Australian Birth Stories

In episode 532 Lila shares her three distinctly different birth experiences, from a hospital induction to a dramatic roadside almost-birth, and finally achieving her dream homebirth. Her story takes an unexpected turn when her third baby is diagnosed with a rare condition Hirschsprung disease. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today's episode Naomi takes us through her first pregnancy and admits that she was so focussed on her birth preparation that she didn't once think about her postpartum journey. Her birth was challenging and the newborn days were full of anxiety, severe sleep deprivation and a lot of not-knowing. Four months later she learnt about traditional postpartum care which inspired her to become a postpartum doula. Her knowledge and experience informed her next pregnancy and birth; she opted for an independent midwife and a doula, planned a homebirth, filled her freezer with nutrient-dense food and employed a postpartum doula to mother her as she mothered her baby. Naomi is wise, warm and a wonderful source of information for anyone who is pregnant and hoping to plan and prepare for postpartum. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we welcome Taylah Tudehope-Glachan who shares her extraordinary journey of conceiving and birthing quadruplets. Taylah and her husband Sean's path to parenthood was complicated by PCOS diagnosed at age 21 and she later discovered she also suffers from stage four endometriosis. ___ To learn more about The Birth Class and all our other fabulous courses, head to the shop here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Tayla shares her empowering journey to motherhood, culminating in an unexpected but beautiful home birth. Her story highlights the power of preparation, surrender, and trusting your body's innate wisdom. ____ To learn more about The Birth Class and all our other fabulous courses, head to the shop here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we welcome Elizabeth back to share her second birth story. You can listen to her first birth experience in episode 427. Elizabeth lives in Brisbane with her husband Lindsay and their two children - Margaret (2) and Wesley (4 months).____ The empowering, evidence-based online birth education programs that will help you confidently prepare for your best birth possible are now 20% off until February 28th 2025! To learn more about The Birth Class and all our other fabulous courses, head to the shop here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we welcome Hanna, who shares her journey through pregnancy, birth, and a particularly challenging postpartum period complicated by autoimmune disease. Originally from Poland and now living on the Bellarine Peninsula with her husband Zach and their seven-month-old daughter Runo, Hanna's story highlights the complex intersection of chronic illness and new motherhood. Download our FREE guide on perineal massage here. 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 here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Paige shares her incredibly positive first birth experience. If you are new to the podcast or feel like you want an encouraging story to inspire you, this is it. After conceiving easily, she started listening to the podcast and knew she wanted a continuity model of care. She contacted Canterbury Antenatal and Postnatal Services (CAPS) and was accepted into their programme. From there she listened to @the.birth.class on repeat and armed herself with knowledge and skills. Her labour started spontaneously and she stayed home till her waters broke. As she says: “Knowledge is power and the more you understand your options, feel like you can make choices and know that you're involved in the process, the more confident you'll be.”  Check out our FREE guide on perineal massage here. 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 here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today's episode, Cassie shares her profound journey into motherhood as an early years teacher who experienced three births and navigated postnatal anxiety. After carefully planning their family with husband James, they welcomed three daughters - Nara (6) and identical twins (5) - through experiences that would challenge and transform her understanding of mental health and motherhood. Connect with us on Instagram for more birth stories and heaps more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today's episode, we welcome Kristy back to share her second birth story. You can hear her fist birth experience in episode 373.  After having her first son Kylo, Kristy and her fiancé Clint experienced a miscarriage before conceiving their daughter Ren. At their 20-week scan, they received the news that their baby had Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA), meaning she would need open-heart surgery within the first week of life. Today's episode is proudly brought to Welcome to the First Trimester — an online course that will guide you through these next few months and provide the comfort you need. I have gathered a range of perinatal specialists who each share their tips, advice and knowledge on a variety of topics including: Your GP visit Choosing a care provider and student midwife Early pregnancy nutrition and supplements Mental health Physical changes and concerns Learn more here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Heather lives just outside Mareeba in Far North Queensland with her husband Jack and their 15-week-old daughter Paige. After being diagnosed with PCOS, Heather's journey to conception took 15 months, involving lifestyle changes and medication to help regulate her cycles. _________ Sleep more comfortably with Sleepybelly, the breakthrough pregnancy pillow that supports your belly and back to prevent back sleeping and ensure restful nights.  Get $10 off with our code ABS10 - Learn More Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today's episode I interview Steph Claire Smith who was first diagnosed with PCOS at the age of 21. She managed to regulate her menstrual cycles by focusing on health, wellness and regular acupuncture treatments and years later, fell pregnant easily. She timed her exhausting first trimester with stage four lockdown in Melbourne and sailed through the rest of her pregnancy, choosing to practise gratitude for all she experienced, despite the inevitable discomfort and challenges that arose in the third trimester. Steph admits that well-meaning messages from friends and followers regarding natural methods for induction definitely affected her mental health and she subsequently chose to be induced at 41 weeks. Check out our FREE guide on perineal massage here. 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 here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we are re-releasing one of our most popular episodes back from 2020, so there's a chance you haven't heard it yet! In this episode I chat to Oceane, a midwife and mother of three who so generously shares the beautiful, intricate details of her two homebirths. She also tells the story of her wife's birth and the journey they have taken to become parents with donor sperm and IVF, the logic involved in deciding who will be pregnant and the joy of breastfeeding at the same time. Oceane's story is inspiring, informative and heartwarming and the video of baby Emmeline's arrival captures the euphoria of supported and trusted family-centred birth.  Check out our FREE guide on perineal massage here. 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 here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we meet Monica, a registered nurse at the Children's Hospital of Westmead with a deep passion for paediatrics. She shares her journey through two very different births, highlighting how even the most carefully laid birth plans sometimes need to change. Her story beautifully illustrates the delicate balance between pursuing natural birth preferences and responding to medical necessities when they arise. Connect with us on Instagram for more birth stories and heaps more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sam shares her journey through early pregnancy losses to becoming a mother of three beautiful children. Living in the Tweed region on the NSW/QLD border with her husband Scott, Sam opens up about navigating pregnancy after loss, birthing “big” babies, and finding her voice to advocate for her birth preferences. For more photos and birth stories, follow us on Instagram here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, interior designer and mother of two Bec shares her contrasting birth experiences at Sandringham Hospital in Melbourne. Her journey to motherhood began after marriage, taking six to eight months to conceive Ava. "I was one of those people testing like five days before you can test and just thinking I was pregnant every time," Bec recalls of this period. They welcomed a puppy during this time, which she reflects may have added to the journey: "I think that caused like it was a bit stressful, of course, getting a new puppy. So I think that's also part of it. Once we kind of settled into having little Archie, then it kind of happened after that."For more photos and birth stories, follow us on Instagram here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this weeks episode I speak with Sophie Delezio, whose story of survival and resilience has long captured Australian hearts. Now embarking on a new chapter as mother to 10-week-old Frankie, Sophie shares her journey through pregnancy and birth, offering insights into navigating motherhood with a disability while challenging common misconceptions._____ Parenting is a journey full of challenges, especially when it comes to sleep! That's why iL Tutto is here to help. From the award-winning CoZee Co-sleeping Bassinet, designed for safe and snug co-sleeping, to the Grow Kindly natural fibre sleepwear, crafted to keep your little ones comfy and cosy, iL Tutto has thought of everything. And when it's time to transition from newborn to toddler, their Cots with matching Chests make that step a breeze with smart storage and versatile & stylish designs. As a special gift for ABS listeners, iL Tutto is offering 20% off their entire range ahead of their Boxing Day sale. That's right, ABS listeners can beat everyone to a great deal across their range of 5-star review Nursery Chairs, award-winning CoZee Co-Sleepers, Cots and Sleepwear before everyone else. This discount code is only valid from now until Monday, December 23 shop early and save! If you miss the date, fear not, their Boxing Day sale runs from December 23 to January 5th. Visit iltutto.com.au and use the code SLEEP20 at checkout. Because better sleep isn't just for your baby—it's for you, too! Discount code can't be used once the Boxing Day sale commences. Cannot be used on discounted items. iL Tutto : Growing together, every step of the way, in style. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we meet Josie, a qualified teacher living in the Albury-Wodonga region who shares her journey to motherhood and her two unique birth experiences. Her story highlights the complexities of navigating healthcare across state borders and the resilience required through pregnancy loss, renovation chaos, and building a family.__________ It's no surprise that restful sleep is hard to come by pregnancy. Pillows are a great way to get comfortable at night and if you find one that prevents back sleeping, it can takeaway the stress of waking up on your back. That's why I recommend the Sleepybelly pregnancy pillow. Sleepybelly is the original three-piece adjustable maternity pillow designed to provide peace of mind by encouraging safe side sleeping or while giving your belly some much needed relief. Sleepybelly don't normally discount their products, but they have provided a $10 off promo code for Australian Birth Stories listeners. You can purchase a Sleepybelly today at sleepybelly.com.au and use the promo code ABS10 for your $10 off - sweet dreams! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we speak with Alysha, a psychologist and PhD candidate whose research into traumatic birth and mother-infant relationships stems from her own profound experiences. As both a mental health professional and mother of two boys, her story offers unique insights into the complexities of birth trauma and its lasting impact on early bonding. For more photos and birth stories, follow us on Instagram here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s such a pleasure to welcome Stacey back onto the show. You can listen to her first birth in episode 181. Today, she shares the journey to conceiving her second child. It is a story of profound resilience through multiple losses, IVF challenges, and eventually, a beautiful home birth. After experiencing a relatively straightforward path to conceiving her first son Bryn through IUI, Stacey opens up about the unexpected three-and-a-half-year journey to welcome her rainbow baby, Sunny. __________________ Looking for an engaging and educational way to entertain your little one? You need to check out Kiwi Co. Kiwi.Co offer bi-monthly subscription boxes designed for babies ages 0 right up to teens. Offering open-ended, research-backed projects that encourage curiosity and hands-on play. Each crate is packed with high-quality, safe activities that help build essential skills while creating special bonding moments. With projects designed for repeat use, KiwiCo provides a wonderful alternative to screen time and makes learning fun for you and your child. KiwiCo offers five different clubs covering science, engineering, art, and math, making it easy to find a subscription tailored to your child’s age and interests. With no commitment required, you can pause or cancel anytime. For a limited time, get up to 50% off your first crate by using promo code BIRTHSTORIES at KiwiCo.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this beautiful episode, Chloe Grayling @lovechloejane shares her journey into motherhood, from an emotional year of trying to conceive to achieving a beautiful and empowering home water birth. Living in a 140-year-old cottage on South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula with her husband Patrick and their menagerie of animals (including Highland cows!), Chloe opens up about how her experience with early pregnancy losses shaped her approach to pregnancy and birth preparation. Today's episode is brought to you by our empowering, evidence based online birth education program that will help you confidently prepare for a positive birth experience - The Birth Class. Featuring 10 audio lessons with perinatal health specialists, you can listen from the comfort of your home when you’re relaxed and receptive to new information. The Birth Class is a conversation starter between you and your birth partner that informs, encourages and empowers you to journey towards labour with knowledge and confidence. Learn More and check out our 5-star testimonials and reviews here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode, Hashini takes us through her two very different births and the medical journey that followed with her second son. After experiencing a very straightforward first pregnancy, Hashini opens up about the emotional complexity of trying to conceive her second baby. Her second son’s pregnancy brought unexpected challenges when at his 20-week scan it was revealed that he had hydronephrosis.______________ Get ready for the ultimate shopping event of the season! This Black Friday Cyber Monday, ergoPouch (the beloved sleepwear brand) is thrilled to offer an exclusive 30% off sitewide* sale. In case you are not familiar with ergoPouch, they are a premium sleepwear brand from Australia that uses certified organic cotton and natural fibres to create TOG-rated sleepwear and sleep solutions for newborns up to six years of age. At Australian BirthStories, we love ergoPouch because they simplify how to safely dress your child for sleep with their ultra-handy What to Wear guide thermometer, which is precisely what tired parents need. Don't miss your chance to save 30% off* sitewide! Whether filling your nursery with ergo sleep-drobe essentials or looking for the perfect gift for a friend, relative (or yourself), ergoPouch has you and your little ones covered for safe sleep. You can purchase the NEW Blobs, Heritage & Pouch Tales Collection, Sleep Tools and-so-much more exclusively online through ergoPouch’s website: ergopouch.com.au. Happy Cyber Shopping! T&Cs apply. Ends 11.59 AEST. 2/12/24 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today I'm joined by Maddie who lives in Queensland with her husband Nicholas and their three beautiful boys - Oscar (who they affectionately call Ozzy) and five-month-old twins, Angus and Archie. In this episode, Maddie shares her remarkable journey from a traumatic emergency cesarean with her first son to achieving a successful twin VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean). She opens up about navigating a challenging first pregnancy while working in the Northern Territory away from her husband, dealing with high blood pressure, and experiencing a car accident at 28 weeks that led to a partial placental abruption. ------------- Looking for an engaging and educational way to entertain your little one? You need to check out Kiwi Co. Kiwi.Co offer bi-monthly subscription boxes designed for babies ages 0 right up to teens. Offering open-ended, research-backed projects that encourage curiosity and hands-on play. Each crate is packed with high-quality, safe activities that help build essential skills while creating special bonding moments. With projects designed for repeat use, KiwiCo provides a wonderful alternative to screen time and makes learning fun for you and your child. KiwiCo offers five different clubs covering science, engineering, art, and math, making it easy to find a subscription tailored to your child’s age and interests. With no commitment required, you can pause or cancel anytime. For a limited time, get up to 50% off your first crate by using promo code BIRTHSTORIES at KiwiCo.com. Give KiwiCo’s Panda Crate a try and inspire your little one’s creativity, confidence, and love for learning. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s Perinatal Mental Health Week and in this episode, I chat with Julie Birkendorf, the CEO of PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia). One in five new mums, and one in 10 new dads will experience a mental health challenge in postpartum so conversations like this one are vital to raising awareness and minimising stigma. Julie nods to the importance of realistic expectations in parenthood and explains how important it is to pay attention to any new symptom or feeling and reach out for support without delay. If you’re pregnant or in postpartum, you’ll feel comforted by this conversation. It’s also always nice to know that if you need someone to talk to, they’re only a phone call away._________________ If you’ve been eyeing a beautiful nursery update, now is the time to make it happen!We’ve partnered with iL Tutto for an exclusive Black Friday offer for our AustralianBirth Stories listeners. Starting now, you can access a pre-sale 20% off iL Tutto's luxurious TrendCollection—including their iconic Electric Nursery Chairs in super-stylish TeddyFleece fabric. These are the same cosy, premium chairs loved by none other thaninfluencer Sarah’s Day! Just use the code Presale20 at checkout, but act fast—theoffer ends 11:59 PM on Tuesday, November 19th. And here’s the kicker: If you’re looking at something beyond their Trend Collection, iLTutto’s full Black Friday sale kicks off on Wednesday, November 20th, with savingsof up to 40% off across their entire nursery range! We’re talking chairs, cots, chests,CoZee Co-Sleeping Bassinets, and even natural fibre Grow Kindly baby sleepwear.This sale ends on Sunday, December 1st. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode Sonja takes us through her two pregnancies and births but also talks at length about her pelvic pain. She’s been diagnosed with pelvic congestion syndrome which was exacerbated after birth and especially when her menstrual cycle returned. Her symptoms were very similar to a prolapse - a heaviness and dragging sensation in her rectum - but she also experiences sharp, debilitating pain that can last for up to an hour and significantly affects her day to day life. She is planning for a laparoscopy to investigate endometriosis and talks about the importance of specialist care and the comfort she finds in the stories of other women. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s such a pleasure to welcome Heidi back onto the show. You can listen to Heidi’s first two births in episode 126. Today, she shares the journey of her third pregnancy and birth, offering a unique perspective as a nutritionist and dietitian. Heidi opens up about the long road to conceiving her son, Philip, emphasising how important it was for her to feel both emotionally and physically prepared to welcome a new life into her family. We’re celebrating Spring with a spring time sale! Enjoy 20% off our online courses: The Birth Class was $249 now $199 The Birth Bundle was $349 now $279 Discovering Motherhood was $119 now $95 Welcome to the First Trimester was $67 now $53 Just use code ‘SPRING24‘ at checkout. Hurry – this offer is only valid until 31 October 2024. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You can listen to Beth’s first birth story in episode 254 and today she shares her second pregnancy and birth story - from the perspective of a midwife and a mother. After moving interstate, Beth had two hospitals to choose from and halfway through her pregnancy, intuition dictated she change from one to the other. While she had beautiful care through the midwifery clinic, she talks about the consistent conversations about her ‘big baby’ and she takes us through the process of trusting herself, tuning out of doubtful comments and declining suggestions for growth scans and induction. Her labour was a mental game and Beth details it beautifully, especially the mother/midwife tussle and the profound difference a reassuring, trusting care provider can make to labour progression and a woman-centred birth._________ We’re celebrating Spring with a spring time sale! Enjoy 20% off our online courses for a limited time. The Birth Class was $249 now $199 The Birth Bundle was $349 now $279 Discovering Motherhood was $119 now $95 Welcome to the First Trimester was $67 now $53 Just use code 'SPRING24' at checkout. Hurry - this offer is only valid until 31 October 2024. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sometimes we hear so much about birth - all kinds of births - that we can forget it is a normal, biological process. In today’s episode, Emily’s experience reiterates the ease of physiological birth - both at home with a single baby, and in hospital with twins. She is honest from the get-go when she admits that she wasn’t even sure she wanted to be a parent but we follow her journey of acceptance, the grief of misscarriage, the trust in her body and the preparation she did to lean into her intuition and birth all three babies with a profound sense of faith in her breath and body. If you’re currently in a period of doubt and fear (both very normal experiences in pregnancy), you’ll find so much comfort in this episode. ______ What makes The Birth Class so unique? Instead of learning from one person with one perspective, we’ve gathered nine perinatal health specialists to take you through everything you need to know about labour and birth. Evidence based information is key to thorough preparation. In The Birth Class you’ll learn from:5 midwives and an obstetrician, a women’s health physiotherapist, yoga teacher and birth doula.Listen in your own time and as many times as you like so you understand: the process of labour and the hormones involved the benefits and risks of interventions your pain-relief options what happens in an emergency caesarean what to expect in the hours after birth active preparation for a VBAC Plus, you’ll be taught practical birth skills that will help you navigate the twists and turns of labour. The Birth Class is accessible birth education that’s both conversational and wise. Best of all, it will start a conversation with you and your support person so you can both feel prepared and confident to make informed choices; the foundation of a positive birth experience. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode Maude takes us through her two pregnancies and births. She moved interstate in her first pregnancy, registered with her local public hospital and had a planned caesarean because her baby was breech. She talks at length about her positive birth experience and the challenges of breastfeeding and being a stay at home mum. When she fell pregnant with her second baby, she accessed psychological support to assist with the transition from one to two babies and it really set her up for a smooth pregnancy. She knew she wanted a VBAC so she takes us through what she did to prepare and how the birth unfolded. ___________ New Beginnings is an Australian maternity brand dedicated to quality and care, offering thoughtfully designed products that cater to the unique challenges of motherhood and supporting mothers at every step of the journey - from pregnancy to postpartum and beyond. Tried, tested, and loved by mums, New Beginnings offers a comprehensive range of essentials and is now expanding its range with some new and exciting products to deliver a complete solution for mums. New Beginnings is offering 15% off for Australian Birth Stories listeners. You can purchase any of their maternity essentials today at newbeginnings.com.au using the promo code ABS15 for 15% off. You can also find New Beginnings at Baby Bunting, Chemist Warehouse, and other local pharmacies and baby stores. Embrace the beautiful journey of motherhood with New Beginnings. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today's episode, Genevieve shares her first pregnancy and birth and details her postpartum joys and challenges. She embraced her ‘goddess energy’ in her second trimester but by the third trimester, she really felt the physical limitations of carrying a big baby and only being quite small herself. Her waters broke at home and once she arrived at hospital she was hooked up to syntocinon which is when her contractions intensified so significantly that she requested an epidural. It was only once she’d been discharged and was reading her notes that she discovered she’d had an episiotomy and a postpartum haemorrhage and she talks about how this made her feel. ___________ If you’re pregnant, we encourage you to start thinking about your birth recovery now. You need more support in the fourth trimester (the 12 weeks after birth) than you do in pregnancy which can be surprising to many new mothers. It’s for this reason that Bare Mum began and now they offer a beautiful collection of practical and supportive products to assist your postpartum healing. All new mums need lower back, abdominal and pelvic floor support after birth. Bare Mum’s Postpartum Briefs gently hold you in the first days and weeks, helping you feel confident. Endorsed by the Australian College of Midwives and the Australian Physiotherapy Association, they offer a unique pocket design so you can insert a warm or cold pack to offer soothing relief and assist with caesarean wound or perineal healing. Ideal for caesarean and vaginal birth recovery, Bare Mum Postpartum Briefs are soft, stretchy, and supportive, offering you essential post-birth care. They’re a must-have for your hospital bag.Bare Mum is offering you 15% off storewide with the discount code ABS2024 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At her first dating scan, Bron found out she was pregnant with triplets; one singleton, and MCDA twins who shared a placenta. A few weeks later she attended her first appointment with the head doctor of the specialist multiple birth team, who outlined the risks and complications of her pregnancy and suggested selective reduction of the twins. Bron and her husband, Ryan, were completely blindsided by the pessimistic perspective of the doctor but their overwhelm soon turned to grief when an ultrasound showed the twins had already died. Bron takes us through the remainder of her pregnancy, the coexistence of grief and joy, and her positive induction. ________ iL Tutto understands that creating the perfect sleep environment for your baby is essential for their comfort, safety and your peace of mind. That’s why they offer a broad range of high-quality products designed to meet all your baby sleep needs from rocking to calm and comfort your baby with their signature and award-winning Nursery Chairs, their range of CoZee Co-Sleeping Bassinets and the ZiZee Bassinet. You can experience the joy of safe co-sleeping with their versatile CoZee Co-Sleeping bassinets. They’re designed to keep your baby close while ensuring they have their own safe sleep space. To be able to reach out and pick your baby up for those middle of the night feeds without leaving your bed will be a game-changer. Style your CoZee with iL Tutto’s Grow Kindly’s natural fibre and sustainable sleepwear. Made from eco-friendly materials, Grow Kindly sleepwear including bassinet & cot fitted sheets, Swaddles and Sleepings Bag ensures a gentle touch on your baby's delicate skin while also caring for the environment Use code ‘newbornsleep20’ for 20% off their entire range, applying to all full priced items on iltutto.com.au. Code expires 11:59pm 26 October 2024. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is a really lovely episode, where Agustina shares her two pregnancies and births, alongside her experiences as a Canadian living far away from her family. She opted for private obstetric care because she wanted extended follow-up care in the days after birth. She stayed really active in pregnancy, moved with the contractions and laboured relatively quickly, birthing both her babies with ease. Breastfeeding was a different story and if you’ve ever wondered exactly how profound and helpful a one-on-one session with a lactation consultant is, listen to Agustina’s experience - it speaks volumes! --------------------- Hilary Walker documents people and places with an informal documentary style, capturing mood and authenticity. Once a month she shoots maternity, newborn and family mini sessions in her cosy bedroom style studio in Brunswick East at affordable rates. Sessions are 20 minutes and they are a breeze. The result is a collection of beautiful images capturing your family as they are in that moment. Hilary also offers shoots at home and around people’s neighbourhoods and she loves documenting families in their natural habitat. She’s really good at making people feel comfortable and bringing out the best in everyone. I should let you know that Hilary is my sister, so she’s paying me to say all this. But if you don’t believe me, you can take a look at her work at www.hilarywalker.com.au and let her pictures speak for themselves. I have been lucky to have Hilary photographing our family all through my kids lives, but I also choose to have her photograph me for my business too. Most of the images you see of me throughout ABS have been taken by Hilary. She shoots portraits, still life, product, interiors and architecture too. Check out her website and see how you could make use of her skills! www.hilarywalker.com.au She’s offering listeners 15% off for those that make a booking for a shoot at home before the 30th of November 2024, just use the code ABS15 at checkout. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you need to hear a positive NICU breastfeeding story, this is it! Sarah shares her experience with premature prelabour rupture of membranes (PPROM) and the NICU journey that followed the birth of her baby at 32 weeks. She started antenatal expressing in labour and continued hand-expressing in the days after before switching to a hospital-grade pump. She had plenty of milk, triple-fed and used a nipple-shield alongside navigating an oversupply (she could pump 400ml in a single session!). She saw a variety of lactation consultants in the first few months and emphasises how important it is to find the right person for you who also has the right level of expertise for your situation. ___________ Today’s episode is brought to you by Kiwi.co. I must confess I’m not much of a crafty mum but Kiwi Co’s panda crate has been the best educational investment for Ottie. KiwiCo Panda Crate is a bimonthly subscription for babies ages 0-24 months. We receive a subscription box filled with playful, open-ended activities backed by research and designed especially for naturally curious and creative babies and toddlers. KiwiCo Panda Crate products are not only safe and of high quality, but also age-appropriate and supportive of your baby’s growth. I’m a big fan of quality activities that create the opportunity for play-based learning and Kiwi Co delivers hands-on projects that get the whole family involved. Whether you have a brand-new baby or a trailblazing toddler, the Panda Crate is perfect for your little one’s developing brain. Unlock brain-building play with KiwiCo Panda Crate! Get 20% off your first crate with code BIRTHSTORIES Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to the show for Episode 500. This one's a little bit different.I'm not interviewing anyone today, I thought I would instead recap the last few years and share with you a little bit more about the journey. Whether you're here for the first time, or you've been here since the beginning over 7 years ago, thank you for listening. I look forward to continuing to bring you birth stories for another 7 years and beyond. Want to celebrate with us? Please leave the show a rating or review in your podcast app, it means so much to me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today Roisin shares her journey of infertility, IVF experience and her two births - both emergency caesareans. When she fell pregnant with her son, she knew she wanted MGP care in the public system after hearing so many wonderful things about it on the podcast. She intended to have a low-intervention birth but as soon as she was diagnosed with gestational hypertension which escalated to preeclampsia in her third trimester, she accepted that an induction was likely. ____________ Today’s episode of the show is brought to you by my online childbirth education course, The Birth Class. What makes The Birth Class so unique? Well, instead of learning from one person with one perspective, we’ve gathered nine perinatal health specialists to take you through everything you need to know about labor and birth. Realistic information is key to thorough preparation. Learn more here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Katelyn’s first birth was relatively quick - a low-intervention vaginal birth in a private hospital. When she discovered she was pregnant again, she booked in with the same obstetrician but at her eight week scan, she found out she was pregnant with twins, and her obstetrician refused to support a vaginal birth. So began Katelyn’s informed pregnancy and birth journey, which led to changing care providers at 25 weeks. She takes us through this experience - the fear and doubt - but mostly the thorough understanding of twin birth, the faith she had in her own body and her determination to birth intuitively. She also discusses her challenging breastfeeding experiences in detail and really highlights the importance of having a lactation consultant by your side. This is a brilliant episode that’s both informative and empowering. __________ Today’s episode is brought to you by Bliss Birth. Bliss Birth is founded on the belief that women’s bodies are incredible things, and that when it’s safe, choosing natural options makes for the best outcomes for mums and babies. That’s why Ariel has developed a range of products to support your natural birth experience. Introducing the most advanced natural pain management device for labour available in Australia – The Elle TENS Plus. TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation and it is the ultimate birth tool as it maximizes your body’s natural pain-fighting abilities. Bliss Birth offer both 4 and 8 week hire periods, Pre-addressed, prepaid return (No printer needed). The ‘Mama Bag’ valued at $10.95 is yours to keep! You can enjoy 10% off Bliss Birth with the code ABS24. Head over to BlissBirth.com.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s heartfelt episode, Erika shares her challenging and inspiring journey into motherhood with her two little boys. Erika opens up about conceiving after a short period of trying, only to face the heartbreaking loss of her first pregnancy due to a missed miscarriage at 10 weeks. She candidly shares her emotional and physical experiences of conceiving again after this loss. During her second pregnancy at 35 weeks and 2 days, shortly after her baby shower, Erika started to feel unwell. She had been experiencing uncomfortable swelling of her feet and felt generally off and uncomfortable. With just eight days left of work, she decided to go in, but as the sharp pain under her ribs continued, she left work to get checked at the hospital. Erika had developed pre-eclampsia and HELLP syndrome and had an emergency caesarean to deliver Lauchlan that day. During her third pregnancy, Erika encountered another significant health scare when she contracted the Cytomegalovirus (CMV) during the first trimester. Erika’s doctor prescribed a course of antiretrovirals to help prevent the spread of the virus to her unborn baby. Thankfully, the treatment was successful, and the virus did not spread. Today’s episode of the show is brought to you by my online childbirth education course, The Birth Class. What makes The Birth Class so unique? Well, instead of learning from one person with one perspective, we’ve gathered nine perinatal health specialists to take you through everything you need to know about labour and birth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode, Tanya takes us through her four birth experiences. Her first two babies are now teenagers and her second two are very little, so she speaks from the perspective of a mother in her 20s and her 40s and comments on how the maternity system has changed over the years to ultimately become more risk-averse. She conceived via IVF for her third baby and after two previous vaginal births, had a planned caesarean because of breech positioning. Two years later she conceived naturally, a little boy named Ollie who had a life-limiting health diagnosis and was terminated for medical reasons. Tanya speaks openly about that experience and the trust she found in her intuition. She says her heart was ready for one more baby so after another IVF conception and a healthy pregnancy, she achieved an incredible VBAC; empowered by knowledge and supported by her private obstetrician. -------------- Today’s episode is brought to you by an Australian brand I really love, The Sleepybelly Pregnancy Pillow. Worried about rolling onto your back during the night? Or maybe you’re tired from tossing and turning? Experience a deeper and more restful sleep for mum and bub with Sleepybelly. The Sleepybelly is a three piece, adjustable pregnancy pillow designed to encourage safe side sleeping. Made from a super soft, air layer outer material and premium latex internally provides great support for your belly and back. Sleepybelly is Australian owned, has free shipping and comes with a 30-night trial.Take $10 off using the Australian Birthing Stories exclusive promo code ABS10 You can purchase the Sleepybelly online today at sleepybelly.com.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sarah has a family history of breast cancer and is very aware of the protective benefits of breastfeeding so she was determined to persist despite the challenges. She only realised she had flat nipples after the birth of her first baby so she used nipple shields for four months and fed without them for an extra 11 months. Her second baby was born with a tongue tie which has led to a slew of challenges including a shallow, painful latch subsequently causing cracked nipples and three rounds of mastitis. She talks about the difficulty in accessing consistent lactation support and the expert care of Dr Nicole Gale at Juno Specialists who released her baby’s tongue tie. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You can listen to Andrea’s birth stories in episode 312 and today, she shares her incredibly informed story about breastfeeding hypoplasia, also known as Insufficient Glandular Tissue (IGT). As she says, it’s a story about what happens when breastfeeding doesn’t happen. Her journey highlights the polarity between breastfeeding and formula feeding, the judgement when you choose not to breastfeed (or can’t breastfeed) and the lack of lactation and social support for all mothers in postpartum and how this informs and influences feeding choices. Her experience also reflects the data: there is a strong link between inability to breastfeed and perinatal anxiety and depression. Andrea is also the editor of our postpartum book and has been a vital part of ensuring we talk about infant feeding objectively and with awareness of all experiences. -------- Today’s episode is brought to you by Kiwi.co. I must confess I’m not much of a crafty mum but Kiwi Co’s panda crate has been the best educational investment for Ottie. KiwiCo Panda Crate is a bimonthly subscription for babies ages 0-24 months. We receive a subscription box filled with playful, open-ended activities backed by research and designed especially for naturally curious and creative babies and toddlers. KiwiCo Panda Crate products are not only safe and of high quality, but also age-appropriate and supportive of your baby’s growth. I’m a big fan of quality activities that create the opportunity for play-based learning and Kiwi Co delivers hands-on projects that get the whole family involved. Whether you have a brand-new baby or a trailblazing toddler, the Panda Crate is perfect for your little one’s developing brain. Unlock brain-building play with KiwiCo Panda Crate! Get 20% off your first crate with code BIRTHSTORIES at kiwico.com/panda Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sophie’s first baby was diagnosed with Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) because of placental insufficiency at 25 weeks. Little Tilly was born at 29 weeks and weighed only 534 grams so she was tube-fed for 10 weeks in NICU before being discharged. Sophie takes us through her breastfeeding journey - controlling the controllable, triple-feeding and eventually an exclusive breastfeeding journey that ended at 22 months. When asked if she would triple-feed again to ensure she could breastfeed, she admits she would 1000 percent do it. “It’s so worth it!” _____________ Medela has worked with generations of mothers to create innovative breast pumps that are practical and intuitive. Their Freestyle Hands-Free Breast Pump is a game-changer for postpartum because it gives mothers some fantastic options they have not had before. The benefits are impressive. The ultra light-weight collection cups are designed to sit discreetly in-side your bra. There’s no fuss and it’s easy to clean and assemble with 3 dishwasher safe parts. The transparent design makes it easy to align your nipple and ensure the milk is flowing. For a superior hands-free pumping experience, The Freestyle Hands-Free Breast Pump is recommended for its simplicity and ease of use. Medela blends decades of scientific research with insights from mothers to create practical pumps that lighten the load – quite literally – in early motherhood. Medela – the Science of Care. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sheree takes us through her first pregnancy, her choice to have a termination for medical reasons (TFMR) at 20 weeks and the grief that followed. She admits that she has always been in denial when discovering that she’s pregnant, a response that’s actually quite common for so many women who experience more overwhelm and doubt than they do immediate joy. She opted for private obstetric care, educated herself and was intent on avoiding the cascade of intervention. Her second birth was incredibly positive, so much so that when she was preparing for her third, she doubted whether it could be as empowering. She decided to go right back to the beginning and embraced all the birth education to better understand labour and get herself in a strong and stable mindset. And it worked; her third birth left her feeling on top of the world because she could identify the stages of labour, she knew how to breathe and she was confident in her choice to avoid intervention and let her body birth her baby. Today’s episode of the show is brought to you by my online childbirth education course, The Birth Class.What makes The Birth Class so unique?Well, instead of learning from one person with one perspective, we’ve gathered nine perinatal health specialists to take you through everything you need to know about labor and birth.Realistic information is key to thorough preparation. Learn more here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s episode is a beautiful example of doing your research and making an informed choice, even if it’s not your first birth preference. Louise works as an osteopath and opted for public hospital midwifery care.. Her first birth was very straightforward and her second labour was incredibly quick, resulting in a 3C tear that she recovered from without symptoms, thanks in part to regular pelvic floor exercises and guidance from a physio and colo-rectal surgeon. In her third pregnancy she sought the opinion of five different health professionals who all agreed that a caesarean birth was the best option to avoid further perineal trauma. She takes us through this process, along with her caesarean recovery and the scar massage that has assisted her physical and emotional recovery.________ Bare mum have just released their Silicone Gel Scar Strips. Designed to hydrate and protect scars to improve their appearance and reduce any associated discomfort. Made from the highest quality medical-grade silicone, this scar treatment is safe and effective in preventing, softening, flattening and fading, red and raised scars - both new and existing. The Bare Mum Silicone Gel Scar Strips form a protective barrier that maintains an optimal level of moisture to aid cell turnover and healthy collagen production, keeping the scar hydrated and assisting with skin regeneration. It reduces tension around the scar tissue, minimising the risk of widening or hypertrophy. Bare Mum is offering you 15% off storewide with the discount code ABS2024 Shop now Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode, Emily - a mum of three - shares her journey as a surrogate (or an ‘oven’ as she refers to it). When her youngest was three she started to miss the pregnancy and birth journey so she began researching surrogacy in Australia. She joined the facebook group and reached out to two intended dads. They hit it off immediately and within a year, the embryo was transferred and Emily conceived on the first attempt. Everyone’s joy doubled when they discovered she was carrying twins and much like her singleton pregnancies, her entire journey was smooth and straightforward. Emily (and Rory and Bob’s) story is a beautiful example of supported surrogacy and in sharing, she hopes to raise awareness and advocate for the hundreds of intended parents who are currently looking for a surrogate. Today’s episode is brought to you by an Australian brand I really love, The Sleepybelly Pregnancy Pillow.Worried about rolling onto your back during the night? Or maybe you’re tired from tossing and turning?Experience a deeper and more restful sleep for mum and bub with Sleepybelly. The Sleepybelly is a three piece, adjustable pregnancy pillow designed to encourage safe side sleeping. Made from a super soft, air layer outer material and premium latex internally provides great support for your belly and back. Sleepybelly is Australian owned, has free shipping and comes with a 30-night trial.Take $10 off using the Australian Birthing Stories exclusive promo code ABS10 You can purchase the Sleepybelly online today at sleepybelly.com.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is a profoundly important episode for any new parent navigating sleep challenges with their baby. Helen is a mother of three and trauma-informed midwife who shares her experience of baby loss and PTSD. She acknowledges that her trauma has coloured her postpartum experience with her third baby and while the initial months were quite textbook when it came to sleep, it was the 4-month stage (a developmental ‘progression’ that is often reflected in unsettled sleep) when her challenges began. She talks at length about her own mental health journey alongside her baby’s persistent wakings and her choice to stay at an early parenting unit for sleep support. Helen received expert care in line with her family values and reiterates that it was an incredibly supportive and positive step in her parenting journey. Today’s episode is brought to you by Kiwi.co. I must confess I’m not much of a crafty mum but Kiwi Co’s panda crate has been the best educational investment for Ottie. KiwiCo Panda Crate is a bimonthly subscription for babies ages 0-24 months. We receive a subscription box filled with playful, open-ended activities backed by research and designed especially for naturally curious and creative babies and toddlers.KiwiCo Panda Crate products are not only safe and of high quality, but also age-appropriate and supportive of your baby’s growth. I’m a big fan of quality activities that create the opportunity for play-based learning and Kiwi Co delivers hands-on projects that get the whole family involved. Whether you have a brand-new baby or a trailblazing toddler, the Panda Crate is perfect for your little one’s developing brain. Unlock brain-building play with KiwiCo Panda Crate! Get 20% off your first crate with code BIRTHSTORIES Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Emily details her diagnosis and experience with Type 1 diabetes. It has significantly informed her three pregnancies and births because she’s deemed high risk (diabetes increases the risk of placental deterioration, stillbirth and hypertension). She takes us through her different models of care in the private and public hospital system as she navigated inductions, extra scans and monitoring as well as antenatal expressing (colostrum helps raise the baby’s blood sugar levels). iL Tutto has done it again, launching another luxury yet affordable Electric Recliner Chair that will live on beyond your Nursery stage with its modern design and quality craftsmanship. Their new chair is called Louie. Wrapped in the same Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX® certified Teddy-Fleece fabric as their Frankie Chair that sold out after only 48 hours after launching. The Louie Chair seamlessly blends style & functionality with comfort, making it a stylish, yet essential addition to your nursery to support you and your baby when comforting and feeding. The Louie Chair is luxuriously soft, it’s like sitting on a cloud all while cuddling the softest teddy-bear. iL Tutto is also thrilled to announce the launch of Grow Kindly, the most beautifully soft, natural and sustainable sleepwear. This partnership brings together the best of both worlds, combining iL Tutto’s focus on sleep and comfort with their renowned quality, and stylish Nursery Chairs, Co-Sleepers and Cots and now with Grow Kindly’s commitment to premium TOG rated Sleepwear designs, that are sustainable and ethical products designed to support safe and comfortable sleeps for your baby. Use code louie20 at checkout and enjoy 20% off their full-priced range including their new Louie Electric Recliner and Grow Kindly sleepwear. Conditions apply, valid until Sunday 11 August. Shop iltutto.com.au Discount code terms: louie20 available at iltutto.com.au, only on full priced items across their range of Nursery Furniture, Nursery Chairs, CoZee Collection and Grow Kindly Sleepwear, expires 11 August. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode Amelia shares her first birth which was a challenging induced labour that ended in an emergency caesarean. She always knew she wanted a VBAC so when she discovered she was pregnant with twins, she made it her mission to find a care provider to support her. Thankfully, she discovered Dr Andrew Bisits at the Royal Hospital for Women who accepted her immediately. Amelia takes us through her labour step by step as she navigated CTG monitoring challenges, advocated for her preferences and achieved an empowering twin VBAC - our very first for the podcast. Amelia speaks so highly of Dr Bisits and so do I. He came to the Sydney launch of our book and spoke to the whole room about the importance of woman centred care. If you want a breech vaginal birth - he’s your guy. ----- Today’s episode is brought to you by an Australian brand I really love, The Sleepybelly Pregnancy Pillow.Worried about rolling onto your back during the night? Or maybe you’re tired from tossing and turning?Experience a deeper and more restful sleep for mum and bub with Sleepybelly. The Sleepybelly is a three piece, adjustable pregnancy pillow designed to encourage safe side sleeping. Made from a super soft, air layer outer material and premium latex internally provides great support for your belly and back. Sleepybelly is Australian owned, has free shipping and comes with a 30-night trial.Take $10 off using the Australian Birthing Stories exclusive promo code ABS10You can purchase the Sleepybelly online today at sleepybelly.com.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you’re in the mood for a birth story full of truths and just as many laughs, this one’s for you. Suze started listening to the podcast years before she conceived so in early pregnancy, she started an evening ritual of going for a walk and listening to every episode from #1 (the very rustic eps!). She takes us through her MGP care, birth preparation and induced labour where she felt empowered to make informed decisions every step of the way. Today’s episode is brought to you by an Australian brand I really love, The Sleepybelly Pregnancy Pillow. Worried about rolling onto your back during the night? Or maybe you’re tired from tossing and turning? Experience a deeper and more restful sleep for mum and bub with Sleepybelly. The Sleepybelly is a three piece, adjustable pregnancy pillow designed to encourage safe side sleeping. Made from a super soft, air layer outer material and premium latex internally provides great support for your belly and back. Sleepybelly is Australian owned, has free shipping and comes with a 30-night trial. Take $10 off using the Australian Birthing Stories exclusive promo code ABS10 You can purchase the Sleepybelly online today at sleepybelly.com.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode I chat to Eliza Hull - a musician, author and disability advocate who lives with a neurological condition called charcot marie tooth. When she started considering and discussing her plans to have children, she was met with stigma from friends and medical professionals, an experience that is common for people living with disability. She takes us through her lessons in parenting, the work she’s done to amplify the voice of disabled parents and the importance of perinatal medical professionals embracing and supporting parents with disability. ----------- Our friends at iL Tutto have launched their EOFY sale, with some amazing offers, up to 50% off a range of Glider Nursery Chairs and 20% off their signature Recliner styles. The sale also includes their range of award-winning CoZee Co-sleepers with up to 30% off! The exciting part is that they’re offering our audience an ADDITIONAL 5% off these discounted prices, using the code birth5 at checkout. This discount code applies to everything online, including their widest range of Nursery Chairs, designed here in Australia, including Glider and Recliner chairs, even the hugely popular Electric Recliner Chairs, in a mix of premium, Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX® certified fabrics in an array of trending colours from white, to various shades of creams and greys, all of which are easy to clean and maintain, and most importantly, support your body for endless feeds and look amazing! Shop now at iltutto.com.au their sale ends at 11:59pm Sunday 30 June, however our exclusive 5% off code (birth5) will continue on, expiring Monday 15th July. See their terms and conditions page for more details. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hannah’s three vaginal births are so different but they all started with pre-labour rupture of membranes (PROM). Her first was induced and she explains the intensity of contractions and how she navigated them. In her second birth she waited days after the trickle of her waters began, was guided by an obstetrician willing to wait and she went into spontaneous labour and had a physiological waterbirth. With her third, her baby was posterior and while her waters broke labour never started. She made the informed choice to have an epidural before the syntocinon started and really enjoyed her labour. As she says: “A positive birth is when mum and bub are fine, and mum comes away thinking ‘that was really good’. I was involved in all the decisions and I felt supported every step of the way.’ Today’s episode is brought to you by Kiwi.co. I must confess I’m not much of a crafty mum but Kiwi Co’s panda crate has been the best educational investment for Ottie. KiwiCo Panda Crate is a bimonthly subscription for babies ages 0-24 months. We receive a subscription box filled with playful, open-ended activities backed by research and designed especially for naturally curious and creative babies and toddlers. KiwiCo Panda Crate products are not only safe and of high quality, but also age-appropriate and supportive of your baby’s growth. I’m a big fan of quality activities that create the opportunity for play-based learning and Kiwi Co delivers hands-on projects that get the whole family involved. Whether you have a brand-new baby or a trailblazing toddler, the Panda Crate is perfect for your little one’s developing brain. Unlock brain-building play with KiwiCo Panda Crate! Get 20% off your first crate with code BIRTHSTORIES at kiwico.com/panda Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 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 reflects on her golden month of healing with immense gratitude. Jen’s mother is an OB/GYN and acupuncturist who encouraged her to track her cycle by taking her temperature. She conceived within two months and opted for shared care with her GP as she didn’t have any health concerns. ---- Get our 3 most-loved resources for supporting your birthing journey and beyond in The Birth Bundle. You get The Birth Class, Discovering Motherhood and our Breastfeeding Guide for a discounted price of just $349 and for a limited time, get a further 20% off for our Birthday Celebration Sale. Use code 'Birthday24' (offer valid until 11:59pm 20th June 2024) Learn more here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.