Australian Birth Stories

In this powerful episode, lawyer and mother-of-two Tessa shares her contrasting birth experiences in Darwin, Northern Territory. Her first birth with daughter Frankie was everything she'd hoped for - a quick, low-intervention delivery at a private hospital with excellent postnatal care. But when she fell pregnant with her second daughter Millie, everything changed. Healthscope announced without warning that they were closing the maternity ward at Darwin Private Hospital, leaving 61 women - including Tessa at 28 weeks pregnant - scrambling to find alternative care. Sponsor: Pregnancy is beautiful, but it can come with its share of discomfort. That’s why Little Company in Collingwood — and their sister spa, About Time in Torquay — offer dedicated pregnancy-safe treatments that support you through every stage — from the very beginning right up until the final days. Their Pregnancy Ritual Facial is a blissful, tailored experience designed to calm hormonal skin changes and restore radiance, using products that you can trust for you and your baby’s wellbeing. Their Pregnancy Massage — using a  pregnancy pillow, adjustable beds, and experienced therapists who adapt the massage to your body’s needs on the day. Using Pure Mama’s pregnancy-safe product range, this restorative massage is designed to ease muscular tension, support circulation, and help you feel at home in your changing body. Whether you're in Melbourne or down the coast, Little Company and About Time are here to nurture you — and your baby — through it all. You can enjoy 15% off all pregnancy treatments for the year of 2025. Put ‘ABSxLTCO’ in appointment notes and the discount will be applied when payment is taken post treatment.  Book your moment of care at littlecompany.com.au or atthebathhouse.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Sophie Pearce shares her transformative journey through three pregnancies complicated by severe hyperemesis gravidarum. Sophie opens up about her early miscarriage, the challenge of PUPPs during her first pregnancy, and how she navigated the transition from medicine to motherhood whilst dealing with significant pregnancy-related mental health challenges. Her story beautifully illustrates the reality of hyperemesis gravidarum and how preparation, support, and self-advocacy can transform your birth experience, even when pregnancy itself is incredibly difficult.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we chat with Loren, a registered midwife turned sleep safety educator at Red Nose Australia. Loren shares her comprehensive journey from supporting families through pregnancy and birth to becoming a leading voice in SIDS prevention and safe sleep practices. This conversation is packed with practical, evidence-based guidance that every new parent, midwife, and doula needs to know about creating the safest possible sleep environment for babies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lisa shares her profound journey through two vastly different birth experiences that ultimately shaped her perspective on motherhood and advocacy. From battling severe hyperemesis gravidarum during COVID lockdowns to experiencing a challenging induction and difficult postpartum period, Lisa's first birth was marked by isolation and trauma. However, her second pregnancy brought healing, empowerment, and the water birth she'd dreamed of. Between these experiences, Lisa made the extraordinary decision to donate eggs to her sister, adding another layer to her remarkable story of family, sacrifice, and love.To learn more about The Birth Class, our evidence based online birth education program, and our other birth and postpartum courses, head to the shop here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Katie takes us through her two contrasting birth experiences in Brisbane. After struggling with undiagnosed endometriosis for over a decade, Katie's journey to motherhood began with conception on just the second cycle. Her first birth at 41+4 weeks resulted in a rapid, intense labour following induction, culminating in a forceps delivery and third-degree tear that she wasn't fully informed about at the time.  Three years later, armed with better knowledge and a different care provider, Katie's second birth was the drug-free, empowering experience she'd always hoped for. She shares invaluable insights about advocating for yourself, the importance of informed consent, and how the right care provider can transform your birth experience. This episode is essential listening for anyone preparing for birth, particularly those with endometriosis or previous birth trauma. This episode is proudly brought to you by iLTutto. Use code: RECLINER20 at checkout to receive 20% off at iltutto.com.au    This offer ends 31st July. iL Tutto. Designed for parents. Loved by babies.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In episode 556 Corinne shares her complete journey to motherhood - from a difficult early pregnancy loss overseas to welcoming four beautiful children. Coming from a family of seven, Corinne always knew she wanted multiple children and to start young. Her story encompasses the complexity of early relationships, making difficult decisions, and ultimately finding joy and confidence in birth. With her partner Jake, she's experienced four very different labours - from her first birth with an epidural to quick, intense vaginal births. Corinne's honesty about the realities of pregnancy sickness, her intuitive approach to birth, and her philosophy of trusting your body whilst remaining flexible makes this an incredibly valuable listen for anyone preparing for birth or supporting others through their journey.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tarrah shares her remarkable three-year journey from trying to conceive naturally to welcoming her miracle IVF baby, Aspen. After starting to try for a family in September 2021, Tarrah and her husband Alexander faced the heartbreak of unexplained infertility, leading them through 10 rounds of IVF, pregnancy loss, and ultimately to their beautiful son born at 37 weeks via planned caesarean. Tarrah's openness about sharing her fertility journey on social media created a supportive community whilst helping others feel less alone in their struggles. This episode offers hope, practical insights, and honest conversation about the realities of fertility treatment, pregnancy after loss, and the overwhelming joy of finally holding your long-awaited baby.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this deeply moving episode, midwife and mother Ria shares her journey through motherhood with her daughter Olive, who has a rare genetic condition. Ria's story is one of resilience, advocacy and the profound love that comes with parenting a child with additional needs. If you’re preparing your nursery or planning for a new arrival, here’s a little heads-up you won’t want to miss. iL Tutto’s End of Financial Year Sale starts Monday 17th June and runs through to 11:59pm on 1st July – and it’s their biggest one yet. You’ll find up to 50% off their most-loved pieces – like the Felix Glider & Ottoman, the Como Cot Set, and the beautiful Lulu Vanilla Bouclé Chair. There’s also 30% off the Leo Electric Recliner and Glider, 20% off the sleek Maya Chair from their new Trend Collection, plus savings on Grow Kindly natural fibre sleepwear, Boba Baby Carriers, and Snuggle Me Organic Feeding Pillows. And just for Australian Birth Stories listeners, you’ll get an extra 5% off everything – even sale items – with the code ABS5 at checkout. Shop the sale from June 17th at iltutto.com.au and don’t forget to use code ABS5 at checkout.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Rebecca shares her journey of having three children in quick succession, all with positive hospital birth experiences. As a high school teacher and mother to Theo (3), Reuben (18 months), and Josie (6 weeks), Rebecca's story highlights how knowledge, preparation, and the right care provider can make all the difference in birth experiences. Rebecca's path to motherhood began shortly after marrying Brendan, a paediatrician, in late 2020. Her first pregnancy came with unique challenges - she had a rare condition called exercise-induced anaphylaxis, which initially placed her in a high-risk category at the Mercy Hospital in Melbourne.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ali shares her journey of having two daughters via maternal-assisted caesarean births due to preeclampsia. Ali lives in Melbourne's inner west with her husband Brad and their daughters Evie (3.5) and Iris (9.5 months). Ali conceived Evie quickly and had a relatively smooth pregnancy until around 30-32 weeks when her blood pressure began rising. "My blood pressure wasn't like super duper high, like it was very much up from the 140 over 90 and it was starting to creep up to the 150s and 160 over 90," Ali explains. She had a family history of preeclampsia - both her grandmother and mother had experienced it, with Ali herself being born at 30 weeks weighing under a kilo.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.