Australian Birth Stories

Bettina has experienced birth across two countries and healthcare systems. She had her first baby in London during COVID-19, navigating the NHS as an Australian expat, before returning to Australia for two more very different births - including choosing an elective caesarean with her third. Her story covers postpartum depression, prolapse management, and learning to advocate for her birth choices. What's so valuable about Bettina's experience is how she shows that each birth can be completely different, and that positive outcomes come from feeling informed and supported in your decisions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tahlia was born with a complex congenital heart condition requiring three open-heart surgeries and a pacemaker. She was told early on that if she wanted children, sooner would be better than later. After conceiving through IVF, her high-risk pregnancy led to an emergency caesarean at 30 weeks, followed by an intensive 78-day NICU stay with her daughter Sunny.

Tahlia's story is one of extraordinary resilience, the power of expressing breast milk as connection, and finding hope in the darkest moments. She shares candidly about the emotional toll of leaving hospital without her baby, the grief of missing ten weeks of pregnancy, and how the NICU community became her lifeline. This episode also highlights the incredible work of the Humpty Dumpty Foundation, whose donated equipment - including hospital-grade breast pumps - made such a difference to Tahlia's journey.

Today's episode is brought to you by iL Tutto.

For a limited time, you can enjoy 20% off the Trend Collection and the rest of iL Tutto’s range of Nursing Chairs, Cots, Chests and CoZee Co-Sleepers, plus many more Nursery essentials. Simply use the code ABS20 at iL Tutto

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this deeply honest and often hilarious episode, Gen returns to share her second pregnancy and birth story - a journey that took her from secondary fertility struggles through severe hyperemesis gravidarum to achieving her dream maternal-assisted delivery. After trying to conceive naturally for six months following her first birth, Gen found herself back in the IVF clinic, this time juggling appointments with a toddler in tow. Her second pregnancy brought challenges she hadn't anticipated, including borderline hyperemesis that lasted well into her third trimester, but also the opportunity to process her first birth experience and advocate fiercely for what she wanted this time around.

Today's episode is brought to you by Rommer, an Australian children's lifestyle brand that truly gets family life.

Rommer is a premium Australian children's lifestyle brand specialising in stylish, sustainable, and functional silicone dinnerware.
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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today I sit down with Dr. Amber Hart, a Melbourne-based GP and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. Dr. Hart shares her expertise on the realities of breastfeeding, the importance of antenatal education, and addresses the controversial rise in tongue tie diagnoses. Amber offers a refreshing perspective on supporting new mothers through their feeding journeys whilst prioritising mental wellbeing and realistic expectations.

Get our how-to Breastfeeding Guide HERE

Today’s sponsor is iLTutto

iL Tutto is celebrating Easter with something special.
For a limited time, you can enjoy up to 50% off their beautiful range of nursery furniture — including Electric Recliners, Glider Nursery Chairs, Cots, Chests with removable changers, plus Boba Carriers and their cosy Grow Kindly Natural Fibre Sleepwear.

And here’s something just for you — as a listener of Australian Birth Stories, you’ll receive an extra 5% off. Simply use the code ABS5 at checkout to save even more on top of these amazing sale prices.

But be quick — the Easter Sale ends April 6, and the ABS5 code is valid across all reduced items.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lucy shares her contrasting birth experiences - from an emergency caesarean with her first daughter Ocean at 42+2 weeks, to a planned caesarean with twins Koa and Maddox that took a frightening turn when Maddox was born unresponsive.

Today's episode is brought to you by Bare Mum. Explore the full range of birth, recovery and breastfeeding essentials and enjoy 15% off at baremum.com using the code ABS2025
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.