In this powerful episode, Melissa walks us through her three water births — two of which resulted in rare “mermaid babies,” born entirely in their amniotic sac. She also shares how she discovered she had a heart-shaped uterus, her anxiety during pregnancy, and how each labour unfolded.
From a dramatic early pregnancy scare to three medication-free water births, Melissa’s story is filled with surprise, humour, and extraordinary moments (including her first baby swimming to the surface still in her sac!).

✨ Key Topics Covered

• Discovering a heart-shaped (bicornuate) uterus at 8 weeks
• Two babies born en caul (in the sac) — “mermaid babies”
• Why water birth felt right for Melissa
• Anxiety during pregnancy & navigating unexpected bleeding
• The difference between her first, second, and third water births
• The role of midwives, her mum, and her partner
• Gas & air, pain management, and what really happens in the pool
• Going past her due date for the first time with baby #3
• A sweep that triggered labour
• Recovering between births and leaving the hospital within hours
• The emotional side of birth stories and trusting your body

💬 Memorable Moments

• “Half of my uterus knew I was pregnant… the other half didn’t.”
• “My firstborn literally swam to the top in her little alien sack.”
• “I know it sounds like I made my birth stories up — but I swear it all happened!”
• “Gas & air? I’m taking that if they let me!”
• “With my second, I gave birth at 4:45 AM and was walking around Sainsbury’s by lunchtime.”

📚 Resources Mentioned / Related Helpful Links

These links provide accurate, medically reviewed information related to topics in the episode.

Water Birth

• NHS Guidance — Water Birth
  https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/labour-and-birth/what-happens-at-the-hospital-or-birth-centre/
  
  

En Caul Birth (“Mermaid Baby”)

• Parents — En Caul Birth Overview
   https://www.parents.com/baby/all-about-babies/you-have-to-see-this-video-of-a-baby-born-in-an-amniotic-sac/ 
  
  

Bicornuate / Heart-Shaped Uterus

• Cleveland Clinic — Bicornuate uterus
  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22798-bicornuate-uterus
  
  

Signs of Labour & What to Expect

• NHS — Stages of Labour
  https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/labour-and-birth/the-stages-of-labour-and-birth/
  
  

Mucus Plug (“The Show”)

• NHS — What Is the Mucus Plug?
  https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/labour-and-birth/signs-that-labour-has-begun/
  
  

Gas & Air (Entonox)

• NHS — Pain Relief in Labour
  https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/labour-and-birt

💛 Raising with the Village

This podcast is about real parents sharing real stories — because no one should feel alone in parenthood.
New episodes every Thursday!

🌐 Website: https://raisingwith.co.uk/
📸 Instagram: @raisingwiththevillage
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and all major platforms.

If you’d like to share your own story — about birth, parenting, or family life — get in touch via the website or Instagram DMs.