Australian Birth Stories

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.

In this week's episode, I chat with Claire about her two very different birth experiences at public hospitals in Melbourne. Claire's journey began with meticulous preparation - she and her partner Aaron spent six months optimising their health with a naturopath before trying to conceive. Her first pregnancy was textbook perfect, leading to a beautiful physiological birth with her daughter Amelia. However, her second pregnancy brought new challenges when growth scans indicated a "big baby," leading to discussions about potential induction that Claire navigated with confidence and research. Both births were supported through the Midwifery Group Practice (MGP) model, though Claire's experiences highlight the importance of advocating for the care you want. Her story beautifully demonstrates how preparation, knowledge, and trusting your body can lead to positive birth outcomes, even when circumstances change. ___ 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. Download our free guide: Labour tips for birth partnersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Mel shares her comprehensive journey to motherhood with her partner Peta in Melbourne. As a same-sex couple, their path to parenthood required careful planning, patience, and resilience through the assisted reproductive treatment system. Mel's story beautifully illustrates the unique challenges and joys of same-sex conception while highlighting the importance of flexible birth planning and supportive care providers. TODAY'S PROUD SPONSOR: Let me introduce you to The Nappy Bag That’s Got Your Back (Literally) Stylish, practical, and thoughtfully designed - this is the Baby Bag Backpack by Tottie that parents everywhere are falling in love with. Whether you're navigating newborn life, chasing toddlers, or just love staying organised on the go, this bag makes it easy. With 14 cleverly designed pockets, there’s a place for everything - from bottles and nappies to your laptop, snacks, and spare clothes. There’s even a hidden compartment at the base for the messier moments (because they happen!). Complete with a luggage strap, pram clips, and a change mat, it’s your go-to for parenting with confidence. One clever bag. Five stylish colours. You can enjoy $30 off your new bag with the code: ABS30  Head to Tottie to see their full range.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this deeply moving episode, I chat with Anthea about her three very different birth experiences, including a challenging third pregnancy that required months of strict bed rest during COVID lockdowns with two toddlers at home. After experiencing an ectopic pregnancy and a nine-month journey to conceive, Anthea went on to have two hospital births - Harriet via induction at 38 weeks and Florence after spontaneous labor at 37 weeks. Her third pregnancy took an unexpected turn at 12 weeks when she was diagnosed with a subchorionic hematoma, leading to complete bed rest until Oliver's early arrival at 34 weeks and 6 days. Anthea's story beautifully illustrates how we can find resilience we never knew we had when faced with extraordinary circumstances, and offers hope to anyone navigating pregnancy complications. ___ 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. Download our free guide: Labour tips for birth partners  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week’s episode I chat to Natalia @wildearthexpeditions about her two home water births with her daughters Estelle and Coco. Natalia’s story encapsulates her connection with her Indigenous family, the Ngarrindjeri people of South Australia. During her first visit to country she learnt to weave with her elders, a traditional ritual to welcome a woman into motherhood and only three months later she was pregnant. She embraced Indigenous rituals for her births and later buried the placentas on country in the same place her ancestors had buried theirs. Natalia tells a rich, beautiful story of birth and culture and speaks so eloquently about the mind body connection during labour that it’s honestly hard to capture it in words. Go listen, there’s so much learn from her. Follow us on Instagram for photos and more from today's episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I chat with Katherine about her journey to motherhood through IVF and her birth experience with daughter Zendaya. Katherine shares her story of discovering her partner Aaron's rare diagnosis of azoospermia (where there is sperm in the body but none in the ejaculate), their IVF journey, and her eventual birth at the Royal Women's Hospital in Melbourne. Follow us on Instagram for photos and more from today's episode. Check out Katherine's business People Haircare here and connect with her on Instagram here.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week's episode, I chat with Gemma, a writer and Pilates instructor living on the lands of the Awabakal and Wurrumi people in Newcastle, NSW. Gemma shares her three distinctly experiences, culminating in a healing VBAC after two caesarean births.  Are you preparing for birth and looking for a natural way to manage labour pain? Discover the difference with a TENS machine from Bliss Birth.Bliss Birth is Australia’s trusted name in TENS hire, helping thousands of women feel more in control during labour. Our obstetric Elle TENS machine is designed specifically for use in labour, and can be hired from anywhere in Australia for 4 or 8 weeks. They are simple to use, completely drug-free, and give you the power to manage pain, from those first early contractions right through to active labour.Join the thousands of Aussie mums who say their Bliss Birth TENS machine changed their birth for the better.Book yours today at blissbirth.com.au ABS25 for 10% off tens hire See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week's episode, I chat to Sarah about her three very different birth experiences spanning five years. Sarah lives in Sydney with her partner Jad and their three children – Remy (5), Navy (3), and newborn Hugo (just two weeks old). Her story beautifully illustrates how birth experiences can evolve with knowledge, preparation and support, taking us from a highly medicalised first birth to an empowering water birth with her third baby. EPISODE SPONSOR: If you’re deep in nesting mode and Googling things at 2am — you’re not alone. The team at iL Tutto is here to help make the journey into parenthood a little smoother (and a whole lot more stylish). From their much-loved nursing chairs that glide, recline and support those long feeding sessions — to beautifully crafted cots with matching chests and removable changers, every piece is designed to be both practical and Pinterest-worthy. They also offer Grow Kindly — gorgeously soft baby sleepwear made for delicate skin — and the CoZee co-sleeping bassinet, perfect for keeping bub close and safe through the night. And right now, when you purchase any full-priced iL Tutto Nursing Chair, you’ll receive a free Snuggle Me Organic Feeding Pillow — the ultimate cosy support for feeding or cuddle time. (Please note: discount codes can’t be used with this offer.) OR, Australian Birth Stories listeners can enjoy 20% off with the code ABS20 — but be quick, it ends June 15, 2025. Visit iltutto.com.au to explore the range or order a free fabric swatch to bring that dream nursery to life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this extraordinary episode, Prue shares her remarkable 11-year journey to motherhood, culminating in becoming the third woman in Australia to give birth following a uterus transplant. Her story is one of incredible perseverance, medical innovation, and the profound desire to become a mother against seemingly impossible odds. If you've been considering joining over 6000 families who have prepared for birth with confidence through The Birth Class now's your chance. You can enjoy 20% off in our Mother’s Day Sale with the code: MUM25Inside The Birth Class you’ll enjoy: 10 comprehensive audio lessons 5 guided meditations for pregnancy and birth 70-page detailed workbook Birth partner cheat sheet Birth positions poster Hospital bag checklist Birth preferences template Lifetime access Save 20% Now [ Code: MUM25 ] Sale ends 15th of May at midnight and applies to all our courses!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.