Birth Tales

This week we're hearing from Eve about her two very different but equally positive birth experiences. Both were planned homebirths, but she ended up in hospital with her first after there was meconium present in her waters. Eve talks about how different decisions can feel when you come to them yourself rather than feeling backed into them, she shares about the trust she built with her midwife over the course of her pregnancy and birth, plus the profound impact that that relationship had on her experience.

Her second birth was a beautiful, unmedicated waterbirth at home (following seven weeks of prodromal labour), with the support of her partner and doula. We chat about the differences between the two experiences, how things don't have to go exactly to plan for a birth to feel positive and empowering and why Eve says she'd do her daughter's birth again in a heartbeat.

This is a really thoughtful episode about trust, choice and the importance of feeling genuinely supported throughout your birth.

Eve's IG: https://www.instagram.com/evie.yoga/

My website: www.serenalouth.com

My IG: https://www.instagram.com/serenalouth/

In this episode Lottie is back on the podcast to share her second birth story. After a positive induction with her eldest, she didn't have any particularly strong feelings about what she hoped for from this birth, so when concerns were raised about her baby's size, she felt comfortable accepting another induction.

We discuss the differences between this labour and her first, how Lottie felt she was working collaboratively with her care team whilst birthing her baby and her experience of a postpartum haemorrhage from a cervical tear.

Lottie's first birth: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/birth-tales/id1703057905?i=1000658863582

Lottie's IG: https://www.instagram.com/slow_fashion_lottie/ and https://www.instagram.com/studio_kivu/

The Birth Prep Bundle: https://sincere-union-68693.myflodesk.com/zkj6c4q686

My website: www.serenalouth.com

My IG: https://www.instagram.com/serenalouth/

Lily is back on the podcast for the third time! After a birth centre birth and a BBA with her two daughters, she's here today to share her most recent experience of giving birth to her son.

Lily shares how she prepared for her homebirth by working on her mindset and hiring the same wonderful doula who supported her previous births. She explains why protecting her peace became a priority throughout her pregnancy, whether that meant shielding herself from other people's opinions or declining extra scans that were causing her unnecessary worry. Instead, she chose to trust her instincts and listen to her body.

We chat about the idea that third births can throw you a curveball, and Lily shares how, after waiting much longer than she'd expected for her labour to begin, her third birth was definitely more mentally challenging than her second. Despite this, she found the experience genuinely fun and enjoyable.

This is such a lovely story about waiting patiently for your baby to come when they're ready, and I'm sure it will be a really positive and empowering listen for anyone awaiting their baby's arrival.

Lily's 1st birth: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/005-lily-physiological-birth-mlu-doula-urinary-retention/id1703057905?i=1000629471822

Lily's 2nd birth: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/031-lily-2nd-birth-homebirth-bba-physiological-birth/id1703057905?i=1000652105241

Lily's IG: https://www.instagram.com/thebettersleepcoach_/

Doula: https://www.instagram.com/doula_sarah/

My website: www.serenalouth.com

My IG: https://www.instagram.com/serenalouth/

In this episode Lisa shares her journey into motherhood. Having always wanted to be a mum, she loved being pregnant and was really excited to give birth. Lisa takes us step by step through her homebirth preparation including hiring two independent midwives to ensure continuity of care and planning for a waterbirth.

We talk in depth about choosing to have your baby at home as a first time mum, the incredible support she received from her private midwives and her daughter's amazing en caul birth! Lisa's story beautifully highlights the power of both being well prepared and trusting your instincts when it comes to childbirth.

My website: www.serenalouth.com

My IG: https://www.instagram.com/serenalouth/

In this episode Sam shares the story of her son Max's birth. She began her conception journey with very little trust in her body, but her confidence grew rapidly once she fell pregnant and, aside from an ECV to turn her breech baby, she went on to have a very straightforward pregnancy.

As Sam learned more about birth she transferred to the homebirth team to give herself the best chance of achieving the spontaneous physiological birth she hoped for. When her labour began, it quickly became far more intense than she had anticipated and she made the decision to transfer into hospital for anti-sickness medication. Sam reflects on what an incredible advocate and cheerleader her partner was, the fantastic support she received from her homebirth midwives and the elements that made her birth feel so positive despite the change in location. This is such a lovely conversation about learning to trust your body, adapting when birth takes an unexpected turn and recognising that a positive birth isn't defined by where it happens.

Sam's IG: https://www.instagram.com/scroge

The Birth Prep Bundle: https://sincere-union-68693.myflodesk.com/zkj6c4q686

My website: www.serenalouth.com

My IG: https://www.instagram.com/serenalouth/

In today's episode Helena shares the stories of her two pregnancies and births, which unfolded in surprisingly similar ways. She had planned to welcome her babies at home, but as both labours began earlier than expected, she ended up giving birth in the hospital twice instead. Helena talks us through her two physiological births, the coping techniques she leant on to get her through and the extra care her pre-term babies needed in the early days postpartum.

This was a particularly special episode to record because lovely Helena was my first proper doula client - I was actually at her daughter's birth! So it was a joy to reflect on her baby's birthday together and I know you're going to love hearing her story too.

Helena's IG: https://www.instagram.com/helenacolv/

The Birth Prep Bundle: https://sincere-union-68693.myflodesk.com/zkj6c4q686

My website: www.serenalouth.com

My IG: https://www.instagram.com/serenalouth/

In today's episode Rosie shares her journey into motherhood, which very sadly began with the loss of a twin pregnancy. She talks candidly about her miscarriage, finding solace in the stories of women who had been through similar experiences, and how grief, anxiety, joy and gratitude all had to coexist when she conceived again.

Rosie always knew she wanted to birth her baby at home and she talks us through her long labour, including the mental challenge of navigating the early stages when progress felt slow. She was incredibly well supported throughout by her husband, doula and acupuncturist and when her baby was born into her arms in her own bedroom, Rosie describes feeling like an absolute queen.

This is the most beautiful example of a mother's determination, strength and stamina and a wonderful reminder of just how empowering and positive birth has the potential to be.

Rosie's doula: https://www.sarahmkerridge.com

Rosie's acupuncturist: https://www.claremossacupuncture.com

Rosie's IG: https://www.instagram.com/rosiegordonlennox

Rosie's website: https://www.rosiewildgoose.co.uk

My website: www.serenalouth.com

My IG: https://www.instagram.com/serenalouth/

In this episode Lily shares the story of her second daughter's birth — a freebirth at home in the water. Between her two pregnancies she sadly experienced a loss and she talks openly about the complex emotions she felt when she conceived again soon afterwards.

Lily shares how she prepared for this experience by unlearning much of the information she had absorbed the first time around leaning into instinct, intuition, osteopathy and a deeper connection with herself. She also chose to invest in a postpartum doula and describes the incredible support she received after her daughter arrived, from nourishing meals and feeding guidance to nurturing touch and warm companionship. Her story beautifully highlights the power of trusting your instincts, feeling deeply supported and reconnecting with your body's innate wisdom.

Lily's first birth: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/002-lily-long-labour-hospital-birth-doula-mobile-epidural/id1703057905?i=1000627019373

Lily's IG: https://www.instagram.com/lilycanettyclarke/

The Birth Prep Bundle: https://sincere-union-68693.myflodesk.com/zkj6c4q686

My website: www.serenalouth.com

My IG: https://www.instagram.com/serenalouth/

In today's episode Rebecca shares her two pregnancy and birth experiences. Her first was complicated by obstetric cholestasis, which impacted her options when it came to where to give birth, but amazingly her contractions started spontaneously before she even got to booking the induction she was being recommended.

She talks us through her two straightforward vaginal births and ensuing postpartum haemorrhages, and candidly shares her experience of postnatal depression in the months following her first baby's arrival. We discuss the value of birth debriefing, having a strong support system postpartum and the transformative impact of excellent midwifery care.

Rebecca also reflects on the power of independent research, tuning into what feels right for you as an individual and being brave enough to advocate for yourself. Her story is such a beautiful reminder that birth can still feel positive and empowering, even when things don't unfold quite as hoped. This is a unique and thoughtful episode about positivity, gratitude and trauma all existing alongside one another.

Dr Jenna Brough: https://www.instagram.com/dr.jenna.psychologist/

Rebecca's IG: https://www.instagram.com/rebeccaleecommunications/

My website: www.serenalouth.com

My IG: https://www.instagram.com/serenalouth/

In today's episode Ellie shares her extraordinary journey into motherhood. Everything seemed to be going smoothly until a few high blood pressure readings in her second trimester, so Ellie was taken by surprise when she was suddenly told she needed to remain in hospital until her baby's birth.

She shares the debilitating anxiety she experienced whilst being monitored and waiting day by day to hear when her son would need to be born. At 31 weeks the decision was made for him to arrive by caesarean.

Ellie reflects on how grateful she feels for the care they received and how well the team managed the situation, helping to make the experience a positive one despite the circumstances. She also shares about their five weeks in the NICU and the incredible support they had as they learned how to feed and care for their premature baby.

Ellie's story is an amazing example of a mother's resilience and strength in the face of uncertainty.

Ellie's IG: https://www.instagram.com/ellieaustinwilliams/

The Birth Prep Bundle: https://sincere-union-68693.myflodesk.com/zkj6c4q686

My website: www.serenalouth.com

My IG: https://www.instagram.com/serenalouth/