What changes in you between your first and third baby? In this episode, Jade sits down with Ruth — a teacher, play schema educator, and mum of three boys — who shares the wild ride of three completely different birth experiences.

From an unexpected breech birth that went from "there's no chance I'm that far along" at home to giving birth in an ambulance, to a lightning-fast second labour that landed her baby in NICU, to an induced third birth that finally got her into the birthing pool (though it wasn't quite what she'd imagined) — Ruth's story shows how birth rarely follows the script, even when you think you know what to expect.

You'll hear Ruth reflect on how each birth taught her she was stronger than she ever imagined, how her professional experience as a teacher both helped and complicated early motherhood, and what it's like when the "village" shrinks with each baby. She opens up about missing her mum and close family more with each child, the surprising value of stopping to reflect years later through journaling, and the one truth she'd tell her first-time pregnant self.

If you've had multiple births that felt completely different, wondered how your professional identity intersects with motherhood, or felt the absence of your village growing louder — this conversation will feel like coming home.

Reminder: This podcast is not therapy and should not replace professional support.