Australian Birth Stories

Penny started trying for a baby later in life when she met her partner. After struggling to conceive for sometime she decided to go on a planned overseas trip and happily she discovered she was pregnant whilst away. Due to a history of cervical health concerns and surgery, Penny’s obstetrician advised that if she were to try for a vaginal delivery, there was a high chance or uterine rupture. With this knowledge in hand Penny scheduled an elective caesarean. To hear more about today’s show tune into Penny’s episode. To find out more check out Penny's show notes on the Australian Birth Stories web page here: If you'd like my FREE guide on perineal massage click If you'd like my FREE 5-minute breathing exercise click Follow us on Instagram to keep the conversation going. To learn more about The Birth Class my online childbirth education course head to the shop Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s show, I interview Chelsea Thomas. Chelsea shares her two pregnancies and births through St Vincents Private hospital with Dr. Lionel Steinberg. Chelsea was lucky to conceive very easily stayed very healthy throughout her first pregnancy. She took Calm Birth classes and meditated regularly. She confesses that she wrapped up work a little too soon by taking 6 weeks off prior to her due date, so when Jude was 8 days late she was definably ready for him to come out. She had labour inducing acupuncture through the Pagoda Tree in Melbourne and later that day her contractions began. Topics covered: calm birth, acupuncture, private obstetrician, The Pagoda Tree, emergency caesarean, elective caesarean, mothers groups. If you'd like my FREE guide on perineal massage click If you'd like my FREE 5-minute breathing exercise click Follow us on Instagram to keep the conversation going. To learn more about The Birth Class my online childbirth education course head to the shop Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode, I interview Lizzy Williamson. Lizzy fell pregnant really quickly after deciding to try and found out she was pregnant when holidaying in Paris. Lizzy enjoyed embracing her changing body after years of being body conscious as a dancer. She embraced yoga and really enjoyed her pregnancy. Lizzy joined the birth center in Randwick and envisaged a water birth for her first birth experience. Lizzy was nearly 42 weeks when her labour started and she managed her contractions at home for most of the day. When her husband left the room to call the midwife, Lizzy suddenly felt the urge to push and she delivered her own baby completely unexpectedly onto some towels she had thrown under herself at the last minute. To hear more of Lizzy’s story tune into this weeks episode. Topics covered: mastitis, accidental home birth, postnatal depression, exercise for mental health. If you'd like my FREE guide on perineal massage click If you'd like my FREE 5-minute breathing exercise click Follow us on Instagram to keep the conversation going. To learn more about The Birth Class my online childbirth education course head to the shop Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode, I interviewed Lilly. Lilly takes us through the births of her two boys Lenny and Bobby. After trying to conceive for 11 months, Lilly was thrilled to find out she was pregnant with identical twins. After nearly a year of trying, sadly they lost their twins at 10 weeks. Lilly went on to try to conceive naturally for another 6 months when her Obstetrician recommend they try Clomid. After their first round of Clomid they conceived Lenny. At 26 weeks Lenny was diagnosed as being Breech and they booked in for an elective caesarean. At the time Lilly was happy with her decision to have a c-section, her sister had had one and recovered well and she felt happy with their decision. Lilly’s caesarean did no go to plan as shortly after delivery she fainted and it was discovered she was bleeding internally. To hear more about how Lilly was determined to try for a VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Caesarean) tune into this weeks episode. Topics covered: breech birth, elective caesarean, VBAC, birth trauma, mastitis, nipple thrush, post-traumatic stress, nerve damage, iron infusion. If you'd like my FREE guide on perineal massage click If you'd like my FREE 5-minute breathing exercise click Follow us on Instagram to keep the conversation going. To learn more about The Birth Class my online childbirth education course head to the shop Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brooke was very surprised when she found out she was pregnant the first time. A few weeks earlier she had had the Nuva Ring inserted as a method of contraception. After she had discussed the pregnancy with her partner of 7mths and the shock began to settle Brooke became excited about the pregnancy. Brooke's baby was breech at 38 weeks and she had an ECV performed to turn him successfully. Brooke had prodromal labour for days preventing her from sleeping and she was eventually induced to bring on labour. To hear more about Brooke’s delivery, her breastfeeding challenges with vasospasm and thrush, her battle with secondary infertility and threatened molar pregnancy tune into this weeks show. If you'd like my FREE guide on perineal massage click If you'd like my FREE 5-minute breathing exercise click Follow us on Instagram to keep the conversation going. To learn more about The Birth Class my online childbirth education course head to the shop Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Peta fell pregnant at the age 23 shortly after getting married. Shortly after discovering she was pregnant Peta began experiencing some bleeding from a subchronic hematoma. After several ultrasounds and blood tests at the 12-week mark, Peta began to feel much better and she went on to have a great pregnancy. With little knowledge of birth options at the time, Peta was comfortable putting her trust in the midwives at the hospital and she spent the end stages of her pregnancy researching breastfeeding. To hear more about Peta’s challenging first birth and her subsequent second and third births at home. Tune into this weeks show. If you'd like my FREE guide on perineal massage click If you'd like my FREE 5-minute breathing exercise click Follow us on Instagram to keep the conversation going. To learn more about The Birth Class my online childbirth education course head to the shop Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode, I interview Emma Engelman. Em started trying to conceive shortly after getting married at the age of 23. With no friends who had had kids or were trying to conceive she felt she had very little understanding of menstral cycles or tips or tricks in trying to conceive. She had been on the pill Depo-Provera for 3 years and hadn’t had a period during that time. After a year of trying and being unsuccessful, Emm saw an obstetrician who prescribed Clomid. She went on Clomid for 5 months to try and regulate her cycles. She found the hormonal surges and other side effects very challenging. She decided to come off the drugs and try naturally again. Her husband who is a little bit spiritual said: “We need to visualize the baby coming and prepare a nursery”. So Emm went and bought a fancy nappy bag and pram and found out she had conceived her first child naturally shortly after. To hear more about Emm’s first pregnancy in which she got both Pancreatitis and kidney stones, tune into this weeks show. Topics covered: IVF, Clomid, egg transfers, kidney stones, pancreatitis, natural conception. If you'd like my FREE guide on perineal massage click If you'd like my FREE 5-minute breathing exercise click Follow us on Instagram to keep the conversation going. To learn more about The Birth Class my online childbirth education course head to the shop Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode, I interview Kirsty Farrugia. Kirsty shares her two birth experiences with us. She had her first child through the Public system at the Mercy Birth Centre in Melbourne. She had Oliver with the support of her doula and husband. Kirsty then had her second child in Sydney through a Private Hospital with an Obstetrician. To hear more tune into this week's show. If you'd like my FREE guide on perineal massage click If you'd like my FREE 5-minute breathing exercise click Follow us on Instagram to keep the conversation going. To learn more about The Birth Class my online childbirth education course head to the shop Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today's episode, I interview Kara. Kyal and Kara have been together since they were both 16 years old. Kara explains that while Kyal was ready to have kids for quite a while, she just didn’t feel quite ready. She woke up one day and out of the blue she just felt a sense of readiness. She fell pregnant straight away more or less and began to feel nauseous quite early on this lasted until she was 16 weeks. They decided to go through the Private system despite their private health not covering them yet. They booked into a new clinic with Dr. Peta Skilbeck. For the last few weeks, Kara felt she was going to go early. She found those days dragged. She tried everything, walking stairs, castor oil, and acupuncture. To hear more about Kara’s births tune into this weeks show. Topics covered: acupuncture, delayed cord clamping, breastfeeding, an oversupply of milk, nipple shields, hypnobirthing, active labour. If you'd like my FREE guide on perineal massage click If you'd like my FREE 5-minute breathing exercise click Follow us on Instagram to keep the conversation going. To learn more about The Birth Class my online childbirth education course head to the shop Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today's episode, I’m interviewing Anna Thurlow. Anna takes us through her two induced vaginal deliveries. In both Anna’s pregnancies, her membranes ruptured prematurely at 35 weeks. Anna also shares her challenges with managing an oversupply of breastmilk and making the difficult decision to have her son’s tongue tie cut. To hear more of Anna’s story tune into this week's show. If you'd like my FREE guide on perineal massage click If you'd like my FREE 5-minute breathing exercise click Follow us on Instagram to keep the conversation going. To learn more about The Birth Class my online childbirth education course head to the shop Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode, I interview Emma Isaacs. Emma takes us through her five home water births with a private midwife. It wasn’t until Emma was 32 weeks in her first pregnancy that she decided she’s like have a home birth. She found it quite challenging to find a private midwife who would take her on so late in her pregnancy, particularly as it was her first birth. Up until 30 weeks, Emma was terrified of childbirth. Her mum started a ritual that they’d blow out their birthday candles and then she would tell their birth story in great detail including having 32 stitches. She knew she needed to change that narrative for herself ignorer to go into her own births with a more positive mindset. She read every book available, she went to Calm Birth and she did a course through Marie Burrows (from Birthing Rites Australia ) Her first birth was a water birth at home, the most empowering experience of her life. To hear more tune into this weeks interview. Today’s show is brought to you by Bimby and Roy. Bimby and Roy are versatile, maternity friendly undergarments which are soft, stretchy, quick dry and wireless. Apart from everyday wear, Bimbys can also be worn as swimmers for impromptu dips, as birthing and breastfeeding bras, yoga and sleep wear. To check out the full range of Bimby and Roy pieces head over to Also sponsoring this week episode is Tooshies by TOM. Tooshies, gentle on bottoms and the planet. To find out more about Emma's Book Winging it click here: Topics covered: Home Birth, private midwife, Marie Burrows (Birthing Rites Australia), Calmbirth, Business Chicks. To see more pictures and a video of Emma's with birth click HERE If you'd like my FREE guide on perineal massage click If you'd like my FREE 5-minute breathing exercise click Follow us on Instagram to keep the conversation going. To learn more about The Birth Class my online childbirth education course head to the shop Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Anna and her partner decided to have a child she began watching One Born Every Minute religiously. After they got married and they moved into their own place she began tracking her cycles. When they were ready she joined a" trying to conceive" online forum. After trying for two months, Anna planned a holiday to Thailand surrounding her window of ovulation and she successfully fell pregnant on her well planned trip Anna booked in with private obstetrician who she felt had an unusual bedside manner however she initially felt she could trust him. When Anna was 30 weeks her Obstetrician said she had high blood pressure and he prescribed her some blood pressure medication which she reacted to. He was quite vague about if she needed to take them or not. She then went in to see him at 39+5. He was adamant that she needed to a caesarean at 40 weeks and he said he was not prepared to care for her beyond 40 weeks. Having paid all the fees they felt they had no other option but to follow his guidance and have a caesarean section. To hear more about Anna’s journey tune into this weeks show. Topics covered: Private Obstetrician, breastfeeding challenges, missed miscarriage, depression, gastric sleeve surgery, successful VBAC, DNC, grief, and loss, Ngala Today’s episode is sponsored by The best time to sort out your superannuation is before kids come along. Super doesn’t have to be a headache and GROW understands this. That’s why GROW lets you consolidate online, with zero paperwork, in under two minutes. They’ll even find your lost super for you. GROW Super is offering Fee Free superannuation for new parents because your super shouldn’t take a hit when you’ve got a newborn. Download GROW Super now on iPhone or Android or visit for more info and t&cs. If you'd like my FREE guide on perineal massage click If you'd like my FREE 5-minute breathing exercise click Follow us on Instagram to keep the conversation going. To learn more about The Birth Class my online childbirth education course head to the shop Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode I interview Nicola Cross. Shortly after getting engaged, Nicola went and saw her doctor as she was having some issues with breakthrough bleeding and pain whilst taking the pill. Both Nicola and her partner Pat always intended to have children in the future so Nicola decided to go off the pill. To their surprise, a short time later they found out Nicola was pregnant. With a history of fertility challenges on both her and her partner’s side, Nicola was expecting to have a long journey to falling pregnant. Thankfully they were very lucky. They went through shared care with her public hospital and her local GP. To hear more of Nicola’s pregnancy and birth tune into this weeks show. Topics covered: Induction, waters breaking, epidural, afterbirth pains, acupuncture, engorged breasts, acupuncture. Today’s episode is sponsored by Pip and Lenny is a small online boutique created by two Australian mums, midwives and friends, who both found it difficult to source thoughtful and practical clothing for their young children. After falling in love with handmade products and vintage styling, Bec and Justine created Pip and Lenny with a dream to stock all the brands they love and adore in the one place. The Pip and Lenny collection is thoughtfully selected, by the girls in their homes, surrounded by the splendid chaos that is their beautiful children. Pip and Lenny seek ethically made products designed with a focus on children's comfort and a classic, clean aesthetic with vintage-contemporary style. Pip and Lenny offer Afterpay, International shipping and local pick up for their fellow Adelaide buyers. Pip and Lenny would love to offer Australian Birth Stories listeners 10% off STOREWIDE with the code AUSTRALIANBIRTHSTORIES at the checkout. Follow on Instagram: Website: To learn more about Tiny Tonics click here: If you'd like my FREE guide on perineal massage click If you'd like my FREE 5-minute breathing exercise click Follow us on Instagram to keep the conversation going. To learn more about The Birth Class my online childbirth education course head to the shop Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode, I interview Caitlin Langford about her four pregnancies and births. Caitlin fell pregnant shortly after losing her mother. She and her husband had decided to wait to try and conceive as Caitlin was grieving and they had planned an overseas trip. Shortly after running a marathon, Caitlin found that she was struggling to recover and felt lethargic and as if she was coming down with something. To her complete surprise, she was intact 7 weeks pregnant. To hear Caitlins pregnancy and birth stories tune into this weeks show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danielle had decided with her partner that they would start trying for a baby at 27 and they fell pregnant literally on their first attempt. Danielle’s reaction was not what she had expected at all. She was freaking out. Even though her pregnancy was planned, she realized she wasn’t 100% ready. She read over a million books and never really came to terms with her pregnancy. Danielle became so preoccupied and anxious with how she would come when the baby came that she didn’t really focus on the birth itself. To hear more of Danielle’s story tune into this week's show. If you’d like to become a Patreon member and help support the show head over to birthstories I’ve been nominated for the Ausmumpreneur Awards. Its a huge honour to be nominated and the people’s choice voting has just opened. So if you feel like this podcast is making a difference to you and you enjoy listing to my show each week it would be amazing if you could give me your vote. It literally takes 1minutes. I’m listed in the first categories Making a Difference Award, you can just scroll down to Sophie Walker to vote for me. And I’ll let you know how I go. If you'd like my FREE guide on perineal massage click If you'd like my FREE 5-minute breathing exercise click Follow us on Instagram to keep the conversation going. To learn more about The Birth Class my online childbirth education course head to the shop Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

68 | Sarah Bell Burch Three Births, 4 Year Old Son Present In today’s episode I interview Sarah Bell Burch who shares three pregnancies and vaginal deliveries. Sarah was 25 when she fell pregnant with her first son Remi. After living overseas for several years she had come home to settle in Australia in her husband’s home town of Cootamundra. Sarah woke at 830am on the morning of her due date with a contraction and labour unfolded from there. In this episode Sarah shares having a retained placenta in two of her births, mastitis the challenges of breastfeeding and toddler weaning, and the joy of having her little boy Remi present for his sister's birth. If you'd like my FREE guide on perineal massage click If you'd like my FREE 5-minute breathing exercise click Follow us on Instagram to keep the conversation going. To learn more about The Birth Class my online childbirth education course head to the shop Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode, Felicity Cook shares her challenging pregnancy with her little girl Tilly. One year prior to trying to conceive Felicity saw her gynaecologist and kinesiologist to make sure her hormones and cycles were balanced. Her husband also had his sperm count checked. They then fell pregnant very easily in her second month of trying. On the recommendation of a close friend, Felicity booked in with a private obstetrician at the Mater Hospital in Sydney. Felicity suffered from a lot of physical pain during her pregnancy. From 20 weeks her pelvis became quite unstable. To hear more about Felicity's journey tune into this weeks show. Today's episode is brought to you by Bree Downes Birth Support & Photography. Bree is a Melbourne based doula and birth photographer. Having worked as a doula for 10 years Bree supports women to have the births they envisage for themselves by providing emotional, physical and informational support throughout their pregnancy and birth. Bree is offering a 10% discount off her doula and birth photography packages for any women due before December 2018. Just mention Australian Birth Stories when enquiring with Bree. For more information please visit or check her out on instagram @breedownes_doula_photographer If you'd like my FREE guide on perineal massage click If you'd like my FREE 5-minute breathing exercise click Follow us on Instagram to keep the conversation going. To learn more about The Birth Class my online childbirth education course head to the shop Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode, I interview Gemma who takes us through her struggles with unexplained infertility. Gemma was able to conceive her daughter Raffaella with the help of one round of intrauterine insemination (IUI). Gemma was surprised to find that shortly after she conceived Raffa she began to feel unexpectedly depressed. To hear Gemma share her struggles with antenatal depression and the way Raffa’s birth unfolded tune into this weeks episode. Today’s show is brought to you by Bimby and Roy. Bimby and Roy are versatile, maternity friendly undergarments which are soft, stretchy, quick dry and wireless. Apart from everyday wear, Bimbys can also be worn as swimmers for impromptu dips, as birthing and breastfeeding b ras, yoga and sleep wear. Designed in Australia, and made at a solar-powered facility in Fiji. Bimby and Roy products are sustainable, comfortable and come in some gorgeous prints and patternes To check out the full range of Bimby and Roy pieces head over to I just want to thank the new Patreon members who have signed up to help support the making of the show: Amy Small, Jessica Cassidy, Courtney Thornton, Emma Egleman, Adrian McDonnell and Leoni. If you’d like to become a member head over to . Images by: If you'd like my FREE guide on perineal massage click If you'd like my FREE 5-minute breathing exercise click Follow us on Instagram to keep the conversation going. To learn more about The Birth Class my online childbirth education course head to the shop Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode, I interview Teresa Palmer. Teresa and Mark tried for about 5 months to conceive and were unsuccessful. Teresa then found out that she ovulates later in her cycle that she had thought. With this knowledge in hand, she was able to fall pregnant the following month. Teresa felt her pregnancy with Bodhi Rain was pretty uneventful. She had wanted to be a mother her whole life and so to be pregnant was the most exciting thing she had ever navigated. She loved every moment of it. She felt very well with minimal pregnancy symptoms. She found out her baby’s gender at her 11-week scan. She had planned to have a home birth in America. She had witnessed a home birth of one of her best friends when she was 11 weeks and she ended up hiring the same midwife she had seen navigate a very challenging birth. She read all of Ina May Gaskin’s books and watched her documentary. Teresa and Mark got married when she was 6 weeks pregnant. At 36 weeks she started a hypnobirthing course. At 38+6 Teresa’s waters broke while she was in bed and they began to get really excited and called their midwife. The midwife said to rest and come in the morning. She went in at 11 am and it was confirmed that her waters had infant broken. To hear more about Bodhi’s birth and Forrest’s tune into this weeks show. Topics covered: waters breaking, castor oil, hypnobirthing, acupuncture, birth pool, home birth, hospital transfer, breastfeeding, posterior baby, fever during labour, Dr. Paul Crane, manual extraction of the placenta, tandem breastfeeding, To connect with Teresa's To enter the tooshies giveaway click Today’s episode is proudly sponsored by Tooshies by TOM. Tooshies, gentle on bottoms and the planet. If you'd like my FREE guide on perineal massage click If you'd like my FREE 5-minute breathing exercise click Follow us on Instagram to keep the conversation going. To learn more about The Birth Class my online childbirth education course head to the shop Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode, I interview Bonnie. Bonnie suffered terribly with morning sickness and then antenatal depression throughout her pregnancy. Living in the UK at the time with her husband, Bonnie had planned for them to return to Australia when she found out she was pregnant. Bonnie shares very openly about suicidal thoughts and regularly discussed with her husband her feelings that she couldn’t be a mother and that he would need to raise the baby himself after the baby was born. To hear more about Bonnie’s very difficult pregnancy and how she connected with some very supportive staff through St John of God Hospital in Perth, tune into this weeks episode. This week’s show is brought to you by Mrs Heemskerk’s cookbook . To check out Food for the ones I love head over to at just $39.95 this book is a must-have. Topics covered: Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction, antenatal depression, migration, morning sickness, arrhythmia, exercise in pregnancy, psychologist, induction, postnatal anxiety. If you or someone you know needs help please contact: 13 11 14 : 1300 726 30 If you'd like my FREE guide on perineal massage click If you'd like my FREE 5-minute breathing exercise click Follow us on Instagram to keep the conversation going. To learn more about The Birth Class my online childbirth education course head to the shop Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode, I interview Kristy Joyce. Kristy had trouble conceiving after having her first son Mason and sought the help of fertility specialists. She began the process by taking Clomid to help assist in egg stimulation. Just before Kristy was about to have IVF she discovered she was pregnant with triplets. Despite being advised that Clomid can lead to the possibility of having multiples, Kristy and her husband never dreamed it would actually happen to them. To hear how Kristy managed her high-risk pregnancy and the safe delivery of all three beautiful babies tune into this week's show. If you'd like my FREE guide on perineal massage click If you'd like my FREE 5-minute breathing exercise click Follow us on Instagram to keep the conversation going. To learn more about The Birth Class my online childbirth education course head to the shop Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this weeks episode, I interview mother, Doula and Birth Photographer Lacey Barratt. Lacey fell pregnant quite unexpectedly at the age of 22 whilst backpacking in Darwin. Lacey describes herself as feeling violently ill and was throwing up multiple times a day throughout her first pregnancy. Lacey connected with her local GP and she delivered through the birth center in Darwin. Lacey was unsure of what was deemed ‘normal’ for morning sickness however she was concerned about her weight and she felt very run down and dehydrated. Lacey delivered her first baby at 41 and a half weeks after days of prodromal labour with a posterior baby. There is a just 15mths difference in age between Lacey’s first and second children so it came as quite a surprise when she fell pregnant again. To hear how Lacey went on to have a home birth and private midwifery care in her subsequent births tune into this week's show. To connect with Lacey click here: Topics covered: Hyperemesis gravidarum, posterior position, prodromal labour, anterior lip, birth stole, methadone, lounge tie, prolapse, anemic, free birth, gestational diabetes, placenta prints. If you'd like my FREE guide on perineal massage click If you'd like my FREE 5-minute breathing exercise click Follow us on Instagram to keep the conversation going. To learn more about The Birth Class my online childbirth education course head to the shop Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this weeks episode, I interview Anna. Anna fell pregnant just six weeks after getting married catching both her and her partner by surprise. Despite having a couple of scares early on in her pregnancy with a car accident at 5 weeks and a small bleed after a fall in a recreational sports game, Anna said she had a beautiful pregnancy. She had read books such as Birth Skills by Juju Sundin and she was preparing for a drug-free natural delivery through the Mercy Public Hospital in Melbourne. To hear more of Anna’s story tune into this week's show. Topics covered: concealed abruption, NICU, Emergency Caesarean section, breastfeeding, Mercy Hosptial for Women, reduced fetal movement. If you'd like my FREE guide on perineal massage click If you'd like my FREE 5-minute breathing exercise click Follow us on Instagram to keep the conversation going. To learn more about The Birth Class my online childbirth education course head to the shop Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kristie had been on the pill for 10 years and thought it might take her a little while to conceive. She came off the pill in December and fell pregnant quite quickly. Kristie is a very active gym goer and she found going to the gym each morning really helped with her early morning sickness. Kristie was keen to have a natural delivery and she booked into her local Family Birth Center which was associated with King Edward Hospital. Kristie undertook the She Births birth course online to help her prepare for her pregnancy and delivery. She did the course in conjunction with the Family Birth Center. Kirstie is a Type A personality and felt confident to take the She Births course as it has been proven to reduce rates of Caesarean Section and birth intervention. At 32 weeks Kristie discovered that her baby was a frank breech presentation, bottom first instead of head first. Kristie was still very keen to avoid a caesarean section and looked into the possibility of a natural vaginal breech delivery. To hear more about Kristie’s breech delivery tune into this weeks show. Topics covered: She Births, Hip Dysplasia, Breech birth, private midwife, King Edward Hospital, Family Birth Center, active pregnancy, prolapse, second-degree tear, acupuncture, ECV. If you'd like my FREE guide on perineal massage click If you'd like my FREE 5-minute breathing exercise click Follow us on Instagram to keep the conversation going. To learn more about The Birth Class my online childbirth education course head to the shop Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode, I interview Kirsty Chandler. Kirsty fell pregnant in her second month of actively trying to conceive. She spent the lead up preparing her body by cutting out alcohol and caffeine and saw a variety of healthcare providers such as acupuncturists and chiropractors to prepare her body for pregnancy. Kirsty was very careful in searching for the right care provider for her pregnancy and birth. She interviewed both the midwives at her local Gold Coast hospital as well as the private midwives which worked a short distance from her house. She decided to employ a private midwife for her care. Kirsty also took Hypnobithing classes to prepare for the drug-free water birth she intended to have. Topics covered: Breast crawl, hypnobirth, homeopathics, private midwife, yoga, meditation, acupuncture, delayed cord clamping, perineal massage, labia graze. If you'd like my FREE guide on perineal massage click If you'd like my FREE 5-minute breathing exercise click Follow us on Instagram to keep the conversation going. To learn more about The Birth Class my online childbirth education course head to the shop Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nine weeks prior to the wedding Sarah found out she was pregnant. Thrilled to be pregnant Sarah went through the care at the Mercy Hospital in Melbourne. Sarah had had a stroke at the age of 24 which meant she was categorized as high risk during her pregnancy. Sarah was diagnosed as having placenta previa and as she was on blood thinning medication from her stroke, she had to watch out for any bleeding. Due to the placenta’s positioning Sarah was booked in for a caesarean section. A week before her scheduled Caesarean section Sarah’s vision began to deteriorate and she initially thought it was due to tiredness. She went to see the doctor and she said if it gets worse come back in for more tests. Topics covered: stroke, legally blind, clean, brain surgery, downs syndrome, DNC, meningiomas, placenta previa, disability, grief, loss, VBAC. If you'd like my FREE guide on perineal massage click If you'd like my FREE 5-minute breathing exercise click Follow us on Instagram to keep the conversation going. To learn more about The Birth Class my online childbirth education course head to the shop Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode, I interview Jules Coffey. Jules shares her two pregnancies and births from the perspective of a trained doula. Topics covered: Hashimotos, thyroid conditions, doula training, induction, epidural, breastfeeding, breast aversion, formula feeding, private obstetrician, hypnobirthing, irritable uterus, costochondritis essential oils, placenta encapsulation, breast crawl, oral and nipple thrush, mastitis. All images by Ashleigh Jane Birth Photography If you'd like my FREE guide on perineal massage click If you'd like my FREE 5-minute breathing exercise click Follow us on Instagram to keep the conversation going. To learn more about The Birth Class my online childbirth education course head to the shop Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode, I interview Suzie Blake. Suzie shares her two pregnancies and births as well as her beautiful photography work as a breastfeeding advocate. Suzie fell pregnant unexpectedly whilst living in London with her partner. They were overjoyed but somewhat isolated being away from family and having no immediate friends who were having children. Suzie shares her birth in London under the care of midwives and she then compares the system to that of Australia. Halfway through her second pregnancy Suzie returned home to Australia and gave birth to her second child at the Royal Women’s Hospital. Today’s episode of the show is brought to you by the Medela Asia Pacific Breastfeeding and Lactation Symposium 2018. This event is the ideal platform for health professionals to enhance their knowledge and clinical practice through presentations of the latest research in breastfeeding and human milk. Together with an audience of breastfeeding champions, the Symposium offers a valuable exchange of thoughts and ideas as well as networking opportunities. The Medela Asia Pacific Breastfeeding and Lactation Symposium is a two-day event with a world class line up of speakers, will take place in the Pullman Melbourne On The Park Hotel on 3rd & 4th of May 2018. To purchase your ticket head over To connect with Suzie Topics covered: midwifery, NHS, Royal Women’s Hospital Melbourne, Photography, hind water leak, fast delivery, breastfeeding, breastfeeding photography, censorship, feminism, Medela, hole in the heart, Tweddle If you'd like my FREE guide on perineal massage click If you'd like my FREE 5-minute breathing exercise click Follow us on Instagram to keep the conversation going. To learn more about The Birth Class my online childbirth education course head to the shop Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode, I interview Nikki. Nikki is the CEO of Tiny Hearts first Aid and a qualified paramedic. Nikki conceived quite quickly when she and her partner finally agreed to try for a baby. Unfortunately, they lost their first baby at 10 weeks. They decided very quickly to try again once they were given the all-clear from their doctor and they went on to conceive their daughter Nahla Fox. Nikki explains feeling very anxious throughout the pregnancy due to their previous loss and combined with morning sickness, hyperthyroidism and gestational diabetes Nikki said she did not enjoy her pregnancy. At 36 weeks gestation Nikki went to bed and both her and her husband were marveling at how active Nahla had been. She was all over the place and then she suddenly stopped moving. Nikki went to the bathroom, which usually leads to Nahla moving around and still nothing. Knowing she had an ultrasound booked for the morning Nikki decided to wait until the morning. After a restless and anxious night of little sleep, they made their way to the hospital. The doctors discover that she was in fact not moving as much as they would have liked to see. The baby had also not grown since her previous scan and they decided it would be best to try and induce Nikki. Topics included: miscarriage, gestational diabetes, hypothyroidism, reduced foetal movement, emergency caesarean, NICU, low blood sugar, transfusion If you'd like my FREE guide on perineal massage click If you'd like my FREE 5-minute breathing exercise click Follow us on Instagram to keep the conversation going. To learn more about The Birth Class my online childbirth education course head to the shop Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode, I interview Bo Gerritsen. Bo was busy planning her wedding at the age of twenty-four when she found out she was unexpectedly pregnant with her daughter Indiana. Despite being a strong believer in home births, Bo felt unprepared so she decided to have her first daughter through the public hospital in Perth. Bo suffered morning sickness for her entire pregnancy with Indiana and got quite used to the routine of throwing up each morning and then feeling better by the afternoon. Bo went into labour the morning after her birthday. She’d felt upset and emotional throughout her birthday so in hindsight she thinks it was a sign that labour was about to start. Her labour began with cramping however as it was five days until her due date she didn't think it was the early signs of labour. She spent the best part of that day labouring in her bath at home and she accepted that she was having contractions when they became more regular and were timeable. At 6 pm she made her way to the hospital to find out she was 3cm dilated….. Tune into this weeks episode to hear more about Indian’s labour and how Bo’s partner passed out in the hospital room heat and due to the pressure of holding Bo up while she was pushing on the birth stool. Topics include public hospital healthcare, unplanned pregnancy, morning sickness, breastfeeding, NICU, home birth, water birth, tongue tie, The Simple Folk. If you'd like my FREE guide on perineal massage click If you'd like my FREE 5-minute breathing exercise click Follow us on Instagram to keep the conversation going. To learn more about The Birth Class my online childbirth education course head to the shop Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode, I interview Bec Douros. After getting engaged quite young at 21 and married at age 23, Bec knew she wanted to try for a baby right away. With a history of Endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome, Bec journey into motherhood was long and challenging. After four years of actively trying to conceive and after several miscarriages Bec fell pregnant with her first son Archie. She suffered from debilitating morning sickness throughout Archie’s pregnancy which required her to be hospitalized on more than one occasion. Thankfully this sickness passed at about 20 weeks. Bec was seeing a private obstetrician through the Epworth Hosptial in Melbourne and she undertook the hospital offered birthing classes. She said she went into the birth hoping for a natural delivery however she was open to seeing how it went on the day. Bec went over on her dates and she was booked in to be induced however she went into labour naturally the morning of her scheduled induction. Making her way to the hospital at 8 am, Bec laboured all day with help of Gas and Air and her TENS machine. When she was checked and confirmed to be 8cm’s dilated, she started to have intense back pain. Archie was in a posterior position and despite efforts to turn him they couldn’t. It was at that moment that Bec started bleeding profusely and both her and Archies heart rates suddenly dropped. Bec explains that it got very intense very quickly and after 18hrs of labour she was rushed away for an emergency caesarean. To hear the rest of Archie’s birth in more detail and Bec pregnancy and birth of her second son Lenny, tune into this weeks episode of the show. Topics covered: Endometriosis, Polly Cystic Ovarian Syndrom, caesarean section, hemorrhage, postpartum recovery, blood transfusion, pelvic girdle pain, pelvic instability, SRC Recovery shorts, physio, breastfeeding. All images by : Kelly Jordan Photography If you'd like my FREE guide on perineal massage click If you'd like my FREE 5-minute breathing exercise click Follow us on Instagram to keep the conversation going. To learn more about The Birth Class my online childbirth education course head to the shop Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

52 | Kate Vincent Twins, IVF and Spontaneous Conception Vaginal Delivery In today’s episode, I interview Kate Vincent. It took just over four years for Kate and her partner to conceive their twin boys. Kate was in her mid-twenties when they first started and they expected it to happen very quickly. After a year of trying Kate had some tests to investigate if she may have had endometriosis. Her results came back all clear. The next step was to speak to a fertility specialist. The fertility tests came back fine and Kate and her husband had what is often referred to as ‘unexplained infertility’. Kate experienced a few chemical pregnancies after their fertility treatments but it wasn’t until the 6th transfer that she fell pregnant. Remarkably Kate fell pregnant naturally a couple of days before her embryo transfer and went on to have twins. Topics: calm birth, induction, IVF, unexplained infertility, spontaneous pregnancy, twins, twin pregnancy, tandem feeding, silent reflux, express feeding, mastitis. If you'd like my FREE guide on perineal massage click If you'd like my FREE 5-minute breathing exercise click Follow us on Instagram to keep the conversation going. To learn more about The Birth Class my online childbirth education course head to the shop Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode, I interview Rachael Casella. Rachael refers to herself as a Type A personality, so when thinking about trying to conceive, she spent six months preparing. She saw a Chinese herbalist and acupuncturist and also had her husband Johnny tested for fertility. Rachael started trying on her honeymoon and when she didn't fall pregnant in the first 2 months of trying she went and saw Genea in Sydney. She discovered that she ovulates on day 8 instead of day 14 of her cycle. With this info in hand, she fell pregnant the next month of trying. Despite having private health insurance, Rachael and her husband decided to use the midwifery lead care program through the Royal Hospital for Women in Sydney. At 39 weeks Rachel had a stretch and sweep however her cervix hadn't dilated as yet. She began to experience reduced foetal movement at this time so her midwifery team decided it would be best to induce her at 40 weeks. After a difficult labour and 2 hours of pushing Mackenzie were delivered by caesarean section. At 10 weeks of age, Rachael took Mackenzie to see a lactation consultant because she found Mackenzie was pulling off crying during feeds. The lactation consultant initially thought that Mackenzie she was a bit floppier than he should be for her age. Panicked Rachael rushed her to a doctor who said that she would need to go and see a pediatrician. They got to see a pediatrician in 2 days later. When seeing the pediatrician They were in the office with the pediatrician for about 4 minutes before he turned to them and said: “I think your baby has got Spinal Muscular Atrophy”. They had never heard of SMA before so they asked what the cure was and he said it was terminal. To hear the rest of Mackenzie’s journey please tune into this week's show. To find out more about Rachael’s blog: This weeks episode is proudly sponsored by . Bouncing Back From Birth is dedicated to helping mums thrive after birth. From Vaginal Birth to Belly Birth and Breastfeeding support Bouncing Back From Birth offers everything you need for healing, strength, and confidence in the one place. are offering 15% with the code BIRTHSTORIES offer available until April 30. ($2 from every sale made using this code will be donated towards SMA research). Topic: miscarriage, fertility tracking, private health insurance, Royal Hospital for Women, Midwifery care program, Genea, continuity of care, birth plan, delayed cord clamping, reduced foetal movement, TENS, posterior position, Mackenzie’s Mission. To find out more about Rachael’s blog: Additional Reading: The Conversation: . The Conversation: To see the ABC 730 report covering Mackenzie’s Mission: and If you'd like my FREE guide on perineal massage click If you'd like my FREE 5-minute breathing exercise click Follow us on Instagram to keep the conversation going. To learn more about The Birth Class my online childbirth education course head to the shop Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this weeks episode, I interview Adrienne Biscontin. Adrienne started trying for a baby shortly after she had gotten married bought a house. Several of her friends had fallen pregnant quickly so she assumed she would conceive quickly too. After 8mths of actively trying to conceive she fell pregnant. Unfortunately, Adrienne miscarried quite early in this pregnancy. Completely devastated after her loss, she decided to overturn her life and she concentrated heavily on her health, moving her diet to organic produce and swapping many staples in her diet to try and create the most favorable environment to conceive. Six months later she fell pregnant with her first daughter Ava. Adrienne delivered all three of her daughters at St Vincent’s Private in Melbourne. Collectively she laboured for 8.5 hours she had 3 super fast deliveries. To hear Adrienne’s very fast deliveries in more detail tune into this week’s episode. To check out Adrienne’s blog Stylish Bump click here: If you’d like to become a member of the Australian Birth Stories Podcast and help support the show please check out my Patreon account here: Topics covered: pilates, fertility, fast births, irritable uterus, miscarriage, silent reflux. If you'd like my FREE guide on perineal massage click If you'd like my FREE 5-minute breathing exercise click Follow us on Instagram to keep the conversation going. To learn more about The Birth Class my online childbirth education course head to the shop Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode, I interview Beccy Cloke. Beccy was diagnosed as having a tilted cervix by her gynaecologist at a young age and she was advised that it may take her a little longer to conceive. With that in mind, she and Travis started trying for a baby shortly after their honeymoon. To their complete surprise, they conceived very quickly and then had to adjust quickly to the idea that a baby was on the way. Beccy went through private obstetric care through Mitcham Private Hospital in Melbourne. After an initial hiccup, she changed obstetricians to find a recommended doctor they had complete trust in. Beccy took both a Hypno Birth course and an online course called Birth Beat. Wanting to have a drug free, natural delivery, Beccy shares how she became very upset when she underwent an emergency caesarean after her labour didn’t progress. Overjoyed to have a happy and healthy baby, Beccy still feels disappointed with some components of her birth. To hear more about how Beccy struggled with some of the decisions she made during her pregnancy and her labour and some things she wished she had done differently tune into this wee If you'd like my FREE guide on perineal massage click If you'd like my FREE 5-minute breathing exercise click Follow us on Instagram to keep the conversation going. To learn more about The Birth Class my online childbirth education course head to the shop Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

48 | Lisa Wipfli Two Under Two, Emergency Caesarean, Elective Caesarean In this weeks episode, I interview Lisa Wipfli. Lisa shares her pregnancy with Ted and her unexpected emergency caesarean. She then discusses falling pregnant some 7months later with her second little boy Jack and life with two under two. Lisa conceived Ted during her second month of trying to conceive and after watching many friends struggle to fall pregnant, she was incredibly grateful. Ted’s pregnancy went quite smoothly until the final weeks when Lisa began to feel very uncomfortable and she suffered pelvic and back pain. Lisa had weekly and sometimes twice weekly appointments with her Osteopath to assist with the discomfort. She went two weeks over her due date in the middle of summer and had gained approximately 22kgs so she was more than ready to be induced at 42 weeks. To hear more about Lisa deliveries, her husbands GoPro and virtual reality filming of the births and lots more tune into this weeks episode. Topics included: pelvic pain, breastfeeding, breastfeeding challenges, reduced milk production, emergency caesarean, cracked nipples, nipple shields, pilates, Body beyond birth, abdominal separation, mixed feeding, pumping, virtual reality filming. If you'd like my FREE guide on perineal massage click If you'd like my FREE 5-minute breathing exercise click Follow us on Instagram to keep the conversation going. To learn more about The Birth Class my online childbirth education course head to the shop Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode, I interview Alex Tabet. Alex conceived her first daughter quite easily by tracking her ovulation and listening carefully to her body. During her pregnancy, Alex went six days over due. She admits thinking “how hard could labour be?” She woke at 330am with mild contractions She left for hospital at 930am when her contractions 3 minutes apart. She was calling everyone she new, was very vocal and felt less focused. Alex shares she felt like she resisted her contractions and didn’t work with her body in the way in which she did in her second labour. To hear how Alex went on to conceive her second daughter 3 years later and how she attended Hypnobirthing classes and achieved a much calmer birth. Topics Covered: moon cycles, ovulation awearness, breastfeeding, birth trauma, pregnancy insomnia, hypnobirth, Hypnobirthing Australia, gas and air, pethadine. If you'd like my FREE guide on perineal massage click If you'd like my FREE 5-minute breathing exercise click Follow us on Instagram to keep the conversation going. To learn more about The Birth Class my online childbirth education course head to the shop Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tulsi was trying for about 6 months to conceive Henry. After being on the pill for a long time it took a little while for her cycles to return to normal and regulate. Tusli was regularly testing each month but she feels as if she knew the moment after she had conceived Henry. During her pregnancy, Tulsi’s husband was offered a job in a small country town 700km west of Brisbane. The only facilities available was a small hospital that didn't offer epidurals or caesareans so she was focusing on having a natural drug free birth. At 39 plus 3, Tusli was very scared of needing to be induced and going overdue. She woke in the night to go to the toilet and as she was on the toilet her waters wet. Her husband shot out of bed, adrenaline pumping. They called the midwife who was going to need to go in and open the hospital, as she was the only staff member on duty. She told them to make their way in. Tulsi laughs as she remembers taking a long time deciding what to wear to the hospital. After her first contraction came Tusli’s contractions came on hard and fast. She labored most of the time leaning over a sink swaying with a heat pack on her back. At 7 am Tusli said she felt pressure and wanted to go to the toilet. The midwife thought it was very unlikely she would be ready to push as it was her first baby and she had only been in the hospital for 4 hours. Tulsi husband pleaded with the midwife to check her again and they were all surprised to find she was ready. She was 8cm and by 730am Henry was born. When Tusli was 40weeks plus 5 with her second baby Pippy, her son’s kinder called and said he was complaining of terrible stomach pains. She picked him up and took him straight to the hospital to get him checked over. Curled up in pain they made a number of checks and after two hours he suddenly went straight back to normal. As they packed up to head home Tusli’s made a quick stop to go to the toilet and her waters broke. She walked herself up the stairs to the maternity ward and began contracting with strong contractions with her son Henry still present. To hear how Pippi’s delivery went tune into this weeks episode. If you'd like my FREE guide on perineal massage click If you'd like my FREE 5-minute breathing exercise click Follow us on Instagram to keep the conversation going. To learn more about The Birth Class my online childbirth education course head to the shop Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Katrina went through the Cosmos program at the Royal Women’s Hospital in Melbourne for all three of her deliveries. Despite suffering severe nausea up until 14 weeks, Katrina found her first pregnancy was quite routine. On Katrina’s due date, she was woken up with period like cramping at 1 am. Katrina’s family found it quite amusing she would deliver on her due date because she is quite a pragmatic and organized person. She went on to labour at home with the support of her partner and her heavily pregnant sister. Katrina was quite unlucky as she was constantly vomiting throughout her labour. After labouring at home for most of the day, She made her way into the Royal Women’s Hospital with her support team. In triage, Katrina had a huge contraction and substantial vomit and then her babies heart rate dropped and her midwife became quite concerned that there was something worth monitoring. She was moved into the birthing suite and monitored. She had a mobile monitor on which allowed her to still move around the room. Despite envisaging an active delivery Katrina ended up pushing on the bed on her back with her sister holding one leg and her friend who was a midwife holding the other. After 30 minutes of pushing she delivered her daughter. Topics covered: postpartum bleed, COSMOS Midwifery Program, Royal Women’s Hospital, 2nd degree tear, TENS machine, water birth. If you'd like my FREE guide on perineal massage click If you'd like my FREE 5-minute breathing exercise click Follow us on Instagram to keep the conversation going. To learn more about The Birth Class my online childbirth education course head to the shop Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode I interview Amber. At 23 years of age, Amber started having hot flushes and she went to the doctors who said it was most probably a viral infection. It could be pre-menopause. A few weeks later Amber was continuing to get up to 20 hot flushes a day. The doctors ran blood tests her SFH levels were at 75 extremely high. The sent her to a gynecologist who found she had cysts on her ovaries then she started on Clomid for 6mths. In that 6mths she only ovulated once. The side effects - depressed and upset wanted to leave her partner. She came off Clomid and she started acupuncture. Her Acupuncturist was able to get Amber to ovulate once, however, she was then referred to Lynn Bermister the head specialist at Monash IVF. She went into to find her cysts had grown back and her eggs were no longer function. The first 2 IVF cycles she didn't produce any of her own follicles. After 6 mths of going back and forth, she decided to use her sister's eggs. Her sister underwent counseling and began taking hormones to help her ovulate and regulate her cycles. Her sister was 23 and passed all the intense counseling so they began the process. After the first failed IVF transfer using Amber’s sister’s donated egg, Amber took three months break from trying to regroup mentally and emotionally. The weekend of her sister’s egg collection was near Easter so she did an easter egg hunt around the house and it turned out Amber collected 13 chocolate easter eggs. To hear how Ambers pregnancy went and her delivery tune into this weeks episode. If you'd like my FREE guide on perineal massage click If you'd like my FREE 5-minute breathing exercise click Follow us on Instagram to keep the conversation going. To learn more about The Birth Class my online childbirth education course head to the shop Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s episode of the show I interview Elise Raquel. Elise takes us through her three vaginal births. Elise’s first daughter Peyton was born in a private hospital in Perth under the care of her private obstetrician. Elise did little birth preparation, however she knew she wanted to try for a natural drug-free delivery. At 37 weeks, Elise went in for an antenatal appointment and they discovered that her blood pressure was elevated. At this time the doctor began discussing the possibility of induction. Elise did everything she could to bring on labour naturally and she went into labour spontaneously at 38 weeks. After a long labour, Elise was given an epidural and she pushed out her daughter with the help of a vacuum delivery. Topics covered: flat nipples, posterior, nipple shield, gas and air, episiotomy, baby blues, jaundice, The Natural parent Facebook group, hypnosis, midwifery care, waterbirth, postpartum bleeding, tandem breastfeeding, trisomy13, Harmony testing, curb walking, nipple stimulation, natural induction method. If you'd like my FREE guide on perineal massage click If you'd like my FREE 5-minute breathing exercise click Follow us on Instagram to keep the conversation going. To learn more about The Birth Class my online childbirth education course head to the shop Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode, I interview Emma. At the age of 14, Emma was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease and she underwent surgery for a fistula. During this surgery, Emma was advised that if she was to go on and have a family in the future, it was most likely she would need to have a caesarean section. At 21 she had a bad a relapse of her Crohn’s Disease and she underwent a bowel resection and they removed 30cm of her small intestine. After several more repairs on her fistula, Emma was also diagnosed with an autoimmune arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis (AS). The AS effected her pelvis and spine making pregnancy more challenging however, it was ultimately the Crohn’s disease and her previous surgeries which meant she needed to have caesarean deliveries. After having two caesareans with the same obstetrician, in Emma’s third pregnancy she felt very emotional about the fact that she was going to have to have another caesarean section. What affected Emma the most was the fact that she had to have them delivered in this way due to her own health. Emma raised her concerns with her obstetrician during her third pregnancy, however she felt quite unheard by her obstetrician. She wasn’t getting the birth she was hoping for and she felt that the emotional component of her birth was not being acknowledged and supported. Four years after having her first child Emma decided to try and makes some changes in her fourth birth. Going with the same obstetrician but asking for changes. Emma asked for changes such as delayed cord clamping, an attempt to not use forceps in the delivery, the use of her own music in the delivery room and she had her husband videotaping the birth. After watching the video back Emma said she felt completely robbed and taken advantage of as her obstetrician hadn't made any of the changes she had requested. Forceps were used, the cord wasn't left to pulsate and what’s more, the obstetrician swore that he hated the song playing on Emma’s playlist whilst delivering their baby. For her fifth and final birth, Emma was not going to have the same obstetrician. To hear how Emma made a variety of changes to get the gentle caesarean she had dreamed of, tune into this Emma’s episode on the show. Topics covered: Crohn's Disease, Rheumatoid arthritis: ankylosing spondylitis, birth trauma, caesarean section, back labour, tongue tie, breastfeeding challenges, vaginal seeding, placenta encapsulation, birth plan. Today’s episode on the show is brought to you by . Pelvi specialise in the Mediball secret. The lovely team at are offering Australian Bith Stories listners 25% off with code BIRTH. All images on this page are by If you'd like my FREE guide on perineal massage click If you'd like my FREE 5-minute breathing exercise click Follow us on Instagram to keep the conversation going. To learn more about The Birth Class my online childbirth education course head to the shop Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode, I interview Eliza Curby. Eliza shares how she fell pregnant for the first time after being with her partner for just three months. Eliza and Ben were thrilled as they had wanted to start a family quickly. Despite not being covered for Private Hospital care in pregnancy, Eliza wanted to go to the hospital where her mother worked as a midwife. After a healthy pregnancy, Eliza began her labour at home and was 5cm dilated when she went to see her doctor. Things took a turn when her baby became distressed and Charlie was delivered by caesarean section. A few months after Charlie’s arrival Eliza discovered she was pregnant with twins. Although a complete surprise Eliza and her partner were overjoyed to hear they would be adding identical twin boys to their family. To hear the challenges of carrying twins and chasing another baby around tune into this weeks episode. Topics Included: Caesarean, Diastasis Symphysis Pubis, steroid injections, identical twins, reduced foetal moment, North Shore Private Hospital, jaundice, weaning, TENS machine, Rite Aid Hydrogel breast pads, Hypnobirthing. If you'd like my FREE guide on perineal massage click If you'd like my FREE 5-minute breathing exercise click Follow us on Instagram to keep the conversation going. To learn more about The Birth Class my online childbirth education course head to the shop Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode, I interview Beth Johnson. Beth shares her two pregnancies and births with us. Beth recalls her first pregnancy as beautiful and uneventful which resulted in a lovely water birth through the midwifery program at Sydney’s Royal Hospital for Women. Seven years after having her first daughter, Beth married her partner Jonathan and they conceived their second daughter on their honeymoon. Beth was terribly sick with ‘all day’ morning sickness. At 20 weeks when they went to have their routine ultrasound the doctors discovered some abnormalities in Marley’s facial structure. During this incredibly stressful time, Beth underwent countless ultrasounds. She also had an amniocentesis test administered which all failed to determine why her baby’s lower jaw seemed hard to detect in the scans. It wasn’t until Beth met with the midwife Kate Dwyer (who’s a Clinical Midwife Consultant High-Risk Pregnancy, Coordinator Midwifery Group Practice/Maternal-Fetal Medicine), at Sydney’s Royal Hospital for Women. Kate quickly diagnosed Beth’s baby girl with Piere Robin Sequence. To hear more about Piere Robin Sequence and how Beth’s high-risk pregnancy unfolded tune into this week's show. For more information on Piere Robin Sequence Topics covered: high-risk pregnancy, Piere Robin Sequence, Sydney’s Royal Children’s Hospital, nasal gastric tube (NG Tube), soft cleft palate, NICU, sleep apnoea, sleeping prone, reflux, amniocentesis. To connect with Beth Johnson through her Blog Modern Mother click here: Today’s episode is sponsor by Zoe Sage. is an online store for the modern busy mama; with health-conscious products that aim to help with everyday tasks and reduce stress. To see the full range of Zoe Sage products head over to The lovely team at Zoe Sage are offering all Australian Birth Stories Listeners 10% of the code AUSSIEBIRTH2018 If you'd like my FREE guide on perineal massage click If you'd like my FREE 5-minute breathing exercise click Follow us on Instagram to keep the conversation going. To learn more about The Birth Class my online childbirth education course head to the shop Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

37 | Karla Rose Two Birth Center Water Births In today’s episode, I interview Karla Rose. Karla shares her pregnancies and births with her daughter Mini and her son Ruko. At 42 weeks Karla woke at 1 am and her waters went as she went to the bathroom. Contractions began quite quickly after her waters broke and she made her way to the birth center. After an intense contraction at the center, she got into the bath while she was transitioning. Mini was born into the water and her husband Ben delivered her. When she was born they were cuddling Mini for nearly 40minutes before they thought to check to see the sex of the baby. To hear more about Karla’s pregnancy with her son Ru and his birth tune into the podcast episode here. Topics covered: birth center birth, Byron Bay, water birth, postpartum bleed, Mullumbimby, rupture of membranes prior to contractions, castor oil, Tweed hospital, retained placenta, breastfeeding, engorgement, nipple shields. Today’s episode is sponsored by The Hug App. is available nationally and free to download and use, The Hug App is a secure, private online community that connects parents, family members and friends in need of transport or care for their little ones: If you'd like my FREE guide on perineal massage click If you'd like my FREE 5-minute breathing exercise click Follow us on Instagram to keep the conversation going. To learn more about The Birth Class my online childbirth education course head to the shop Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode, I interview Rozalia Russian. Rozalia takes us through her pregnancy and birth with both Willow and Kingston. After a very happy and healthy pregnancy with Willow Rozalia went 10 days overdue and was induced to help start her labour. After labouring all day Roza was unable to get past 3cm so her obstetrician Guy Skinner advised an emergency caesarean was the best way forward. After Willow’s delivery Roza haemorrhaged and required a blood transfusion. To hear more about Willow’s birth and how gestational diabetes in Kingston’s pregnancy caught her by surprised tune into this weeks show. Topics cover: gestational diabetes, blood transfusion, haemorrhage elective caesarean, emergency caesarean, breastfeeding, young mum, St Vincents Private Hospital, Dr. Guy Skinner, mastitis. Todays episode is sponsored by Palmaira Sandals Australia is run by the gorgeous sister in law duo two sister-in-laws (Jenn & Gem).To check out the full range of these beautiful Avarca sandals head over to: If you'd like my FREE guide on perineal massage click If you'd like my FREE 5-minute breathing exercise click Follow us on Instagram to keep the conversation going. To learn more about The Birth Class my online childbirth education course head to the shop Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode, I interview Nat. Nat takes us through her home water birth. Nat’s story is quite unique in that she had a hind water leak at 40 weeks, however, her contractions did not start. She was originally under the care of the team midwives through the local birth center however they were unable to continue to be her care provider once she had gone past 72 hours without contractions. Nat decided to hire her own private midwife to have the waterbirth she had planned for at home. To hear Nat’s birth story in more detail please tune into this weeks episode. Topics included: hind water leak, water birth, private midwife, hemorrhage, retained placenta, nuchal cord, Tresillian, placenta encapsulation, cervical scar tissue, home birth. To connect with Nat's Doula service : This week’s sponsor is . The CocoonaBaby is a unique ergonomic baby mattress designed for newborns' daytime and nighttime optimal sleep. Thanks to its enveloping shape, babies lie in a reassuring semi-fetal position, promoting deep sleep by limiting the startle reflex. To find out more about the CocoonaBaby If you'd like my FREE guide on perineal massage click If you'd like my FREE 5-minute breathing exercise click Follow us on Instagram to keep the conversation going. To learn more about The Birth Class my online childbirth education course head to the shop Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode, I interview Adele Barbaro (The Real Mumma). Adele shares her struggles in falling pregnant with her first child Harvey. Adele suffers from endometriosis and had a procedure to remove scar tissue to help create a more favorable environment for an embryonic transfer through IVF. Adele’s labour failed to progress despite induction medication being given and she delivered Harvey via a caesarean section. Adele went on to conceive Chloe naturally to her and Paul’s great surprise. Adele wanted to try for a VBAC with Chloe and she shares that although she was able to have the VBAC she had wished for she suffered a clitoral tear from her vaginal delivery. She recalls talking to her doctor a few weeks after Chloe’s delivery and saying she wishes she had just booked in for another cesarean. To hear more of Adele’s story tune in this week's show. Topics covered: IVF, low amniotic fluid, induction, caesarean section, vaginal birth after caesarean VBAC, clitoral tear, prodromal labour, vacuum delivery, hind water leak, general anesthetic, expressed colostrum, endometriosis. If you'd like my FREE guide on perineal massage click If you'd like my FREE 5-minute breathing exercise click Follow us on Instagram to keep the conversation going. To learn more about The Birth Class my online childbirth education course head to the shop Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode, I interview Paralympian, Diversity and Disability Activist, author and mother of two Jessica Smith. Jessica shares her births with both Ayla and Reza. She takes us through the struggles with suffering severe morning sickness, (hyperemesis gravidarum) low iron and anxiety surrounding labour. Jessica also touches on how she felt about her changing body and body image after suffering from eating disorders for many years. Jessica was living in Perth when she fell pregnant with Ayla. Expecting to be met with fertility challenges due to battling eating disorders in her past, Jessica was thrilled to conceive easily in her first month of trying. Unfortunately, she immediately began to suffer from hyperemesis gravidarum. Jessica wasn't able to keep anything down including water. Under the careful watch of her obstetrician, Jessica later needed an iron transfusion. Thanfully by 17 weeks the morning sickness passed. Jessica felt very fearful about the delivery of Ayla and was quite sure she would like an epidural on the day. During the lead up she was also quite concerned about logistically how she would manage the baby with one hand. For example, she was concerned about day to day managing of tasks where she would be holding the baby and wouldn’t have a free hand to pick up car keys if she dropped them or if she was breastfeeding in public and wanted to cover herself with a wrap, she wouldn't have a free hand to assist herself. To hear Ayla's birth story, Jessica’s devastating miscarriage after Ayla, and her pregnancy journey and birth with Reza listen now. Topics included: hyperemesis gravidarum, bulimia, low iron, Epworth Freemason’s Hospital, miscarriage, epidural, anxiety, natural birth. Little Miss Jessica Goes to School by Jessica Smith Today’s sponsor is . to check out Mama Maya’s full range of beautiful organic swaddles head over to If you'd like my FREE guide on perineal massage click If you'd like my FREE 5-minute breathing exercise click Follow us on Instagram to keep the conversation going. To learn more about The Birth Class my online childbirth education course head to the shop Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Today’s episode, I interview Marcia Leone from the Not So Mumsy blog. Marcia takes us through her two pregnancies and births with both Archie and Poppy. Marcia also discusses the two difficult miscarriages she had in between having Archie and Poppy and discusses the challenges of having unexpected secondary infertility. After undergoing a cleanse with her Naturopath, Marcia was able to regulate her cycles and fall pregnant quite quickly with Archie. Marcia took a weekend couples Calmbirth course to prepare for the labour which she felt really helped to ease her anxiety and get her ready for labour. At 39 weeks and 5 days, Marcia got up in the night to discover she lost her mucus plug after some light cramping. As she had tested positive to group B Step, her obstetrician recommended she come in to begin her antibiotic treatment. After having her waters broken to help progress her labour, Marcia went on to have an induction, epidural and episiotomy to assist the delivery of little Archie. Several hours after delivery the midwives were monitoring Archie whilst Marcia had a rest and they noticed he had spewed up some bright green bile. Archie was immediately taken away for surgery to have his malrotated bowel corrected. This was a completely unexpected condition and left Marcia and her partner shell-shocked. After one intensive month in the hospital, Archie was discharged. Marcia pumped around the clock during this time and established a fantastic supply. She was able to go on to have a successful breastfeeding relationship with Archie despite his severe reflux. To hear how it took several years, two miscarriages, a terrible bout of Dengue Fever and a round of IVF to conceive Poppy, tune in to Marcia’s interview. Topics included: PCOS, Hypnosis, Calmbirth, IVF, Spontaneous miscarriage, DNC, induction, epidural, Group B Strep, malrotated bowel, NICU, Special Care Nursery, secondary infertility, Dengue Fever. To connect with Marcia and her blog and label, Not So Mumsy click here Today’s episode is sponsored by . LEGOE is kindly offering you all 10% off with the code ABSxLEGOE this offer is until 12th December so be quick. To see their full range go to . To go into the draw to with a Body Ice Woman Maternity Pack please join the Australian Birth Stories newsletter here: Image: The First Hello If you'd like my FREE guide on perineal massage click If you'd like my FREE 5-minute breathing exercise click Follow us on Instagram to keep the conversation going. To learn more about The Birth Class my online childbirth education course head to the shop Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.