In this episode I interviewed Jenna about her two very different NHS birth stories, her first, a long hospital labour ending in a forceps delivery, and her second, a fast and deeply healing home birth. Jenna talks openly about conceiving after an ectopic pregnancy, then labouring for over 42 hours with her first son after her waters broke early. She describes being repeatedly sent home, left without adequate support, denied pain relief, and physically restrained during pushing, an experience she later recognised as birth trauma. Although her baby was born safely, the emotional impact lingered well into the postnatal period.

For her second pregnancy, Jenna was clear from the outset: she wanted a planned NHS home birth. She shares how hypnobirthing, self-education, and feeling genuinely supported by her midwives allowed her body to labour instinctively and undisturbed.

We also explore postpartum mental health, breastfeeding, recovery, and how the right support, or lack of it, can shape the early days of motherhood.

This episode is a powerful reflection on birth trauma, informed choice, and how a positive birth can help heal what came before.

British Birthing Stories shares real, unfiltered stories of childbirth in the UK, from pregnancy and labour to postpartum recovery.

These stories reflect personal experiences and should not be taken as or replace medical advice. Always seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional.

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