Australian Birth Stories

Sea shared her first three physiological births in episode 304 and today she returns to tell us all about her fourth pregnancy and birth. Little Leia was a big surprise but Sea took it in her stride - as most mums of four do - and managed to get in the MGP program at Cairns Hospital which gave her access to the spacious rooms in the birthing suite. She stayed active throughout her pregnancy, consciously planned for postpartum so she had the support to stay home for six weeks after birth and experienced a beautiful waterbirth. This episode is a powerful reminder that birth can be quiet, calm, gentle and positive. ___________________________________ 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. Get 20% off your first crate with code BIRTHSTORIES today. Unlock brain-building play with KiwiCo Panda Crate! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today’s episode, Ariane shares her experience with postpartum psychosis. As a psychologist working in child and family services, Ariane was aware of perinatal mental illness but her anxiety prevented her from disclosing her symptoms which included disillusions, hallucinations and suicidal ideation. After a stay in a mother and baby unit, she started seeing a perinatal psychiatrist who saw past her well-presented exterior and diagnosed her with psychotic depression. Ariane speaks candidly about her mental health, her work with the Centre of Perinatal Excellence (COPE) and her new memoir, ‘Because I’m Not Myself, You See’. ____________________ 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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode 478 Katie shares her pregnancy and birth experience as a plus-size woman. She was denied access to midwifery group practice because of her weight and was immediately placed in a high risk model of care. She reflects on the inherent stress of this and admits that there were frequent suggestions of induction from her second trimester onwards. After employing a doula to support her pregnancy and birth journey, she informed herself and considers her experience positive because she understood her options and advocated for her preferences. Despite pelvic girdle pain she had a normal pregnancy until 39 weeks when tests revealed very early signs of preeclampsia. She opted for an induction, used remifentanil for pain relief and birthed her baby girl after six hours of labour. __________ Today’s episode of the show is proudly brought to you by Once Upon. You all know how much I love making our photo books and prints on the Once Upon app and guess what, you can create your book today and save 25%. Just use the code books25 at checkout. This offer is valid  from May 26th until end of day on June 2nd 2024 Head to Once Upon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode Angela shares her incredibly positive first birth - a water birth at home, supported by private midwives. Before she had conceived, Angela spent years learning about birth and discovered that a physiological birth in water was her preference. She came to this pregnancy - her second - with a strong awareness of body and mind and continued nurturing a confident mindset throughout each trimester. She had enormous trust in the birth process, in her body and her baby and whilst that wavered towards the end of labour - as it’s wont to do - she continued to listen to her body, breathe deep and experienced an ecstatic birth. _______ Holding your baby from birth to independence sleep is a journey, and while ergo Pouch have been with you on that journey in what your mini wears to bed, it's time to introduce what will hold them during sleep—The Lyra Convertible Cot by ergoPouch. Made with the same level of care, functionality, safety and attention to detail as their award-winning sleepwear, ergo's Cot is created to provide a warm and comfortable sleeping home for your baby through your preschooler. Lyra is more than just a comfortable, safe sleeping space for your little one. It's a timeless, classic design that blends with your style and nursery to please any aesthetic. Lyra will embrace your baby while they sleep and reach milestones until they're ready to leave the   comfort of their cot companion and start independent sleeping. Designed to grow with you and your child. AUBS Listeners get FREE shipping (SAVE $100) on The Lyra Cot and Deluxe Mattress until June 4, 2024 t&cs apply. Every new Cot needs new bedding, so it's time to re-meet some old favourites and new gems. Cult favourites the Baby Tuck Sheet, Organic Fitted Sheet, and Organic Toddler Pillow return with a new colourway line up and are joined by exciting new products: the 2-in-1 Waterproof Sheet and the waterproof Pillow Protector.  You can purchase the NEW Lyra Convertible Cot, Deluxe Mattress, and Bedding Collection from May 21.Pouches, Layers Sleep tools, and the entire ergoPouch range are exclusively available online through the ergoPouch website, ergopouch.com.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I know I say it a lot, but you’re really going to love this episode. Georgie details her positive physiological first birth, her second that was a surprise breech (birthed vaginally!) and a DCDA twin pregnancy with confronting fragmented obstetric care. Georgie’s three births emphasise how vital education and advocacy really is, especially when confronted with coercive care providers. In her three births she was surrounded by supportive and strong midwives who really backed her when she needed it most. If you’re pregnant with twins and you’re planning a vaginal birth without epidural, consider this a must-listen. _______ 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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this absolutely brilliant episode, Arnikka - @sucklebubs - takes us through her life-changing diagnosis of autism and ADHD in her second postpartum. Postpartum is a common time for women to consider their neurotype and for Arnikka, the overwhelm of the mental load was quickly becoming debilitating even though she didn’t feel particularly depressed or anxious. She found a neuro-affirming psychologist who gave her the language to define her brain, helped her understand her unique sensory needs and encouraged her to embrace her neurodivergence. She admits it was the best moment of her life and as she reflects on her childhood, describes her challenges and explains how research lights her up, she also touches on her work as an IBCLC, the sensory overwhelm of breastfeeding and the importance of breastfeeding manners for older babies. I absolutely loved listening to Arnikka and I came away with a profound gratitude for everything she shared with me. #nothingaboutuswithoutus #actuallyautistic ------- 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 suggested the layout and offered lots of choices at the click of a button. I’ve ordered an extra copy to gift to my mum for Mother’s Day too. You can document your memories in a beautiful book today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The gender pain gap has been in the news cycle recently with the Victorian government announcing an inquiry into women’s pain. Chantal’s story mirrors the experience of thousands of Australian women; a history of painful periods that had been dismissed. She was diagnosed with stage three endometriosis when she had trouble conceiving naturally. After a laparoscopy and no success with natural conception, she started the IVF journey and talks at length about the emotional and mental challenges she faced during four failed embryo transfers. She conceived on the fifth cycle and was bedridden for the first trimester with HG which was dismissed by her obstetrician. After a week-long hospital stay for fluids she chose a new obstetrician and despite his support throughout pregnancy, in the third trimester suggestions of a planned caesarean or induction to prevent stillbirth prompted Chantal to avoid her appointments. She went into spontaneous labour at 41+1 and after a quick and intense labour she birthed her baby girl without intervention. _______________ 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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ash has been listening to the podcast since episode 40 so I’ve been in her ears every week for six years. Today she takes us through her three pregnancies and births, nodding to the importance of being prepared - listening to all kinds of births - and also accepting intervention when necessary. She navigated postnatal depression in her first postpartum but reconnected with her psychologist and went into her second pregnancy feeling grounded. She planned a homebirth and embraced spontaneous contractions, leaning into the pain. Her birth was straightforward but she immediately noticed that baby Oliver’s head was a bit small and 12 weeks later they began a long series of tests and medical appointments that eventually led to the diagnosis of a rare variant of microcephaly. Ash details her grief and shock, her self-blame and the eventual acceptance that life would look very different for the whole family. Her third birth was an incredibly healing experience and as she gets into the groove of raising three boys, she admits that social media has been such a blessing as she’s connected with parents of children with disabilities, helping her feel less alone and emotionally supported. _________ 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today’s episode, Sarah takes us through her fertility experience as an adoptee which prompted her to do a series of tests early in her journey. After a missed miscarriage, she embarked on ovulation induction but then spontaneously conceived while on an overseas holiday. She opted for private obstetric care alongside support from a doula and at 37 weeks, when baby Teddy remained in a footling breech position, she booked a planned caesarean. But, Teddy had other plans and Sarah’s waters broke in dramatic fashion while standing outside the hospital. His surprise early arrival allowed them to stay in an uninterrupted bubble for five days and Sarah takes us right through her initial postpartum including her caesarean recovery and breastfeeding. A joyful episode brimming with considered advice and unbridled truths, I think you’ll really enjoy this one.  ------- 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 ABS2024  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today’s episode Ashlee details her long fertility journey including her choice to have gastric sleeve surgery. She conceived baby Luca on her first IVF transfer and chose private obstetric care alongside the support of a student midwife. Placenta previa dictated a caesarean birth so Ashlee purchased The Caesarean Birth Class and listened to each episode multiple times so she understood the process and didn’t feel overwhelmed about the surgery. Despite a PPH, Ashlee considers her birth a really positive experience because she was informed and supported by a wonderful team of specialists. ---------- THE CAESAREAN BIRTH CLASS, is an informative and empowering online childbirth course that offers you education and guidance for caesarean preparation, birth and recovery.  You may already know what day your baby will be born but no doubt you have many questions about the operating theatre, pain relief and your recovery. This online course includes four audio modules with perinatal health specialists and three caesarean-specific breathing and relaxation practices, The Caesarean Birth Class takes you through every aspect of birth and recovery, including:  Writing a caesarean birth plan and advocating for your preferences  Relaxation and rest in pregnancy   What happens before you go to theatre  The caesarean birth process, including Maternal Assisted Caesarean (MAC)  Skin-to-skin and optimal cord clamping in theatre   What to expect in recovery * Pain relief options and side-effects   Mobility in the first 24/48/72 hours  Wound care and healing   Recovery at home  Enjoy life time access with the incredible course, learn more here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.