Birth Tales

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/

In today's episode we're hearing from Lou about her precipitous birth. She loved being pregnant and really embraced educating herself and preparing for labour. Lou shares her experience of white coat hypertension and how she managed it with the support of her midwife during pregnancy, so her story beautifully highlights the value of continuity of care. We also talk about how she navigated an unexpectedly fast labour and how the final 40 minutes ended up being some of the best moments of her life.

My website: www.serenalouth.com

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

Following on from Tania's first birth story in episode 6, today she returns to share her second pregnancy and birth with her daughter, Juniper. Much like the first time around, Tania struggled in the first trimester but she was lucky to have a fairly smooth pregnancy after that. She planned to birth her baby at home with the support of her local homebirth midwives and went on to have a truly joyful and healing experience.

We talk about adjusting to life as a family of four, how much more she trusted her intuition and her body this time around, the simple pleasure of having access to your own shower and bed immediately postpartum and the power of feeling deeply supported by the people you invite into your birth space.

Tania's first birth: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/birth-tales/id1703057905?i=1000630265413

Tania's IG: https://www.instagram.com/taniajoyfjane/

Tania's birth story Substack https://taniajoys.substack.com/p/junipers-pregnancy-and-birth-story?r=11s4h0&utm_medium=ios&utm_id=97760_v0_s00_e0_tv4&fbclid=PAVERFWARTXp1leHRuA2FlbQIxMABzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xMjQwMjQ1NzQyODc0MTQAAad0gaymQU-In995tC-2uAvkGDV7BBePihyuuYnHDP-Svu9HS2lkO_w_woh5Tg_aem_-ObDqES82S94o1UAc-Z8LA&triedRedirect=true

My website: www.serenalouth.com

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

In this episode Rhian shares her two very different experiences of pregnancy and birth. Her first was marked by hyperemesis gravidarum, an emergency caesarean at 32 weeks and a NICU stay during a COVID lockdown, all of which brought immense physical and emotional challenges.

Her second pregnancy, however, was a much more positive experience. Rhian talks about how different it felt to approach a planned caesarean this time around and how her recovery felt more intentional and supported.

Rhian also candidly shares her experiences of recurrent loss, IUI and placenta previa. This is a really honest and reassuring episode that will offer so much validation to anyone navigating similar challenges.

Rhian's IG: https://www.instagram.com/rhianstephenson/

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

My website: www.serenalouth.com

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

Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It should not be used as a substitute for professional care or guidance. Always seek advice from your midwife, doctor or other qualified health provider regarding your individual circumstances. The views and experiences shared in this podcast are those of the individuals involved and may not be suitable for everyone. Any opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcast host. While we aim to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no guarantees regarding completeness or accuracy and information may change over time. We are not responsible for any outcomes resulting from the use of information discussed in this podcast. Use of this information is at your own discretion.

In this episode Jess shares her experience of birthing her third baby. As a midwife and a mum who had previously had two uncomplicated births, her plan was always to have a homebirth. Unfortunately her third trimester threw some unexpected curveballs and Jess ended up being induced at 39 weeks.

We talk about midwives' intuition, how incredible intervention can be when it's truly needed and how her induced labour compared to her previous physiological births.

This is such a beautiful example of how birth can still be an incredibly positive experience, even when plans change. Jess's passion for birth is totally contagious and I know you're going to love this episode.

Jess's first birth: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/birth-tales/id1703057905?i=1000647490787

Jess's IG: https://www.instagram.com/__jessica__rose__/

My website: www.serenalouth.com

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

Disclaimer:

The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or midwifery advice. It should not be used as a substitute for professional care or guidance. Always seek advice from your midwife, doctor, or other qualified health provider regarding your individual circumstances.

The views and experiences shared in this podcast are those of the individuals involved and may not be suitable for everyone. Any opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcast host.

While we aim to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no guarantees regarding completeness or accuracy, and information may change over time. We are not responsible for any outcomes resulting from the use of information discussed in this podcast. Use of this information is at your own discretion.

In this episode Lydia shares her journey into motherhood. After a difficult start conceiving, she very sadly miscarried her first pregnancy and talks about how that loss affected her emotionally when she became pregnant again. Lydia shares the many ways she prepared for birth, including how valuable she found listening to a wide variety of birth stories, and describes her experience of consultant-lead care within a private hospital.

After a few sweeps and a very special reflexology treatment, Lydia's labour began at nearly 41 weeks and she gave birth to her baby with the wonderful support of her husband and sister, who was also heavily pregnant at the time. This is such an empowering birth story, so if you're in need of a little encouragement and positivity ahead of your own birth, you're going to love this episode.

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

FREE Birth Prep Session: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/free-introduction-to-hypnobirthing-online-event-tickets-1983947889544?aff=oddtdtcreator

Lydia's IG: https://www.instagram.com/_lydslife/

My website: www.serenalouth.com

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

Disclaimer:

The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or midwifery advice. It should not be used as a substitute for professional care or guidance. Always seek advice from your midwife, doctor, or other qualified health provider regarding your individual circumstances.

The views and experiences shared in this podcast are those of the individuals involved and may not be suitable for everyone. Any opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcast host.

While we aim to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no guarantees regarding completeness or accuracy, and information may change over time. We are not responsible for any outcomes resulting from the use of information discussed in this podcast. Use of this information is at your own discretion.

In today's episode I'm welcoming Monika back to the podcast to share the story of her youngest son's birth. After a traumatic induction first time around, she didn't engage with preparing for the birth until about 20 weeks, at which point Monika hired a doula and made the decision to birth her second baby at home.

We talk in depth about how she juggled pregnancy sickness with caring for her toddler full time, managing a borderline gestational diabetes diagnosis and moving both house and hospital in the third trimester.

It was so lovely to hear how the fear she had experienced during her first labour was replaced this time with a sense of calm, resulting in a birth which was (in her own words) "the most beautiful moment of my life".

Monika is always such a joy to chat to, so I know you're going to gain so much from this episode. If you haven't listened to her first birth yet and would like the back story before getting stuck into this one, that was episode 3 and I'll link it in the show notes below.

Cushy Puff - use code SERENAL20 for 20% off: http://cushypuff.com/

Monika's doula: https://www.jessicaslender.co.uk/

Monika's first birth: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/003-monika-morning-sickness-hospital-birth-induction/id1703057905?i=1000627819214

Monika's IG: https://www.instagram.com/monika_chatterton/

My website: www.serenalouth.com

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

Disclaimer:

The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or midwifery advice. It should not be used as a substitute for professional care or guidance. Always seek advice from your midwife, doctor, or other qualified health provider regarding your individual circumstances.

The views and experiences shared in this podcast are those of the individuals involved and may not be suitable for everyone. Any opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcast host.

While we aim to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no guarantees regarding completeness or accuracy, and information may change over time. We are not responsible for any outcomes resulting from the use of information discussed in this podcast. Use of this information is at your own discretion.

In this episode we're hearing from Eleanor about her first pregnancy and birth during lockdown. Having learned lots about birth from her midwife sister and planning for a homebirth, her estimated due date came and went with no sign of labour starting. At nearly 42 weeks she accepted an induction and was able to return home to wait for things to begin.

When her contractions became regular, Eleanor and her husband went to the midwife-led unit where she laboured in the pool until concerns were raised about meconium in her waters. After an epidural, a period of rest and infection concerns for both mum and baby, a caesarean was recommended.

Eleanor shares the challenges their family faced in the weeks that followed, including being separated from her baby after the birth, navigating visiting hours, pumping and breastfeeding in the NICU and Enid's recovery at home on oxygen.

This is a fascinating and really valuable episode about navigating the unexpected and staying strong and positive through it all.

Eleanor's IG: https://www.instagram.com/elebusing/

My website: www.serenalouth.com

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

Disclaimer:

The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or midwifery advice. It should not be used as a substitute for professional care or guidance. Always seek advice from your midwife, doctor, or other qualified health provider regarding your individual circumstances.

The views and experiences shared in this podcast are those of the individuals involved and may not be suitable for everyone. Any opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcast host.

While we aim to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no guarantees regarding completeness or accuracy, and information may change over time. We are not responsible for any outcomes resulting from the use of information discussed in this podcast. Use of this information is at your own discretion.

In today's episode we're hearing from Ella about her son's birth. She explains how using the fertility awareness method helped her to conceive, how much she loved being pregnant and why she chose to plan a homebirth with the support of a doula.

Ella talks honestly about finding it mentally challenging to go beyond 40 weeks and describes her long labour at home, including the coping techniques she leant on. After hours of pushing the decision was made to transfer, which was a scary experience for both Ella and her partner. Thankfully all was well with the baby and after the doctor assisted with a manual rotation, he was born soon after arriving at the hospital.

Ella shares what it was like being taken into theatre postpartum to repair a severe tear and how she's feeling as she prepares for her upcoming birth, making this a really interesting episode.

Ella's IG: https://www.instagram.com/ellamooneywellness/

Mama Mooney: https://www.instagram.com/mama_mooney_/

My website: www.serenalouth.com

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

Disclaimer:

The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or midwifery advice. It should not be used as a substitute for professional care or guidance. Always seek advice from your midwife, doctor, or other qualified health provider regarding your individual circumstances.

The views and experiences shared in this podcast are those of the individuals involved and may not be suitable for everyone. Any opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcast host.

While we aim to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no guarantees regarding completeness or accuracy, and information may change over time. We are not responsible for any outcomes resulting from the use of information discussed in this podcast. Use of this information is at your own discretion.