When I hear that from a client, I know the birth was positive – not because it went “to plan”, but because the mother felt supported, capable, and powerful.
And I was so glad to hear a birth story recently where the mother used this phrase.
This was Elly’s second baby.
An IUI pregnancy which was labelled “high risk” and had the potential to become medicalised very quickly.
Add in a first birth during the pandemic that had left its mark and Elly realised the need to prepare differently this time round.
So she came to pregnancy yoga every single week.
She and her partner booked a 1:1 birth prep session with me, not just for information, but for both of them to build confidence. To feel ready.
She wanted to be more in her power this time, no matter how things unfolded.
Despite pressure to be induced, Elly declined and when labour started quietly, in the middle of the night it all began to click into place.
By 3am, she was in hospital – she moved, she breathed and she stayed connected with her body and her baby.
Her partner supported her amazingly.
Her midwife listened and trusted.
And when labour became really intense and she started to panic… she remembered our yoga class just a few days before…
The horsey lips! 🐴 (Yes, the very same ridiculous jaw-flapping breath we all giggled through in the class.)
But it worked!
Soft jaw = soft pelvic floor.
From there, things moved fast.
Her waters broke in the pool and with just three more contractions her baby was born in the water as the sun rose.
No panic. No pressure.
Elly messaged me after:
“I wouldn’t change a thing. Whenever I felt panic rise, I could draw on what you taught me in class. That and my partner and midwife got me where I needed to be.”
That’s what preparation does.
The point is not to try and control every variable but to help you through your labour, however it unfolds.
Wishing Elly and her family all the best as they settle into life as a family of four.
And if you want that kind of grounded support for your birth, I’d love to work with you:
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