Australian Birth Stories

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

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

In this week's episode, I chat with Bonnie about her two positive birth experiences. Bonnie lives on Sydney's Northern Beaches with her husband Ben and their two-and-a-half-year-old son Will, and three-week-old Oscar. Her story beautifully illustrates how knowledge, confidence and the right support can lead to empowering birth experiences, even when things don't go exactly to plan. Celebrate Motherhood with us this week and get 20% off ALL our courses Sale includes gift vouchers, so you can spoil a special soon-to-be mum in your life too. Don't wait! This week only (May 2025). Use code: MUM25 SHOP NOW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, interior designer and mother of three Laura shares her journey through IVF, a physiological first birth, and the unexpected arrival of identical twins. After marriage in early 2019, Laura and her husband Yanni embarked on their path to parenthood, facing challenges with irregular periods that made conception difficult. "I was getting very irregular periods. And so it was really hard to time your cycle and figure out when to conceive," Laura explains of this period. Today's Episode is Brought to You by Your Reformer Your Reformer understands that life moves in seasons, especially for mothers. Their premium reformer beds bring studio-quality Pilates directly into your home, allowing you to strengthen your body on your own schedule - during nap time, after bedtime, or whenever you can carve out a moment for yourself. What I love about Your Reformer is how they've created options that truly work for real life. You can purchase your own reformer with their incredible limited-time offer of $200 off, plus receive a luxe gift with purchase - cushioning slides and a beautiful crop and bike shorts set to ensure you step into your practice in style. Or if you're not ready to commit, their rental option at just $39 per week gives you all the benefits without the upfront investment - perfect for testing how reformer Pilates fits into your family rhythm. For new and expecting mums, their OnDemand App features specialised pre and postnatal workouts guided by Women's Health professionals, supporting you through every stage of your motherhood journey. From gentle prenatal movements to postpartum recovery and beyond, they've created a space where mothers can rebuild strength and find moments of peace. Premium Pilates designed to meet the rhythm of your life - that's the Your Reformer promise. Visit yourreformer.com today to shop this limited-time offer and begin your journey to strength, intention, and self-investment. Your Reformer - because every era of your life deserves movement that matters. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode Allison takes us through her journey to motherhood and subsequently, her empowering and enlightening autism and adhd diagnosis. She weaves in and out of her pregnancies to share information about music therapy and the brain and how music – rhythm, tempo, mantra – is one of the best soothing tools we can teach our children and use for ourselves. Allison details the sensory overwhelm of pregnancy and breastfeeding, her experience with endometriosis, parenting an autistic child and her recent miscarriage which she honoured with a distinct period of rest and reflection. If you are neurodivergent or you think that you may be, this episode will be the comfort and guidance you need. I consider it essential listening, especially for perinatal health specialists caring for neurodivergent people in pregnancy and postpartum. Pre-order our new book: The Complete Guide to Postpartum: A mother-focused companion for life after birth See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, teacher and first-time mother Emily shares her experience of managing type 1 diabetes during pregnancy and her challenging birth at King Edward Memorial Hospital in Perth. Emily has lived with diabetes since she was just 14 months old, bringing a unique perspective to her journey to motherhood. If you'd like to listen to more birth stories involving type 1 diabetes, check out episode 488 (another Emily) and episode 227 (Sarah Leverton). For more support, explore our free resources on Labour Tips For Birth Partners, Mastitis, Postpartum Fatigue and much more HERE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Carla Hackett shares her three very different birth experiences - from a hospital birth with her first son Raph, to an unexpectedly rapid home birth with her second son Noah, and finally a beautiful water birth with her daughter Maeve. ___________ Download our free guide: Labour tips for birth partners What is a birth support partner? A birth support partner offers physical and emotional support throughout labour and birth. Your birth partner should be mentioned in your birth plan, particularly in regards to how they will advocate for you to your midwife or doctor. If you are a birth partner, don’t forget that she will be relying on you throughout all stages of labour and birth to offer words of encouragement, hold her hand, guide her through breathing techniques and remind her, most importantly, that she is safe. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I chat with Dr. Rebecca Dekker, founder of Evidence-Based Birth®, about her three very different birth experiences and how they led her to create a global resource for evidence-based information on pregnancy and childbirth. Follow us on Instagram for photos and more from today's episode. EPISODE SPONSOR: ergoPouch (the beloved sleepwear brand) is thrilled to offer an exclusive 30% off sitewide* sale. Ideal as winter is coming. At Australian Birth Stories, we love ergoPouch because they simplify how to safely dress your child for sleep with their ultra-handy What to Wear guide and thermometer, which is precisely what tired parents need. Don't miss your chance to save 30% off* sitewide now! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week's episode I chat to Madi about her third birth - a planned home water birth after cesarean. Madi's story is particularly interesting as she navigated this birth both as a mother and as a newly qualified midwife. After experiencing a relatively quick vaginal birth with her first daughter Oakley and then a caesarean under general anaesthetic with Harlow due to her Chiari malformation (where her brain herniates into her spinal column), Madi was surprised to find herself pregnant with a third baby while completing her midwifery studies. Follow us on Instagram for photos and more from today's episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today I chat to Jess about her two very different birth experiences with her children Ruby and Vincent. After experiencing an induced birth with her first baby during COVID, Jess shares how she approached her second pregnancy with intention and preparation, ultimately achieving the birth she hoped for. Follow us on Instagram for photos and more from today's episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, country music artist Kaylee Bell shares her remarkable journey to motherhood - from managing chronic health conditions to an unexpected pregnancy while touring, and navigating a challenging birth due to a DVT diagnosis. Her story beautifully illustrates how life's biggest surprises can lead to the most meaningful experiences. You can follow Kaylee's journey on Insta here Listen to Kaylee's music on Spotify Listen on Apple Music Watch on YouTube For more birth stories, follow us on Instagram here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week's episode, I chat to Candice about her challenging journey to motherhood. After experiencing two miscarriages and discovering she had low ovarian reserve at just 32, Candice and her husband Tom turned to IVF with PGT-A testing. She shares the emotional rollercoaster of fertility treatments, the isolation of pregnancy loss, and the joy of finally welcoming her daughter Adelaide. Candice tells a story that will resonate with anyone who has experienced infertility or pregnancy loss, offering hope and solidarity to those still on their journey. If you're preparing for your little one’s arrival, creating a supportive and stylish nursery is a must—and that’s where iL Tutto comes in, also with an exclusive offer for you guys! iL Tutto is the best destination to complete your dream nursery, with award-winning Gliders and Electric Recliners in the most on-trend fabrics, like Teddy-Fleece and Bouclé, in multiple stylish colours. But it doesn’t stop there—iL Tutto also offers the must-have CoZee Breeze Co-Sleeping Bassinet, a huge range of Cots and Cot Sets with Chests and removable changers, and the softest, sustainable Grow Kindly sleepwear made from natural fibers. From convertible swaddles to sleeping bags, fitted sheets, and PJs, every piece is designed for your baby’s safest and most comfortable sleep. Visit iltutto.com.au to explore the range and create your perfect nursery today. Because with iL Tutto, every sleep and feed should be as comfortable as it is beautiful. Use code ABS20 at iltutto.com.au for 20% off all full priced items. Valid until 10 April 2025 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this deeply personal episode, GP and IBCLC Dr. Eliza Hannam shares her varied experiences with birth and breastfeeding across her three children. Her story beautifully illustrates how even healthcare professionals can face unexpected challenges in their own journeys to parenthood, and how these experiences can shape both personal growth and professional practice. Download our FREE guide on perineal massage here. Follow us on Instagram to keep the conversation going. To learn more about The Birth Class, my online childbirth education course head to the shop here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In episode 533 Lila shares her three distinctly different birth experiences, from a hospital induction to a dramatic roadside almost-birth, and finally achieving her dream homebirth. Her story takes an unexpected turn when her third baby is diagnosed with a rare condition Hirschsprung disease. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today’s episode Naomi takes us through her first pregnancy and admits that she was so focussed on her birth preparation that she didn’t once think about her postpartum journey. Her birth was challenging and the newborn days were full of anxiety, severe sleep deprivation and a lot of not-knowing. Four months later she learnt about traditional postpartum care which inspired her to become a postpartum doula. Her knowledge and experience informed her next pregnancy and birth; she opted for an independent midwife and a doula, planned a homebirth, filled her freezer with nutrient-dense food and employed a postpartum doula to mother her as she mothered her baby. Naomi is wise, warm and a wonderful source of information for anyone who is pregnant and hoping to plan and prepare for postpartum. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we welcome Taylah Tudehope-Glachan who shares her extraordinary journey of conceiving and birthing quadruplets. Taylah and her husband Sean's path to parenthood was complicated by PCOS diagnosed at age 21 and she later discovered she also suffers from stage four endometriosis. ___ The empowering, evidence-based online birth education programs that will help you confidently prepare for your best birth possible are now 20% off until February 28th 2025! Use code LOVE20 at checkout. To learn more about The Birth Class and all our other fabulous courses, head to the shop here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode Tayla shares her empowering journey to motherhood, culminating in an unexpected but beautiful home birth. Her story highlights the power of preparation, surrender, and trusting your body's innate wisdom. ____ The empowering, evidence-based online birth education programs that will help you confidently prepare for your best birth possible are now 20% off until February 28th 2025! Use code LOVE20 at checkout. To learn more about The Birth Class and all our other fabulous courses, head to the shop here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we welcome Elizabeth back to share her second birth story. You can listen to her first birth experience in episode 427. Elizabeth lives in Brisbane with her husband Lindsay and their two children - Margaret (2) and Wesley (4 months). ____ The empowering, evidence-based online birth education programs that will help you confidently prepare for your best birth possible are now 20% off until February 28th 2025! To learn more about The Birth Class and all our other fabulous courses, head to the shop here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we welcome Hanna, who shares her journey through pregnancy, birth, and a particularly challenging postpartum period complicated by autoimmune disease. Originally from Poland and now living on the Bellarine Peninsula with her husband Zach and their seven-month-old daughter Runi, Hanna's story highlights the complex intersection of chronic illness and new motherhood. Download our FREE guide on perineal massage here. Follow us on Instagram to keep the conversation going. To learn more about The Birth Class, my online childbirth education course head to the shop here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode Paige shares her incredibly positive first birth experience. If you are new to the podcast or feel like you want an encouraging story to inspire you, this is it. After conceiving easily, she started listening to the podcast and knew she wanted a continuity model of care. She contacted Canterbury Antenatal and Postnatal Services (CAPS) and was accepted into their programme. From there she listened to @the.birth.class on repeat and armed herself with knowledge and skills. Her labour started spontaneously and she stayed home till her waters broke. As she says: “Knowledge is power and the more you understand your options, feel like you can make choices and know that you’re involved in the process, the more confident you’ll be.” Check out our FREE guide on perineal massage here. Follow us on Instagram to keep the conversation going. To learn more about The Birth Class, my online childbirth education course head to the shop here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.