Induction Birth Story with Ashley

In this podcast episode, I talk with Ashley, a beautiful member of the FitNest Mama community, who generously shares her induction birth story. Ten months postpartum, Ashley opens up about her journey through assisted conception, pregnancy after loss, severe hyperemesis, and her eventual midwife-led vaginal birth. Her story is one of resilience, honesty, and hope — offering comfort and guidance for anyone preparing for their own birth or recovery.

The Road to Conception

Ashley and her wife began their family journey through assisted reproduction. After two unsuccessful rounds of IUI (intrauterine insemination), they turned to IVF, which brought both heartbreak and hope. Their first pregnancy ended at around 15–16 weeks due to a severe genetic disorder that was not compatible with life. Despite testing, no genetic cause was identified. Months later, another embryo transfer from the same IVF cycle led to a healthy pregnancy with their daughter, Eden.

Before treatment, Ashley had surgery for endometriosis and a uterine cyst. From that first surgery to conceiving Eden, the journey spanned roughly a year — filled with emotional ups and downs but deep gratitude for the science and support that made motherhood possible.

Pregnancy After Loss and the Challenge of Hyperemesis

Pregnancy after loss can bring mixed emotions — hope and fear intertwined. For Ashley, every scan brought both reassurance and anxiety. Physically, the journey was made even harder by hyperemesis gravidarum — daily vomiting for the entire nine months, including during labour.

Despite this, she continued working in a hospital, managing her symptoms with humour, Gaviscon, and grit. Through FitNest Mama, she learned the importance of not only strengthening her pelvic floor but also relaxing it — a crucial balance when constant vomiting keeps those muscles tense.

Preparing for Birth

Ashley chose midwife-led continuity of care, appreciating its personalised, low-intervention approach. She also joined antenatal classes — particularly valuable for breastfeeding preparation — and continued her FitNest Mama workouts for safe, flexible movement throughout pregnancy. Her approach was simple: focus on a few trusted resources rather than getting overwhelmed by too much information.

The Induction Decision

As she neared her due date, Ashley’s obstetric team recommended an induction due to the small but noted risks associated with IVF pregnancies. Torn between wanting a natural, low-intervention birth and wanting to prioritise safety, she ultimately chose to proceed with induction at 39+3 weeks.

If you’re exploring this topic, I’ve also recorded a induction podcast episode with Dr Shavi, where we discuss current research on induction and the “cascade of interventions.” It’s a must-listen if you’re preparing for birth and want to understand your options.

The Induction Birth

Ashley’s induction birth story began with a balloon catheter and early contractions. She used a TENS machine for comfort and later opted for an epidural, which brought welcome relief after nearly 32 hours awake.

As labour progressed, Eden’s heart rate fluctuated, prompting close monitoring and discussions about potential instrumental delivery. With compassionate midwifery support, Ashley continued to push. An episiotomy was eventually needed to help Eden arrive safely, and after about an hour of active pushing, she was born — a big, healthy baby weighing around 4.3 kg.

Ashley also chose delayed cord clamping, savouring those first moments of skin-to-skin connection and sheer relief.

The Early Postpartum Days

Eden spent several days in NICU due to episodes of laboured breathing, though doctors never identified a clear cause. Because Ashley was discharged earlier, she spent long hours at Eden’s side, pumping and breastfeeding between visits.

Thanks to the hospital’s lactation consultants, she received ongoing support with latch pain and learned how to use a nipple shield effectively. By eight weeks, she sought additional help when Eden’s weight gain slowed slightly, fine-tuning her breastfeeding approach with professional guidance.

Healing After Induction Birth

Ashley’s postpartum recovery wasn’t easy. Her episiotomy initially healed well but later developed a wound dehiscence, making sitting painful for months. At six months postpartum, she underwent a small surgical revision, after which healing completed successfully.

She reflected that spending long hours on hard NICU chairs may have affected her recovery — a gentle reminder for new mums to prioritise side-lying rest and proper support when possible. Now, at ten months postpartum, Ashley feels fully recovered and strong again.

Lessons from Ashley’s Induction Experience

Here are a few of Ashley’s biggest takeaways from her induction birth story:

• Curate your information. Stick to one or two trusted sources — like FitNest Mama — to avoid overwhelm.
• Continuity of care matters. Building trust with the same midwives provided reassurance and clarity.
• Stay flexible. Birth rarely goes exactly to plan; what matters most is safety and calm decision-making.
• Prioritise recovery. Side-lying rest and early professional help can make a world of difference.
• Seek support. Midwives, physios, and lactation consultants are invaluable — don’t hesitate to ask for help.

Closing Thoughts

Ashley’s induction birth story is a beautiful example of strength through uncertainty. From IVF and pregnancy loss to hyperemesis, long labour, and postnatal healing, her journey reminds us that courage often looks like simply taking the next step.

As I shared with Ashley, each story on the Pregnancy, Birth and Recovery podcast helps another mother feel supported and understood. If you found her story valuable, please rate, review, or share the podcast — your support helps us reach more women navigating pregnancy, birth, and beyond.

** This podcast has general information only. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health or medical condition. 

Links

Free Register now: https://www.fitnestmama.com/pregnancyworkshop

Preparing for birth Pelvic health checklist

Free 7 Day Trial Pregnancy Workouts

Free 7 Day Trial Postnatal Workouts

FitNest Mama Website

Instagram @kathbaquie.physio

Episode mentioned:

Induction of birth, with Dr Shavi Fernando