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EVERY WOMAN’S birth is a beautiful story in itself carefully woven together by her birthing team who hold space for her, respect her choices and remind her of the abundant power and strength she has within her . How a woman gives birth definitely matters, for it leads to an empowering beginning to a new chapter of her life. “The Birthing Book” is our humble effort to bring our these soul-stirring and inspiring stories from the comfort of of the birthing room to a public space. Hope they touch your heart just as they touched ours…

Birthing the Natural Way!
Prachi and Mahat welcome a new life, birthed naturally.

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Birth can indeed be a surreal experience if a woman trusts her body, has a supportive birth team and labours in a safe and secure environment.

Prachi, a first-time mother with a low-risk pregnancy, was under midwifery care, attended all the childbirth classes and was very keen to have a waterbirth. She went past her due date and was looking forward to an intervention-free start to her labour. Prachi and her baby were carefully monitored. At 41 weeks, Prachi set into labour. She came to the hospital and was assessed by the Midwife. She was found to be 1 cm dilated. Prachi and Mahat were given an option to go home and return once the waves progressed, but they wished to stay back at the hospital. Prachi was taken to the birthing room and was supported by Mahat, her doula and midwife.

The aura of the birthing room added to the sacredness of the birthing process with dim lighting, aroma of lavender, soft music playing in the background, and the walls adorned with birth affirmations, family photos and fairy lights. The waves progressed quickly and Prachi was finding it difficult to cope. Her doula kept massaging her aching back and gave her plenty of juices to drink. Prachi seemed to find a lot of comfort sitting on the commode with warm water being sprayed on her back alternating with sitting in the opposite direction on the chair. So that was exactly what her birth team did, serving her just the way she had wanted them to.



All this while the baby was being carefully monitored by the midwife. They went one wave at a time, holding space for Prachi as she soared through her waves. She soon started feeling a lot of pressure and began bearing down. The midwife got the pool ready and helped Prachi get into the pool. She slowly began to relax, following her instincts and changing positions from sitting upright to the all- 4’s position, from standing to squatting in the pool. It was getting intense for Prachi and she used the Entonox gas to help cope.

Prachi soon began to vocalize while feeling the ring of fire at her perineum. Within a few minutes, the baby’s head was visible at the perineum. Slowly and steadily, she followed her body and began breathing her baby down. Her birth team continued playing their role as cheerleaders. It was truly a magical moment seeing Prachi and her baby lock eyes even before the baby was completely out of her body. A few minutes later, Mahat took the privilege of bringing his son out of the water and placing him on Prachi’s chest as she embraced him adoringly. It was indeed an emotional moment watching the new parents as they welcomed their bundle of joy into the world. Twenty-three minutes later the cord pulsations stopped and Mahat cut the cord. Prachi was helped out of the pool. She had a few sutures put while Mahat provided the skin-to-skin to his son. When Prachi was ready, she continued providing the skin-to-skin and began breastfeeding her beautiful baby boy.

It is so important that we stop viewing every birth as an emergency, because it is not. Only if we attempt to understand and accept this, can we help pregnant women believe in their bodies, trust in their ability to birth and find their true power.

Congratulations Prachi and Mahat for achieving the birth you wanted.







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    Birthing it Right!
    Shilpa and Rajender’s empowering VBAC story

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    Shilpa first birthed at a small hospital in her hometown, and unfortunately her experience was a disappointing one. She went into labour spontaneously but was not treated empathetically by the hospital staff. She was left alone to labour and was not offered any comfort measures or pain relief options. She found it difficult to cope and due to the lack of adequate support facilities, ultimately gave up. She was wheeled into the operation theatre and a caesarean was performed. For several years she lived with the feeling that if only she was supported better, she could have had a positive and empowering birth experience.

    When Shilpa conceived again, she decided to seek a hospital and a care provider who would offer her respectful care and support her decision for a Vaginal Birth After Caesarean (VBAC). The couple registered with us. Through her pregnancy, she did everything right from focusing on her diet, exercising, reading a lot about how she could achieve the birth she wanted and attended the childbirth classes, all this while continuing to take care of her older son, managing her home and work.

    Shilpa was under collaborative midwifery and obstetric care. She was diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes and was advised diet control with oral medication. At term, her blood glucose levels began fluctuating and Shilpa was counselled for an induction if she did not set into spontaneous labour.



    At 38 weeks, Shilpa went into labour spontaneously. She managed her early labour at home with comfort measures. By the time she reached the hospital she was exhausted and requested pain relief. She received an injectable preparation and managed to catch up on some rest. Her birth team ensured Shilpa was eating, drinking fluids and changed her positions frequently. All through labour, Shilpa and her baby were carefully monitored. Later that night, Shilpa’s waves became more intense. Her bag of waters released spontaneously. The midwife performed a gentle examination and found she was 3 cms dilated. Shilpa wished to use the Entonox gas and chose the pool for hydrotherapy and once in there, she felt relaxed. She was soon in sync with her instincts. The Midwife used underwater probes to monitor the baby. Within half an hour Shilpa began bearing down. She wanted to birth outside the pool and was helped by her birth team. Shilpa followed her body’s natural urges and soon gave birth to her beautiful daughter. She was well supported by her husband, Rajender who was closely involved in the whole process. He held her hand and assured her of his constant active presence till the birth of their baby.

    Shilpa had the birth she had wanted, with labour starting on its own and letting her body get on with its rhythm. She did not require any intravenous drips with medication to augment labour, no epidural, and no C-Section. Voila! Shilpa enjoyed the birth experience she wanted. Congratulations Shilpa for believing in yourself and achieving the birth you had envisioned.

    Women in labour often give up because the supporting team gives up on them and Shilpa’s birth team stood by her right through it all, offering her the care that every woman deserves during childbirth.

    Congratulations Shilpa and Rajender for achieving the birth you wanted.







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      A Transformational Step into Motherhood…
      Nidhi and Piyush’s incredible birthing experience under collaborative care

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      Monica’s birth created history in her family. For over two decades no one in her family had had a vaginal birth. Being short statured with a low BMI, everyone told her she would never have a vaginal birth. But Monica and Aaron were very motivated to give it their best and have as natural a birth as possible. At 19 weeks, Monica required a stitch in her cervix to prevent a miscarriage. She was understandably apprehensive but remained positive. Meanwhile, Monica attended the childbirth classes and practiced her breathing and relaxation techniques; perineal massage from 35 Wks and other exercises she hoped to use during labour.

      At 38 weeks, Monica began regular waves. When they became intense, she was advised by her doula to visit the hospital. Monica was found to be 3 cms open. She soon began bearing down and half an hour later spontaneously birthed her little baby girl. Over the next hour and a half, Monica enjoyed giving skin-to-skin to her baby. Monica and Aaron were thrilled and grateful that they could carry this baby to term and birth her without any interventions.



      Congratulations Monica and Aaron for believing in yourself. Your birth story has indeed broken all stereotypes that exist in today’s fear-based society. You have shown that a woman’s belief in herself combined with knowledge is a powerful combination. More power to you.

      Congratulations Monica and Aaron for achieving the birth you wanted.







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        Breaking the Stereotype
        Monica and Aaron’s motivated birthing experience

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        Monica’s birth created history in her family. For over two decades no one in her family had had a vaginal birth. Being short statured with a low BMI, everyone told her she would never have a vaginal birth. But Monica and Aaron were very motivated to give it their best and have as natural a birth as possible. At 19 weeks, Monica required a stitch in her cervix to prevent a miscarriage. She was understandably apprehensive but remained positive. Meanwhile, Monica attended the childbirth classes and practiced her breathing and relaxation techniques; perineal massage from 35 Wks and other exercises she hoped to use during labour.

        At 38 weeks, Monica began regular waves. When they became intense, she was advised by her doula to visit the hospital. Monica was found to be 3 cms open. She soon began bearing down and half an hour later spontaneously birthed her little baby girl. Over the next hour and a half, Monica enjoyed giving skin-to-skin to her baby. Monica and Aaron were thrilled and grateful that they could carry this baby to term and birth her without any interventions.



        Congratulations Monica and Aaron for believing in yourself. Your birth story has indeed broken all stereotypes that exist in today’s fear-based society. You have shown that a woman’s belief in herself combined with knowledge is a powerful combination. More power to you.

        Congratulations Monica and Aaron for achieving the birth you wanted.







          Want to meet our Doula or midwife? Sign up to schedule an appointment.



          Life’s Bundle of Joy
          Abinaya and Anoop’s gentle birthing experience!

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          Abinaya and Anoop, first-time parents had just relocated to Hyderabad. When Abinaya discovered she was pregnant, the couple were excited. They looked forward to this new chapter in their lives. The journey through   pregnancy was a smooth sail right through to term. When Abinaya crossed the expected date of delivery, she began to get impatient. She kept in touch with her doula who reassured her that her labour would start when her baby was ready. Over the next few days Abinaya and Anoop spent time doing a lot of pre-birth bonding activities.

          At 40.3 weeks, Abinaya began with her waves. She stayed in touch with her doula and spent the next 15 hours at home relaxing, having warm showers, eating and drinking, moving around and timing her waves. By night, her waves got more intense. They were advised by their doula to visit the hospital. On examination by the midwife, she was found to be 2 cm open. Abinaya had her dinner, a relaxing shower and caught up on some rest. Around midnight, her waves picked up and Abinaya was shifted to the dimly lit birthing room which was filled with the sweet fragrance of rose. She found the birthing ball very relaxing and spent a lot of time on it. With each surge, she would breathe and vocalise surrendering herself to the process as her body was opening. When she felt ready, Abinaya informed her team she would like to enter the pool.



          Abinaya immediately felt a sense of lightness in the warm waters of the pool and changed into positions of her comfort- all 4’s, squat and side-lying. Her doula kept wiping her face and kept her hydrated with juices and her midwife kept a close watch on the baby’s heartbeat. Anoop was an amazing birth partner. He seemed to know Abinaya’s every move and he stood by her like a rock, encouraging her. He was filled with admiration for Abinaya as she rode through each wave with grit and determination. Three hours in the pool and Abinaya felt the urge to bear down. She spontaneously released her waters. She continued changing positions in the pool and after an hour of bearing down came out of the pool to empty her bladder. Abinaya was exhausted and wished to rest for some time. Almost immediately, the baby’s head began crowning and within a few minutes she birthed her baby boy gently into the world. Abinaya could not believe she was holding her bundle of joy. The baby lay against his mother’s bosom enjoying her warmth while Anoop was beaming with pride seeing his just completed family.

          Congratulations Abinaya and Anoop for achieving the birth you wanted.







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            Birthing with Love & Courage
            Disha and Prashant’s memorable waterbirth experience!

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            Disha’s birth proved a simple fact. Even in her vulnerability, the labouring woman is the most powerful being in the birthing room. Second time parents, Disha and Prashant had decided to come back to birth with us. Disha’s pregnancy journey had a lot of unknowns as she was admitted twice, once at 34 weeks for a threatened preterm labour and again at 36 weeks for decreased fetal movements. Disha was under midwifery care and was very keen to have a waterbirth, something that she had missed the first time.

            At 38 weeks she came to the hospital with decreased fetal movements. With midwifery and obstetric collaboration, it was decided that Disha would be better off with admission and a stretch and sweep in view of persistent decreased fetal movements. Disha and Prashant agreed to the plan but during the procedure, Disha was already found to be 3cms open. She soon started with her waves and was supported by Prashant, her doula and her midwife who worked relentlessly to support Disha ensuring she was well hydrated and relaxed. With each wave Disha would instinctively sway and breathe her way through the wave. In between the waves, Disha would laugh and talk with her birth team.




            Soon her waves picked up and Disha started feeling a lot of pressure. She began breathing heavily and was vocalizing with each wave. Her midwife and doula knew that birth was imminent. Disha got into the pool with Prashant right there holding her hand and letting her know he trusted in her ability to birth. Within a few minutes after entering the pool, Disha released her waters and began to bear down. Disha and Prashant soon welcomed their baby into this world. They were both thrilled beyond words as they held their little boy who lay nestled in his Mamma’s arms. Twenty minutes later, Prashant cut the umbilical cord. He was holding his son and continued giving skin-to-skin while her midwife and doula helped Disha come out of the pool. The midwife put a few stitches before leaving the proud parents to spend quiet time together.
            Congratulations Disha and Prashant for achieving the birth you wanted.







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              The Second Coming:
              Pratyusha and Nagaraju’s phenomenal birthing story!

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              Pratyusha had a very traumatic first birth experience. A full-term unexplained stillbirth at a well-known local hospital. She was a victim of obstetric violence and disrespectful care. Labour was induced, and she was left alone with her husband Nagaraju. The nurse would come in at intervals to increase the oxytocin IV drip. However, the nurses did not look, talk or touch Pratyusha during their visits into the room. Pratyusha was not allowed to drink or eat during her eleven hours of labour. The young couple were scared, helpless and lost. They sought comfort in each other.

              Pratyusha had many sleepless nights following the birth of her stillborn daughter. She longed to hold her baby girl, breastfeed her, watch her grow but all she had were memories of a traumatic birth experience.

              15 months later she conceived again. She booked with us at 20 wks. A month later, she was found to have gestational diabetes and required insulin to control her blood glucose levels. This time Pratyusha and Nagaraju decided they would do things differently. They wanted to be better prepared with knowledge and be more in control. They attended our childbirth classes and also booked a Doula. At 33 wks she was admitted with threatened preterm labour and was managed conservatively.

              In view of her past history and requiring Insulin for control of her gestational diabetes, Pratyusha was scheduled for an induction of labour at 38 weeks. At 37 weeks memories of her previous loss overwhelmed her with fear and she became very anxious. So, Pratyusha and her family decided to get admitted as the couple felt safe with regular monitoring of both mother and the baby.



              Pratyusha was induced at 38 weeks. She spontaneously released her waters and soon began with her waves, which were growing intense. The baby’s heartbeat was being carefully monitored by the Midwife and her birth team helped her with hot showers and other comfort measures which helped Pratyusha relax. The birthing room was made just like she had wanted it. Pratyusha and Nagaraju worked together, rhythmically swaying following each wave. Nagaraju was an amazing birth partner. He was breathing with her and just following each wave, one at a time. Pratyusha was finding it difficult but she was progressing too. She took the entonox gas for pain relief and instinctively turned to the all-4’s position on the bed. Soon she began to bear down very gently. She then rolled on to the left lateral position and birthed her little baby boy into this world. She held her baby close to her chest and could not stop crying…tears of happiness, tears of contentment, and tears of relief. Almost immediately and so naturally, Little Jay latched on and started breastfeeding.

              How women are treated during labour matters, the kind of support provided to them matters, their choices being respected matters, because after all “BIRTH MATTERS”!







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                Birthing with Tranquility:
                Sushma and Teja’s cherished birthing experience

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                Sushma was very keen to have a waterbirth. At 38 weeks, with long, irregular waves coming on and off Sushma spent her prelabour time at the hospital listening to some chants and enjoying a list of comfort measures – back massages, acupressure, hot water showers. While she remained upright and mobile she also managed to take short naps.

                As the long regular waves finally hit shore, Sushma opted to get into the pool. The whole birthing environment was made just the way she had wanted it- dim lighting, soft music in the background and the room filled with the sweet aroma of lavender. She kept swaying to her own rhythm while the pool was being prepared. Once Sushma got into the pool, she relaxed with tranquility written on her face. Sushma invited her husband, Teja into the pool. The active supportive presence of Teja helped Sushma relax and feel safe. All through, Sushma and her baby were constantly being monitored by our efficient midwives.

                The quiet and peaceful birthing room was filled with oxytocin, unlike the typical hostile “labour rooms” in hospitals today. Observing this mother so beautifully listening to her body, responding with occasional short mourns, constantly changing positions in the pool, both partners locking eyes in between and gently talking to their baby was a sacred space to be enjoyed, respected and cherished. Together Sushma and Teja would drift off to sleep between waves. The midwives ensured that Sushma was well hydrated and also fed her with light snacks.



                Sushma finally started feeling an urge to push. Teja gently helped her in changing positions in the pool. Sushma felt more pressure and kept following her body till finally the little one just slid out of her, born “en-caul”. A beautiful water birth indeed. Sushma and Teja could not stop shedding tears of happiness as they heard their baby’s first cry and Sushma gently hugged her baby boy close to her heart. After waiting for the cord pulsations to stop, Teja cut the umbilical cord. The midwives stood silently at one end of the pool and let this ‘just completed family’ enjoy their special moment. Sushma gave skin-to-skin to her baby while Teja embraced them both in a protective hug. A lot more oxytocin in the room. Indeed a moment to cherish!!







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                  Birthing with Love and Joy:
                  Anshu and Abhik’s heart-warming birth story

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                  Anshu heard a lot of negative stories about birth. Nearly all her friends had a C-Section, and she was keen on enjoying an unmedicated vaginal birth. She travelled from Kolkata to book with us at 29 wks of her pregnancy.

                  At 33 weeks, Anshu came for a routine check and complained of a fluid leak. On examination the cervix was found to be 3 cm dilated, but the bag of water seemed to be intact. Anshu had not experienced any waves or discomfort. She was admitted for observation and was administered steroid injections to help her baby’s lungs to function in the event of Anshu birthing prematurely. However, Anshu remained stable so went home.

                  At 35 wks of pregnancy, Anshu’s waters started to go. Anshu and Abhik remained calm despite the anxiety expressed by her family. The childbirth preparation classes had empowered her with knowledge and confidence. She had a hot water shower, ate her breakfast, packed her bag and came to the hospital.

                  On examination, the cervix was found 3 cm dilated. Her waves were irregular. A decision was made to augment her labour. Soon she began experiencing stronger waves at a regular pace. Anshu remained calm, sipping on fluids, and enjoying her fruit. She had a hot shower and sat on the birth ball while she read the birth affirmations she had chosen for her labour. She continued with her exercises and her smile!



                  The midwife was meticulously monitoring Anshu and her baby’s well-being. Anshu was given antibiotics as she developed fever midway through her labour. 3 hours later, Anshu was exhausted and found it difficult to cope with the waves which by now had further increased in intensity. But the love and support of her midwife and doula kept Anshu going. She found comfort in talking to her baby in between her waves while gently rubbing her belly. Soon Anshu felt the urge to bear down and was fully dilated. At this point she was close to giving up. But the obstetrician, midwife and her doula encouraged her with each wave. Four hours later, Anshu birthed her baby girl into this world. She had tears in her eyes as she tenderly hugged her little baby.

                  Anshu was on cloud nine having achieved the birth she wanted.







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