I intentionally relaxed in labour

I attended the Pregnancy Yoga and Active Birth workshop. My reason for attending was to remind myself of helpful strategies that could increase the likelihood of a vaginal birth. My first birth was vaginal with minimal pain relief, but I was very much in distress and felt overwhelmed during multiple parts of it. I didn't want this to happen again, yet if I'm being completely honest, I was expecting it to. During the workshop, a few strategies gripped my attention - the power of tonal sounds and the importance of intentionally relaxing between contractions.

I had my baby on the weekend. The active labour was incredibly short and intense (2 hours), however, I was able to intentionally relax in the brief periods between contractions, and I used tonal sounds throughout all contractions. I had 1 - 2 moments of feeling panicked by the pain, however, I was able to mentally step back from it in a way I hadn't in my first labour. I was able to have a water birth, with no pain relief, and I pulled my daughter out of me.

I am completely certain that this birth would not have been as beautiful, healing or transformative without your workshop.

Thank you so very much.

Ash

Ash’s birth story is a powerful reminder that preparation and practice can transform labour. With the help of the Pregnancy Yoga and Active Birth workshop, she had a two-hour active labour, a water birth with no pain relief, and even lifted her daughter out of the water herself.

Her reflection:

“This birth was healing, transformative, and beautiful. I am completely certain it would not have been the same without the workshop.”

This highlights how active birth education and yoga can not only support a smoother labour but also create a more positive, empowering experience.

Key takeaway: Preparing for birth isn’t about controlling every outcome—it’s about learning tools that help you adapt and respond with confidence.