01/05/2026
✨ The birth of Percy, Graces 2nd pēpi born at 40+3 at the Hutt Hospital ✨
"On the 11th of September (40+3) I woke up with some light cramping and knew deep down I was going to go into labour today. I spent the morning with my 3 year old son, Rory and to be honest I was parenting from the couch at this stage lol!. At about midday things really shifted and I needed to focus and move inward so I went into my room, closed the curtains and started to rock on the swiss ball and lean on the bed through each contraction.
I was using breathing techniques (from Jodi Wilson, Australian birth stories) through each contraction. At about 5.30pm we called Gemma our LMC. Gemma was amazing and so calm, she came to my house check on my progress. Much to my surprise I was about 7cm. It was time to say goodbye to my eldest, pack the last minute things into the car, and head off to the Hospital.
At the Hospital I used the bed in an upright position and the toilet, continuing with my focused breathing. I thought I would love the gas like I did in my first labour but I felt really light headed and sick with one inhalation. Instead I continued focusing on my breathing, using a fan to help cool me down and having some deep pressure massage in my lower back.
I knew the transition period had arrived when I felt contactions on top of each other with what felt like no break, I remember saying something along the lines of “I don't want to do this anymore” and I remember thinking how strong Mums are to experience this to bring our babies into the world.
I kept reminding myself of my two affirmations “ I can do anything for one minute” and “don't push the river it will flow by itself”.
When Jade and Toni (Student Midwife) arrived, their presence was so professional, kind and nurturing. I was almost ready to push (which was scary for me as I had emergency button pushed and an episiotomy and ventouse with my first!).
I pushed in side lying posting using the stirrups and Toni (sorry Toni!) to secure my legs and ground me for the biggest pushes of my life!!!! So exciting as I knew I was so close to meeting my son. I felt so reassured by all the support around me, Tom, my Mum and the Mannaki Midwives.
Percy was born at 10pm and was bought up to my chest and latched, I was so in love, relieved and shocked that my son was here.
I had precious uninterrupted time with Percy on my chest before all of the measurements. After one night in Hosptial, Tom and Rory came in the morning to pick Percy and I up to take us home. How special when siblings meet for the first time, a little brother for my big boy 🥹
I truly felt beyond supported by Manaaki Midwives, their expertise, care and encouragement made my birth experience so positive! We are so lucky to have Manaaki Midwives in the Hutt Valley ✨"