I first met Elvisa when, pregnant with her second child, she joined my online Soulful Birth course. Although she had planned to birth her first baby at home, she said she wasn’t mentally prepared and decided to transfer to hospital for an epidural. The birth of her first baby resulted in a big tear, and breastfeeding struggles and PND ensued. 

In describing her experience, Elvisa says that the birth itself wasn’t traumatic for her, but rather it was the transition to motherhood that she grappled with. In this podcast episode Elvisa shares with us the ways she overcame her depression and things she did to set herself up for an empowering and positive next birth and postpartum.

Her newest baby, Wiremu, was born in the water at home, with Elvisa being cared for by wonderful wise women midwives. Enjoy listening to the challenges she faced and how she rose above them.

Other topics discussed:

* Hapū Wānanga

* Long early phase of labour

* Trails & Tots - walking group for mums

* Importance of physical activity and nature for mental wellbeing

* Being a career-driven woman

* Stay at home dad; working (from home) mum

* Early shift to bottle feeding for mental wellbeing

* Navigating cultural differences with a Filipino mother

If you are interested in finding out more about my (Carla's) Soulful Birth course - a holistic birth & postpartum preparation series held online - head to this webpage: https://www.healingbirth.co.nz/birthprep