Australian Birth Stories

Today I chat to Mel about her path into motherhood. Mel met her partner Antonio later in life, after having come to terms with the idea that she might never become a mother. Living with emetophobia, a fear of vomiting, shaped nearly every decision Mel made in pregnancy, from her choice of care provider to her decision to have an elective caesarean. This is a candid conversation about recurrent miscarriage, navigating severe nausea and a genuine phobia throughout pregnancy, and finding calm through a planned caesarean birth.

Aussie sleepwear brand ergoPouch makes TOG-rated swaddles and sleeping bags that take the guesswork out of dressing your baby for sleep. They’ve just launched their Heritage collection, a curated collection of their most loved prints from the archive, given a fresh new look. Think Coastal, Meadow, Taupe Marle and the much-loved Savannah, all in 1.0 TOG organic cotton Cocoon Swaddle Bags and Sleeping Bags. Australian Birth Stories listeners get 20% off sitewide with the code AUBS from the 19th of October to the 2nd of November. Head to ergopouch.com.au. T&Cs apply.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today I chat to Kate Jones about becoming a mum for the first time to her daughter Lila. Kate takes us through months of frustrating fertility tracking, a tricky local hospital landscape after her area's only private birthing suite closed, and the vaginal water birth she had hoped for from the very beginning. She's honest and funny throughout, especially when describing labouring at home, the mental shift of transitioning to hospital, and the moment her umbilical cord snapped after her daughter was born.

To see Kate's birth video head to @australianbirthstories on Instagram.

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Available in four beautiful corduroy colours: Mocha, Green Olive, Taupe and Coconut.

And exclusively for Australian Birth Stories listeners, enjoy 20% off with code ABS20 at iltutto.com.au.

Hurry, ABS20 ends 31 October 2026 and cannot be used with any other offer, only available at iltutto.com.au.

Lola by iL Tutto. Made for the moments that matter now, and designed to be loved long after.

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Beth shares two beautiful birth stories. Her first with Bernie was an unmedicated hospital birth at the Mercy, and Quinn's home birth through the Joan Kerner programme, where her partner Paddy caught their daughter in their own lounge room. Beth talks honestly about the power of continuity of care, hiring a doula for both births, and why birthing at home felt like the most natural thing in the world.

Mother Dose by Land Lab

I rarely talk about supplements on here – mostly because so many aren’t backed by real evidence, and as someone who’s always reading the fine print, I’m pretty selective about what I’ll share with you. But every now and then, something stands out. Mother Dose by Land Lab is one of those rare finds that cuts through all the confusion. What has really impressed me is that it’s been formulated by doctors, dietitians and naturopaths – every single ingredient is there for a reason, backed by evidence and aligned with current prenatal guidelines.

It includes the good stuff like choline for baby’s brain development, folate in its most active form, and a clinical dosage of ginger that’s actually proven to help with morning sickness. Over 50 health professionals have peer-reviewed the formulation, and they all said the same thing – it’s an amazing blend that delivers the kind of care every woman deserves.

Whether you’re pregnant or trying to conceive, Mother Dose takes the overwhelm out of choosing a prenatal. And this time, Australian Birth Stories listeners can save $15 on Mother Dose with the code: ABS. Just head to land-lab.co to redeem the offer.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I chat to Sarah Viliamu, content creator, model and founder of The Self Love Supply, about her two very different birth experiences four years apart. Her first birth took place in Melbourne during the height of the 2020 lockdowns and ended in a long induction with a frightening postpartum haemorrhage. In between her two children, Sarah experienced two miscarriages and speaks honestly about that grief and the anxiety that followed her into her next pregnancy. Her second birth, a spontaneous labour at home followed by a short, powerful vaginal birth in hospital, could not have looked more different. This is a beautiful episode about how much knowledge, continuity of care and the right support team can change a woman's experience of labour the second time round.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode I chat to Mel about her road to motherhood, which began with a year of unexplained infertility and a round of IVF squeezed in during a short trip home from remote Northern Territory. Her pregnancy played out almost entirely in a small community several hours from the nearest town before an unsettled labour led to an emergency caesarean and a frightening panic attack on the operating table. Mel speaks candidly about feeling disconnected from her newborn son in those first days, the baby blues that tipped into something far more serious, and the two week stay in a mother and baby unit that turned everything around. It's an honest, generous conversation.

Meet Lola - the newest chair fromiL Tutto’s Trend Collection, combining beautiful design with the comfort and support you need through pregnancy, feeding and beyond. With a generously cushioned seat, supportive backrest, curved armrests and soft corduroy upholstery, Lola is designed to look just as beautiful outside the nursery. Smooth electric recline, gentle glide and 180-degree swivel make it easy to find your perfect position and move comfortably with your baby. Available in Mocha, Green Olive, Taupe and Coconut.

Australian Birth Stories listeners can enjoy 20% off with code ABS20 atiltutto.com.au until 31 October 2026. Cannot be used with any other offer.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I speak with Senator Marielle Smith about the newly established Senate Select Committee on Women’s Health and what it could mean for women and families across Australia.

We unpack what a Senate Select Committee actually is, how it differs from a Royal Commission or state-based inquiry, and - importantly - how the stories and experiences shared with the committee can help inform recommendations and future policy.

We also discuss why the inquiry extends beyond postpartum care to examine broader issues affecting women’s health, including women’s pain, medical misogyny, fertility and reproductive health, pregnancy and birth, postpartum care, stillbirth and infant loss, and the regulation of medical devices.

For so many women, the six-week postpartum check can feel like the end of their care, despite recovery, feeding, pain and mental health challenges continuing for weeks or months afterwards. We talk about the opportunity this inquiry presents to reconsider how women are supported during those crucial first months after birth.

Most importantly, Senator Smith explains how women, partners and families can contribute their own experiences to the inquiry.

Submissions are open until 9th of October 2026

If you have an experience of Australia’s healthcare system that you believe needs to be heard — including your experience of postpartum care - this is an opportunity to have your voice included.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode I chat to Mia, a mother of two living in Canberra, about her two vaginal births, close in age but very different in circumstance. Mia's first birth followed an unplanned pregnancy at twenty three, was quick  and left her with a healthy respect for gas and air. Her second birth was carefully planned as a home birth through Canberra's continuity of care programme, but a posterior baby, reduced movements and a racing heart rate meant she ended up induced in hospital instead, birthing on an epidural she never expected to need. Mia also speaks candidly about single motherhood, meeting her now partner at a Pilates class of all places, and blending two families into one. It's a warm, funny and very honest conversation about surrendering the plan and still coming out the other side with a positive birth.

Today's episode is brought to you by Bare Mum.

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. If you're preparing for a vaginal birth, or know someone who is, check out Bare Mum's Vaginal Birth Care Kit, and use the code ABS2026 at checkout to get 15% off storewide.

Bare Mum — supporting mothers through the fourth trimester and beyond.

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In this episode I chat to Alex, a yoga and bodywork facilitator from Hobart, about the ten year journey she and her husband David went through to become parents. Alex takes us through years of unexplained infertility, a life threatening ectopic pregnancy, multiple rounds of IVF, several miscarriages and the moment she finally made peace with a child-free future, only to fall pregnant naturally soon after. She speaks so openly about the mental health toll of fertility treatment, the identity shifts along the way, and her vaginal birth following a two-day labour and augmentation. This is a raw, generous conversation for anyone whose path to motherhood hasn't gone to plan.

Today’s episode is brought to you by Nutra Naturals.

Made from Australian grass-fed beef and pasture-raised chicken bones, Nutra Naturals’ award-winning bone broths are slowly cooked and concentrated into either a rich paste or convenient powder. Shop online at nutranaturals.com.au. Use the code AUSBIRTHSTORIES at checkout to get 20% off. But be quick, this offer is only available until the 18th of September 2026 and cannot be used on bundles or with any other offer.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode I chat to Hannah, a mum of three living in Darwin with her husband Joff and their boys Atlas, Abel and Solomon. Hannah takes us through three very different birth stories, starting with an induced hospital birth in Melbourne during lockdown, through to a calmer second labour in Darwin, and finally a fast third birth that unfolded just as Darwin's private maternity hospital closed its doors. She speaks openly about episiotomy recovery, breastfeeding, an early pregnancy loss and what it felt like to be moved into an already stretched public system. It's a warm, honest conversation and a good reminder of just how much maternity choice matters.

Today’s episode is brought to you by Nutra Naturals. Made from Australian grass-fed beef and pasture-raised chicken bones, Nutra Naturals’ award-winning bone broths are slowly cooked and concentrated into either a rich paste or convenient powder. So you get the rich flavour and naturally occurring collagen protein you’d expect from a traditional homemade bone broth – without spending hours in the kitchen. Use the code AUSBIRTHSTORIES at checkout to get 20% off. This offer is only available until the 18th of September 2026 and cannot be used on bundles or with any other offer.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode I chat with Jess Evans, a mother of two from Melbourne who has spent eight years working with baby brand ErgoPouch. Jess takes us through the misdiagnosis that delayed her first pregnancy, a joyful and completely intervention free vaginal birth with her son Hunter, and then the devastating loss she experienced when trying for a second baby, not long after her husband Craig was diagnosed with testicular cancer. She talks candidly about grief, pregnancy after loss anxiety, and finally, the whirlwind two hour vaginal birth of her second son August. This episode is honest, moving and full of practical wisdom for anyone who has faced a bump in the road on their way to becoming a parent.

Today's episode is brought to you by ergoPouch, the brand behind some of my favourite sleepwear for baby, infant, toddler and beyond.

ergoPouch is a premium Australian sleepwear brand using certified organic cotton and natural fibres to create TOG-rated sleep solutions from newborn to six years. I love their TOG rating system; it takes the guesswork out of dressing bub for sleep, so you always know they're at the right temperature no matter the season.

Our friends at ergoPouch are gifting you $15 off your first order; just head to ErgoPouchand sign up before their new season drops to grab your code.

Keep an eye out too, because their new Nursery Rhymes collection launches August 27th, just in time for spring and summer babies. Two signature prints, Melody in warm caramel tones with a fiddle-playing cat, and Lullaby in a softer cream, bring classic lullabies to life. T&Cs apply.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode I chat to Elise, originally from Scotland and now living on Sydney's Northern Beaches with her partner Dan and their three children. Elise has experienced severe hyperemesis gravidarum in all three of her pregnancies, and she takes us through an incredibly quick, vaginal birth with her first daughter Delilah, the heartbreaking termination for medical reasons of her daughter Rain following a trisomy 18 diagnosis, and finally the induced vaginal birth of her twins, Posey and Ziggy, which included a frightening resuscitation moment in the birth suite. Elise speaks openly about hyperemesis gravidarum, secondary fertility while breastfeeding, and adjusting to life with three children under three. It's a raw, generous conversation about how vastly different birth experiences can be, even for the same woman, and how the right care provider can change everything.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode I chat to Tully Smyth about her winding road to motherhood and the birth of her daughter, Elke. Tully shares her honest experience of being single well into her thirties, the decision to freeze her eggs twice, and how that choice changed the way she approached dating and eventually met her partner, Ned. She talks candidly about choosing an elective caesarean, the guilt and shame she carried around that decision, and the realities of her recovery, which was far from the straightforward experience she expected. Tully also opens up about grieving her mother, who she lost to early onset dementia, and how becoming a mother herself has brought that grief back in unexpected waves. This is a raw, funny and deeply honest conversation for anyone navigating pregnancy, birth choices or the messy, non linear feelings that come with becoming a parent.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode I chat with Amy, a birth photographer and former doula living on the Sunshine Coast, about the birth of her fifth baby, her first with her now husband after a divorce from the father of her first four children. Amy takes us through meeting her husband, the decision to grow their blended family, a frightening heterotopic pregnancy scare, weeks of prodromal labour, her waters breaking in the frozen aisle at Coles, and a birth that took some unexpected turns when her baby wouldn't move down into a good position. She speaks so honestly about needing to meet an entirely different version of herself in labour and how, even when her plans changed, feeling safe and supported meant she still walked away with the birth she needed. This is a beautifully raw episode for anyone navigating a birth after loss, a birth with a new partner, or a labour that doesn't go the way they'd hoped.

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After going through two very different postpartum experiences herself, the founder Keira realised just how much support exists for pregnancy and birth, but how little is really focused on the mother once the baby arrives. So they created Postpartum Replenish. A delicious Mandarin and Yuzu formulated beverage designed specifically for life after birth. With nutrients that support normal neurological function, hormonal activity, wound healing and digestive health, plus magnesium and B vitamins that contribute to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. Drink alongside Hydramama or on it's own. It's going to be a game changer for new mums. Head to miniandme.co and use the code ABS20 for 20% per cent off. Excluding sample packs and gift cards.

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Breastfeeding and sleep concerns are common in early parenthood but unfortunately, many GP’s aren’t qualified to support you through these challenges. So where do you go for professional advice? In this episode, Dr Eliza Hannam discusses her early motherhood experiences alongside her role as a GP, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and a Neuroprotective Development Care practitioner. What does all this mean? She’s the gold standard when it comes to perinatal care. Eliza explains how she supports new parents, the rebates available for allied health services including mental health plans, and how you can access free breastfeeding support.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I chat with Jessie Stephens, who many of you will remember from her first birth story with her daughter Luna in episode 415. Jessie returns to share her second pregnancy and birth journey, this time with a twist nobody expected, twins. She takes us through the heartbreak of a miscarriage, the shock of discovering twins at her scan, gestational diabetes, a premature caesarean birth at 33 weeks, weeks in NICU and the reality of triple feeding two newborns. It's an honest and moving conversation about the highs and lows of a twin pregnancy and birth.

Today's episode is brought to you by Nutra Naturals.

Made from Australian grass-fed beef and pasture-raised chicken bones, Nutra Naturals' award-winning bone broths are slowly cooked and concentrated into either a rich paste or convenient powder. So you get the rich flavour and naturally occurring collagen protein you'd expect from a traditional homemade bone broth - without spending hours in the kitchen.

Plus there’s added Zinc and B Vitamins too! No preservatives, no fillers, no nasties. Just clean wholefood ingredients that make healthy eating feel effortless. And that is really what we are all after isn't it.

The range starts from $34.95 and you can shop online at nutranaturals.com.au. Use the code AUSBIRTHSTORIES at checkout to get 20% off.

But be quick, this offer is only available until the 18th of September 2026 and cannot be used on bundles or with any other offer.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I chat with Danni, a mother of four living on the Gold Coast, who takes us through eight remarkably eventful years of motherhood. Danni shares her path to becoming a mum of four, including a miscarriage before her first pregnancy, the surprise of conceiving twins through ovulation induction, an emergency caesarean for her daughter Harlow, a VBAC (vaginal birth after caesarean) she fought hard for with her fourth baby, and finally, the bowel cancer diagnosis that arrived just seven months after giving birth to her youngest, London. Danni speaks candidly about postpartum body image, breastfeeding struggles, the heartbreak of miscarrying at 13 and a half weeks on a flight home from the UK, and the devastating decision to stop breastfeeding mid chemotherapy. Her story is raw, funny in places and deeply moving, and it carries an important message for anyone under 45 experiencing unexplained symptoms: trust your body and advocate for your health.

Today's episode is brought to you by iL Tutto Plus Collection

Meet Henry Plus, the first release from the innovative new iL Tutto Plus Collection.

Henry Plus combines iL Tutto’s signature style and ergonomic support with soothing back massage, heat therapy in the seat and adjustable air lumbar support, so you can personalise your comfort.

It also features effortless electric recline, an extended footrest, smooth gliding motion, a 180-degree swivel and USB-A and USB-C charging. Available in Eggshell, Vanilla Bouclé and Pure Grey, Henry Plus supports you through pregnancy, feeding, settling and beyond, because your comfort matters too.

Australian Birth Stories listeners can use code ABS20 for 20% off full-priced items, excluding Henry Plus that already has a 15% intro offer and iL Tutto’s award-winning chairs. Or create a nursery bundle and save up to 30% with their interactive Bundle Experience.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, high school teacher and mother of two Grace shares her contrasting birth stories from Wollongong, NSW. Her first pregnancy was meticulously researched and planned. Grace approached conception with the same precision she'd bring to organising a holiday, using ovulation tracking and basal temperature monitoring to conceive her daughter Frankie. Though she'd arranged a private homebirth midwife, a late-pregnancy scan showing low amniotic fluid led to an unplanned induction and vaginal birth in hospital. Four years later, her second pregnancy with son William unfolded very differently: a slow, gentle build-up of pre-labour signs culminated in an unassisted, precipitous homebirth on her bedroom floor, with three-year-old Frankie as an unexpected witness. Grace's story is a masterclass in informed decision-making, the emotional complexity of losing bodily autonomy, and the profound difference a trusted care provider makes to a woman's confidence in her own body.

Today's episode is brought to you by Nutra Naturals.

Made from Australian grass-fed beef and pasture-raised chicken bones, Nutra Naturals' award-winning bone broths are slowly cooked and concentrated into either a rich paste or convenient powder. So you get the rich flavour and naturally occurring collagen protein you'd expect from a traditional homemade bone broth - without spending hours in the kitchen.

Plus there’s added Zinc and B Vitamins too! No preservatives, no fillers, no nasties. Just clean wholefood ingredients that make healthy eating feel effortless. And that is really what we are all after isn't it.

The range starts from $34.95 and you can shop online at nutranaturals.com.au. Use the code AUSBIRTHSTORIES at checkout to get 20% off.

But be quick, this offer is only available until the 18th of September 2026 and cannot be used on bundles or with any other offer.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join me today for a conversation with my sister, Hilary who shares her second pregnancy and birth with her daughter Rhoda.  I was in the birth centre from the moment her waters broke. It was the first birth I’ve ever attended and such a precious experience (although I think it confirmed that I wouldn’t be the best doula). I had a few roles on the day: support sister, photographer and baby catcher. Needless to say, it was unforgettable.

Today's episode is brought to you by Nutra Naturals.

 
Made from Australian grass-fed beef and pasture-raised chicken bones, Nutra Naturals' award-winning bone broths are slowly cooked and concentrated into either a rich paste or convenient powder. So you get the rich flavour and naturally occurring collagen protein you'd expect from a traditional homemade bone broth - without spending hours in the kitchen.

Plus there’s added Zinc and B Vitamins too! No preservatives, no fillers, no nasties. Just clean wholefood ingredients that make healthy eating feel effortless. And that is really what we are all after isn't it.

The range starts from $34.95 and you can shop online at nutranaturals.com.au. Use the code AUSBIRTHSTORIES at checkout to get 20% off.

But be quick, this offer is only available until the 18th of September 2026 and cannot be used on bundles or with any other offer.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode I chat with Freya, a paediatric doctor from Melbourne, about her pregnancy and premature vaginal birth of her daughter Goldie. Freya's journey to motherhood came with more challenges than most; she battled severe hyperemesis gravidarum for her entire pregnancy, was involved in a serious car accident at 34 weeks, and went into spontaneous labour at just 35 weeks. Her professional background in paediatrics influenced many of her fears around childbirth, yet she still managed to find a positive, empowering birth experience. Freya also speaks candidly about the guilt and shame that so often accompanies pregnancy sickness, the emotional complexity of a NICU-adjacent birth, and a gruelling three-month breastfeeding journey.

Today's episode is brought to you by Nutra Naturals.
Made from Australian grass-fed beef and pasture-raised chicken bones, Nutra Naturals' award-winning bone broths are slowly cooked and concentrated into either a rich paste or convenient powder. So you get the rich flavour and naturally occurring collagen protein you'd expect from a traditional homemade bone broth - without spending hours in the kitchen.

Plus there’s added Zinc and B Vitamins too! No preservatives, no fillers, no nasties. Just clean wholefood ingredients that make healthy eating feel effortless. And that is really what we are all after isn't it.

The range starts from $34.95 and you can shop online at nutranaturals.com.au. Use the code AUSBIRTHSTORIES at checkout to get 20% off.

But be quick, this offer is only available until the 18th of September 2026 and cannot be used on bundles or with any other offer.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jade is a registered nurse of fourteen years, a newly qualified doula, and a birth photographer living on Sydney's Northern Beaches with her husband Matt, her daughters Milla, four, and Remi, seventeen months, and their beloved Westie, Doug. Diagnosed with stage four endometriosis at twenty-one, Jade spent years wondering whether motherhood would come easily. Thankfully it did, but what followed were two pregnancies and births that could not have been more different. Her first, marked by severe hyperemesis, a prolonged epidural process, postural headaches, and a postpartum she is still making sense of. Her second, a deeply prepared, woman-centred water birth that she describes as chalk and cheese. This is an honest, generous, and deeply relatable episode for anyone navigating fear, trauma, or the hope of a different experience second time around.

Follow us on Instagram for photos and video from today's birth story.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lauren is a yoga teacher, women's circle facilitator and prenatal yoga educator living in Sydney's northwest with her husband James and their two children, Joel, who is nearly four, and Grace, who is just three months old. From the moment she came off the contraceptive pill, Lauren embarked on a deeply intentional journey into her own body, her cycle, and ultimately, her path to motherhood. She shares two profoundly different yet equally positive birth experiences at the same private hospital, and takes us through the grief, the ritual, the surrender, and the extraordinary moments that shaped both.

Today's episode is brought to you by Once Upon, the app that makes creating photo books surprisingly easy.

You can create beautiful photo books straight from your phone without needing hours of spare time or any design skills. You just choose your photos, arrange them how you like, and Once Upon does the rest.

They've also recently added more colours and pattern options for their photo books, so you can personalise them in a way that feels like you and your family.

I've been using it to capture our family memories and what I love most is that it doesn't have to be the big milestone moments. Some of my favourite photos are the everyday ones — the kids playing in the backyard, family dinners, holidays, little moments that I know I'll want to remember years from now.

And there's something really special about having those memories in a physical book rather than buried in your camera roll. The boys love flicking through old photos and seeing how much they've changed.

So if you've been meaning to create a photo book but keep putting it off, consider this your sign.

Download the Once Upon app and use the code ABS25 for 25% offyour photo book order. The code is valid until 27 July 2026.

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

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Hannah first shared her birth story in a previous episode (episode 402) a home water birth with her 5.1kg son Archie. Now, four years later, she returns to share the story of her second home water birth with baby August, born at 41+2 weeks and weighing 5.2kg. This episode is rich with clinical insight, raw honesty and the kind of grounded wisdom that only comes from someone who has walked both sides of the birth room. Hannah talks candidly about gestational diabetes, pelvic girdle pain, the mental load of a prolonged latent phase, stretch and sweeps, using a breast pump to encourage labour, and a postpartum haemorrhage that was managed beautifully at home. If you are pregnant, a doula or a midwife, this episode will leave you feeling informed, empowered and deeply reassured.

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

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This episode is part of The Fourth Trimester Village, a four-part series in partnership with Bugaboo exploring what it actually takes to navigate those first twelve weeks after birth. Not just physically, but emotionally, socially and practically. Because we spend so much time preparing for birth, but not nearly enough time talking about what comes after.

Francesca Hung joins us to share her pregnacy and birth expereince. From a pregnancy marked by low platelet levels and a tumble down a cliff face at twelve weeks, to waking at 3:30am on Christmas morning in precipitous labour and nearly birthing her daughter on her parents' front doorstep, Francesca's story is equal parts wild, funny, and deeply moving. She speaks honestly about the delayed emotional connection she felt after birth, the brutal early weeks of breastfeeding, and how living with her parents in those first months gave her the village she needed to find her footing as a mother. This is a brilliant episode for anyone navigating the unexpected in birth and postpartum and a reminder that the village isn't just helpful, it's everything.

You can learn more about Bugaboo and their Kangaroo Pram over at Bugaboo

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Hana went in for her thirteen-week scan on a road trip through Western Australia, she was expecting to confirm a due date. What she got instead was the shock of her life — two babies. Identical, monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twins, sharing a placenta, and completely unplanned. Having already had two beautiful home births — a water birth with her first son Zephyr in Sydney, and a rapid two-hour birth with her second son Dali through the Byron Bay homebirth programme — Hana had assumed her third birth would follow a similar path. It didn't. But what unfolded was something she now describes as one of the most incredible experiences of her life.

Today's sponsor:

If you’re expecting, creating your dream nursery, or looking for premium baby essentials, now is the perfect time to shop at iL Tutto because our EOFY Sale starts at 9am on Tuesday 16 June.

iL Tutto is Australia’s destination for beautifully designed nursing chairs, recliners, bassinets, CoZee co-sleepers, cots, nursery furniture and baby sleep essentials, created to support families from pregnancy through to parenthood and even beyond!

During the EOFY Sale, you can save up to 40% off sitewide, plus we’ve got an exclusive offer just for the ABS audience. Use code ABS5 at checkout for an additional 5% off sale prices.

There are some incredible savings available. Like the Felix Glider Chair and Recliner in Sea Shell is 40% off, and the Maya Electric Recliner & Glider in our best-selling Eggshell fabric is also 40% off. Then, with our exclusive ABS5 code, you’ll save even more. If you’ve been thinking about investing in a nursing chair, bassinet or nursery furniture, this is one of the biggest sales of the year.

But don’t wait too long, the iL Tutto EOFY Sale ends 1 July 2026.

Shop online at iLTutto.com.au and don’t forget to use code ABS5 for your extra savings. * excludes online bundles.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode is part of The Fourth Trimester Village, a four-part series in partnership with Bugaboo exploring what it actually takes to navigate those first twelve weeks after birth. Not just physically, but emotionally, socially and practically. Because we spend so much time preparing for birth, but not nearly enough time talking about what comes after.

In this episode, Sophie speaks with Dr Nicole Gale, a specialist GP, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), and founder of Juno Specialists in Richmond, Melbourne. Nicole brings a rare combination of clinical expertise and deep compassion to the conversation, unpacking what the fourth trimester really looks like for mothers, babies, and families. From the biology of newborn sleep and the myths around self-settling, to the emotional complexity of breastfeeding decisions and the very real loneliness of early motherhood, this episode is rich with validation, evidence-based insight, and practical wisdom. Nicole also speaks beautifully about supporting neurodivergent mothers in the postnatal period and closes with a reminder that will stay with you long after you've finished listening.

You can learn more about Bugaboo and their Kangaroo Pram over at Bugaboo

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Today I'm joined by Heidi, women's health physiotherapist and the woman behind Women's Health with Heidi. With over a million followers, she's become a trusted voice in pelvic floor health and postpartum recovery.

We cover a lot of ground in this episode, and honestly, I think every pregnant and postpartum woman needs to hear it. In this episode, we talk about:

This episode is brought to you by Bugaboo.

Getting out of the house in the fourth trimester can feel enormous — and having the right pram makes a real difference to whether you actually do it. The Bugaboo Kangaroo is designed exactly for that. All-terrain wheels, one-hand fold and steering, and an XL basket for everything you need to bring. It's a single pram now and a double later, with over 20 configurations to grow with your family. Bugaboo's first tandem pram in 25 years, built because Australian parents asked for it. A certified B Corp working toward net zero by 2035.

Head to bugaboo.com to see the Kangaroo for yourself.

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Jordan birthed her daughter Hali in the water at the birth centre of the Royal Hospital for Women, supported by her MGP midwife, after just three hours and forty minutes of active labour. She talks about managing symphysis pubis dysfunction throughout pregnancy, using a TENS machine at home, labouring on all fours in her lounge room, and how preparation through the podcast, books and birth course helped her go into labour feeling genuinely open and ready for whatever unfolded.

"I still can't believe I did an unmedicated water birth. But it was the most euphoric thing ever."

If you've just listened to Jordan's story and thought, I want to feel that way too, I would love to support you inside The Birth Class.

Inside, you'll learn from Australia's leading midwives, obstetricians, physiotherapists, lactation consultants and doulas across ten evidence-based audio lessons you can listen to wherever and whenever it suits you. You'll also receive nine guided birth meditations, breathing exercises, an eighty-page workbook, a birth preferences template and a hospital bag checklist.

More than 8000 families have completed The Birth Class, and right now everything in the Australian Birth Stories shop is 20% off. Use the code ready20 at checkout.

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If you've ever felt blindsided by motherhood — the grief, the rage, the identity shift, the loneliness — this episode is for you. I sat down with Melbourne-based perinatal and reproductive psychiatrist Dr Edna Lekgabe to talk about one of the most profound and under-discussed transitions a woman can go through: matrescence. Edna has a gift for making the complex feel manageable, and this conversation is full of those lightbulb moments — the kind that make you exhale and think, oh, so that's what's happening to me.

About Dr Edna Lekgabe:

Dr Edna Lekgabe is a perinatal and reproductive psychiatrist based in Melbourne, specialising in mental health for women across pregnancy, postpartum and beyond. She is also a mother of two and one of the most warm, wise voices in this space.

This episode is brought to you by Bugaboo.

Getting out of the house in the fourth trimester can feel enormous — and having the right pram makes a real difference to whether you actually do it. The Bugaboo Kangaroo is designed exactly for that. All-terrain wheels, one-hand fold and steering, and an XL basket for everything you need to bring. It's a single pram now and a double later, with over 20 configurations to grow with your family. Bugaboo's first tandem pram in 25 years, built because Australian parents asked for it. A certified B Corp working toward net zero by 2035.

Head to bugaboo.com to see the Kangaroo for yourself.

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Renako, a Japanese-Australian creative, marketer and mum of two living on the Great Ocean Road, shares two very different caesarean birth stories. Her first, Kieran, arrived via emergency caesarean at the Royal Women's after being induced at 38 weeks for low amniotic fluid. Her second, Nori, was a planned caesarean at the Frances Perry, calm, joyful, and with a birth team that doubled as a photography crew. Renako speaks honestly about fight-or-flight mode, postnatal depression she didn't name at the time, and the slow, intentional work of coming back to herself.

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Beth shares two beautiful birth stories — Bernie's unmedicated hospital birth at the Mercy, and Quinn's home birth through the Joan Kerner programme, where her partner Paddy caught their daughter in their own lounge room. Beth talks honestly about the power of continuity of care, hiring a doula for both births, and why birthing at home felt like the most natural thing in the world.

Download our 9 Birth Meditationcollection today- available as a standalone product for $49 or included inside The Birth Class.

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In today’s episode I chat with Dr Daniela Aiello, a registered osteopath specialising in pregnancy and postpartum care at Bulleen Osteopathy in Melbourne’s northern suburbs. Daniela brings over two decades of experience treating pregnant and postpartum women, combined with her personal journey as a mother of two (aged 14 and 11) and founder of Continuall, a compression wear brand designed specifically for women during pregnancy and postpartum recovery.

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In this week’s episode, I chat to Clare about her two planned caesarean births. Despite severe endometriosis, Clare fell pregnant easily and sailed through the first half of her pregnancy. However, at her 20 week scan she discovered that her baby had ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJ) and shortly afterwards, she was diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Her planned caesarean was straightforward but her recovery was not; extensive adhesions in her uterus caused a long and painful postpartum. She chose a private obstetrician for her second birth and jumped at the chance to have a maternal-assisted caesarean but nothing could prepare her for the shock of her baby’s hearing loss diagnosis at six weeks.

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Molly takes us on her remarkable birth journey in the remote mining town of Weipa, Cape York, Queensland. As a neurodivergent woman living 800 kilometres from the nearest major hospital, Molly's story beautifully illustrates how proper preparation, supportive care, and self-advocacy can lead to an empowering birth experience even in challenging circumstances. Her candid discussion of experiencing "baby pinks" - postpartum euphoria - rather than the more commonly discussed baby blues provides invaluable insight for families and care providers alike. This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in remote birthing, neurodivergent experiences in pregnancy, and the full spectrum of postpartum mental health.

Today’s episode is brought to you by iL Tutto, a brand known for supporting parents through those early, precious moments with your baby.

They’ve just launched something really special, the new iL Tutto + Boba Teddy-Fleece Baby Carrier. It’s designed to feel like a soft, wearable cuddle, keeping your baby close, calm and connected wherever you go. If you’re looking for a way to stay close to your baby while still having the freedom to move, you can discover the new Teddy-Fleece Carrier at iltutto.com.au and enjoy their 15% off intro offer.

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In this remarkable episode, Lauren takes us through her extraordinary journey of birthing six children whilst building her career as a doula. From her first precipitous labour that saw her go from 3cm to fully dilated in 45 minutes, to her recent identical twin water birth, Lauren's story is one of trust, preparation, and the profound power of physiological birth. As a doula who has supported over 150 births, including nine vaginal twin births, Lauren brings both professional insight and deeply personal experience to this conversation. 

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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.

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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

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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.

As parents, we know mealtime can be... well, let's just say it's an adventure! From those precious first tastes to the inevitable food-flinging phase, we need dinnerware that can keep up with our little ones while still looking beautiful on our tables. Ready to elevate your dinnerware drawer? Head to rommerdesign.com and use the code ABS20 to get 20% off the entire range. That's ABS20 for 20% off atrommerdesign.com - but hurry, this offer is only valid until April 30th.

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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 GuideHERE

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.

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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

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In today’s episode Ruby shares her journey with infant sleep. We all come to postpartum with a predisposed understanding of baby sleep which usually involves the mindset that it’s the parent’s ‘job’ to ‘teach’ the baby to sleep. But as you will hear in this episode, babies have a primal drive to sleep and their sleep needs are ultimately influenced by their temperament. Ruby sought advice from two sleep training experts (which she admits felt counterintuitive), before she found a sleep consultant who specialises in normal infant biology. From here, Ruby grew to understand her baby’s low sleep needs and subsequently surrendered to a sleep journey that looks very different to her initial presumptions of sleep and settling.

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.

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In this raw and honest episode, Ellie shares her journey from home insemination to navigating pregnancy and birth as an autistic woman in a same-sex relationship. Living in Melbourne with her partner Moo, Ellie takes us through their successful home insemination, her surprisingly positive pregnancy experience, and a challenging hospital birth that ended with forceps and episiotomy. Her candid discussion about autism in pregnancy, the realities of neurodivergent motherhood, and her difficult recovery offers invaluable insights for other neurodivergent parents. Ellie's story highlights the importance of advocating for yourself in the healthcare system and finding what works for your family.

Sponsor:

My friends at ergoPouch are gifting you a 20% off discount code. Use the CODE AUBS20 for 20% off sitewide* T&Cs apply.

Happy Swaddling with ergo.

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Estelle shares her complete journey to motherhood - from unexplained infertility and IVF to an unexpected natural conception with her second child. Estelle opens up about the emotional challenges of fertility treatment, her positive experiences with induction and epidural, and her very different postpartum experiences with each baby. She discusses her struggles with breastfeeding anxiety, her decision to formula feed her second child, and how she's learning to trust her instincts as a mother. This episode beautifully illustrates how subsequent pregnancies and births can offer completely different experiences, and highlights the importance of making feeding choices that support maternal mental health.

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Today I chat with Michelle and Michelle (yes, two Michelles!), a couple who fell in love at work and knew immediately they wanted to build a family together. Their journey to parenthood was anything but straightforward - spanning over a year of IVF treatments, reciprocal IVF attempts, pregnancy loss, and ultimately a beautiful emergency caesarean birth of their daughter Sage. What makes their story particularly special is how they navigated the complexities of being a same-sex couple in the fertility system, supported each other through multiple embryo transfers, and both pursued breastfeeding through induced lactation. Their honesty about the emotional and financial toll of IVF, combined with their unwavering support for each other, makes this an incredibly powerful listen for anyone on their own fertility journey.

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Leila returns to share her incredible second twin birth story - a Christmas Day birth that began at home and culminated in a powerful breech water birth at hospital. As the founder of Village for Mama and mother to five children (including two sets of DCDA fraternal twins), Leila takes us through her unexpected pregnancy discovery at 21 weeks, her journey of informed choice-making, and the profound difference that building your village can make during pregnancy and postpartum.

From dancing with a glass of non-alcoholic bubbles on Christmas morning to birthing her daughter Elka at home and then transferring to hospital for a footling breech birth of baby Finn in the birth pool, Leila's story is one of trust, intuition, and the incredible power of water birth for twins. She also shares invaluable insights about postpartum planning, the reality of caring for five children, and how she honoured her final 40-day lying-in period.

Today's episode is brought to you byiLTutto

iL Tutto is known for beautifully designed nursery furniture that combines comfort, functionality and timeless style. They’ve just introduced a brand-new Soft Tweed fabric in two gorgeous colours, designed to complement their much-loved Teddy Fleece and Corduroy Frankie and Louie recliners.

You can enjoy 20% off iL Tutto’s range for a limited time. Simply visit iltutto.com.au and use the code ABS20 at checkout.

This offer ends 25 March 2026. Conditions apply.

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In today's episode, Jazz a midwife, maternal and child health nurse, and sleep consultant, takes us through her remarkable journey to motherhood. From her first precipitous birth during the height of COVID-19 to navigating severe hyperemesis gravidarum whilst living in Far North Queensland, Jazz's story is one of resilience, professional insight, and the reality that being a healthcare professional doesn't make your own birth and parenting journey any easier. Jazz shares candidly about her postpartum anxiety, the pressure she placed on herself as a professional in the field, and how she learned to be kinder to herself the second time around. Her story beautifully illustrates how each pregnancy and birth is unique, even for the same woman, and offers valuable insights for both parents and birth professionals alike.

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I wanted to share something important with you — especially if you’re currently pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or supporting someone who is. Over the past seven years of Australian Birth Stories, I’ve had the privilege of sitting down with more than 600 women and their families to hear their pregnancy and birth stories. And alongside that, I’ve also birthed my own three boys — each pregnancy, each labour, and each birth teaching me something different about preparation, trust, and the importance of feeling informed and supported.

And if there’s one thing I’ve learned — both through my own births and through hundreds of conversations — it’s this:

Birth rarely unfolds exactly how we imagine it will.

But the women who feel calm, confident and empowered aren’t the ones who had a specific type of birth…

That’s exactly why I created The Birth Class.

I wanted to bring together everything I’ve learned — from my own experiences, from the stories shared on this podcast, and from Australia’s leading midwives, obstetricians, physiotherapists, lactation consultants, and birth educators — into one calm, clear, comprehensive course.

Because when you understand birth, fear naturally begins to dissolve.

You stop feeling like birth is something happening to you…

And instead, you feel like an active participant in the experience.

You understand how labour works.

You understand your choices.

And you trust yourself to navigate whatever unfolds.

Since launching The Birth Class, more than 7,000 women and their partners have taken the course.

And the feedback I hear again and again is:

“I felt calm.”

“I felt prepared.”

“I felt confident — even when my birth didn’t go to plan.”

Because this isn’t about promising a perfect birth.

It’s about preparing you for a positive experience — whatever that looks like for you.

And for the next few days, all of our online courses are available at 25% off.

You can access the sale using the code BIRTH25.

If you’ve been thinking about preparing for birth…

If you’ve been meaning to enrol…

Or if you’ve been listening to these stories and wondering how to prepare yourself…

This is a beautiful time to begin.

Because birth education doesn’t just change how you give birth.

It changes how you feel walking into it.

You deserve to feel calm.

You deserve to feel informed.

You deserve to feel confident in your choices.

And most importantly, you deserve to feel supported.

You can find all the course details HERE and use the code BIRTH25 to access 25% off.

I’m so honoured to support you in your preparation for birth.

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Fatuma shares her transformative journey through a high-risk pregnancy that challenged everything she thought she knew about birth, motherhood, and her own strength. What began as an unexpected pregnancy during her honeymoon period quickly became a complex medical journey involving hemiplegic migraines and a toxoplasmosis diagnosis that led to recommendations for termination at 22 weeks. Fatuma's story is one of profound cultural reconnection, medical advocacy, and the power of trusting your instincts as a mother. Her experience highlights the importance of having strong advocates in the birthing room and the beautiful intersection between Western medicine and traditional African birthing practices. This episode will resonate deeply with anyone who has faced difficult decisions during pregnancy or felt the need to advocate for themselves in medical settings.

Brought to you by UKOO. At UKOO, they understand that family isn't just parents and children – it's the aunties, uncles, nannies, friends, and wider community that makes up our village. That's why their gentle, clinically tested range is designed for everyone, from toddlers and teenagers to parents and grandparents. Each thoughtfully crafted product features pre and postbiotics to support healthy, balanced skin across all ages. Made right here in Melbourne, UKOO believes that caring rituals, like the stories we share, are meant to be passed down through generations.

Ready to embrace generational care for your family? Visit UKOO today and use code "ABS15" for 15% off their entire range.

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In today's episode, I chat with Serrin a graphic designer from Byron Bayabout her extraordinary pregnancy journey involving a life-threatening arteriovenous malformation (AVM). What began as severe headaches that were initially dismissed as normal pregnancy symptoms escalated into a major brain haemorrhage at 22 weeks. Serrin takes us through her weeks in ICU at Gold Coast University Hospital, living in Airbnbs throughout her pregnancy due to medical restrictions, and ultimately welcoming her daughter Bobby via caesarean at 38 weeks. She also shares her challenging recovery journey, including a second brain bleed following post-birth surgery when Bobby was six months old. This is a powerful story of medical complexity, community support, and finding strength through vulnerability - with important lessons about trusting your instincts and advocating for proper care when something doesn't feel right during pregnancy.

Proudly brought to you by iL Tutto.

To celebrate the release ofiL Tutto’s newest award-winning Frankie Electric Recliner, listeners of Australian Birth Stories can enjoy an exclusive 20% off the iL Tutto Trend Collection for a limited time. iL Tutto creates beautifully designed nursery furniture that supports parents through every stage, from those first days at home to life beyond the nursery.

Their ever-growing premium Trend Collection brings together thoughtfully designed, sustainable timber cots and chests, alongside award-winning nursing chairs, including the much-loved Frankie and Louie in Teddy-Fleece and Corduroy.

And now, iL Tutto has welcomed the newest addition to the collection, the award-winning Frankie Chair in Soft Teddy-Fleece, available in two stylish, trend-led colours designed to elevate your nursery and live beautifully in your home long after the baby years.

To celebrate, enjoy 20% off iL Tutto’s Trend Collection for a limited time.

Simply use the code ABS20 at iltutto.com.au.

This offer ends 25 March, 2026.Conditions apply.

iL Tutto, designed for comfort, made to last.

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Josey, a midwife from the Central Coast of New South Wales, shares her remarkable birth story that beautifully illustrates how positive birth experiences can unfold even when plans change. Working at Gosford Hospital and living with her husband Fergus (a paramedic) and their golden retriever Maggie, Josey takes us through her journey from conception to welcoming seven-month-old Murphy.

Today's episode is brought to you by Mini + Me's revolutionary new Mama Bites – the world's first 6-in-1 functional snack designed specifically for the incredible demands of motherhood. As any new mum knows, nourishing yourself while caring for your little one can feel impossible. That's where Mama Bites comes in – thoughtfully formulated to support you through every aspect of your postpartum journey.

Each delicious bite delivers six essential benefits: feeding support with galactagogue foods like flaxseeds and almonds, duct function support with sunflower lecithin, gut and vaginal health through maternal probiotics, immune support with clinically researched Wellmune beta-glucan, structural support with collagen peptides for your hair, skin and nails, and energy support through a maternal vitamin complex – all without stimulants or added sugar.

Whether you're breastfeeding, pumping, or simply recovering from birth and navigating sleep deprivation, Mama Bites provides the nutritional support your body craves as part of a balanced diet.

Ready to nourish yourself the way you deserve? Visit Mini + Me today and use code "ABS15" for 15% off sitewide.

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Kim shares her contrasting birth experiences between the UK and Australia, her journey through postpartum depression, and how she transformed her challenging early motherhood into a national movement supporting mothers. From a medicalised first birth during COVID lockdowns to an empowering second birth that nearly happened at home, Kim's story illustrates how different experiences can shape us and how we can use our struggles to help others. Now the founder of Mum Walk  a national charity connecting mothers across Australia, Kim demonstrates how community and connection are vital for maternal mental health and postpartum wellbeing.

Feeling overwhelmed in your pregnancy? Looking to learn how to connect with your breath? Introducing The Birth Meditations.

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Maddy, a registered nurse and mother of three from the Central Coast of New South Wales, takes us through her complete birth journey. Her story beautifully illustrates how subsequent births can offer profound healing opportunities, especially with the right support team and birth education. Maddy's first birth was an induction which resulted in significant perineal trauma, and postpartum haemorrhage. However, her second and third births through Midwifery Group Practice (MGP) care demonstrate the transformative power of continuity of care, informed choice, and trusting your body's ability to birth.

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Beth shares her remarkable journey of welcoming baby Milo – her third child and first with partner Dean. After a 13-year gap since her last birth, Beth navigated the unique challenges of pregnancy in her thirties whilst parenting teenagers Tyler (13) and Ivy (11) from a previous relationship. Her story beautifully illustrates how birth experiences can evolve and how different life circumstances shape our approach to pregnancy and labour. From dealing with a low-lying placenta that was leading to a caesarean birth to ultimately achieving the vaginal birth she desperately wanted, Beth's journey is one of resilience, preparation, and the profound love that binds blended families together.

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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 yourBreast Care Kitwith 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.

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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.

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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.

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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).

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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.

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In this episode, mother of two Amy takes us through her contrasting birth experiences and her profound journey with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). From an unexpected COVID pregnancy in Melbourne to a transformative home VBAC in Adelaide, Amy's story illuminates the challenges many women face but rarely discuss openly. Her candid account of navigating major placenta praevia, the isolation of pandemic motherhood, and the life-changing discovery of PMDD offers hope and validation for countless mothers experiencing similar struggles.

This episode of Australian Birth Stories is brought to you by iL Tutto, the brand loved by parents for creating beautiful, functional, and comfortable nursery furniture and essentials.

Their Black Friday Sale is now live, from November 18 through to December 1, with up to 50% off sitewide.

You’ll find amazing offers like 50% off Felix Gliders and Ottomans in Egg Shell, 50% off Felix Electric and Manual Chairs in Sea Shell, 40% off selected cots and chests including Misha, Kuba, and Hallee, and 20% off Grow Kindly Sleepwear.

Plus, as an exclusive offer for Australian Birth Stories listeners, you’ll get an extra 5% off when you use the code ABS5 at checkout.

Hurry — these offers end Monday, December 1 at 11:59pm.

Shop now at iltutto.com.au

T&Cs apply. Excludes the Trend Collection and furniture packs.

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Mother of two Jessie returns to share her second pregnancy and birth story - one that beautifully illustrates the power of processing previous birth experiences and the importance of comprehensive preparation for subsequent labours. After what appeared to be a "textbook" first birth with daughter Bronte, Jessie discovered she was carrying unprocessed trauma that was creating anxiety about her upcoming second labour. Through the support of a birth trauma counsellor, her trusted doula, and extensive mental preparation, Jessie transformed her relationship with birth and welcomed son Leonis in a profoundly different and healing experience.

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Tori shares her transformative journey through pregnancy loss, anxiety, and ultimately triumph. After experiencing a missed miscarriage at 10 weeks, Tori conceived her son Sol but faced a pregnancy filled with complications including fibroids, subchorionic haematoma, and ultimately placental insufficiency requiring an emergency caesarean at 40 weeks. Her second pregnancy with daughter Juno was a complete surprise that led to the healing VBAC home water birth she'd always dreamed of. Tori's story beautifully illustrates how subsequent pregnancies can offer opportunities for healing, especially with the right support and preparation. She also shares her challenging breastfeeding journey with her first child and the EMDR therapy that helped her process the grief, ultimately leading to a successful breastfeeding relationship with her second baby.

Sponsor:

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.

VisitMoonpig.com today. Moonpig – Making life's moments magical, one card at a time.

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Katherine shares her postpartum journey after discovering her son Finn was born with craniosynostosis - a condition where skull sutures fuse prematurely. What began as a planned caesarean birth for her transverse baby quickly became a complex medical journey involving specialists, testing, and preparing for major skull surgery. Katherine's story highlights the importance of early detection, finding the right medical team, and connecting with other families facing similar challenges. Her honest account of navigating unexpected medical complexities whilst managing new motherhood offers invaluable insight for parents facing similar situations.

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Mel is an experienced private midwife and academic researcher who shares her two contrasting home birth experiences - from a 36-hour labour with her first baby born at 36 weeks weighing just 2.3kg, to a euphoric second birth that had her laughing with joy. Her story beautifully illustrates how subsequent births can offer completely different experiences, and how trusting your intuition and having the right support can make all the difference. 

The Birth Classourempowering, evidence-based online birth education program that will help you confidently prepare for a positive birth experience. Preparing for your baby's arrival should be as comfortable as possible. With our online childbirth course, you and your partner can learn everything you need to know about birth from the cozy comfort of your own home. Curl up on the couch together, grab your favorite snacks, and join our comprehensive birth classes whenever it fits your schedule. No need to rush to in-person meetings – simply pause, rewind, and review the material as often as you like while you nest and prepare for your little one's arrival.

Our expert-led sessions cover everything from early labour to postpartum care, helping you feel confident and prepared for your birthing journey. Start learning today The Birth Class

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Maddie shares her transformative journey from receiving an unexpected cleft lip and palate diagnosis at 22 weeks to achieving her dream home birth despite numerous challenges. As a 36-year-old first-time mother living in Melbourne's Bayside area, Maddie's story beautifully illustrates the power of informed choice, trusting your body, and finding the right support team. Her experience navigating the complexities of birthing a baby with additional needs whilst maintaining her vision for a physiological home birth offers invaluable insights for expectant parents facing similar circumstances.

Follow us on Instagram for photos from today's interview and more.

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For this week’s episode and in honour of Infant Loss Week, I interview Annabel Bower who takes us through her experience of stillbirth and the immense, layered grief that followed. Two weeks after her fourth child – a boy named Miles – was born still, she started writing about her experience so she could record all the little details that she knew would eventually fade. As she journeyed through a grief that stripped all colour from her world, she documented the days and weeks of life after loss and went on to interview women who had experienced miscarriage, stillbirth or infant loss. The finished project is her book, Miles Apart, a heartfelt offering of support for those who have lost a baby and are enduring the incomprehensible grief. Annabel hopes that her words break the stigma and the silence of miscarriage and stillbirth and open a vital conversation for us all to have.

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Lauren shares her contrasting birth experiences with her two boys, Charles and Harvey, whilst navigating the challenges of building two innovative businesses for parents. From her anxiety-filled first pregnancy during COVID to her blissfully calm second experience, Lauren's story highlights the profound difference that continuity of care and mental preparation can make. She opens up about her struggle with postnatal anxiety, the healing power of a positive second birth, and how her experiences as a mother directly inspired her to create BubbaDesk (co-working spaces with childcare) and Wombee (a purpose-built app for mothers). This episode is particularly valuable for expectant mothers dealing with anxiety, those considering epidurals, and anyone interested in how birth experiences can shape entrepreneurial ventures.

Today's episode is brought to you by Wombee. We all know that finding your village as a new mum can feel overwhelming. Traditional mothers groups don't start until 6-8 weeks after birth, but what about all those questions and moments of uncertainty before then? That's where Wombee comes in. Whether you're looking for a group or already have one and want a better way to stay organised, Wombee makes it easy.

Wombee - helping you build your village and take the pressure off finding support, because every mum deserves her people.

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In today's episode I chat with Dr Daniela Aiello, a registered osteopath specialising in pregnancy and postpartum care at Bulleen Osteopathy in Melbourne's northern suburbs. Daniela brings over two decades of experience treating pregnant and postpartum women, combined with her personal journey as a mother of two (aged 14 and 11) and founder of Continuall, a compression wear brand designed specifically for women during pregnancy and postpartum recovery. This episode serves as an essential guide for expectant mothers, doulas, and midwives seeking to understand the most common musculoskeletal complaints during pregnancy and the fourth trimester.    

Today's sponsor - iL Tutto 

iL Tutto design nursery furniture that’s as stylish as it is supportive. Their Trend Collection has already given parents the award-winning Frankie and Louie Nursery Chairs in our signature teddy-fleece. And now, we’re so excited to welcome Louie in Corduroy — a brand new textured fabric available in three colours: Taupe, Green Olive, and Coconut.

Corduroy brings a modern, tactile finish to the nursery, while Louie delivers the comfort parents love — with plush cushioning, smooth gliding, and thoughtful design for every feed, cuddle, and nap-time story.

To celebrate, we’re giving Australian Birth Stories listeners an exclusive discount:

Use the code BIRTHSTORIES20 at checkout to receive 20% off your iL Tutto order, but hurry — this offer ends 12th October 2025.

Shop the collection now at iltutto.com.au

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Liza takes us through her transformative journey across three very different birth experiences in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales. From an unexpected first pregnancy at 24 whilst her husband was deployed, through a traumatic second birth that led to essential mental health support, to finally achieving her dream VBAC after two caesareans - Liza's story is one of resilience, growth, and the power of therapeutic healing. Her candid discussion about birth trauma, the importance of mental health care, and how changing her mindset completely transformed her final birth experience offers invaluable insights for anyone navigating challenging birth experiences or considering a VBAC.

If you'd like to prepare for birth with our courses, you can find them here:

The Birth Class

The Caesarean Birth Class

Welcome to the First Trimester

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Claire - a midwife and nurse from south of Sydney - shares her first birth experience with baby Maeve. Despite her professional background, Claire's journey from planned home water birth to emergency caesarean beautifully illustrates that birth often doesn’t goes to plan, but can still be incredibly empowering. Her story offers invaluable insights for birth workers and expectant parents alike, showing how informed decision-making, trusted care providers, and a positive mindset can transform any birth experience into something beautiful.

Today's episode is brought to you by Bare Mum. Whether your C-section is planned or unexpected, having the right recovery support makes all the difference. The C-Section Birth Care Kit by Bare Mum is perfect for your hospital bag - because being prepared means faster, more comfortable healing. 

Bare Mum is offering you 15% off storewide with the discount code ABS2025. Visit baremum.com.au and give yourself the gentle, specialised care you deserve during recovery.Bare Mum - supporting you through every step of your recovery journey.

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Nonny Naitanui shares her journey from fertility concerns to an unexpectedly early but beautiful birth experience. After receiving concerning AMH results that initially sparked fears about her fertility, Nonny conceived within three months of trying.

Today's sponsor - iL Tutto 

iL Tutto design nursery furniture that’s as stylish as it is supportive. Their Trend Collection has already given parents the award-winning Frankie and Louie Nursery Chairs in our signature teddy-fleece. And now, we’re so excited to welcome Louie in Corduroy — a brand new textured fabric available in three colours: Taupe, Green Olive, and Coconut.

Corduroy brings a modern, tactile finish to the nursery, while Louie delivers the comfort parents love — with plush cushioning, smooth gliding, and thoughtful design for every feed, cuddle, and nap-time story.

To celebrate, we’re giving Australian Birth Stories listeners an exclusive discount:

Use the code BIRTHSTORIES20 at checkout to receive 20% off your iL Tutto order, but hurry — this offer ends 12th October 2025.

Shop the collection now at iltutto.com.au

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

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Today I chat with Sophie, a clinical psychologist and mother of two who runs her own practice, Nimble Minds Clinical Psychology, in Sydney's Sutherland Shire. Sophie shares her journey from a 10-month conception period during COVID lockdowns to two incredibly positive birth experiences at the Royal Hospital for Women. Her first birth with daughter Charlotte (Lottie) was a beautifully managed hospital birth, whilst her second pregnancy brought the surprise of a 4.6kg baby boy, Henry, and initial plans for a home birth that ultimately led to another wonderful hospital experience. Sophie's story is particularly valuable for expectant mothers as she navigates the mental preparation for birth through her professional lens whilst experiencing the raw emotions of becoming a mother herself.

Connect with us:

Instagram @australianbirthstories

TikTok @australianbirthstories

Website australianbirthstories.com

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Tamsyn shares her journey from first-time mum to birthing fraternal twins vaginaly at 40+6 weeks. After experiencing a medicalised first birth with Maya during COVID lockdowns, Tamsyn was determined to achieve the physiological birth she envisaged for her twins. Despite facing significant pressure from hospital staff to accept routine interventions, Tamsyn's story demonstrates the importance of having strong support people and trusting your body's ability to birth. With the guidance of her private midwife Helen and support person Shelly (a midwife and family friend), Tamsyn navigated challenging conversations with obstetricians and ultimately achieved her dream birth - birthing both babies naturally within 10 minutes of each other after just 90 minutes in hospital.

Prepare for your birth with our courses and products,

The Birth Class

The Caesarean Birth Class

Welcome to the First Trimester

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In this episode, Ruby - a registered nurse turned midwife and maternal child health nurse - shares her positive birth experience through the Royal Women's Hospital homebirth program in Melbourne. After initially planning a homebirth, Ruby's journey took several turns including a low-lying placenta scare that kept her in limbo for months, waters breaking early, and ultimately birthing her daughter Clementine in hospital with syntocinon induction. Ruby's story beautifully illustrates how birth can unfold differently than planned whilst still being incredibly positive and empowering.

Follow us on Instagram for photos and more from this episode.

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Today Steph Claire Smith returns to share her second birth experience with daughter Billie. After Harvey's induction at 41 weeks, Steph was determined to experience spontaneous labour this time around. Her journey included navigating a breech presentation, trying every trick in the book to encourage baby to turn, and ultimately achieving the birth she'd always dreamed of.

Use the code AUBIRTHSTORIES for one month free when you sign up to Kic on a monthly subscription at www.kicapp.com. Available for new and returning users only. Expires November 30th, 2025.

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In this episode, we chat with Loren, a registered midwife turned sleep safety educator at Red Nose Australia. Loren shares her comprehensive journey from supporting families through pregnancy and birth to becoming a leading voice in SIDS prevention and safe sleep practices. This conversation is packed with practical, evidence-based guidance that every new parent, midwife, and doula needs to know about creating the safest possible sleep environment for babies.

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Katie takes us through her two contrasting birth experiences in Brisbane. After struggling with undiagnosed endometriosis for over a decade, Katie's journey to motherhood began with conception on just the second cycle. Her first birth at 41+4 weeks resulted in a rapid, intense labour following induction, culminating in a forceps delivery and third-degree tear that she wasn't fully informed about at the time. 

Three years later, armed with better knowledge and a different care provider, Katie's second birth was the drug-free, empowering experience she'd always hoped for. She shares invaluable insights about advocating for yourself, the importance of informed consent, and how the right care provider can transform your birth experience. This episode is essential listening for anyone preparing for birth, particularly those with endometriosis or previous birth trauma.

This episode is proudly brought to you by iLTutto.

Use code: RECLINER20 at checkout to receive 20% off at iltutto.com.au   

This offer ends 31st July. iL Tutto. Designed for parents. Loved by babies.

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In episode 556 Corinne shares her complete journey to motherhood - from a difficult early pregnancy loss overseas to welcoming four beautiful children. Coming from a family of seven, Corinne always knew she wanted multiple children and to start young. Her story encompasses the complexity of early relationships, making difficult decisions, and ultimately finding joy and confidence in birth. With her partner Jake, she's experienced four very different labours - from her first birth with an epidural to quick, intense vaginal births. Corinne's honesty about the realities of pregnancy sickness, her intuitive approach to birth, and her philosophy of trusting your body whilst remaining flexible makes this an incredibly valuable listen for anyone preparing for birth or supporting others through their journey.

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Tarrah shares her remarkable three-year journey from trying to conceive naturally to welcoming her miracle IVF baby, Aspen. After starting to try for a family in September 2021, Tarrah and her husband Alexander faced the heartbreak of unexplained infertility, leading them through 10 rounds of IVF, pregnancy loss, and ultimately to their beautiful son born at 37 weeks via planned caesarean. Tarrah's openness about sharing her fertility journey on social media created a supportive community whilst helping others feel less alone in their struggles. This episode offers hope, practical insights, and honest conversation about the realities of fertility treatment, pregnancy after loss, and the overwhelming joy of finally holding your long-awaited baby.

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In this deeply moving episode, midwife and mother Ria shares her journey through motherhood with her daughter Olive, who has a rare genetic condition. Ria's story is one of resilience, advocacy and the profound love that comes with parenting a child with additional needs.

If you’re preparing your nursery or planning for a new arrival, here’s a little heads-up you won’t want to miss. iL Tutto’s End of Financial Year Sale starts Monday 17th June and runs through to 11:59pm on 1st July – and it’s their biggest one yet.

You’ll find up to 50% off their most-loved pieces – like the Felix Glider & Ottoman, the Como Cot Set, and the beautiful Lulu Vanilla Bouclé Chair. There’s also 30% off the Leo Electric Recliner and Glider, 20% off the sleek Maya Chair from their new Trend Collection, plus savings on Grow Kindly natural fibre sleepwear, Boba Baby Carriers, and Snuggle Me Organic Feeding Pillows.

And just for Australian Birth Stories listeners, you’ll get an extra 5% off everything – even sale items – with the code ABS5 at checkout.

Shop the sale from June 17th atiltutto.com.au and don’t forget to use code ABS5 at checkout.

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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.

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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.

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