Held in Motherhood with Hannah Willsmore
Welcome to Held in Motherhood - Conversations on Pregnancy, Birth, and Beyond. I’m your host, Hannah Willsmore - I'm a Mum, Registered Midwife and Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), and NDC Possums Practitioner. I’m here to share my knowledge, practical tips and insights so you too can have positive birth and transition to parenthood. I’ve worked with hundreds of families as they welcome their baby, so I know all about the highs, the lows, and everything in between. From conception to birth, breastfeeding, sleep and the first year of motherhood - we discuss it all! This podcast is real, practical and super informative. I am so excited you are here!
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Held in Motherhood with Hannah Willsmore
103. How I'm Currently Preparing for My 2nd Birth as a Midwife
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In this episode I share an update at 32 weeks pregnant and take you through how I am preparing for birth in a busy season of life, as well as preparing my son for a new sibling. I talk about how common it is for second-time parents to feel like they haven’t prepared enough, and why I’m not worried - because we’re not starting from scratch and those neural pathways from last birth prep are already there. I also explain why I still think it’s important to carve out small pockets of time for birth prep, especially because every birth and baby is different, and especially if this is your first birth. I outline what I’m doing right now to prepare: putting up new birth affirmations, starting a positive birth board, listening to affirmations, and practicing birth breathing throughout the day. I also cover the bodywork and support I’m prioritising this pregnancy. Can't wait for you to listen!
Interested in feeling informed and prepared for birth? Explore our Held Birth Classes in Adelaide or online, and download our free hospital packing list - designed to help you feel calmer and more intentional as you prepare for your labour.
DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE HOSPITAL PACKING LIST HERE – More than just baby and postpartum items, our list includes tools for managing pain and intensity during labour, helping you feel truly supported throughout birth.
Timestamps:
00:00 Welcome + 32-Week Pregnancy Update (Busy Season & Breathlessness)
00:49 Juggling Work, Parenting & Prep: Plastic vs Glass Balls
03:05 Second-Time Birth Prep Mindset: Neural Pathways, Timing & First-Baby Advice
06:25 Confidence After a Positive First Birth
08:56 Birth Prep in Small Pockets: Affirmations, Planning Mindset & Letting Go of Control
15:28 Daily Practice: Listening to mp3s, Birth Breathing & Active Positions
18:42 Bodywork & Appointments: Physio, Chiro, Massage, Acupuncture + Pelvic Floor Tips
25:43 Partner & Practical Prep: OMP Stretches, Birth Plan, Playlist
26:20 Preparing the Older Sibling for a Home Birth: Noises, Videos, Books & Support Person
32:54 Postpartum Planning: Freezer Meals, One-Handed Snacks & Quick Dinner Ideas
Disclaimer: Remember as always the info provided in this podcast does not constitute medical, midwifery, psychological, childbirth, pre-natal or post-natal education or other professional medical advice, and is provided for general information and guidance purposes only. Hannah Willsmore/Held Midwifery will not be liable for any expenses, losses, damages (including indirect or consequential damages) or costs which might be incurred as a result of your reliance on this information, advice, content or materials. This release includes but is not limited to any claim for personal injury, damages and death of any individual which has received information from Hannah Willsmore. Further, Hannah Willsmore does not make any representations or give any warranties about their accuracy, reliability, completeness or suitability.