S4 EP131: Lauren Barsley: Two Hospital Births/En Caul/Third-degree Tear/NICU/MGP

In today's episode, we unpack Lauren’s two births. Lauren's acceptance into the local MGP program ensured she received continuity of care throughout her pregnancy. Pairing this with a hypnobirthing course, Lauren armed herself with knowledge to strive for a physiological, intervention-free water birth. As labour started, Lauren was faced persistent vomiting, and upon reaching the hospital and hitting transition, she grappled with a crisis of confidence. As it turned out, her baby girl was en caul, still within her sac, and although an empowering water birth with zero interventions, this birth ended with Lauren sustaining a third-degree tear, needing 27 stitches.When the time came to welcome another child into her family, Lauren had relocated and was without the MGP care model. Leaning into her hypnobirthing training, she advocated for another intervention-free physiological birth in her local hospital. As labour started, the familiar sensation of vomiting returned, but as we know, every birth writes its own script. With her labour progressing faster than anticipated, another tumultuous transition unfolded. However, the natural release of her waters turned the tide, giving her a brief moment to pause, allowing her to harness her inner strength, slow down, and intuitively guide her body to birth her baby, preventing any tears.Today, as Lauren details her births, she shares the powerful moment when nurses struggled for hours to regulate her daughters breathing, but once wrapped in the comfort and warmth of her mother's embrace, she effortlessly found her breath's rhythm.Show Notes: Instagram: @laurenbarsleyHypnobirthing: @inbirthandbeyondMentioned in this episode:Positive Birth Australia Birth Affirmations Tracks Available Now!Did you know that studies have shown affirmations can significantly boost self-esteem and reduce stress? Here at Positive Birth Australia, we’ve crafted a 20-minute affirmation to guide you to deeply remember the power you hold within. And to my fellow Belly Birth mothers, we’ve created a track specifically for you, to honour that all birth is sacred. For only $5, you can download at www.positivebirthaustralia.com and immerse yourself in our affirmations track to transform your mindset. Positive Birth Australia Mentioned in this episode:Sacred Birth Affirmations Track This gentle affirmation track was created to help you feel safe, confident, and connected in pregnancy and birth. Perfect for daily mindset work or to play during labour.Positive Birth AustraliaEsfera Designs Wellness (Birth) BallCreate a calm, supportive space during pregnancy and postpartum with Esfera Designs. Use code: PBA20 for $20 off your order. Esfera Designs