S3 EP 2 | Sarah’s Story: 42 Weeks and Trusting the Wait | Fourth Birth, First Homebirth

In this episode, birth and postpartum doula Sarah shares the story of her fourth and final birth, a home water birth in northern NSW that arrived sixteen days past her due date, right as COVID lockdowns began.Sarah opens up about the emotional preparation that shaped this birth: hypnobirthing, acupuncture, and confronting a long-standing pattern of people-pleasing that had surfaced in her previous births. She talks candidly about navigating pressure from the hospital system while planning a home birth well past 42 weeks, the surreal experience of falling asleep mid-labour, and how she consciously chose to stop "overriding" her body during pushing, after a very different experience with her third baby.This is a conversation about surrender, self-trust, and giving yourself full permission — in birth, and in motherhood.In this episode:Preparing emotionally (not just physically) for birthNavigating a 42+ week pregnancy during COVIDThe role of hypnobirthing in shifting fear and anxietyFalling asleep in active labourChoosing trust over control during pushingA peaceful, cocooned postpartum in lockdownAdvice for first-time mums preparing for their own birthWant more?You can find episode photos over at:⁠https://www.instagram.com/wearemotherspod/⁠You can find me at:⁠https://www.instagram.com/iamsarahcusack/⁠You can find Sarah at:https://www.instagram.com/birth_in_love/https://sarahdwyer.com.au/Sarah is a doula and a certified hypnobirthing practitioner and can support you in a positive birthing experience so that you can approach your birth with confidence, calmness, and control. With a deep understanding of the mind-body connection, she guides clients through evidence-based techniques, visualisations, and relaxation methods to release fear, manage pain, and enhance their overall birth experience.  She brings her experience of supporting families for the last 4 years and birthing her own children in hospital & at home.She support families across Northern Rivers and Gold Coast. Resources mentioned in this episode:Books:Gentle Birth Gentle Mothering - Dr Sarah Buckleyhttps://sarahbuckley.com/gentle-birth-gentle-mothering/Spiritual Midwifery - Ina May Gaskinhttps://www.amazon.com.au/dp/1570671044?ref_=mr_referred_us_au_auThe First Forty Days - Heng Ouhttps://www.amazon.com.au/First-Forty-Days-Essential-Nourishing/dp/1617691836Podcast:The Great Birth Rebellion - Dr Melanie Jacksonhttps://www.melaniethemidwife.com/podcasts/the-great-birth-rebellion