Held in Motherhood with Hannah Willsmore

In today's episode I'm so excited to share the story of the birth of our second baby August. We've been in our postpartum bubble the last eight weeks, but I've received so many questions and well wishes on Instagram about our birth so I'm so glad to finally be getting a moment to sit down and record this episode. I hope you really enjoy listening! Just a quick content warning this episode does discuss postpartum haemorrhage and management.
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.
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.

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.

In consultations I am often asked about feeding to sleep - is it a bad habit, should you be making sure your baby doesn't fall asleep at the breast, why does my baby always fall asleep at the end of a breastfeed? In this episode we myth bust the idea that feeding to sleep is a bad habit, and explain why babies are often sleepy at the end of a feed (hint theres a powerful cocktail of hormones at play) and why we can actually see this as our superpower, rather than something that we need to change. I also discuss moving away from feeding to sleep and other options if you're wanting to get your partner involved in bedtime or overnight resettles. 
I would love to hear your thoughts, questions, and ideas for future episodes so please get in touch on instagram - my insta is @heldmidwifery or through my website www.heldmidwifery.com.au. Remember to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes, and if you're enjoying the podcast I would be ever so grateful if you could rate and review  on your favourite podcast player. 
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

Ever wondered why labouring women sometimes say, “I can’t do this anymore”? In this episode, we’re getting real about the transition phase of labour - the powerful, emotional and physical tipping point just before pushing begins. Drawing on hundreds of births as a midwife, I explore what actually happens in your body and mind during transition, why feelings of doubt and restlessness are totally normal, and how support partners can make all the difference with simple words and presence.
You’ll learn practical strategies to move through this intense stage, plus why recognising transition can reduce panic and help you feel more confident. We also discuss how your birth team can positively influence your experience and share actionable tips for both mums and partners.
Interested in feeling informed and prepared for birth? Explore our Held Birth Classes in Adelaide or online, and download our refreshed 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:
00:00:01 – Introduction & why transition in labour matters
00:01:17 – “I can’t do this anymore”: what it means and why it’s so common
00:03:12 – What is transition? Understanding this intense phase of labour
00:04:34 – The physical and emotional impact of rising adrenaline
00:05:59 – How adrenaline and the thinking brain interact during transition
00:06:27 – Common signs of transition: doubt, restlessness, and emotional changes
00:07:00 – Why partner support matters in transition & positive encouragement examples
00:08:01 – Transition: short but intense, and how everyone experiences it differently
00:09:08 – Strategies for coping: breathing, position changes, and encouraging words
00:11:20 – Special advice for partners: staying calm and confident
00:12:12 – The partner’s experience: normalisation and support tips
00:13:10 – Every birth is unique: not all mums experience transition the same way
I would love to hear your thoughts, questions, and ideas for future episodes so please get in touch on instagram - my insta is @heldmidwifery or through my website www.heldmidwifery.com.au. Remember to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes, and if you're enjoying the podcast I would be ever so grateful if you could rate and review  on your favourite podcast player. 
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

DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE HOSPITAL PACKING LIST HERE 
In this episode, I’m reflecting on Christmas and a week away with family, being around newborns again, and knowing we are welcoming another baby this year. I chat about navigating gestational diabetes (again!), the mental load that comes with that, and how I am currently feeling in this pregnancy as I reach the third trimester. 
I also share where things are at with work and planning for maternity leave. The reality that I only have ten weeks of work left feels wild, and I talk through the indecision I am currently working through, wanting to fully soak up postpartum but loving (and likely missing) my work, and not quite knowing yet what returning to work will look like.
This is not an episode about big goals or 2026 resolutions - it's more of a life update and check in about motherhood, uncertainty, and letting some plans remain unfinished until the season reveals itself. Perhaps that's my big goal for the year! 
If you’re pregnant or postpartum and entering 2026 feeling a little unsure and in between, I hope this episode resonates with you. 
Gestational Diabetes Podcast Ep 
Ready to take your birth preparation to the next level? We offer both private sessions and group classes focused on working with fear in birth and building your toolkit for a more empowered experience. Click here to find out more. 
I would love to hear your thoughts, questions, and ideas for future episodes so please get in touch on instagram - my insta is @heldmidwifery or through my website www.heldmidwifery.com.au. Remember to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes, and if you're enjoying the podcast I would be ever so grateful if you could rate and review  on your favourite podcast player. 
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