In today’s episode, Anita shares the birth story of her second born, Jack! Over the years, many listeners have shared that hearing his birth story helped them feel more informed and grounded heading into their own birth experience. Whether you are planning to give birth with a midwife or doctor, at home, at a birth center, or in hospital, you’ll hear practical examples of what early labour looked like for Anita, positions and strategies that helped her during contractions, and how supportive and informed consent can show up throughout the birth process.

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Resources and References 

• The Bump to Birth Method - Anita’s self-paced course. Get started today!
• Episode 264: Getting Started with Connecting to Your Pelvic Floor and Core in Pregnancy and for Birth
• Episode 281: Informed Decision-Making During Birth with Mandy Irby
• Episode 345: From Bump to Birth Method to Recovery – Rachel’s Birth Story
• Episode 371: 7 Steps to Mentally and Physically Prepare for Birth – Including Pelvic Floor Prep
• Episode 393: How – and Why – to Relax Your Pelvic Floor in Pregnancy

Show Notes 

0:55 - Anita’s Bump to Birth Method course

2:41 - Introduction to today’s episode

4:43 - Anita describes the circumstances leading up to her second baby’s birth

13:38 - Anita shares how she felt in those first couple of hours of labour, as well as how she prepared mentally for labour ahead of time

15:35 - Anita details the scene as the birthing process intensified

20:33 - Anita recounts the process - and importance - of getting up and walking around during her home birth

22:54 - Anita recalls when her water broke, and things “started feelin’ pushy”

29:21 - Anita describes how the doulas helped her in the aftermath of her birth

31:57 - Anita talks about placenta monitoring

33:24 - Jessie asks Anita if there were any moments during labour where Anita thought: I can NOT do this anymore!

35:25 - Anita shares why she wouldn’t describe her physical birthing sensations as “painful”

37:00 - Anita shares what that first week postpartum looked like for her (pssst - it includes boundaries!)

39:19 - Anita shares her preference for doulas, and the importance of conversing with your midwives and doulas about what is best for you and baby 

44:10 - Jessie and Anita wrap up the episode