I woke at 12:05 am to a feeling of wetness and sure enough, I had started losing my mucous plug. This was shortly followed by contractions which developed through the night. By morning I was in active labour and continued to progress with the huge help of my husband keeping my relaxed and grounded, and the running hot shower I stayed under for hours.

Nancy helped us stay at home as long as possible and knew when the time was right to make it the hospital, and she was bang on; I delivered within 20 minutes of arriving and fulfilled my dreams of a completely undisturbed birth. A wonderful start to little Rupert's life.

The major difference you made was helping Rhys to coach me through active labour. He learnt relaxation techniques during our prenatal session and utilised that when I was feeling panicky and overwhelmed by the sensations. It completely turned my labour around.

The other major difference was confidently knowing and helping us understand when the right time to go to hospital was. It was so great to have your knowledge and advice here as I had no idea we were so progressed. You were our bodyguard in the hospital and helped us achieve our wishes of an undisturbed birth.

Rhys’s thoughts:

You helped him feel confident in knowing what I needed to be able to support me better during labour and helped him navigate the hospital by taking charge once we arrived.

WHAT IS THE MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT OF OUR TIME TOGETHER?:

I loved how you weren't in any rush to leave after Rupert had arrived. I have beautiful memories of how cosy and lovely that time was just after the birth.

I also felt so empowered when you had me check where Rupert was to know when the time to leave was. This was an incredible moment when I felt his head!

WHAT WAS THE MOST HELPFUL THING I DID TO SUPPORT YOU?:

Supported our wishes with zero judgement.
Helped us to know when the time to leave was.
Ensured we were given space and respect in the hospital.

ENOUGH ABOUT ME! TELL THE MUMMAS WHAT THE MOST HELPFUL THINGS WERE TO YOU IN LABOUR?:

My husband coaching me to completely relax and surrender to the contractions. This was a game changer and completely turned my labour around, it became faster and less painful.

DID WE DO ANYTHING ELSE TOGETHER THAT YOU’D LIKE TO MENTION?

Placenta encapsulation. It was a beautiful closure for me to consume my placenta and increased my ferritin three fold! It has never been so robust.

IF YOU WERE TO SHARE WORDS OF WISDOM WITH A FIRST TIME FAMILY PREPARING FOR LABOUR, BIRTH & BRINGING THEIR BABY HOME, WHAT WOULD IT BE?:

Hire a doula! Absolutely the best investment you can make to ensure you have a positive birth experience and start life with your baby on the right foot.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Acupuncture from 36 weeks
Postpartum Physiotherapist (I use Sophie Carroll in Bowral)
Pregactive Pregnancy and Postnatal Pilates program

Love Sarah, Rhys and Rupert Howard

Client Stories