Natural Water Birth in Lincolnshire: Rhiannon, James and Baby Austin’s Positive Birth Story

Bringing a baby into the world is one of life’s most powerful moments - but it’s also one that many approach with fear or uncertainty. Hypnobirthing offers a way to feel calm, in control, and confident no matter what path labour takes.

In this positive birth story, we meet Rhiannon, who transformed her mindset with hypnobirthing during her pregnancy and went on to welcome her baby with focus, trust, and courage — even when some of her plans changed.

Three hands, one new beginning — Rhiannon, James, and baby Austin share a tender moment after their positive hypnobirthing water birth in Lincolnshire

Early labour at home in Lincolnshire: Creating a calm, supportive space

On Sunday night, Rhiannon began to feel the first hints of labour — a dull ache in her back that kept her from sleeping. So instead, she spent the night gently moving around the house, pottering between rooms in the soft, low-lit quiet. In the morning, she ran herself a warm bath with lavender and clary sage.

At 10am, her mum arrived. They popped on the TENS machine - “Honestly, what a game changer renting one of those was for £30!”. Her mum, an experienced midwife, examined her and estimated she was 3–4cm dilated with a fully thinned and effaced cervix. Time to head to the hospital.

Arriving at hospital for a beautiful hypnobirthing water birth

They arrived at the hospital just after midday. The midwife confirmed she was now 4–5cm dilated, and she could soon move into the pool room. Whilst waiting for the pool to fill, she used gas and air to provide relief through the surges.

The pool room was set up beautifully - fairy lights glowing softly, warm water scented with lavender. She lowered herself into the water and found her position – knees grounded, with her birth partner, James, supporting her arms. Her surges were full of power, feeling strong and close together; and incredibly already feeling the urge to push. She was now past the point of needing affirmations or music (as she had planned). She had gone ‘into’ herself, utterly focussed on the job in hand, riding each wave with determination.

Meeting baby Austin: A very special moment

And then, at 15:32 baby Austin arrived – “I cant believe how fast everything went, I blinked and he was here”. Austin was caught by his mama in the pool, she brought him up to her chest and held him close - a beautiful moment shared between mother and son.

When plans change: Third stage of labour and recovery

Rhiannon had hoped for a physiological third stage, but due to some blood loss, the team advised a syntometrine injection followed by a syntocinon drip to help her uterus contract and birth the placenta - she took their advice and had an actively managed third stage. She lost a litre of blood and experienced a second-degree tear, which required stitches, but she described the discomfort as minimal.

Austin needed a little extra monitoring and was given antibiotics as a pre-cautionary measure. They were all well looked, receiving exceptional care whilst Austin finished his course of antibiotics. It wasn’t long before they were able to return home and settle into their new life with many, many snuggles.

Reflections on a positive hypnobirthing experience in Lincolnshire

When I asked Rhiannon how she felt about her birth, she said:

“Even though not everything went to plan (when does it ever with birth?), I had a really good overall experience. I think it’s important people hear these stories, because there are so many negative ones out there.”

She went on to say something that meant the world to me:

“I cannot thank you enough for your help and support throughout my pregnancy and the knowledge, power, and confidence you gave to both me and James with your course. My mum even said she doesn’t know what you did, but you were literally instrumental in changing my whole attitude towards birth. I don’t think I’d have had half the experience I did without you.”

Rhiannon’s story is a beautiful reminder that hypnobirthing isn’t about “perfect births” - it’s about feeling calm, in control, and confident in every decision, even when the path changes. It’s about trusting your body, having the tools to stay grounded, and creating memories of birth you’ll want to remember forever.

Could hypnobirthing be your next step?

If you’re preparing to welcome your baby in the coming months and want to feel calm, confident and truly capable, my hypnobirthing course could be just what you’re looking for. It will equip you with everything you need to approach birth with optimism, not fear; with confidence, not doubt; and feeling powerFULL not powerLESS.