Australian Birth Stories

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Gemma who shares with us her two very different and uniquely challenging pregnancies of her son Max and her daughter Ava. During Max’s pregnancy, everything appeared to be running smoothly in his growth and development however the Obstetrician did note that Max’s head was measuring slightly larger than average. It wasn't until Max was born that they were able to diagnose him as having Soto’s Syndrome. Gemma shares her initial shock of learning about this very rare syndrome whilst she was pregnant with her second child. Gemma’s second pregnancy became more complex when she was 20 weeks pregnant with Ava and they discovered in her routine blood test that she had a very high reading of antibodies. Ava required two blood transfusions in utero during the pregnancy however she has since made a full recovery. Follow us on Instagram at @australianbirthstories for helpful articles, behind the scenes, and future episodes. --------- 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 about The Birth Class here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode, Chantelle shares her experience of her first pregnancy and birth. Chantelle was very gratefulll to conceive shortly after deciding she was ready to try. She asked around to get recommendations to choose her care provider and she decided to go through the private model and saw an obstetrician at Cabrini Private hospital in Melbourne. Chantelle loved her birth experience and is thrilled to share it with us today. Follow us on Instagram at @australianbirthstories for helpful articles, behind the scenes, and future episodes. ----------------------------- 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.

You’re going to love this episode with Jodi; mother of four, yoga teacher, postpartum doula and co-author of The Complete Australian Guide to Pregnancy and Birth. Jodi and I chat all about our postpartum book - what we’ve learnt, the confronting reality of the lack of health services, and how she has reflected on her own postpartum experiences with newfound knowledge and awareness. It’s an emotional and informative episode where we discuss how much the health system has changed in the past 16 years, the far-reaching benefits of adequate support, being a young mum, the brain changes in pregnancy and the uncertainty and not-knowing of postpartum. If you want to listen to Jodi’s first episode, where she details her four very different vaginal birth experiences and breathing and sound practises for labour, tune into episode 163. Follow us on Instagram at @australianbirthstories for helpful articles, behind the scenes, and future episodes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode, Tylah shares her experience as a midwife alongside her first pregnancy and birth. Tylah had spent many years supporting women in pregnancy and labour so she had plenty of time to consider what she wanted for her own birth experience. She knew from the outset that she wanted a homebirth but her partner, a doctor, took some convincing. Tylah admits that pregnancy was humbling from the start and the persistent challenge of unexplained rib pain encouraged her to surrender from early on. She takes us step by step through her homebirth preparation including hiring a private midwife, planning a water birth and the shock of an unexpected but necessary NICU stay. Follow us on Instagram at @australianbirthstories for helpful articles, behind the scenes, and future episodes. --------- Our friends at iL Tutto are offering our audience 20% off their entire website, including the new Frankie Chair in Teddy Fleece. Simply use ABS20 at checkout, only at iltutto.com.au. This discount code cannot be used with any other offer and expires Tuesday 26th March 2024. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You can listen to Sasha’s birth story in episode 331 and today she takes us through her early motherhood experience including discussions on race, mental health and the work/motherhood juggle. Sasha and her husband, Jem, planned an intentionally slow postpartum which was the ideal introduction to parenthood. Sasha talks openly about the challenges that arose after the newborn bubble, including her postnatal depression, her choice to take medication and the inner-conflict between expectations and reality. She also talks at length about race and genetics and what it’s like to have a different skin tone to her baby. --------- If you’re considering The Birth Class, now is the time to buy.It just got bigger and better thanks to new content that enhances your birth education and preparation experience, including: A cheat sheet for your birth partner. This simple outline takes your support person through early and active labour - what to expect, how to support and what to say when challenges arise Images of birth positions - the ideal addition for visual learners 3 meditations to release tension, foster trust and navigate a change of plans An illustrated guide to antenatal expressing - everything you need to know about collecting and storing colostrum For a limited time only, get 20% off with the code: ABS2024 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Larke is a midwife and she talks about her primal desire to experience labour and birth. But as she reiterates, there is so much about pregnancy and birth that is beyond our control. She was only 4 weeks pregnant when a scan revealed a significant fibroid at the back of her cervix which dictated her mode of delivery so from very early on she was grieving the loss of the vaginal birth she may never have. Her 20 week scan revealed her baby had a cleft palate and she is transparent with her rollercoaster of emotions following the diagnosis, normalising the confronting thoughts that come up in challenging times. With the support of her beloved midwife and obstetrician, Larke had an empowering maternal assisted caesarean and within minutes of Dolly being born it was confirmed that her palate was intact which meant she could breastfeed. --------- If you’re considering The Birth Class, now is the time to buy.It just got bigger and better thanks to new content that enhances your birth education and preparation experience, including: A cheat sheet for your birth partner. This simple outline takes your support person through early and active labour - what to expect, how to support and what to say when challenges arise Images of birth positions - the ideal addition for visual learners 3 meditations to release tension, foster trust and navigate a change of plans An illustrated guide to antenatal expressing - everything you need to know about collecting and storing colostrum For a limited time only, get 20% off with the code: ABS2024 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You may have seen Kirsty in the news recently. She’s the recipient of Australia’s first uterus transplant and birthed her miracle baby a few months ago. Today she takes us through the grief of a hysterectomy following her first birth, her options for growing her family, the transplant clinical trial and her pregnancy. At the time of recording, four Australian women have received uterus transplants in Australia, three of whom were born without a uterus (MRKH syndrome). It’s so exciting to see such significant advancements in women’s reproductive health and I’ll always be grateful to be in the position to interview mothers and share their stories. Enjoy Kirsty’s story, it’s definitely a memorable one. Follow us on Instagram at @australianbirthstories for helpful articles, behind the scenes, and future episodes. --------- If you’re considering The Birth Class, now is the time to buy.It just got bigger and better thanks to new content that enhances your birth education and preparation experience, including: A cheat sheet for your birth partner. This simple outline takes your support person through early and active labour - what to expect, how to support and what to say when challenges arise Images of birth positions - the ideal addition for visual learners 3 meditations to release tension, foster trust and navigate a change of plans An illustrated guide to antenatal expressing - everything you need to know about collecting and storing colostrum For a limited time only, get 20% off with the code: ABS2024 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode, Niki shares her two incredibly positive home birth stories of her daughter Elsa and her son Nils. Niki is Swedish and Thai and lives with her Australian husband in Kho Samui where they teach Yoga to both practitioners and Yogis. Niki always knew she wanted to have her babies at home. In Thailand, it is illegal to have a home birth. This prompted Niki and her husband to decide to return to their family in Melbourne to pursue her home-birth dream. Nik shares the challenges of morning sickness in both pregnancies, the changes in her yoga practice, and the impact of pregnancy on her physical and emotional well-being. Follow us on Instagram at @australianbirthstories for helpful articles, behind the scenes, and future episodes. --------- 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 about The Birth Class here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Ellie shares her experience with postpartum thyroiditis after experiencing the tell-tale signs and advocating for the appropriate blood tests at her six week check. There are many symptoms in postpartum that can be excused as side-effects of birth recovery and sleep deprivation. However, what’s ‘common’ isn’t always ‘normal’. Postpartum Thyroiditis is a thyroid condition that prompts a range of symptoms including lethargy, brain fog, low mood, anxiety and weight changes. It can also contribute to changes in bowel habits and low milk production. In the general population it affects 5-10 percent of people but it’s not routinely tested in postpartum. Today, Ellie shares her experience with postpartum thyroiditis after experiencing the tell-tale signs and advocating for the appropriate blood tests at her six week check. Follow us on Instagram at @australianbirthstories for helpful articles, behind the scenes, and future episodes. --------- Today’s episode is brought to you by my postpartum course Discovering Motherhood. This 8 part audio course has been designed to support you through an empowered and confident transition into motherhood. Learn more here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jordy has always had long, painful and heavy periods so when she fell pregnant without trying, no one was more shocked than her. Excess amniotic fluid prevented her from monitoring her baby’s movements so she presented to the hospital multiple times and opted for a planned caesarean at 38 weeks. Her birth experience was incredibly positive and after breastfeeding for the first time in recovery, she went on to feed baby Evie for three years. Since being diagnosed with adenomyosis, endometriosis and cysts on her ovaries, Jordy is navigating secondary infertility alongside medication and persistent pain. She speaks candidly about the daily challenges of her pain as well as the heartache of failed pregnancies. Follow us on Instagram at @australianbirthstories for helpful articles, behind the scenes, and future episodes. --------- 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 about The Birth Class here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joelleen is a midwife, naturopath and IBCLC who takes us through her pregnancy and homebirth experience. Her journey into motherhood began with the birth of her daughter at 16 weeks and she details the shock and grief of her loss. When she conceived again she was accepted into Sunshine Hospital’s publicly-funded homebirth programme and was really proactive with her birth preparation. She had a physiological water birth at home followed by an unexpected but short NICU stay. Joelleen reflects on her knowledge as a midwife and IBCLC and agrees that every new mother - despite how much she knows - needs reassurance from health professionals and care providers in the first few weeks of postpartum. Follow us on Instagram at @australianbirthstories for helpful articles, behind the scenes, and future episodes. --------- 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 about The Birth Class here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode Emma details her life-changing second pregnancy. At her 20 week scan she was diagnosed with major placenta previa (the placenta covers the cervix) as well as placenta accreta (where the placenta grows deeply into the uterine wall). In that moment her hopes for a VBAC and a homebirth vanished and she shifted her care to the high risk team at her local hospital. Emma required a hysterectomy immediately following the birth of her baby and she shares the many layers of grief that have come from losing her uterus and her menstrual cycle. Emma’s story emphasises how imperative compassionate, woman-centred care is during both pregnancy and postpartum. Follow us on Instagram at @australianbirthstories for helpful articles, behind the scenes, and future episodes. --------- 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 about The Birth Class here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Olivia details her shock upon discovering she was pregnant with fraternal twins after fertility challenges. She takes us through the experiences of having fragmented care with a multiple birth team at her local public hospital and the recommendations made for a twin labour and birth. She started seeing a perinatal psychologist in the third trimester to process her anxiety and she admits it was one of the best decisions she made for her postpartum, too. Olivia opted for an induction at 37+3 and despite foetal monitoring concerns and the suggestion of a caesarean, she utilised an epidural and a side-lying position to get to 10cm and birth her babies vaginally. She’s still exclusively breastfeeding at nine months but is honest about the time and effort it took to establish her milk supply and position both babies optimally. Follow us on Instagram at @australianbirthstories for helpful articles, behind the scenes, and future episodes. --------- 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 about The Birth Class here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode, Jayne details the contrast between homebirth and caesarean, a slow postpartum and an NICU stay. Towards the end of her third pregnancy Jayne discovered that her breech baby had kidney issues so she travelled to Hobart from her home in rural Tasmania for a planned caesarean and a month-long NICU stay. She takes us through the emotional upheaval of learning that her baby was sick and the almighty changes his diagnosis has brought to their family life. Supported by a loving village of neighbours and friends, Jayne and her husband are savouring life with their three boys and navigating many health appointments, hospital stays and a possible kidney transplant in the future. Whilst many people think that organ donation is dependent on the information on your driver’s licence, you actually need to officially register as an organ donor. You can do that at donatelife.gov.au Follow us on Instagram at @australianbirthstories for helpful articles, behind the scenes, and future episodes. --------- 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 about The Birth Class here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Jess found out she was pregnant she assumed she would have a caesarean as her mum had had caesareans with all three of her children. It wasn't until Jess started listening to the Australian Birth Stories podcast that she started to explore the idea of having a vaginal birth. When she experienced pre-labour rupture of membranes (PROM) and was later given oxytocin to help bring her labour on she drew on her birthing class knowledge and had a birth she found empowering. When Jess was preparing for her second birth she thought she would have a long labour like her first and was shocked to find herself birthing in the back of an ambulance on the way to the hospital. Follow us on Instagram at @australianbirthstories for helpful articles, behind the scenes, and future episodes. --------- 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. Every month 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. It makes the perfect Christmas gift that keeps giving well beyond the festive season. 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.Unwrap more than a gift. Discover hands-on fun with KiwiCo. Get your first month FREE on ANY crate line at kiwico.com/birthstories Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Kate takes us through her journey to motherhood with her two daughters. In her first pregnancy she opted for care with a private obstetrician and after navigating a very tight pelvic floor from early on, she planned an elective caesarean. Her second and third pregnancies ended in miscarriage and she talks at length about how that made her feel. Her anxiety peaked at the beginning of her fourth pregnancy but thanks to her beautiful, reassuring obstetrician she felt held and supported. At her 13 week scan an anatomical difference in her baby’s heart was detected and over the following 10 weeks, Kate and her husband navigated the possibility of a chromosomal abnormality alongside an amniocentesis, genetic counselling and termination for medical reasons (TFMR). At 24 weeks baby Ruby was given the all-clear and Kate finally felt like she could embrace the pregnancy she so dearly wanted. Follow us on Instagram at @australianbirthstories for helpful articles, behind the scenes, and future episodes. --------- 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 will take away the stress of waking up on your back. That’s why I recommend the Sleepybelly pregnancy pillow. Sleepybelly is a three piece, adjustable pillow designed to provide peace of mind by encouraging safe side sleeping all while giving your belly some much needed relief. It’s made from a super light air layer outer material and inside is a premium latex that feels soft and comforting while providing optimal support for your belly and your back throughout your pregnancy. They offer free shipping and it also comes with a thirty-night ‘sleeping mums’ guarantee or your money back so you can try it risk free. Sleepybelly don’t normally discount their products but have provided a 10% off promo code for Australian Birth Stories listeners. You can purchase a sleepybelly today at sleepybelly.com.au using the promo code ABS10 for $10 off. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode Shannen details her long labour which involved a complicated epidural. Her anaesthetist told her she may experience a headache the day after birth but nothing could have prepared her for the intensity of her post dural puncture headache (often compared to a severe migraine), the helplessness of not being able to look after her newborn and the complex feelings about her birth. Post dural puncture headaches can result in hospital admission and may require strong painkillers or a procedure called an epidural blood patch to reverse the symptoms. Follow us on Instagram at @australianbirthstories for helpful articles, behind the scenes, and future episodes. --------- Today's episode is brought to you by BabyLove nappies. Every parent dreads a leaking nappy and the piles of washing that inevitably follow. That’s why BabyLove created Cosifit nappies – they’re cosy, they’re comfy and they offer superior leak protection. Now with LeakSTOP technology, BabyLove Cosifit nappies feature a flexible contoured shape that moulds to your baby’s body for a gap free fit that prevents leaks. Less washing for you, more comfort for your baby. There’s so much to love about BabyLove Cosifit nappies. Want to try before you buy? You can get your FREE sample of Cosifit at BabyLove nappies here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You can listen to Rachel share her first birth and postpartum story in episode #51 where she details her daughter Mackenzie’s terminal diagnosis of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Today she talks about Mackenzie’s Mission and the genetic carrier screening that’s now covered under Medicare for all couples planning a pregnancy. If you are planning to conceive soon, I highly recommend listening to Rachael’s story and request the screening via your GP or Lumi Health. She also talks about her journey to conceiving her two boys, her decision to have an empowering maternal assisted caesarean and the grief and joy, anxiety and hope, love and gratitude of motherhood. Rachael is an incredible woman with a big heart. Her greatest hope is that we are all aware of genetic carrier screening so she has one request: tell everyone about it! Follow us on Instagram at @australianbirthstories for helpful articles, behind the scenes, and future episodes. --------- Today's episode is proudly brought to you by Kin. If you haven’t heard of Kin already, they’re a revolutionary women’s healthcare brand, devoted to helping you take control of your reproductive health.Whether you’re trying to conceive, already pregnant or going through postpartum, Kin’s got you covered with a range of products that are evidence-based and recommended by dietitians.Like The Essential Protein to help you meet your protein requirements during pregnancy, and The Postnatal Vitamin to replenish nutrients after giving birth, so you can feel like yourself again.Visit Kin today and use the code ABSKIN15 at the checkout for 15% off the entire fertility product range today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode Lisa takes us through her two very different labours - her first was posterior and 67 hours long, her second was anterior and very quick. As a women’s health physiotherapist, Lisa knew the positive outcomes associated with MGP so she advocated to get in that programme and whilst her labour was long, it was also very supported. She also talks at length about caring for her swollen and sore perineum after birth and the shock of just how weak her pelvic floor muscles were. Seven months later she was pregnant again (her period hadn’t even returned) and she got straight into the MGP programme again. With her midwife’s guidance she embraced all the techniques, movements and positions to ensure her baby wasn’t posterior and experienced a swift yet intense second birth. Follow us on Instagram at @australianbirthstories for helpful articles, behind the scenes, and future episodes. Today's episode is sponsored by Bare Mum. 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, 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 ABS15 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode Maria shares her fraternal twin pregnancy which required her to spend 14 weeks on bedrest. Her pregnancy was considered normal until 20 weeks when a routine scan showed her cervix was shortening, exacerbated by the pressure of excess amniotic fluid. The following day a cervix stitch was inserted and Maria spent the next 10 weeks in hospital. She talks about the power of meditation and the practises she embraced to stay present and positive. Her boys were born at 33 weeks and are now healthy, happy four-year-olds who speak three languages. Follow us on Instagram at @australianbirthstories for helpful articles, behind the scenes, and future episodes. Today's episode is brought to you by my online birth education course 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 here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Sarah shares her experience with two third-degree perineal tears, also known as Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injury (OASI). The general understanding of birth recovery - even when it comes to perineal trauma - is six weeks yet the reality is much different. For some women it can take two years to heal and strengthen and as Sarah says, we need more conversations about this and ultimately, more health support. If you have experienced an OASI or you know someone who has, this episode will offer comfort and guidance, especially in regards to follow-up care. Follow us on Instagram at @australianbirthstories for helpful articles, behind the scenes, and future episodes. Today episode is brought to you by our library of free resources. Download our free pregnancy and labour tips guides on Mastitis, Perineal Massage, Postpartum Fatigue and many more to assist you in the journey towards birth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You can listen to Shuana’s first birth in episode 296 where she details her really positive physiological birth under midwifery care. Today she takes us through her unplanned second pregnancy which took her months to embrace considering she’d just returned to work and didn’t feel prepared for two under two. She was allocated the same midwife through the MGP programme and listened to the yoga nidra meditation in The Birth Class everyday of her pregnancy. She woke at 41+5 to mild cramps and later that evening light contractions began which she welcomed with the utmost excitement. A mere two hours later she birthed her baby girl in her loungeroom, her midwife on the phone and four paramedics by her side. Shuana also discusses the new public hospital home birth programme that has just launched on the Central Coast of NSW; a really positive step forward that makes home birth much more accessible. Follow us on Instagram at @australianbirthstories for helpful articles, behind the scenes, and future episodes. Download our many free pregnancy and labour tips guides here Today’s episode is proudly brought to you by Bliss Birth. TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation and it's a fantastic pain relief device with no side effects unlike pharmaceuticals. I used the Elle tens in all three of my labours. Ariel from Bliss Birth has been supporting the podcast for years and has offered a discount for you to hire a tens for 8 or 4 weeks and it comes with everything you would need, as well as the option for really fast postage if women are booking at the last minute You can enjoy 10% off your Tens hire at Bliss Birth use code ABS23 at checkout Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Alex shares his pregnancy and birth journey as a trans man, including his choice to embark on solo parenthood. He sought guidance from an IVF clinic and embarked on a number of tests to ensure his egg quality and reserve were favourable before deciding on a sperm donor. Once pregnant, he opted for MGP care through his local public hospital and was induced at 38 weeks due to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Alex shares the challenge and joy of labour and birth, his choice to access donor milk and his body dysphoria in postpartum. Follow us on Instagram at @australianbirthstories for helpful articles, behind the scenes, and future episodes. Download our many free pregnancy and labour tips guides here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode, Julie shares her journey and all the beautiful lessons she’s learnt along the way. At once ambivalent about motherhood, her first pregnancy ended in miscarriage and proved that she did have a yearning to have a baby. Two failed rounds of IVF followed and then she fell pregnant naturally at 42. The NIPT results showed high risk of Down Syndrome and Julie was advised to terminate the pregnancy. Together with her partner Tom, they opted to continue with the pregnancy and welcomed baby Woody via emergency caesarean. Only fifteen months later she birthed baby Alfie. Julie talks at length about mothering a child with Down Syndrome, the dreaded daycare germs, physical therapy and the precious bond between her two boys. Follow us on Instagram at @australianbirthstories for helpful articles, behind the scenes, and future episodes. Download our many free pregnancy and labour tips guides here Today’s episode is brought to you by iL Tutto. For Black Friday, starting from Tuesday 21st of November at 6pm until Wednesday 29th November, iL Tutto are offering HUGE savings across iltutto.com.au where you’ll find their biggest range of Australian-designed Nursery Chairs and complementary Nursery furniture. Save up to 30% storewide including their range of Cots, Chests, CoZee Breeze Co-Sleeping Bassinets. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In honour of Perinatal Mental Health Week, Dom shares her experience of perinatal anxiety and depression (PAD) and details her three-month stay in a mother and baby psychiatric unit. At six weeks postpartum her anxiety became debilitating; she was having panic attacks, pulling out her hair and thought her husband and baby would be better off without her. She was admitted to a mother + baby unit in a private hospital and received a range of treatments including electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) which affected her short term memory (her mum kept a 300-page journal so she would have a record to fill in her lost memories). Dom has since had a second baby and thanks to realistic expectations, culturally-safe care and professional and family support, she has stayed really well despite being at high-risk of a postpartum mental health disorder. Follow us on Instagram at @australianbirthstories for helpful articles, behind the scenes, and future episodes. Download our many free pregnancy and labour tips guides here 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. Every month 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. It makes the perfect Christmas gift that keeps giving well beyond the festive season. 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. Unwrap more than a gift. Discover hands-on fun with KiwiCo. Get your first month FREE on ANY crate line at kiwico.com/birthstories. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode Caitlin details her two very different labours - her first was 40 hours long, her second only two hours. She was accepted into an MGP programme and while she did a hypnobirthing course for preparation, she admits she wasn’t prepared for the intensity of labour. Her early labour stage was long and painful because of her baby’s posterior position and she admits she went to hospital too early. After opting for an induction she later requested an epidural which was a really positive experience for it; it allowed her to sleep, relax and dilate to 10cm. In her second pregnancy she embraced all the education and preparation, hired a doula and planned to birth at her small local low–risk hospital. But….her baby had other plans. Follow us on Instagram at @australianbirthstories for helpful articles, behind the scenes, and future episodes. Download our free pregnancy and labour tips guides here Today’s episode of the show is proudly brought to you by Once Upon.I’m not sure about your kids but mine love looking at old photos of themselves. I recently made Ottie a photo book with the help of @onceuponapp It was so quick and easy to make I just selected photos in my phone and the @onceuponapp suggests the layout and offers lots of choice and the click of a button. I’ve ordered an extra copy to gift to the grandparents for Christmas. You can document your memories in a beautiful book today. Enjoy 25% discount at checkout with the code: Sophie25 *This offer is valid until the 11th of December 2023 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode Tess shares her two very different breastfeeding experiences. She starts by detailing her traumatic birth experience which ended in a postpartum haemorrhage and left her depleted and anxious. Her baby lost 11 percent of her birthweight so triple-feeding was recommended and after a few challenging weeks, Tess made the decision to feed her baby expressed breastmilk (EBM) which she continued for a year as she navigated the grief and guilt of not being able to latch her baby. In her second pregnancy, she was proactive with her care and support from the start. She opted for private obstetric care with Dr Scott Shemer and booked in with Dr Amber Hart from Maternal and Infant Wellbeing in Melbourne who offers day stays for new mothers (the future of postpartum care is looking bright!). Tess’ second postpartum has been incredibly healing and really proves the benefit of continuity of care right into postpartum, especially for lactation support. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode, Kelsey shares her three birth stories which detail her evolution as a birthing mother. In her first birth she requested an induction which led to the cascade of intervention; an epidural, instrumental birth, PPH and retained placenta. She found her first postpartum particularly challenging and when she felt ready to conceive again, she experienced three miscarriages, including the loss of identical twins at 11 weeks. In her final two pregnancies, she embraced birth education and midwifery care to prepare for physiological births which left her feeling on top of the world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Faecal incontinence affects one in 25 women in postpartum and today, Claire shares her experience. She takes us briefly through her labour and birth and details the confronting realisation that she had no control of her anal sphincter. Thanks to a women’s health physiotherapist who demanded horizontal rest - essential for all new mothers! - pelvic floor exercises and dietary changes, Claire recovered by six weeks. She emphasises how important it is to share her story because she had never heard of it happening before and wondered if it was her new reality; a challenging prospect at a very vulnerable time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today Renee shares her three physiological birth stories so consider this a wonderfully positive episode in honour of Homebirth Awareness Week. She was living in New York with her partner when she fell pregnant at 21 so they hightailed it home to Queensland and had a really positive birth at their local public hospital. Renee admits that the first year of motherhood was lonely; she didn’t have any friends who were also mothers and she had really high expectations of herself that prompted postnatal anxiety. By the time her second was born she had a community of friends supporting her homebirth and conscious postpartum and she trained as a birth doula soon after. Her third pregnancy was her most challenging but the birth was very quick. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Katie Rose, a yoga teacher, doula and mother of five discusses her postpartum experiences and the joy and chaos of having a big family. Her eldest is 17 and her youngest is two so she brings a beautiful wisdom to her story, reflecting on her perfectionist early parenting years and the ease and joy she has found by letting go of control and simply being present. If you’re in the depths of early motherhood you will glean so much from Katie’s story. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode, I chat to comedian Celia Pacquola about her pregnancy and birth experience. Motherhood was never a top priority for Celia but when she met her partner, it only took a few months for them to conceive. She chose continuity of care with a private obstetrician, used hypnotism to recover from her phobia of needles and opted for an induction at 39 weeks. She’s frank about the challenges of breastfeeding, the stigma of formula feeding and her postpartum anxiety which was exacerbated by everything she didn’t know about motherhood. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today's episode, and in honour of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, Kirby shares her story. After her first two pregnancies and births, she experienced her first miscarriage but knew it was a common experience and wasn’t perturbed by it. However, what followed was a period of infertility and the devastating loss of her two boys, Walt and Alby. Kirby worked with a fertility specialist and reproductive immunologist to prepare for her next pregnancy and after one round of IVF and the transfer of her only viable embryo, she conceived baby June who is now four months old. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Elizabeth shares her first pregnancy and birth experience. She had bloods done before her copper IUD was removed as she has coeliac disease and wanted to ensure her iron levels were adequate before she conceived. Having been a listener of the podcast, she was interested in her local MGP programme and ensured her GP referral was sent early. Elizabeth prepared for birth with The Birth Class and went into spontaneous labour at 41 weeks. Her labour was textbook and she explains in detail the tools she used to navigate contractions. This is a wonderful episode if you’re after a positive, physiological birth story to inform and inspire you. You can listen to Elizabeth’s early postpartum journey in episode 420. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode, Samantha details her postpartum journey with her second baby and explains why switching off social media was the best option for her. As a postpartum doula she knew exactly how to prepare for postpartum and prioritised filling her freezer with nutritious food. Yet she was still floored by the intensity of it, challenged by the gap between expectations and reality and discovered the detriment of socials on a vulnerable postpartum mindset. Samantha speaks beautifully about her experience and doesn’t shy away from the hard reality of life with a new baby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode, Bridie (one half of the witty/hilarious new podcast Cool Story that will undoubtedly make you smarter at dinner parties) shares her two birth stories. Bridie’s mum is a midwife so she had the utmost faith in her knowledge and expertise and felt supported and safe throughout her entire pregnancy and birth. Her first labour was long and hard and Bridie admits that she was floored by the intensity of the pushing stage and the way her body felt afterwards. Her second birth was quick and calm; she birthed in the water and was discharged hours later. Bridie’s story is both informative and incredibly entertaining; you’ll learn a lot and laugh out loud. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Almost 1 in 5 babies spend time in the Special Care Nursery (SCN) or Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in Australia. For the mothers of these babies, postpartum is very different to what they planned or hoped for and there’s often a distinct grief that accompanies the stress of having an unwell or premature baby. We can encourage new mothers to organise meal trains and lie down at every opportunity but we also need to make space for those who are sitting for hours on end in hard hospital chairs, heart aching for their baby and juggling hospital and family life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode Leonie shares her experience with perinatal anxiety and depression which manifested as a profound sense of defeat in pregnancy and visceral rage in postpartum. She opted for talking therapy with a psychologist and managed her symptoms but she was still overwhelmed at birth when the love for her baby wasn’t immediate. It’s so important to talk about these experiences because studies show that up to 40 percent of mothers don’t feel love for their baby at birth (instead, it grows and develops over time). Leonie had two positive vaginal births with a private obstetrician who encouraged her despite her requests for planned caesareans. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Following on from her birth story in episode 419, Leila shares her early postpartum experience with twins. She organised a foundation of strong and trustworthy support including private midwifery care, a postpartum doula and a meal train involving her closest friends. Despite her preparation she still had moments of overwhelm; the sheer amount of hours required to feed and settle twins is significant and it left very little space for anything else. She takes us through the importance of ready-made meals, her breastfeeding challenges, the upheaval of an unexpected hospital admission and the discovery of a prolapse at four months postpartum. Leila also shares her twin-mum must-haves so if you’re pregnant with multiples, you’ll love this episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode, I interview Shelley who shares her two pregnancies and births. Shelley has herpes simplex virus (HSV) and experienced considerable stress throughout pregnancy which led to an outbreak. Despite planning a vaginal birth, Shelley consulted with her care provider and made the informed decision to have a caesarean birth (there are significant risks to the baby if the mother births vaginally with an active HSV outbreak). In her second pregnancy, Shelley was proactive in preventing an outbreak and had a successful VBAC. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Elizabeth’s newborn baby was readmitted to hospital to treat jaundice which is one of the primary reasons a baby will need to return to hospital after discharge. She had to navigate conflicting medical advice and opinions on the ward which isn’t an uncommon experience in the postpartum health space. I encourage you to listen to this episode because it really highlights the importance of breastfeeding education and having support people to advocate for you. Elizabeth will be back in a few weeks time to share her pregnancy journey and incredibly positive birth under the care of MGP midwives. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode Leila shares her beautiful birth stories; her first at home, and her second which was a twin birth in hospital at 41+2. Leila thoroughly educated herself about birth and postpartum in her first pregnancy so when it came to her twin pregnancy, she was well aware of how she wanted to be supported and opted for a private midwife to help her navigate the hospital system. Despite going well beyond her estimated due date, she achieved what she calls “homebirth in the hospital” with her twins. She’ll be back in a few weeks time to tell us all about her postpartum experience. 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.

In today’s episode Dara discusses her choice to have a private obstetrician and the steps she took to educate herself and plan a vaginal birth. Towards the end of her pregnancy she decided that being focussed on one birth option didn’t feel right so she started exploring what an induction, emergency caesarean and planned caesarean may look like. It proved to be a worthwhile practice because at 41 weeks her baby wasn’t engaged and her cervix was long and firm; instead of opting for an induction, she chose to have a planned caesarean which was an incredibly positive experience for her. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I interviewed Alice about her births in episode 18 and episode 110 but today she talks about her varicose veins in postpartum which are hereditary but got increasingly worse with each of her pregnancies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode, Jessie shares her first birth story. Her pregnancy was a surprise and she admits the shock of it definitely informed her experience. With a history of anxiety and depression she worked closely with her psychiatrist and psychologist to navigate changes to her medication and her fears around birth. She also had regular appointments with a pelvic floor physiotherapist who helped relieve her vaginismus and prepare for labour and birth. She made the choice to have an epidural as soon as she felt like the labour pain was becoming too much for her but it was light - she could still feel her legs and was aware of the urge to push - which helped with a quick second stage. Jessie speaks honestly about her mental health and breastfeeding challenges but also emphasises the pure joy of being a mother and the deep love she has for baby Luna. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Billi discusses what it was like to discover she was pregnant at 14 weeks, subsequently missing her entire first trimester. She hired a private midwife for her birth and planned a homebirth that required a hospital transfer after her baby was born. Billie’s postpartum plans had to pivot, an experience that she found really mentally challenging despite being a clinical psychologist. She goes on to share the highs and lows of postpartum, the imposing nature of the mental load and the inevitable relationship challenges as she and her partner adjusted to parenthood. She also sings the praises of being in a mother’s group because of the diversity of preferences and the perspective-shifts and realisations that come from having conversations with other mums. ----------- Enjoy a free wooden ABS birth comb with any purchase of The Birth Class, The Caesarean Birth Class or The Birth Bundle. Valued at $19.95 *while stocks last Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bonus episode to say Thankyou. FREE Gift with purchase Enjoy a free wooden ABS birth comb with any purchase of The Birth Class, The Caesarean Birth Class or The Birth Bundle. Valued at $19.95 *while stocks last Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Larissa takes us through her three births across 14 years. She fell pregnant for the first time when she was 18 and followed her doctor's advice to have a caesarean. In her second pregnancy - six years later - she attempted a VBAC but had to be induced and an emergency caesarean was recommended. Her third and fourth pregnancies ended in second-trimester miscarriages and Larissa takes us through her choice to have medical management and birth her babies vaginally. Her next pregnancy continued to full term and as well as being educated about achieving a VBAC2, she surrounded herself with a supportive team and birthed her baby in “the best moment of her life.” _____________________ Check out - our empowering, evidence based online birth education program that will help you confidently prepare for a positive birth experience. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today Kate and Dylan are incredibly generous with sharing the birth of their first child and the significant challenges of postpartum. Dylan has lived with anxiety his whole life but in the first few months of parenthood his anxiety was debilitating and was only amplified by his baby’s cries. He was eventually admitted to the mother and baby psychiatric unit; a supportive space where he could receive psychiatric treatment and support while learning to bond with his baby. _________ Gain the knowledge and skills to navigate labour, birth and postpartum with confidence through our . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.