When we found out we were expecting our baby, we knew we wanted support and guidance throughout our pregnancy and birth journey. What we didn’t know was exactly what we wanted our birth to look like — that came through the education and support we received from Ash at Nurture & Nourish.
Ash’s expertise throughout my pregnancy was amazing. Our antenatal appointments at her rooms were incredibly convenient, including private referrals for routine blood tests and ultrasounds. More importantly, building trust and rapport with Ash throughout my pregnancy was so reassuring. We knew she had our best interests at heart and that our goals were aligned.
Ash’s CalmBirth class completely changed the way my husband and I viewed birth. We went in with a very stereotypical idea of what birth looked like, but through the education we learned about our options, how to navigate different scenarios and, most importantly, how to make informed choices rather than simply go with the flow and fear the birthing process. We gained the confidence to create a birth roadmap while remaining flexible if things changed.
When my waters spontaneously broke and labour began, we stayed in regular contact with Ash. The calm breathing techniques I learned through CalmBirth were invaluable, and my husband was an incredible support, coaching me with everything he had learned too.
I ended up labouring at home all the way to 8cm, completely unmedicated, using my breathing techniques and a TENS machine. Our home labour was by candlelight during a huge wind storm and blackout — and honestly, I wouldn’t have had it any other way.
When Ash arrived and assessed me, she determined I was 8cm and that it was time to head to hospital, as that had been our plan. We then had a beautiful water birth, welcoming our baby girl earthside less than 12 hours after my waters broke.
I had a completely unmedicated birth with minimal tearing, and my postpartum recovery was incredibly comfortable. I was able to enjoy motherhood immediately and, within days, was out of the house running errands and embracing our transition from a couple to a family of three.
Ash’s support continued for six weeks postpartum, with regular appointments in the comfort of our own home. Having her come to us with a newborn was incredible and meant we didn’t have to navigate cars, parking, feeding, changing and settling bub in unfamiliar environments.
Looking back, my pregnancy and birth experience was peaceful, calm and genuinely beautiful. It was one of the most empowering experiences of my life. I felt educated, confident, present and deeply connected to my body throughout labour.
My husband, our beautiful daughter and I are incredibly grateful to Ash and Nurture & Nourish. She gave us the tools and confidence to create our own journey and make informed choices every step of the way.
We will forever be grateful for the beautiful beginning she helped us create as a family.