My Birth Story: Lessons from Birthing Bhadra
This isn't just my birth story; it's the inspiration behind every class I teach. Read how I learned to trust my body, and how you can do the same.
This is where my story begins. This picture of me and my newborn daughter, Bhadra, is so precious. I'm sharing my birth story for her to read one day, and for other women to know how beautiful birthing can be.
It was a Monday afternoon. The room was dimly lit, and I was on the bed, holding my husband's hand, when my midwife told me the baby must come out now, or we'd have to consider a C-section.
My early labor started on a Friday night. By Sunday morning, the pain was stronger, and I thought, 'this is it!' But when I was checked, I was only 2cm dilated. It was a moment of disappointment.
By Sunday evening, I was 8cm dilated. I was so happy, thinking it would be over soon. But my tiredness gave in, and I had to rest. The next morning, we started again with exercises: squatting, lunges, and birth ball rotations.
It felt like forever. I had lost my confidence and trust in my body. I was more tired mentally than physically.
But I wanted to see my baby. My inner voice screamed, 'Push the baby out you woman.' I was ready for the next wave of pain because I knew it would bring me closer to my baby.
My midwife's voice, full of confidence, cheered me on. I felt blessed to have these beautiful women beside me, making me feel empowered, loved, and safe.
I roared like a lioness and felt a tear. It didn't hurt, but it told me I was closer. My midwife said, 'You can see the baby's hair now.' Touching my baby's head for the first time was exhilarating.
And then, it happened. My baby, Bhadra, slid into my midwife's arms and was placed on my chest. It wasn't relief; it was euphoria. A feeling of empowerment.
That golden hour was two hours long. I soaked myself in that moment with my child. After five hours, my husband cut the umbilical cord. I can relive that moment every day.
About My Own Journey: Birthing Bhadra
My birth wasn't easy; it was long, physically demanding, and tested my mental resolve in ways I hadn't prepared for. I share this unedited look at my labor because I want you to see that birth isn't always the smooth, perfect experience we see online; it is an intense, raw process that requires genuine preparation, breathing techniques, and the right support system to navigate the hardest moments.
Beyond the Poses
When I teach prenatal yoga, I am not just showing you stretches. I am sharing the tools that got me through my own labor. Whether it was the rhythmic breathing to manage pain or the hip-opening movements to help my baby descend, every practice we do in my online classes is built on the reality of what I experienced during the birth of my daughter, Bhadra.
What Real Birth Preparation Looks Like
My birth taught me that 'mindset' is just as critical as physical fitness. In our sessions, we focus on:
- Labour Prep: Using Lamaze-based techniques to understand the physiology of birth so you aren't fighting your body.
- Mental Stamina: Learning to stay present during contractions, just like I had to do when I felt the urge to give up.
- Partner Support: Giving your birth partner actual, actionable things to do—like how to support you during waves or when to step in.
Why I Teach This Way
I started this journey because I realized that so many women feel isolated or unprepared for the reality of birth. My classes are small and interactive because you deserve more than a generic video. You need someone who can see your posture, hear your concerns, and remind you that your body knows exactly how to bring your baby into the world. If you are looking for support that feels honest, grounded, and human, I would love to walk this path with you.
Aparna Ajayan
I'm Aparna. I went from designing buildings to helping women design their birth journeys after having my daughter, Bhadra. I've been in the trenches of labor myself, so I don't just teach poses; I teach the mindset that gets you through the toughest waves.
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