Australian Birth Stories

• 588 | Shannon – A Midwife's Journey: Perinatal Anxiety, Miscarriage, Two Empowering Birth Stories

  As a midwife with a graduate certificate in perinatal mental health, Shannon thought she was prepared for pregnancy and birth. However, her experience taught her that professional knowledge doesn't shield you from the profound emotional and physical challenges of becoming a mother. Her candid discussion about perinatal anxiety, the impact of her eating disorder history, and her breastfeeding journey with breast implants and suspected insufficient glandular tissue makes this episode essential listening for anyone supporting women through pregnancy and early motherhood.Shannon's two birth stories - both beautiful home births in her converted studio space - showcase the power of trusting your body, excellent midwifery care, and the importance of mental health support throughout the perinatal period.Today's episode is brought to you by Bare Mum and their thoughtfully curated Breast Care Kit.Every breastfeeding journey comes with its unique challenges - from those tender early days with sore nipples to managing unexpected leakage. That's where Bare Mum's midwife-approved Breast Care Kit becomes your trusted companion.This comprehensive kit offers practical and effective solutions to the common discomforts that come with breastfeeding. Whether you're preparing for your little one's arrival or supporting a new mum in your life, this care kit has all the essentials to nurture and protect during this precious time.What makes it even better? It's ready to go straight into your hospital bag, taking one thing off your preparation list. And if you're looking for the perfect gift for a new mum, this kit shows you truly understand what she needs during those early breastfeeding days.As a special treat for our listeners, you can enjoy 15% off your Breast Care Kit with the code ABS2025 at checkout.Because every mother deserves comfort and support on her breastfeeding journey - Bare Mum's Breast Care Kit, midwife approved and mother tested. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• 587 | Zan & Indi - Two births, queer family, home insemination, IVF, surprise breech home birth, induced lactation

  In this episode I chat to Zan and Indi, a queer couple from Adelaide who share their remarkable journey through fertility challenges, pregnancy loss, and ultimately both carrying a pregnancy and welcoming two beautiful children. Their story encompasses home insemination, IVF, a surprise breach home birth, termination for medical reasons following a twin pregnancy, and the unique experience of a trans pregnancy. This episode offers invaluable insights into the realities of fertility treatment and the profound strength required to navigate pregnancy loss whilst building the family you've always dreamed of.Today’s episode is brought to you by Moonpig. Remember the excitement of finding a beautiful card in your mailbox? Moonpig has brought that special feeling back to over 4 million Aussies.As parents, we know how important it is to celebrate life’s milestones. Speaking of birthdays, it’s actually my son Nik’s 12th birthday this week, so we’ve jumped on Moonpig, like we always do, to create some personalised cards for him. We’ve also made a beautiful mug with a family picture on it, and we really hope that he enjoys it.With over 33,000 personalised cards for every occasion, you can create something truly special from home. Add your own photos, scan in your handwriting, or even include QR codes for video messages. It’s so much more than a basic supermarket card – it’s a keepsake they’ll treasure.Starting from just $9.99, you can create something beautiful through their website or the Moonpig app.And here’s something special for our Australian Birth Stories community – enjoy 50% off your first card plus free standard shipping when you use the code ABS at checkout.Shop Moonpig today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• 586 | Brittany, 28-week birth, IUGR, preeclampsia, emergency caesarean, NICU journey, heart surgery

  Brittany shares her extraordinary journey from a challenging conception to a life-changing premature birth experience. After 18 months of trying to conceive with low AMH levels, Brittany and her husband Braden welcomed their son Tulla at just 28 weeks following a dramatic turn of events. What began as routine monitoring for IUGR (intrauterine growth restriction) quickly escalated into preeclampsia, emergency caesarean, and a four-month NICU journey that included heart surgery in Melbourne. Brittany's story is one of resilience, advocacy, and the incredible strength of the parent-baby bond formed in the most challenging circumstances. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• 585 | Em Shared care,induction, Postnatal Depression, Perinatal Mental Health Unit

  In this week’s episode I interview Em about her pregnancy during lockdown. She was induced at 41 weeks and laboured for a long time alone in the maternity ward before she was transferred to the birthing suite where she experienced the cascade of intervention and birthed her baby boy via vacuum delivery. Em was four months postpartum when she disclosed her sadness to her GP and was subsequently diagnosed with PND and PTSD. Three days later she walked into the Perinatal Mental Health Unit at Mitcham Private Hospital. It was a life changing experience for her and she shares her story in the hope that she can spread the word about the essential postpartum support resources that are available (even if they are notoriously difficult to find). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• 584 | Jo, two vaginal births, midwifery care, public hospital, GP, co-sleeping, extended breastfeed

  Today I interview Jo, a mother of two and GP who brings so much knowledge and advice to her story. She says that being a mother has definitely made her a better GP although she admits that so many of her expectations of parenthood were thrown out the window when she became a mum. She feels strongly about safe co-sleeping (she shares a lot of evidence around this) as well as extended breastfeeding and the societal pressures that often prompt early weaning. Lighthearted and joyful, Jo shares all the details of her two physiological births and the skills she embraced from to actively relax while her body actively birthed.You can learn more about The Birth Class here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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