Nikki’s Birth Story: Learning to Surrender

By: Care Messer | Hypnobirthing, Induction, Podcast | June 4, 2026


Today I welcome back Nikki (from episode 70) to share what shifted after her fertility journey – like getting pregnant and having a baby! There is so much in this episode! While Nikki is sharing her birth story, she also shares the reality of what she faced postpartum. Nikki and her husband came into Hypnobirthing after she had switched doctors and started fresh with a new provider.

Nikki describes fears shaped by the negative birth and postpartum stories that we all cannot seem to escape. She and I had explored the birth with her own mom before classes began and getting more education and advocacy around birth were some big value decisions she brought with her. She also hired an awesome doula who helped her navigate the ups and downs of labor and postpartum.

Going with the flow of what her birth presented included an induction which was not in her ideal birth plan. She handled the unexpected beautifully and you’ll hear how she navigated what she could not control. Learning to surrender is a lesson every parent learns but sometimes we have to do it the hard way – like most of us. Her recap of breastfeeding and postpartum also have a lot of advice and good tidbits to file away for your own journey.

Nikki is also an artist and features her little Corgi, Beignet, in some really adorable ways as well as floral watercolors, classes and so much more. I wanted to link her website and IG because they always make me smile- https://www.lavenderandsea.com/

@lavenderandsea

@lovinggracedoula

Episode 70: Nikki’s Fertility Journey https://www.birtheducationcenter.com/podcast/processing-fears-nikkis-fertility-journey/

https://www.birtheducationcenter.com/Induction-101-Course/

Let’s connect: Have questions or comments for this episode?   BirthEducationPodcast@gmail.com

Work with Care or Ashley: 858-251-4204

About the author:
Care is the founder of the Birth Education Center, San Diego HypnoBirthing and Cuddle Sanctuary San Diego. She is a Birth Educator, Hypnotherapist, Birth and Postpartum Doula, INNATE Care Provider, Erotic Blueprint Coach and also professional Cuddler. She specializes in connection work between people and increasing self boundaries for a more balanced life together.

X

All group classes are held online with everyone’s cameras on to cultivate the intimacy between families.

We have no date yet for returning to in-person group classes.