Catriona’s Birth Story
My two pregnancies and births couldn’t have been more different. My first pregnancy was smooth—textbook, even. But despite the ease of those nine months, the birth and recovery proved more challenging than I had expected. That experience left me determined to advocate for myself more confidently the second time around.
Due to some minor complications, I was consultant-led throughout my second pregnancy and spent quite a bit of time in and out of hospital. It was during those moments that I decided things would be different – I would trust my instincts, my body and the bond I already had with my baby. I only wish I’d had that confidence the first time.
From 39 weeks, I was encouraged to accept an induction – something I felt deeply wasn’t right for me. My first baby arrived spontaneously at 41 weeks, and I knew in my heart that my little girl just needed more time too. With regular monitoring and the support midwife, I was empowered to wait. Our bodies are amazing and they sometimes just need to take a bit of time, space and belief.
And just like before, at 41 weeks, she arrived. I revisited my hypnobirthing notes from my first labour, and although that birth took a different path, the techniques helped me remain calm and connected throughout. My mantras: “I breathe in calm, my mind and body relax down,” and “I choose to feel calm” which became my anchors.
When early labour started in the night, I jumped out of bed with a sense of excitement. I’d longed for the chance to labour at home, something I hadn’t been able to do the first time. I couldn’t decide what I wanted to do first: watch Friends on the birthing ball, have a bath, eat or sleep. So I did it all! But sleep came too easily and I woke up 3 hours later to nothing. My body was preparing and I trusted it completely.
The next evening, when things ramped up, I created a safe space: bath, music, my trusty comb (honestly, a game-changer!) and deep breaths. By 1:30am, instinct took
over. I moved out of the bath, onto all fours, and felt her descending. My body knew. We reached the hospital and just 18 minutes later, she was born.
Those moments replay in my mind often. Raw, powerful, animalistic – I roared her into the world. I was strong. I was in control. I was a mother embracing every part of the experience. After everything, to feel and enjoy labour in this way meant the world to me.
To every mum reading this – trust your body, your instincts, your voice. This is your journey, your baby and your body. You have every right to choose the birth experience that feels right for you.
Catriona runs BabyBeats Leeds a postnatal class designed for you to move, breathe and connect with your baby through light exercise and sensory play. Her courses run in Roundhay, Morley, Rothwell & Garforth and get booked up quickly!
