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 at iltutto.com.au and don’t forget to use code ABS5 at checkout.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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553 | Rebecca's Three Positive MGP births, Mercy Hospital
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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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551 | Claire – Two births, MGP care, ulcerative colitis, big baby, physiological birth
In this week's episode, I chat with Claire about her two very different birth experiences at public hospitals in Melbourne. Claire's journey began with meticulous preparation - she and her partner Aaron spent six months optimising their health with a naturopath before trying to conceive. Her first pregnancy was textbook perfect, leading to a beautiful physiological birth with her daughter Amelia. However, her second pregnancy brought new challenges when growth scans indicated a "big baby," leading to discussions about potential induction that Claire navigated with confidence and research. Both births were supported through the Midwifery Group Practice (MGP) model, though Claire's experiences highlight the importance of advocating for the care you want. Her story beautifully demonstrates how preparation, knowledge, and trusting your body can lead to positive birth outcomes, even when circumstances change. ___ 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. Download our free guide: Labour tips for birth partnersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode, Mel shares her comprehensive journey to motherhood with her partner Peta in Melbourne. As a same-sex couple, their path to parenthood required careful planning, patience, and resilience through the assisted reproductive treatment system. Mel's story beautifully illustrates the unique challenges and joys of same-sex conception while highlighting the importance of flexible birth planning and supportive care providers. TODAY'S PROUD SPONSOR: Let me introduce you to The Nappy Bag That’s Got Your Back (Literally) Stylish, practical, and thoughtfully designed - this is the Baby Bag Backpack by Tottie that parents everywhere are falling in love with. Whether you're navigating newborn life, chasing toddlers, or just love staying organised on the go, this bag makes it easy. With 14 cleverly designed pockets, there’s a place for everything - from bottles and nappies to your laptop, snacks, and spare clothes. There’s even a hidden compartment at the base for the messier moments (because they happen!). Complete with a luggage strap, pram clips, and a change mat, it’s your go-to for parenting with confidence. One clever bag. Five stylish colours. You can enjoy $30 off your new bag with the code: ABS30 Head to Tottie to see their full range.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A Podcast of Mothers' stories of childbirth. Weekly interviews with mothers giving their first hand accounts of child birth in Australia. Designed to help educate and inform first time pregnant women, parents wanting to have better subsequent births and birth enthusiasts who love to hear and tell birth stories. An entertaining and heartfelt resource for pregnancy, labour and delivery and postpartum.
Australia