Positive VBAC story at 42 weeks at Blackpool Birth Centre
Eleanor lives in Lytham and supports families across the Fylde Coast and in Preston. She provides antenatal hypnobirthing courses and postnatal trauma support.
Demi’s positive VBAC birth story at 42 weeks with high-risk factors
When you’ve been labelled “high risk” from the start, it’s easy for everyone to assume what your birth will look like - medicalised, managed, and far from empowering. But Demi’s birth story is a bold, beautiful reminder that trusting your body and standing firm in your choices can lead to a deeply powerful, positive experience. From a slow, steady early labour at home to a primal, euphoric water birth at Blackpool Birth Centre, this is the story of one mother’s refusal to hand her power over - even when the odds, the system, and the timing said otherwise.
Demi’s waterbirth at Blackpool Birth Centre
At 2:00am I woke up to contractions I could no longer sleep through. I was filled with excitement and knew I would meet my baby soon. I sat on the pregnancy ball and rocked through the contractions and listened to my playlist. The song that stuck out to me was Gabrielle - Dreams.
Fleur, my 3 year old, woke up and went to her childminders. I held her close for the last time, knowing that the next time I saw her she would be a big sister. My sensations became more intense and frequent, I felt called to the water and so I moved to my bath to focus, to go inwards and played my hypnobirthing audio.
Do you have to give birth at hospital if you’re high risk?
You don’t have to give birth in a hospital just because you're classed as high risk.
Advocacy is everything - and hospital birth isn’t always the safest or most supportive option for every person. Birth With Choice hypnobirthing courses equip you with the tools, context, and confidence to make the decision that’s right for you. Not just what the system suggests.
Demi had planned to have a homebirth in Blackpool
Unfortunately there were no midwives to attend my birth at home which was such a shame but I also anticipated this happening. After 28 hours of unmedicated labour I felt that I needed pain relief. With both reluctance and acceptance I decided to transfer into the birth centre so that I could have access to gas and air. I reminded myself there is no such thing as maternal failure within birth and I had done so well to stay at home for as long as I did. If you are interested in a homebirth, you may find these articles helpful: Hutton et al., 2019; Scarf et al., 2018; Olsen & Clausen., 2023.
Demi chose to transfer to Blackpool Birth Centre
The midwives I had were absolutely incredible and made all the difference to my birth. They protected my birthing space especially when the doctors came to visit and challenged me, little did they know that I am not one to be reckoned with. I am informed and in my power. I declined yet again all of their recommendations as my birth was not a condition that needed to be managed. My birth was unfolding beautifully with a hands off approach.
I birth with the knowledge that I know what's best for me and my baby, with the midwives who honour my choices and follow my lead.
This is birth as it was always meant to be, mine.
Where can I give birth in Blackpool, Preston or on the Fylde Coast?
Blackpool Birth Centre is just one of many options on the Fylde Coast.
Explore where else you may choose to give birth and read real mums experiences about their care.
Demi used Aura Orbs and biomechanics during the transition stage of her labour
I felt transition hit. I surrendered to the wilderness of birth and my body knowing that me and my baby were working together in perfect partnership and symbiosis. The mother baby dyad is the most beautiful, powerful thing, I held deep undeniable knowing that we were safe and ready to meet earth side very soon.
I am the sovereign of this birth. My sensations became very intense, I breathed through them with gas and air, squeezed my aura orbs (included in all Birth With Choice Courses) and had the midwife giving counter pressure. I was in the water and felt the urge to move onto my knees and my body did the rest. It was primal. I held onto Chris (my husband) and reached down to feel Otis' head, it was magical feeling him rest between two worlds.
Unmedicated VBAC with gas and air
Less than 2 minutes from feeling his head his body followed and he was born. The pushing stage was for me the easiest part and the most incredible feeling. He was brought up immediately to my chest and had a nuchal cord. I remember the absolute relief, love and shock that he was here. On Friday 28th February at 6:33pm Otis Teddy was born.
I saw a quote that I really resonated with. "It is said during birth women leave their bodies and travel to the stars to collect the souls of their babies and return to this world together." This feeling of euphoria is a high that is unmatched and I'll forever treasure for the rest of my life.
Golden hour and delayed examinations
My golden hour was honoured with delayed exams, breastfeeding, shared skin-to-skin (between Chris and myself) and no hat. I sustained a 2nd degree tear which required stitching bed side by a doctor. After this was done I had pizza and lots of cuddles with Otis. We stayed in our room until we were discharged the next day which was blissful.
Thinking about having a birth with hypnobirthing tools but not sure what hypnobirthing is?
I get it, the name sounds a tad off putting and you’re already thinking your birth partner would need convincing.
Say no more. Below is my FREE Masterclass that explains everything you need to know. It also gives you a good excuse to pop your feet up and grab a biscuit!
Why Demi chose to give birth outside of guidelines - and had the best experience
Throughout my pregnancy I was doubted by midwives and obstetricians. I was apparently famous (or infamous!) for having care outside of guidance. I am so glad I trusted my body and followed my intuition throughout my pregnancy.
Otis was born a happy and healthy boy and I feel completely elated with my birth experience. Not everything went to plan but I wouldn't change a thing.
How to have a positive birth experience - when the odds are against you
Demi’s birth didn’t follow the plan - but it followed her. Her intuition. Her preparation. Her unwavering trust in her body and baby. In a system that so often defaults to control, this birth was a reclamation. A reminder that even when things shift, you can still be the one holding the pen. However your birth unfolds, you deserve to feel informed, supported, and deeply powerful - just like Demi did.
Demi is a Birth, Maternity, Newborn & Family Photographer in Lancashire
If you’re looking for a photographer to capture the most powerful and intimate moments of your journey - from pregnancy, to newborn days, to the very first seconds of meeting your baby - I couldn’t recommend Juniper Plum Photography more. All Birth With Choice clients receive an exclusive 20% off her services.
