My heartfelt story: I want to share my journey to motherhood, the unforgettable days leading up to the birth of my daughter, Florence, and the transformative experience that hypnobirthing made possible. From trusting my body and embracing each surge to creating a calm, supportive birth environment filled with love, my story is a reminder that birth can be empowering, magical, and memorable. Now, as a hypnobirthing instructor, I’m honoured to help other mothers discover the beauty and strength within themselves. Join me as I reflect on Florence’s arrival and the incredible gift of a positive birth experience.
As I sit here tonight, reading to Florence before bed, I find myself drifting back to that unforgettable journey we shared together, the one that brought her into my arms. Soft music plays in the background, and before I know it, I’m transported right back to those sacred hours of labour. Each note brings back vivid memories of swaying and breathing through my surges, moving with the rhythm of my body, deeply trusting in its power and in my baby. Every surge was a signal that I was one step closer to the lifelong dream of becoming a mother, a journey I had waited forever to experience.
In the stillness, my favourite part of the music plays, and it all comes flooding back: the warmth of the water in the most magical bath my partner ran for me, the fairy lights twinkling softly in our lounge, and the handwritten empowering affirmations he’d placed around the room. It felt like stepping into a sanctuary, a sacred, intimate space created just for this moment. The world outside ceased to exist, leaving only a haven filled with love, trust, and an overwhelming sense of calm. I remember reading those handwritten notes over and over again, feeling grounded and inspired by every word that reminded me of the strength my body held.
It’s often said that labour can be transformative, but nothing could have prepared me for the depth of connection I felt with my body, with my baby, and with my partner. Chris was my unwavering anchor—my strength and calm, moving with me through each surge and offering every bit of reassurance my heart needed. My mother-in-law, our phenomenal ‘sidekick’ and the heart of our support, stood by us with love and encouragement that lifted me in ways words can hardly describe. Together, they were my team, my rocks, and the love that poured into those moments still fills my heart with gratitude.
As the hours passed and I continued swaying and breathing through each surge, time seemed to stand still. I knew that with every surge, every controlled breath, I was edging closer to meeting the beautiful little soul who’d chosen me as her mother. Hypnobirthing had given me this gift, the ability to trust fully in the process, to let go of fear, and to embrace birth as a powerful and positive experience. I owe so much toHannah O’Sullivan, a local hypnobirthing teacher I came across during my search for a calm birth experience on Instagram. It’s thanks to her teaching that I fell in love with this work, and my passion was born.
After attending my first in-person hypnobirthing group class with Hannah, I turned to Chris and said, “I know what I need to be doing. It’s this. I need to be teaching hypnobirthing. This is my calling. It’s what I’m meant for.” The experience ignited a deep desire to empower other women to embrace birth with confidence, calm, and strength.
After Florence’s birth, I immersed myself in learning everything I could about hypnobirthing. I read, watched, and explored different approaches until I found the wonderfulLiz Stanford ofThe Calm Birth School. Under Liz’s expert guidance, I trained to become a qualified hypnobirthing teacher, a journey that has been as transformative as my own birth experience.
After four long, magical days of latent phase labour, I was tired. Any mother will tell you: it’s at that moment, when you feel like you’re spent, that your baby is at their closest to arriving. Earlier, we’d called our amazing midwife (and now friend) Emma Burton, who couldn’t have been more supportive. From the moment she entered our home, Emma embodied the calm environment we had created. She radiated kindness, presence, and a sincere heart space. She silently read through our birth preferences, whispering gently as she liaised with Chris, who advocated for me throughout, ensuring my focus and meditative state remained undisturbed.
There were times I didn’t even know Emma was there, but I could feel her energy, a maternal presence that comforted me deeply. I was lying on our sofa in the darkened lounge, the fairy lights glowing softly. I reached for her hand, a silent gesture of gratitude, and she clasped mine warmly in return. In that moment, I surrendered and felt ready to rest.
We moved upstairs to our bedroom, hoping I could get some more sleep. But the moment I lay down, I felt uncomfortable. Emma and Chris spoke quietly, always prioritising my emotional well-being, and Emma suggested transferring to our local hospital for rest with the birthing pool ready for when I needed.
That journey to the hospital was something out of a comedy sketch. We took the back lanes of Devon, hitting every speed bump along the way. I was sprawled across the back seat, one knee bent under me for stability, the other leg stretched out to the door to ground myself as I breathed through each surge, convinced I’d slide out of the car and end up giving birth while performing gymnastics. By the time we reached the last speed bump, I’d had enough!
Chris flew the car right up to the hospital entrance and left it there until dawn. As he helped me out of the car, I tearfully blurted, “I really need a wee! I can’t hold it any longer!” Emma, ever calm, replied soothingly, “Let it go; it’s all okay. We’ve got you.”
I held on, racing up the hallway of the delivery suite in a wheelchair straight into the bathroom. But everything changed in that moment. I suddenly shouted, “I need to push, she’s coming!” The midwives encouraged me to move to the floor, but a roar erupted from deep within: “Get me off this toilet! I am not having my baby here!”
Laughing now, I can see the humour in it, but at the time, I couldn’t imagine anything worse. I clambered onto the bed, knowing Florence was coming fast.
As the first light of dawn crept into our room, my body and my baby were ready. Breathing that precious girl earthside was the most powerful moment of my life. The world was quiet, and an incredible calm washed over me. It was as if Florence herself knew it was time. And as the sun rose, she arrived our beautiful Florence Isobella, her tiny face taking our breath away.
The emotions that filled the room in that moment are impossible to describe relief, joy, awe, and overwhelming gratitude. After waiting so long for the miracle of motherhood, I was now holding my daughter, the first precious chapter of a journey I had always dreamed of.
Looking back, I know how fortunate I am to remember Florence’s birth as a beautiful, empowering experience. Hypnobirthing taught me to embrace birth with calm, confidence, and trust, giving me memories I will cherish forever.
Sharing Florence’s story isn’t just about reliving these moments; it’s about spreading hope. Birth can be positive and life-affirming. Even in uncertain times, like during a global pandemic, birth can still be sacred, beautiful, and transformative.
Now, as a fully trained hypnobirthing instructor, I feel privileged to guide other women on their own journeys. I am here to share the tools and techniques that helped me find peace and strength in birth, empowering others to embrace this life-changing experience with confidence and courage.
Birth is raw, beautiful, and transformative. Every woman deserves to feel empowered and cherished as she journeys into motherhood. And for those who choose hypnobirthing, it offers a path that can truly change how birth is remembered.
As I sit here tonight, with Florence curled up beside me, I am endlessly grateful, grateful for her, for the journey, and for the chance to help others discover the beauty of birth.
Who am I?
Cara the owner and founder ofThe Devon Birth School. I am a Holistic Birth and Postnatal Support Specialist and with four years of experience. I am dedicated to supporting women, holding space, educating, empowering and providing them with all the tools they need for a positive birth experience and postpartum care.
If you enjoyed this read, feel free to click the links below for more of my writing, experiences and passions for motherhood.
Love and Freckles
Cara - The Calm Birth Mama
Mother | Founder | Writer
https://zzatem.com/read-blog/7805_honouring-the-heart-of-motherhood.html
https://zzatem.com/read-blog/7997_transitions-of-a-mama-the-emotional-weight-of-a-clean-car.html
Charlotte Elizabeth 22 hrs
love this!! i know i will be speaking to you when i'm at that stage of my life xx