In today’s episode I interview Steph Claire Smith who was first diagnosed with PCOS at the age of 21. She managed to regulate her menstrual cycles by focusing on health, wellness and regular acupuncture treatments and years later, fell pregnant easily. She timed her exhausting first trimester with stage four lockdown in Melbourne and sailed through the rest of her pregnancy, choosing to practise gratitude for all she experienced, despite the inevitable discomfort and challenges that arose in the third trimester. Steph admits that well-meaning messages from friends and followers regarding natural methods for induction definitely affected her mental health and she subsequently chose to be induced at 41 weeks.

Check out our FREE guide on perineal massage here.

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To learn more about The Birth Class, my online childbirth education course head to the shop here.

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Today we are re-releasing one of our most popular episodes back from 2020, so there's a chance you haven't heard it yet! In this episode I chat to Oceane, a midwife and mother of three who so generously shares the beautiful, intricate details of her two homebirths. She also tells the story of her wife’s birth and the journey they have taken to become parents with donor sperm and IVF, the logic involved in deciding who will be pregnant and the joy of breastfeeding at the same time. Oceane’s story is inspiring, informative and heartwarming and the video of baby Emmeline’s arrival captures the euphoria of supported and trusted family-centred birth. 

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.

In this episode, we meet Monica, a registered nurse at the Children's Hospital of Westmead with a deep passion for paediatrics. She shares her journey through two very different births, highlighting how even the most carefully laid birth plans sometimes need to change. Her story beautifully illustrates the delicate balance between pursuing natural birth preferences and responding to medical necessities when they arise.

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Sam shares her journey through early pregnancy losses to becoming a mother of three beautiful children. Living in the Tweed region on the NSW/QLD border with her husband Scott, Sam opens up about navigating pregnancy after loss, birthing “big” babies, and finding her voice to advocate for her birth preferences.

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In this episode, interior designer and mother of two Bec shares her contrasting birth experiences at Sandringham Hospital in Melbourne. Her journey to motherhood began after marriage, taking six to eight months to conceive Ava. "I was one of those people testing like five days before you can test and just thinking I was pregnant every time," Bec recalls of this period. They welcomed a puppy during this time, which she reflects may have added to the journey: "I think that caused like it was a bit stressful, of course, getting a new puppy. So I think that's also part of it. Once we kind of settled into having little Archie, then it kind of happened after that."

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In this weeks episode I speak with Sophie Delezio, whose story of survival and resilience has long captured Australian hearts. Now embarking on a new chapter as mother to 10-week-old Frankie, Sophie shares her journey through pregnancy and birth, offering insights into navigating motherhood with a disability while challenging common misconceptions.
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Parenting is a journey full of challenges, especially when it comes to sleep! That’s why iL Tutto is here to help. From the award-winning CoZee Co-sleeping Bassinet, designed for safe and snug co-sleeping, to the Grow Kindly natural fibre sleepwear, crafted to keep your little ones comfy and cosy, iL Tutto has thought of everything. And when it's time to transition from newborn to toddler, their Cots with matching Chests make that step a breeze with smart storage and versatile & stylish designs.

As a special gift for ABS listeners, iL Tutto is offering 20% off their entire range ahead of their Boxing Day sale. That’s right, ABS listeners can beat everyone to a great deal across their range of 5-star review Nursery Chairs, award-winning CoZee Co-Sleepers, Cots and Sleepwear before everyone else. This discount code is only valid from now until Monday, December 23 shop early and save! If you miss the date, fear not, their Boxing Day sale runs from December 23 to January 5th.

Visit iltutto.com.au and use the code SLEEP20 at checkout. Because better sleep isn’t just for your baby—it’s for you, too! Discount code can’t be used once the Boxing Day sale commences. Cannot be used on discounted items. iL Tutto : Growing together, every step of the way, in style.

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In this episode, we meet Josie, a qualified teacher living in the Albury-Wodonga region who shares her journey to motherhood and her two unique birth experiences. Her story highlights the complexities of navigating healthcare across state borders and the resilience required through pregnancy loss, renovation chaos, and building a family.

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It's no surprise that restful sleep is hard to come by pregnancy.

Pillows are a great way to get comfortable at night and if you find one that prevents back sleeping, it can takeaway the stress of waking up on your back.

That's why I recommend the Sleepybelly pregnancy pillow. 

Sleepybelly is the original three-piece adjustable maternity pillow designed to provide peace of mind by encouraging safe side sleeping or while giving your belly some much needed relief.

Sleepybelly don't normally discount their products, but they have provided a $10 off promo code for Australian Birth Stories listeners.

You can purchase a Sleepybelly today at sleepybelly.com.au and use the promo code ABS10 for your $10 off - sweet dreams!

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In this episode, we speak with Alysha, a psychologist and PhD candidate whose research into traumatic birth and mother-infant relationships stems from her own profound experiences. As both a mental health professional and mother of two boys, her story offers unique insights into the complexities of birth trauma and its lasting impact on early bonding.

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It’s such a pleasure to welcome Stacey back onto the show. You can listen to her first birth in episode 181.  Today, she shares the journey to conceiving her second child. It is a story of profound resilience through multiple losses, IVF challenges, and eventually, a beautiful home birth. After experiencing a relatively straightforward path to conceiving her first son Bryn through IUI, Stacey opens up about the unexpected three-and-a-half-year journey to welcome her rainbow baby, Sunny.

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Looking for an engaging and educational way to entertain your little one? You need to check out Kiwi Co.

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KiwiCo offers five different clubs covering science, engineering, art, and math, making it easy to find a subscription tailored to your child’s age and interests. With no commitment required, you can pause or cancel anytime. For a limited time, get up to 50% off your first crate by using promo code BIRTHSTORIES at KiwiCo.com.

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In this beautiful episode, Chloe Grayling @lovechloejane shares her journey into motherhood, from an emotional year of trying to conceive to achieving a beautiful and empowering home water birth. Living in a 140-year-old cottage on South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula with her husband Patrick and their menagerie of animals (including Highland cows!), Chloe opens up about how her experience with early pregnancy losses shaped her approach to pregnancy and birth preparation.

Today's episode is brought to you by our empowering, evidence based online birth education program that will help you confidently prepare for a positive birth experience - The Birth Class.

Featuring 10 audio lessons with perinatal health specialists, you can listen from the comfort of your home when you’re relaxed and receptive to new information. The Birth Class is a conversation starter between you and your birth partner that informs, encourages and empowers you to journey towards labour with knowledge and confidence.

Learn More and check out our 5-star testimonials and reviews here.

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