Australian Birth Stories
528 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 days ago - ★★★★★ - 134 ratingsA Podcast of Mothers' stories of childbirth. Weekly interviews with mothers giving their first hand accounts of child birth in Australia. Designed to help educate and inform first time pregnant women, parents wanting to have better subsequent births and birth enthusiasts who love to hear and tell birth stories. An entertaining and heartfelt resource for pregnancy, labour and delivery and postpartum.
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Episodes
327 | Brigitte one emergency caesarean, miscarriage, acupuncture, private obstetrician, public hospital, induction, epidural
August 11, 2022 00:33 - 59 minutes - 54.5 MBIn episode 327 Brigitte shares her miscarriage experiences and how they affected her care choices in her next pregnancy. Despite not having private obstetric healthcare, she opted for continuity of care with a private obstetrician but chose to give birth in the public hospital. It’s not a common model of care but it's definitely more affordable and ideal for those coming into pregnancy with health concerns or a history of pregnancy loss. After Brigitte’s waters broke, she was induced and labo...
326 | Hayley, one breech vaginal birth, PCOS, amenorrhea, ECV, NICU
August 08, 2022 01:44 - 38 minutes - 35.1 MBIn episode 326 Hayley takes us through her first pregnancy where her baby was in a frank breech position (bottom down) at 36 weeks. She listened to the breech episode with Dr Andrew Bisits that features in The Birth Class and promptly arranged to see him for a consultation. After an ECV to turn her baby was unsuccessful, Hayley confidently prepared for a vaginal breech birth with the support of her partner and her midwife-in-training sister. Baby Pippa needed breathing support in the NICU for...
325 | Caitlyn, PCOS, ovulation induction, IVF, TFMR, anencephaly, induction, emergency caesarean, breastfeeding
August 04, 2022 01:31 - 58 minutes - 53.6 MBIn episode 325 Caitlyn @missmaysmoments shares the story of her two pregnancies. After navigating the challenges of PCOS, ovulation induction and IVF, Caitlyn was lucky enough to get 17 embryos and fell pregnant on the first transfer. At her 13 week scan her baby boy - Teddy - was given a terminal diagnosis of anencephaly meaning he would only survive minutes outside the womb. Caitlyn and her husband made the decision to have a termination for medical reasons (TFMR). Exactly one year later, a...
324 | Claire, one vaginal birth, private obstetrician, migraines, iron infusion, positive induction, active birth, mixed feeding
August 01, 2022 01:32 - 44 minutes - 40.9 MBIn episode 324 I chat to Claire @thelifeofclaire_ who shares her first pregnancy and birth experience. After discovering that fertility rates fall dramatically after the age of 35, she organised a preconception blood test with her GP, got her mirena removed, tracked her cycle and promptly fell pregnant. She chats about her lifelong experience with migraines, the welcome relief of an iron infusion and her choice to change obstetricians halfway through her pregnancy. She had a really positive i...
323 | Nas Campanella, caesarean birth, vision impairment, charcot-marie-tooth disease, breech, lactation consultant, formula feeding, disability discrimination, postpartum doula
July 27, 2022 06:49 - 1 hour - 68.9 MBIn this episode I interview Nas Campanella, new mum to baby Lachlan and a disability affairs reporter for the ABC. Nas is visually impaired and has a neurological condition that affects her dexterity and balance, so her journey to motherhood has required a lot of active preparation and planning. She talks in detail about the discussions she had with obstetricians pre-conception, her exemplary care during pregnancy and birth, the guidance she received from occupational therapists and the pract...
322 | Julie, one vaginal birth, MGP, birth centre, The Birth Class, labial tear, afterpains
July 24, 2022 10:46 - 59 minutes - 54.4 MBIn today’s episode Julie shares her incredibly positive first birth experience. She had listened to the podcast for years before she conceived so she knew she wanted continuity of care with a midwife in a birth centre, ideally one attached to a hospital in case she needed medical support. As soon as she found out she was pregnant she was proactive with organising her care; she saw a GP, requested a referral and made the right phone calls. She laboured at home till her waters broke and once sh...
321 | Amy, two births, forceps, pelvic floor injury, prolapse, birth trauma, women’s health physio, postnatal depression, caesarean birth
July 20, 2022 21:02 - 1 hour - 60.3 MBI interview Amy, the founder of the Australiasian Birth Trauma Association. In honour of her experience and Birth Trauma Awareness Week, Amy talks about the physical trauma that resulted from an instrumental (forceps) birth. She goes into detail about her pelvic floor injury and prolapse and because her story shares so many parallels with mine, I also talk about my experience with prolapse and the way I’ve managed for the past nine years. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
320 | Luka, three vaginal births, Midwife, unassisted homebirth, 42 weeks, irritable uterus, breastfeeding
July 17, 2022 23:51 - 51 minutes - 46.8 MBIn today’s episode I chat to midwife and mum, Luka @boobtofood for the second time. You can listen to Luka’’s first two birth stories in episode 140 but today she takes us through her third birth which was an unassisted homebirth. She talks at length about her past birth challenges and the way she was feeling in the days leading up to this birth as well as the anxiety and concerns that naturally creep in as you approach 42 weeks. It may be a short birth story but it’s also full of midwifery a...
319 | Sonia, Vaginal Birth, Adopted, Shared Care, Ulcerative Colitis, Epidural
July 10, 2022 06:30 - 39 minutes - 36.5 MBI chat to Sonia who shares her first pregnancy and birth story. Sonia was adopted from India when she was four-years-old so pregnancy was particularly poignant for her as she thought a lot about her birth mother’s experience and wondered about her medical history (of which there are no records). She opted for shared care with her GP and chose to do genetic testing via Noninvasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) considering she has ulcerative colitis and her partner has MS, both of which are genetic c...
318 | Laura, two vaginal births, varicose veins, OB, low amniotic fluid, epidural, low milk supply
July 07, 2022 09:32 - 1 hour - 79.9 MBLaura talks about her two births and the difference between private obstetric care and midwifery group practice (MGP) in the public system. If you are trying to conceive or you’re in early pregnancy and you’re interested in learning more about your care options, this episode is a must-listen. As well as discussing her two very different vaginal birth experiences, Laura talks at length about her challenging breastfeeding journey including her choice to use donor milk and a supply line. See omn...
317 | Kate, vaginal water birth, bicornuate uterus, birth trauma, PND, birth centre, cervical lip
July 04, 2022 02:53 - 1 hour - 60.2 MBKate about her second birth. You can listen to her first birth story in episode 155 where she discusses her bicornuate uterus and her challenging induced labour. She admits that in retrospect, she was traumatised from her first birth experience; the pain of an induced labour and the lack of both consent and privacy culminated and led to postnatal depression. As soon as she discovered she was pregnant with her second baby, she saw her psychologist and actively worked through her fear of birth....
316 | Madi, two births, miscarriage, MGP, vaginal birth, PND, chiari malformation type 1, caesarean
June 30, 2022 02:37 - 1 hour - 76.1 MBMadi shares her very interesting story and talks at length about her experience with postnatal depression. After her first positive vaginal birth, she was diagnosed with chiari malformation type 1 where part of the brain at the back of her skull bulges and puts pressure on the spinal column. Her neurologist confirmed that she could birth vaginally but she wouldn’t be able to have an epidural or spinal block if an emergency situation arose. Madi accessed all the evidence she could relating to ...
316 | Maddi, two births, miscarriage, MGP, vaginal birth, PND, chiari malformation type 1, caesarean
June 30, 2022 02:37 - 1 hour - 66.5 MBMaddi shares her very interesting story and talks at length about her experience with postnatal depression. After her first positive vaginal birth, she was diagnosed with chiari malformation type 1 where part of the brain at the back of her skull bulges and puts pressure on the spinal column. Her neurologist confirmed that she could birth vaginally but she wouldn’t be able to have an epidural or spinal block if an emergency situation arose. Maddi accessed all the evidence she could relating t...
315 | Jess, one vaginal birth, endometriosis, PUPPS, induction, epidural, peanut ball
June 27, 2022 07:10 - 45 minutes - 41.6 MBI In today’s episode Jess shares her pregnancy and birth story. A history of mental illness gave her access to a continuity of care midwifery program at John Hunter Hospital where she was cared for by one midwife throughout pregnancy and postpartum. This invaluable support allowed her to navigate pregnancy and covid without overwhelm or anxiety. Together with her husband, Bryce, she prepared for labour and birth with The Birth Class and experienced a positive induction and epidural because sh...
314 | Lizzie, one vaginal birth, MGP, ambulance transfer, cleft lip and palate, 3C tear
June 22, 2022 21:15 - 53 minutes - 48.8 MBLizzie shares the story of her pregnancy and birth with baby Bill. At a 35 week scan, she learnt that Bill had a cleft lip. Lizzie and her husband, Liam, allowed themselves two weeks to process their shock and do their research…after that they were counting down the days till they could meet their new baby. Lizzie takes us step by step through her eventful labour and every stage is punctuated by lots of laughs. You’ll love this informative and entertaining episode. See omnystudio.com/listener...
313 | Gemm, Uterus Didelphys, two planned caesareans, low amniotic fuid, postnatal anxiety
June 19, 2022 10:53 - 56 minutes - 51.5 MBGemma shares her experience with uterus didelphys; she has two uteruses, two cervix’ and a vaginal septum. Most women with her condition have caesarean births before full term because it's common for their babies to have growth restriction or present breech and there’s often doubts about how the uterus will contract and whether the cervix will dilate. In both pregnancies Gemma had planned caesareans at 37 weeks because her amniotic fluid levels were low. She talks at length about her breastfe...
312 | Andrea, two vaginal births, same sex couple, sperm donor, IVF, prenatal anxiety, induction, postnatal anxiety, breast hypoplasia, formula feeding
June 16, 2022 00:38 - 1 hour - 79.2 MBAndrea opens up about so many aspects of pregnancy and parenthood that often go undiscussed and she does so with such eloquence you could listen to her all day. She’s in a same-sex relationship so as well as sharing her IVF fertility journey she discusses the often dated language and expectations that sometimes still exist in contemporary maternity care. Her anxiety fuelled persistent concerns about her babies’ movements in both pregnancies and was a contributing factor to her choice to be in...
311 | Jamie one vaginal birth, blended family, arthritis, HG, student midwife, stretch and sweep, episiotomy
June 13, 2022 02:11 - 1 hour - 57.4 MBIn today’s episode Jamie talks at length about her arthritis and her choices regarding medication in pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Considering her health condition and the added complication of a broken back, she was labelled high risk and could access midwifery group practice care. She opted instead for continuity of care with a student midwife and had a positive experience in the public hospital system even though she saw a different midwife at every appointment. She listened to the po...
310 | Lewarna, two births, breech presentation, ECV, caesarean birth, VBAC, third-degree tear
June 09, 2022 03:57 - 1 hour - 66.4 MBToday Lewarna shares the story of her first baby who stayed in a breech position despite embracing all the turning and spinning techniques. She talks about her birth preparation and her fear, and while her caesarean was planned, she actually went into spontaneous labour and felt comforted by the fact that her baby chose her birth date. Her caesarean experience was incredibly positive yet she admits she started planning a VBAC while she was still in hospital. In her second pregnancy she talks ...
309 | Cara, two vaginal births, missed miscarriage, ovulation testing, episiotomy, 3C vaginal tear
June 06, 2022 02:26 - 49 minutes - 45.3 MBIn today’s episode Cara shares her experience of a missed miscarriage followed by 11 months of trying to conceive. After blood tests revealed she ovulates on day 18 of her cycle (not day 14 as her fertility app suggested) she fell pregnant the following month. Following an epidural and episiotomy in her first labour, she experienced a 3C vaginal tear. She had significant fear and concern about birthing vaginally again but after much discussion with her midwives and proactive preparation tech...
308 | Jo, two vaginal births, midwifery care, public hospital, GP, co-sleeping, extended breastfeed
June 02, 2022 03:02 - 1 hour - 77.4 MBToday I interview Jo, a mother of two and GP who brings so much knowledge and advice to her story. She says that being a mother has definitely made her a better GP although she admits that so many of her expectations of parenthood were thrown out the window when she became a mum. She feels strongly about safe co-sleeping (she shares a lot of evidence around this) as well as extended breastfeeding and the societal pressures that often prompt early weaning. Lighthearted and joyful, Jo shares al...
307 | Erin, three births, one emergency caesarean, VBAC, early infant loss
May 29, 2022 02:10 - 1 hour - 71.6 MBErin shares the story of her firstborn, Aiden. At her 20 week morphology scan the sonographer noted that there was an issue with Aiden’s kidneys and because they weren’t producing enough amniotic fluid, Aiden’s lung development was affected. Two days later, under the care of the maternal foetal medicine team, Aiden was given a terminal diagnosis. Erin and her husband, Mike, chose to continue with the pregnancy and held onto hope despite the inevitable challenges of such uncertainty. Erin take...
305 | Rebekah, two vaginal births, breech, ECV, episiotomy, distended bladder, incontinence, PROM, breech vaginal birth
May 25, 2022 11:13 - 1 hour - 58.9 MBIn today’s episode I interview Rebekah about her experience with two breech-presenting babies. She had a successful External Cephalic Rotation (ECV) in her first pregnancy and experienced a posterior labour with a vacuum-assisted birth. She suffered a distended bladder after the catheter was removed before the episiotomy wore off and she lost the ability to urinate, hence she was discharged under the care of the incontinence team who supported her to use an in-out catheter at home. With guid...
306 | Rebekah, two vaginal births, breech, ECV, episiotomy, distended bladder, incontinence, PROM, breech vaginal birth
May 25, 2022 11:13 - 1 hour - 67.3 MBIn today’s episode I interview Rebekah about her experience with two breech-presenting babies. She had a successful External Cephalic Rotation (ECV) in her first pregnancy and experienced a posterior labour with a vacuum-assisted birth. She suffered a distended bladder after the catheter was removed before the episiotomy wore off and she lost the ability to urinate, hence she was discharged under the care of the incontinence team who supported her to use an in-out catheter at home. With guid...
305 | Serena, two homebirths, miscarriage, midwife, pelvic instability
May 23, 2022 03:56 - 1 hour - 68.6 MBIn today’s episode I interview Serena, a midwife who shares her two homebirth experiences. I always love chatting to midwives because they’re so generous with their knowledge and advice and Serena is no different. After supporting women through the MGP programme at the Mercy Hospital till 38 weeks, she consciously had to switch off her midwife mindset and actively prepare for labour. She takes us step by step through the days of early labour, her expectations of contractions versus the realit...
304 | Sea, three physiological births, Indigenous, MGP, breastfeeding, postpartum
May 19, 2022 02:16 - 1 hour - 62.3 MBIn today’s episode I chat to Sea who shares her three glorious physiological births. Supported by her husband and her two sisters during labour and birth, she did active preparation in each pregnancy and experienced culturally-appropriate care through Indigenous midwifery group practice. If you want to listen to an incredibly positive story that’s brimming with advice, tips and skills for birth and an intuitive postpartum, Sea’s episode is a must-listen. See omnystudio.com/listener for privac...
303 | Chantelle, one emergency caesarean, three ectopic pregnancies, ruptured fallopian tubes, IVF
May 16, 2022 02:52 - 1 hour - 75.6 MBIn today’s episode Chantelle shares her very rare experience with three ectopic pregnancies. It was an incredibly distressing year for her and her partner, Rowan, as they navigated the grief of multiple pregnancy losses while also dealing with medical complications. Chantelle lost both fallopian tubes but admits she felt relieved to have the opportunity to try IVF. She conceived baby Lucy on her first attempt. Her pregnancy was straightforward and after induction at 39 weeks and a long labou...
302 | Rachel Single Mum, 42 weeks, Waterbirth
May 11, 2022 10:57 - 1 hour - 55.6 MBIn today’s episode, I interview Rachel. Rachel was living in Bali when she fell pregnant unexpectedly. While considering significant cultural differences with her Balinese partner and what that would mean for her baby, she opted to return to Australia for the remainder of her pregnancy and birth. In her final weeks of pregnancy her relationship broke down, she navigated her hospital’s induction policies and she laboured and birthed with the support of her mother, doula and midwife. See omnyst...
301 | Nicole one vaginal birth, low sperm count, IVF, blighted ovum, midwifery group practise, rural hospital, breastfeeding challenges
May 09, 2022 00:11 - 59 minutes - 54.9 MBIn today’s episode I interview Nicole who shares her complicated experience with IVF. Her partner, Ash, has a low sperm count and they knew from the outset that conception would be difficult. After one blighted ovum and two unsuccessful transfers, they were overwhelmed by the process. They decided to change specialists and Nicole’s blood tests showed extremely high blood sugar levels which can affect her egg quality. Within two weeks of taking medication she fell pregnant naturally and went o...
The Birth Class - Taste
May 06, 2022 06:12 - 18 minutes - 16.9 MBThe Birth Class is currently on sale for 15% off. Enter the code: Birthday at checkout See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
299 | Gemma, two vaginal births, regional hospital, public obstetrician
May 01, 2022 23:46 - 41 minutes - 33.3 MBIn episode 300 I interview Gemma who shares her experience of birthing in a small, rural hospital. In her first pregnancy she opted for public obstetric care at a regional hospital in the nearest large town. The day before her scheduled induction she went into spontaneous labour and found comfort in breathing practices, the shower and sitting on the toilet which allowed her to open her hips. She invested in The Birth Class in her second pregnancy and with a greater understanding of the physi...
300 | Gemma, two vaginal births, regional hospital, public obstetrician
May 01, 2022 23:46 - 41 minutes - 38 MBIn episode 300 I interview Gemma who shares her experience of birthing in a small, rural hospital. In her first pregnancy she opted for public obstetric care at a regional hospital in the nearest large town. The day before her scheduled induction she went into spontaneous labour and found comfort in breathing practices, the shower and sitting on the toilet which allowed her to open her hips. She invested in The Birth Class in her second pregnancy and with a greater understanding of the physi...
299 | Anna, Positive Induction, VBAC, Midwifery Care
April 27, 2022 06:57 - 1 hour - 92 MBIn today’s episode I talk to Anna about her beautiful VBAC in the midst of Covid-19. She describes her second birth, with daughter Juniper, as a birth of juxtapositions: an induced, drug-free, hospitalised, hypnobirth VBAC. It’s a birth story complete with an incredibly positive induction, strong midwife support, unwavering faith in body and mind and the immense healing of redemptive birth after trauma. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
298 | Steph, miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, gestational diabetes, induction, epidural, emergency caesarean, PPROM, VBAC, NICU, PPD
April 25, 2022 07:52 - 1 hour - 75 MBIn today’s episode I chat to Steph who takes us through the heartbreaking experience of an ectopic pregnancy, something she knew nothing about at the time. After the loss of her baby and subsequent PTSD, she fell pregnant again and opted for continuity of care with a midwife in her local public hospital. After navigating postnatal anxiety and a gestational diabetes diagnosis, her waters broke at 37+6 weeks and after a long labour, she birthed via emergency caesarean. Nine months later, still...
297 | Kate, three caesarean births, ectopic pregnancy, maternally assisted caesarean
April 18, 2022 03:58 - 57 minutes - 52.8 MBI interview Kate founder of Mere Botanicals about her three emergency caesareans, her third being the very first maternally assisted emergency caesarean birth in the Northern Territory. As a naturopath working in women’s health and fertility, she brings a holistic perspective to her story as she shares her experience with ectopic pregnancy, probiotics and vaginal seeding (transferring vaginal flora to her baby’s face and mouth post-caesarean). In honour of Caesarean Awareness Month, Kate’s ...
296 | Shuana, one baby, The Birth Class, vaginal birth, physiological birth, continuity of care, MGP, active birth
April 10, 2022 14:47 - 1 hour - 56.3 MBIn today’s episode I interview first-time mum, Shuana, about her proactive approach to pregnancy and birth. When she found out she was pregnant she booked in with her local public hospital and was assigned continuity of care with a known midwife who fast became a precious support right through to postpartum. Shuana and her husband, Dan, did The Birth Class for birth preparation and felt incredibly confident and excited about the possibility of a physiological birth. Shuana takes us through h...
295 | Alana Wilkinson, Micropremie, bleeding in pregnancy, micro-preemie, vaginal birth, NICU, music therapy
April 04, 2022 01:30 - 1 hour - 68.8 MBIn today’s episode I interview singer songwriter @alana.wilkinson about her pregnancy, birth and NICU experience. Her baby boy, Rafferty, was born at 24 weeks and surprised the neonatal staff with his strength despite his size (704 grams). Alana talks at length about her birth trauma, her NICU experience and the way music helped carry them through the long days and nights. Rafferty was discharged from hospital still reliant on oxygen and after three weeks at their home in the northern rivers,...
294 | Olivia, MGP, PCOS, endometriosis, eating disorder, postnatal anxiety, clomid
March 30, 2022 10:02 - 1 hour - 56.1 MBIt’s estimated that one million Australians have an eating disorder with pregnancy and postpartum being high risk times for both the re-emergence or beginning of disordered eating habits. In today’s episode I chat to Olivia about how her history of disordered eating affected her pregnancy and postpartum experience, particularly the way she handled the drastic changes to her body after birth and the effects of social media on her mindset. She bravely shares her story which includes initial cha...
293 | Sara, two vaginal births, family violence, donor sperm, DCDA twins, PAPPS, epidural, footling breech, retained placenta
March 27, 2022 10:01 - 1 hour - 61.6 MBPregnancy is one of the highest risk times for family violence and in today’s episode, Sara bravely shares her experience. After years of physical, emotional and verbal abuse, Sara got an intervention order and was under an alias in hospital when she birthed her first son. She then navigated years of court orders and visitations while receiving support from a family violence psychologist. Sara always knew she wanted a sibling for her son but she wasn’t ready to be in another relationship so s...
Bonus | Taste of Welcome to the First Trimester
March 24, 2022 03:28 - 8 minutes - 8.02 MBIn my new online course, Welcome to the First Trimester, I talk with five perinatal specialists about everything you need to know about the first trimester, including: - seeing your GP - choosing a care provider - navigating mental health concerns - physical changes and concerns - early pregnancy nutrition and supplements Enter the code:save10 to pick up the course for $57 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
292 | Jen, one vaginal birth, GD, induction, episiotomy, postpartum confinement
March 20, 2022 09:59 - 47 minutes - 64.7 MBIn today’s episode, I talk to Jen about her pregnancy, birth and traditional Chinese confinement during postpartum. Jen is a second-generation Chinese-Australian and while she was at first hesitant to embrace the confinement period after birth, when she left the hospital feeling frail, “like a creature born trembling, without fur or feathers” she accepted all the teas, soups and rest her mother and mother-in-law offered her. Jen considers her birth a really positive experience and she reflect...
292 | Jen, one vaginal birth, GD, induction, episiotomy, postpartum confinement
March 20, 2022 09:59 - 47 minutes - 43.1 MBIn today’s episode, I talk to Jen about her pregnancy, birth and traditional Chinese confinement during postpartum. Jen is a second-generation Chinese-Australian and while she was at first hesitant to embrace the confinement period after birth, when she left the hospital feeling frail, “like a creature born trembling, without fur or feathers” she accepted all the teas, soups and rest her mother and mother-in-law offered her. Jen considers her birth a really positive experience and she reflect...
291 | Sarah Midwife, Two Births, Water Birth, Micro-Preemie, NICU Journey.
March 16, 2022 08:05 - 1 hour - 102 MBIn this week’s episode I chat to Sarah, a mother of two and midwife who cherishes the work she does with pregnant women. When it came time to birth her first baby, she experienced a truly beautiful water birth in the birth centre surrounded by her fellow midwives. Her second pregnancy was symptom-free until her waters broke at 25weeks. She takes us through her experience, from the denial of what was happening to the frightening realisation that she would be delivering her baby at 25weeks via ...
201 | Sarah Midwife, Two Births, Water Birth, Micro-Preemie, NICU Journey.
March 16, 2022 08:05 - 1 hour - 67.8 MBIn this week’s episode I chat to Sarah, a mother of two and midwife who cherishes the work she does with pregnant women. When it came time to birth her first baby, she experienced a truly beautiful water birth in the birth centre surrounded by her fellow midwives. Her second pregnancy was symptom-free until her waters broke at 25weeks. She takes us through her experience, from the denial of what was happening to the frightening realisation that she would be delivering her baby at 25weeks via ...
290 | Chantel three births, placenta previa, planned caesarean, gentle caesarean, induction
March 13, 2022 21:03 - 57 minutes - 52.6 MBIn today’s episode I talk to Chantel about her three births. She suffered Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) in every pregnancy and was medicated early on to stop the vomiting. Her severe symptoms eased by 20 weeks but she still had to navigate intense nausea till the end of pregnancy. After two vaginal births in the hospital, she accessed continuity of care in a birth centre for her third. At 34 weeks she was diagnosed with placenta previa (where the placenta covers all or part of the cervix) and ...
289 | Jess and Manda, Queer couple, two vaginal births, home insemination, IUI, vacuum delivery, prolapse, breastfeeding, postpartum care
March 09, 2022 06:57 - 1 hour - 85.6 MBIn today’s interview I chat to Queer couple Jess and Manda about the steps they took to create their family and the experience of being a gender non-conforming human while pregnant. We have a joyous and enlightening conversation about home insemination, pregnancy challenges, navigating the suggestion of induction when you’re an older mother, long labours, postpartum and the blessing of the village. Jess and Manda have two children and they’ve both experienced pregnancy and birth so consider t...
287 | Ebony, three vaginal births, vision impaired, blind, guide dog, miscarriage, childhood abuse, induction, epidural, breastfeeding, fraternal twins
March 06, 2022 21:26 - 1 hour - 67.6 MBIn this week’s episode I chat to Ebony, a mother of four under four who is vision impaired with less than five percent vision. Undeterred by her disability, she is an avid researcher and has created practical methods for making things as easy as possible in the home. She talks at length about her mental health issues, the decision to accept a disability support worker and the challenges of her condition as a mother. Her fraternal twin pregnancy was her easiest and she used hypnobirthing, me...
287 | Emily Skye, two vaginal births, epidural, vacuum, episiotomy, breastfeeding, PND, diastasis recti, hypertonic pelvic floor, hypnobirth, accidental homebirth
February 28, 2022 02:23 - 1 hour - 68.8 MBEmily Skye shares her first traumatic birth and her second accidental home birth. Emily doesn’t hold back on sharing the details of her birth experiences, including her challenging physical recovery and postpartum depression. A strong advocate for embracing and loving your body at every stage, Emily talks at length about her severe diastasis recti and hypertonic pelvic floor and the steps she took to strengthen and heal. When she fell pregnant for the second time, she got serious about birth...
286 | Ash one vaginal birth, pelvic girdle pain, covid, vontouse, forceps, episiotomy, panic attack
February 21, 2022 00:53 - 1 hour - 52.5 MBIn this week’s episode I interview Ash who caught covid at 39 weeks. Her symptoms were mild and by the time she went into labour a week later, she was negative. Unfortunately, her partner, Tim, was positive and still had one more day in isolation. Ash takes us through her birthing day and details the moments she had to consciously surrender, accept the uncontrollable and turn inward to bring her baby into the world. Her sister-in-law stepped in as a loving and knowledgeable doula and Tim watc...
286 | Ashleigh one vaginal birth, pelvic girdle pain, covid, vontouse, forceps, episiotomy, panic attack
February 21, 2022 00:53 - 1 hour - 60.1 MBIn this week’s episode I interview Ash who caught covid at 39 weeks. Her symptoms were mild and by the time she went into labour a week later, she was negative. Unfortunately, her partner, Tim, was positive and still had one more day in isolation. Ash takes us through her birthing day and details the moments she had to consciously surrender, accept the uncontrollable and turn inward to bring her baby into the world. Her sister-in-law stepped in as a loving and knowledgeable doula and Tim watc...