Australian Birth Stories

In this episode Allison takes us through her journey to motherhood and subsequently, her empowering and enlightening autism and adhd diagnosis. She weaves in and out of her pregnancies to share information about music therapy and the brain and how music – rhythm, tempo, mantra – is one of the best soothing tools we can teach our children and use for ourselves. Allison details the sensory overwhelm of pregnancy and breastfeeding, her experience with endometriosis, parenting an autistic child and her recent miscarriage which she honoured with a distinct period of rest and reflection. If you are neurodivergent or you think that you may be, this episode will be the comfort and guidance you need. I consider it essential listening, especially for perinatal health specialists caring for neurodivergent people in pregnancy and postpartum. Pre-order our new book: The Complete Guide to Postpartum: A mother-focused companion for life after birthSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, teacher and first-time mother Emily shares her experience of managing type 1 diabetes during pregnancy and her challenging birth at King Edward Memorial Hospital in Perth. Emily has lived with diabetes since she was just 14 months old, bringing a unique perspective to her journey to motherhood. If you'd like to listen to more birth stories involving type 1 diabetes, check out episode 488 (another Emily) and episode 227 (Sarah Leverton). For more support, explore our free resources on Labour Tips For Birth Partners, Mastitis, Postpartum Fatigue and much more HERESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Carla Hackett shares her three very different birth experiences - from a hospital birth with her first son Raph, to an unexpectedly rapid home birth with her second son Noah, and finally a beautiful water birth with her daughter Maeve. ___________ Download our free guide: Labour tips for birth partners What is a birth support partner? A birth support partner offers physical and emotional support throughout labour and birth. Your birth partner should be mentioned in your birth plan, particularly in regards to how they will advocate for you to your midwife or doctor. If you are a birth partner, don’t forget that she will be relying on you throughout all stages of labour and birth to offer words of encouragement, hold her hand, guide her through breathing techniques and remind her, most importantly, that she is safe.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I chat with Dr. Rebecca Dekker, founder of Evidence-Based Birth®, about her three very different birth experiences and how they led her to create a global resource for evidence-based information on pregnancy and childbirth. Follow us on Instagram for photos and more from today's episode. EPISODE SPONSOR: ergoPouch (the beloved sleepwear brand) is thrilled to offer an exclusive 30% off sitewide* sale. Ideal as winter is coming. At Australian Birth Stories, we love ergoPouch because they simplify how to safely dress your child for sleep with their ultra-handy What to Wear guide and thermometer, which is precisely what tired parents need.  Don't miss your chance to save 30% off* sitewide now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week's episode I chat to Madi about her third birth - a planned home water birth after cesarean. Madi's story is particularly interesting as she navigated this birth both as a mother and as a newly qualified midwife. After experiencing a relatively quick vaginal birth with her first daughter Oakley and then a caesarean under general anaesthetic with Harlow due to her Chiari malformation (where her brain herniates into her spinal column), Madi was surprised to find herself pregnant with a third baby while completing her midwifery studies. Follow us on Instagram for photos and more from today's episode.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today I chat to Jess about her two very different birth experiences with her children Ruby and Vincent. After experiencing an induced birth with her first baby during COVID, Jess shares how she approached her second pregnancy with intention and preparation, ultimately achieving the birth she hoped for. Follow us on Instagram for photos and more from today's episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, country music artist Kaylee Bell shares her remarkable journey to motherhood - from managing chronic health conditions to an unexpected pregnancy while touring, and navigating a challenging birth due to a DVT diagnosis. Her story beautifully illustrates how life's biggest surprises can lead to the most meaningful experiences. Subscribe to Kaylee's newsletter on kayleighbellmusic.com for upcoming tour dates and new music releases. You can follow Kaylee's journey on Insta hereListen to Kaylee's music on SpotifyListen on Apple MusicWatch on YouTube For more birth stories, follow us on Instagram hereSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week's episode, I chat to Candice about her challenging journey to motherhood. After experiencing two miscarriages and discovering she had low ovarian reserve at just 32, Candice and her husband Tom turned to IVF with PGT-A testing. She shares the emotional rollercoaster of fertility treatments, the isolation of pregnancy loss, and the joy of finally welcoming her daughter Adelaide. Candice tells a story that will resonate with anyone who has experienced infertility or pregnancy loss, offering hope and solidarity to those still on their journey. If you're preparing for your little one’s arrival, creating a supportive and stylish nursery is a must—and that’s where iL Tutto comes in, also with an exclusive offer for you guys! iL Tutto is the best destination to complete your dream nursery, with award-winning Gliders and Electric Recliners in the most on-trend fabrics, like Teddy-Fleece and Bouclé, in multiple stylish colours. But it doesn’t stop there—iL Tutto also offers the must-have CoZee Breeze Co-Sleeping Bassinet, a huge range of Cots and Cot Sets with Chests and removable changers, and the softest, sustainable Grow Kindly sleepwear made from natural fibers. From convertible swaddles to sleeping bags, fitted sheets, and PJs, every piece is designed for your baby’s safest and most comfortable sleep. Visit iltutto.com.au to explore the range and create your perfect nursery today. Because with iL Tutto, every sleep and feed should be as comfortable as it is beautiful. Use code ABS20 at iltutto.com.au for 20% off all full priced items. Valid until 10 April 2025See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this deeply personal episode, GP and IBCLC Dr. Eliza Hannam shares her varied experiences with birth and breastfeeding across her three children. Her story beautifully illustrates how even healthcare professionals can face unexpected challenges in their own journeys to parenthood, and how these experiences can shape both personal growth and professional practice. 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.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.