In this episode, I’m welcoming Layla back to the podcast as she shares her second birth story a positive NHS hospital water birth of identical twins, planned outside of hospital guidelines. Layla talks about being strongly encouraged towards a planned caesarean, choosing instead to educate herself, understand her rights, and advocate for a vaginal twin birth. We discuss navigating consultant care, negotiating access to the birth pool, and securing permission for her doula to attend during COVID, which became a crucial source of emotional safety and continuity.

She shares the emotional decision to agree to an induction at 36+5 due to growth concerns, managing CTG monitoring and repeated pressure for a C-section, and how strong midwifery and doula support helped her stay calm and grounded. Layla describes birthing her first twin in water, followed by a more urgent assisted delivery for her second twin, with both babies born safely.

We also touch on the early postnatal period, including breastfeeding support, jaundice, a five-day hospital stay, and the ongoing importance of self-advocacy.

This episode reflects personal experience and is not medical advice.

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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