S2 EP3 | Claire’s Story: From Calm Labour to Emergency Caesarean Under General Anaesthetic

In this episode, Claire shares the full story of welcoming her daughter Ellie via emergency caesarean under general anaesthetic after a rapid and intense labour.After spending pregnancy preparing for a calm, physiological hospital birth, Claire went into labour gradually at home. She used movement, curb walking, affirmations, her TENS machine and music to manage contractions while spending the evening with her husband and mum in a relaxed environment.By the time she arrived at hospital late Friday night, she was already 5cm dilated and feeling positive about the progression of labour. Her birth space was calm and personalised with fairy lights, music, combs, movement and support from her midwife and partner.But labour intensified quickly. Claire began experiencing extremely strong back-to-back contractions with virtually no break between them, while Ellie’s heart rate became increasingly difficult to monitor.In this conversation, Claire speaks openly about:A HG pregnancyPreparing for a physiological birth in hospitalLabouring at home with a TENS machine, movement and musicArriving at hospital at 5cm dilatedExperiencing continuous contractions with no rest periodsFetal distress and monitoring challenges during labourHaving her waters broken and progressing rapidly to 8cmThe moment her maternal instinct told her something was wrongBeing rushed to theatre for an emergency caesareanUndergoing surgery under general anaestheticHer husband waiting outside theatre not knowing if she or Ellie were okayMeeting her daughter after waking from surgeryProcessing the emotional aftermath of an emergency birthClaire’s story is a powerful reminder that birth can shift unexpectedly, even when everything begins normally. It’s also a conversation about instinct, surrender, support, and navigating the emotional complexity of an emergency birth experience.Want 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 Claire at:https://www.instagram.com/shortandsweetercollective/https://shortandsweetercollective.com/Claire is the founder of Short & Sweeter Collective. At Short & Sweeter Collective, we’re here to turn everyday moments into something a little more playful, a little more meaningful, and a lot more you.Founded by a proudly ADHD mind and created with all kinds of minds in mind, we design sensory-considerate clothing that feels like home. Made to spark connection, celebrate chaos, and champion the kind of honesty that makes life a little sweeter.From embroidered caps to collectible affirmations, our mission is to leave people better than we found them with softness, humor, and heart stitched into everything we make.Because around here, it’s all about embracing the mess, making space for magic, and saying it with love, always. (Love you, bye.)Go check them out!