Positive Birth Centre Birth; Natural Labour with TENS Machine & Partner Support

This gorgeous positive birth story was shared by one of my lovely clients Family details have been anonymised at their request.

Our baby was born on 23rd August 2025, under a rare black moon, which only happens every 33 months, and according to Google, signifies renewal & transition into new beginnings.

Labour started spontaneously after declining two sweeps at 40 weeks + 6 days. Contractions began at around 16:30 on 22nd, though at first it was hard to tell if they were the real thing or braxton hicks. I kept moving, focusing on each surge, and using my TENS machine early so that it would be effective when I needed it most. My partner was a huge support, monitoring contractions, staying calm & reassuring me throughout.

By 22:30 the contractions had grown stronger, so we headed to Burnley birth centre. The midwife respected my wishes to not have vaginal examinations & instead monitored me in other ways, which really helped me stay calm. I was excited, nervous & focussed on my breathing whilst using the TENS machine for support.

As things progressed, I got into the birthing pool, breathing through each contraction. My partner mirrored my breathing, keeping me grounded & we'd created a calm atmosphere with dimmed lights, music & touch to encourage oxytocin. When contractions intensified, I used gas & air; I remember doubting myself & asking for an epidural, but my partner reminded me of what I really wanted. With encouragement from both my partner & my midwife, I decided to continue without it. Eventually, I put the gas & air aside too, as I needed all my energy for pushing.

After many big pushes, the baby's head was born in the water. Things became a little dramatic when the shoulders got stuck, and the emergency buzzer was pressed. The midwife acted quickly, supporting me to stand & helping to safely release the shoulders. Our baby was born still in the amniotic sac & let out a huge cry on arrival. After delayed cord clamping, my partner cut the cord and we enjoyed skin-to-skin cuddles together. The moment was beautiful & overwhelming in the best way.

I had a second degree tear & some grazes which were stitched afterwards, but otherwise everything went smoothly. Our baby weighed 9lbs 12oz & measured 56cm long - all achieved with just two paracetamol, a TENS machine, and some gas and air.

I truly felt like we were working together - my body, my baby & my partner. I left the birth feeling strong, empowered & blessed. Looking back, I don't feel any trauma at all, in fact it feels like one of the greatest achievements of my life. We've been soaking up every single newborn cuddle since, and time already feels like it's flying by.