. When I was out of the bath I continued labouring in various positions. I had an urge to push although I wasn't fully dilated, as Zara was stuck on my Cervix. This was definitely the most challenging part of the labour as my body wanted to push but I was told not to as it was making the situation worse and could have led to an epidural. This process took a couple of hours and I constantly had to remind myself of my goals of labour. I was just about ready to give up......(read on in next post) See more

10.01.2022 So wonderful to attend the offical virtual launch of @rheadempseybirth latest book @avidreader. I had a walk around the room of more than 130 people and really enjoyed seeing some familiar faces @fertile_ground_health_group @fiona.hallinan Jenny Teskey Suzanne Hurley anaharta keirien Reiger @sarahjbuckley @joaskham so great to see you all and so great to have yet another significant book being contributed to the birth bookshelves.

09.01.2022 Finns birth story con/... and again pop back in). In hindsight, it helped me stretch that little bit longer which I am sure helped. I eventually got him past that point, reached down and felt his head. Then the rest of his body followed my midwife caught him and passed him up through my legs. The chubba came out with both hands firmly clasped (literally, fingers entwined) at his face exactly how he had been in most scans (and is currently now no swaddling can keep this... houdinis hands away from his face!). Which explains why he kept popping back in. I ended up with a 2nd degree tear from his hand trick, but otherwise likely would have gotten away graze free which blows my mind considering his size! My midwife knew that I wanted to let the cord stop pulsating before cutting, so we just chilled for a lazy 40 minutes. We then waited for a physiologicalthird stage, and I ended up birthing my placenta into a pan on the toilet. Then the drs came in to assess damage/stitch me up. All a very relaxed, not rushed process. He was finally weighed and measured 2 hours later. My partner later told me that numerous people/drs had tried to come in throughout labour, but my midwife stopped them at the door and pretty much shooed them away what a woman! So there we have it I wasnt sure I could do it (particularly with no pain relief), but I did and it was SO empowering! Big big breathes (and being VERY vocal) made a world of difference, but the confidence and knowledge you instilled in me (and my incredible midwife) was what got me over the line without a doubt! I felt like I had to fight my way to this birth because of VBAC risks and having a big baby, but I was confident to say no to every attempt at intervention leading up to the birth (and really fine-tuned my birth plan accordingly). So thank you thank you providing such a nurturing and informative environment, thank you for teaching us to trust ourselves and our bodies and thank you for raising awareness of where most speedbumps in birthing our babies arise hospital protocols and unnecessary interventions.

08.01.2022 I get lots of great birth news - heres great news from Louise who attended my classes last year..... Meet our new little addition Rudy Ray Charles Alexander born at 4.45am on the 2nd Dec 2019 weighing 4.46kg We fulfilled all of our birth preferences and managed to achieve the completely free from intervention water birth that wed dreamt of. Thank you Di Diddles xx

07.01.2022 Another happy birth story....some women just have fast birthing in their genes! "A huge thank you for your advice and wisdom. My birth experience went really well. First sign of any thing happening started at 8am (some period pain), contractions started at 9am, baby arrived at 5pm on the dot the same day. What a civilised labour my son gave me!! Must have got my mum's quick birth genes. Did not need any pain intervention, just used a tens machine. Helen of course was amazing..., so quick thinking and experienced. Was so glad to have her as my midwife. I think your classes gave me some realistic expectations about birth and the confidence to stay calm and not to use pain medication. I don't see myself as a goddess but I do think it's helpful to tell yourself that it possible to give birth without medical intervention and that your body can do it. Rhea Dempsey had some excellent advice on that front as well as you. Best Wishes Annie"

06.01.2022 Every pregnant woman (& partners) should know this: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4720867/

05.01.2022 Katelyn con/ .....I went into active labour not long after being admitted into birth suite, had 4 hours of intense contractions, managing just using the TENS machine and back massage/pressures from my husband or midwife. I tried gas but didn't like it as it took away from focusing on my breathing. I remember thinking 'I can't do this', but I would breathe through the contraction and it would end and move on to the next one. It's amazing how our bodies can cope and I'm so g...lad I was prepared for the pain through the birth classes. Cecilia came out very smoothly, apart from her shoving an elbow through and causing a minor tear internally which was unavoidable, the birth was completely straight forward intervention free and natural. We then waited 30 minutes for a physiological third stage as the placenta naturally came out as I was skin to skin with bub. That part felt EASY compared to giving birth. She was born 3.43kg, 49cm which is bang on AVERAGE, not at all small despite the doctors having all these concerns. She was so healthy and had a very high APGAR rating. Multiple midwives said my birth gave them hope for what they work hard for, my midwife Leah, also said she will never forget it. Recovery has felt surprisingly easy and breastfeeding has followed step by step, and I believe this great start to life is due to having such a natural birth. It was the hardest experience ever, but so wonderful and my husband was amazed by it all. We have a wonderful story to tell, not the traumatic stories I have so often heard. I am so thankful to God for answering our prayers and for Di and her incredible birth classes for upholding the gift of natural birth. Thank you soooooooo much!

03.01.2022 Birth partners will be learning hands on birth support skills from the comfort of their own home in tonight’s class. Looking forward to the zoom.....

03.01.2022 https://www.pinkymckay.com/five-big-fat-lies-about-breastf/

02.01.2022 Beautiful baby Finn. Birth story posted here with Michelles permission: Hi Di, I've been meaning to reach out and let you know that I got my VBAC on 8 April - Finn Oak, 4.74kg and 54.5cm! I was confident he would arrive on the full moon as his older sister did back in 2017, and he did! I feel like I went into my first labour with so much knowledge and prep, but unfortunately it still ended in an 'emergency' c sect. Long story short, I am almost certain (having had years to d...well on it), that with more knowledge (and confidence to use it), the right midwife support throughout labour and no interventions, the outcome would have been different. But anyway, back to the positive I did it! I got the birth I so badly wanted(/needed!), and it was nothing short of incredible! After joining a VBAC Australia facebook group (invaluable support, highly recommend to those hoping for a VBAC!) and attending your The Power and the Pain and The Birth Partner classes my partner and I felt so so confident. I did start losing confidence when some midwives and drs started again about the risks, but I thankfully went into labour at 40+4 before the serious induction talks ensued. My midwife was completely on board me labouring at home for as long as I felt comfortable doing so (previous midwives/drs wanted me in as soon as I got a contraction to check scar wasn't rupturing/fetal distress). We went to the hospital when contractions 2-3min apart (I could have stayed home longer, but I was more worried about the uncomfortable car ride if I left any later). We beat our midwife there, and the first person I saw (admissions nurse I think?) literally didn't say a peep other than Ok I can see you've had a c-sect previously, you have to have constant fetal monitoring as she started approaching with the monitoring straps. I said no, I dont, she snarled back that it was hospital policy I barked back I can say no! (mid contraction mind you give me a break woman!) she said well, we will have to wait for your midwife! and stormed out. It felt good to say no to the system, but sad to think that if I didnt have the confidence (and knowledge) to say no, con/...

02.01.2022 Continued from previous post.... I can now say "I am the willing woman". It makes incredibly happy when I think back to the birth and what we all achieved on that special day. To have had such a positive birthing experience makes me feel proud. ... Thank you Di Diddle, we can honestly say you had a huge impact on achieving the birth we wanted. Kind regards, Clare, James and Zara

01.01.2022 Finns birth story con/... that within minutes of arriving at the hospital I would have been attached to a machine and my journey would have been VERY different. How many women must this happen to? Then our incredible midwife arrived and swept us up in a bubble of confidence and support. Honestly, I have tingles just talking about her we hit the absolute jackpot with her! My partner and midwife were superstars, not ONCE did she make me feel like I was having a VBAC in fa...ct I completely forgot that I had a scar that had previously been the talk of the town. She made me feel like I was a normal woman trying my hardest at a drug free normal physiological birth. She never once mentioned cfm (and would only occasionally check heart rate with doppler with my permission), never once mentioned pain relief or asked to check my progress. We did our thing for a few hours (tens machine was a life saver I would have loved a bath/shower but couldnt lose the tens and moving/sitting made the contractions 10x worse) I spent most of my labour on a big chair (arms over the back, kneeling). I promised myself after attending your classes that Id be more active in this labour, which I was at the start, but later on the chair was working for me. I remember my partner and I giggling when you played a soundtrack of a woman moaning through contractions in one of your classes but I get it now! Breathing techniques and noise (oh so much noise) truly got me through it! I then started involuntarily pushing which threw me a bit when I asked if I should push, my midwife simply said listen to your body (ummmm, how do you have more faith in my body than I do!?). She strategically made me go to the toilet (I didnt know at the time, but it was to get me to open my pelvis etc more, which worked a treat, even though sitting on a toilet was awful). I then made it back to chair and pushing ramped up. I felt him move down, and then the ring of fire (so thankful for her warm compress). He would come out a little, but after contraction/pushing stopped, he would pop back in weirdest/disheartening sensation, but with every push, hed come that little bit further con/...

01.01.2022 Tanyas birth story part 3..... Ashie! I cry out your name. And you enter. Full, pulsing, shiny in the sac. My waters had never broken and there you are, primal and intact.... The membrane is pink and grey and glistens. A strange, cosmic fruit of creation. Sam opens you up and I lift you, this perfect baby, out of the water. I behold you, my child. I sit in the water with you on my belly. Your delicate parts. Skin. Eyes. Feet. You suck your thumb and seek the breast. You learn to breathe. You are peaceful. How far you have journeyed! Strung together by umbilical love, we carry the placenta and you, trailing membranes, in a procession to the bed. And now you that you are home, I already cannot remember how you got here.