Growing Up Raising Us

In the second episode of our VBAC mini-series, we are joined by Laura Callea (she/her) from Pregnancy with Physio Laura. Laura is a specially trained women’s health physiotherapist and in this chat, shares some things individuals can do during pregnancy to prepare physically and emotionally for a VBAC. She also shares her empowering home birth after 2 caesareans (HBA2C) story.

Pregnancy with Physio Laura is a podcast to help mamas feel confident, empowered and informed in their pregnancy and birth journey. In it, she shares solo riffs on her clinical physiotherapy expertise combined with her personal experience as a mama as well as guest expert interviews from all fields of women’s health.

You can also join Laura's Pregnancy Posse here. The Pregnancy Posse is an online health membership designed exclusively for pregnant women wanting to give themselves the best chance of experiencing a wonderful pregnancy journey.

In this episode, we dive into the following questions: 

You can follow our instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@definitelybabypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠for photos of weekly guests and episode updates and releases.

The photo in the podcast logo was taken by ⁠⁠@maki.levine⁠⁠.

In episode 1 of the VBAC mini series, we're joined by Meagan Heaton (she/her), co-founder and host of the podcast, the VBAC Link, to unpack the risks associated with both VBACs and repeat Caesareans.

Meagan Heaton co-founded the VBAC Link in 2018. Although she always felt called to the baby world, she really found her love for birth in 2014 after her second C-Section. Through these two birth experiences, her love and passion grew around VBAC. She wanted to help people feel supported and loved. Soon after becoming a doula, she got pregnant and knew she wanted to have a VBA2C. She had her son in a birth center via VBA2C in 2016. She has now supported over 300 families through their birthing journeys as a doula, and many more virtually through The VBAC Link. She aims to help women like herself feel educated, supported, and empowered during their birthing time. When she is not doing podcasts or doula work, Meagan loves attending her kids' soccer games, gymnastics meets, Ice skating programs, and being involved in school activities. She loves to road bike and is always down for a DIY project, and a walk around the block with her husband. 

In this episode, we discuss:

Weighing up the Options: Repeat C-Section or VBAC?

Breaking Down the Risk of Uterine Rupture: 

You can find Meagan's podcast, the VBAC Link, on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and many other platforms.

And you can find her website and blog here: https://www.thevbaclink.com/.

Follow our instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@definitelybabypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠for photos of weekly guests and episode updates and releases.

The photo in the podcast logo was taken by ⁠⁠@maki.levine⁠⁠.

In this bonus episode, we're joined by Brittni (she/her), a certified Infant Sleep Specialist from Resting in Motherhood.

The photo in the podcast logo was taken by ⁠⁠@maki.levine⁠⁠.

In this episode, we're joined by Rowie Cooke (she/her). Rowie and her partner, Jake, are parents to two girls: Sonny (5.5) and Rua (2.5), and a fur baby, Chill. Rowie works as a birth and postpartum doula, @rowiecooke_doula.⁠

Rowie's first birth was an emergency caesarean section due to fetal distress. Although her daughter came out with low APGAR scores and the clear necessity of the caesarean, Sonny's birth was far from what Rowie had planned or wanted. Rowie got to meet Sonny briefly after birth, before she spent some time in the Special Care Nursery following her birth.

Between Sonny and Rua, Rowie experienced a pregnancy loss at 13 weeks, which led her on a journey to rebuild trust in her body.

During her pregnancy with Rua, she armed herself with knowledge and prepared for a Vaginal Birth After Caesarean (VBAC). At 28 weeks, Rowie made the decision to switch from hospital care to a private midwife and planned a home birth, realising that this is where she would feel the safest and most supported. She also had a doula on her team and had a beautiful, healing Home Birth After Cesarean (HBAC). Her daughter Rua experienced shoulder dystocia during birth which was managed by her skilled midwives. Rua was born with an illeal atresia (blockage to her small intestine) and was admitted to NICU 30 hours after birth.

She goes on to share her different recovery experiences after both birthing journeys, as well as how these experiences shaped her perceptions of herself as a mother. She also discusses the ways her birth experiences ignited a deep passion for physiological birth, having a supported postpartum, and deciding to become a doula.

It's an insightful conversation, and I hope you enjoy listening as much as I did. To see some photos of Rowie and her family, follow us on instagram @definitelybabypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

You can find Rowie on instagram: @rowiecooke_doula.

Or her website here.

The Definitely Baby theme music was written by Hagan Mathews and produced at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@sleeplessfootscray⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

The photo in the podcast logo was taken by ⁠⁠@maki.levine⁠⁠.

In this episode, we're joined by Katelyn (she/her). Katelyn and her husband, Luke, live in Geelong and are parents to a two-and-a-half-year-old daughter, Bella, and a 4.5-month-old son, Rupert.

During Katelyn's labour with Bella, she had an induction, followed by an emergency caesarean due to fetal distress. There was also meconium present in the amniotic fluid. Subsequently, she encountered challenges with breastfeeding, including painful and cracked nipples, so she decided to pump and bottle feed for the majority of their feeding journey.

For her second child, Rupert, Katelyn opted for a repeat caesarean. However, post-birth, she faced medical complications stemming from the caesarean, resulting in hospital stays and additional surgical procedures. These complications affected her time with Bella and the process of feeding Rupert.

Katelyn reflects on her positive experience with her mother's group and discusses how motherhood has enriched her relationships with her numerous friends who are also parents. Her bond with her husband has remained steadfast since becoming parents, and she loves parenting alongside him.

Furthermore, Katelyn shares her journey of returning to work and some challenges that arose there. She delves into the transformative impact of motherhood on her personal identity.

You can follow our instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@definitelybabypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠for photos of weekly guests and episode updates and releases.

The photo is the podcast logo was taken by ⁠⁠@maki.levine⁠⁠.

This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Wadawurrung, the Wurundjeri Wilam and Boon Wurrung/Bunurong peoples of the Kulin Nation. This always was and always will be the land of the First Peoples. Every month, I Pay The Rent and so can you - click ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠to learn more.

In this episode, we are joined by Leonie Akhidenor (she/her) from Parenthood pod. Leonie and her husband are parents to two boys, aged 4 and 3. During her pregnancies and postpartum periods, Leonie experienced both pre and postnatal depression and anxiety. She discusses the impact of these experiences on her motherhood journey and how they motivated her to start her own podcast. Over the years, Leonie has evolved into a relationship coach, addressing pressing questions and concerns for couples and single parents. Additionally, she is involved in property development and works part-time as a model.

Our conversation covers the intricate balancing act of Leonie's multifaceted roles, how she manages her commitments, including prioritising her own relationship. Delving into listener-submitted inquiries, we explore the following topics:

Join us for a factual and insightful exploration of these vital parenting and relationship topics.

You can find Leonie's podcast Parenthood on any podcast platform.

You can find her instagram ⁠@parenthoodpod. 

You can follow our instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@definitelybabypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠for photos of weekly guests and episode updates and releases.

The photo in the podcast logo was taken by ⁠@maki.levine⁠.

In this episode, we're joined by Stacey (she/her). Stacey and her husband, Craig, are parents to a three year old son, Michael. Stacey's journey to motherhood was influenced by her decision to become a parent sooner due to a fibroma in her uterus.

She experienced a miscarriage at 12 weeks during her first pregnancy. In her pregnancy with Michael, she faced Hyperemesis Gravidarum, leading to hospitalisation and a challenging pregnancy experience.

Due to the fibroma, her medical team initially recommended a caesarean, but it shifted position, allowing her to prepare for a vaginal birth 3 weeks before Michael was born. Despite complications during labour, she delivered Michael vaginally, determined to avoid a caesarean recovery on top of everything else.

The COVID-19 pandemic added further obstacles, with travel restrictions preventing Stacey's mother from being there for her during the time of need. Postpartum, they struggled with sleep, breastfeeding, and her husband's increased anxiety due to lockdowns.

Stacey returned to work after 8 months, and her husband took 6 months of paternity leave, making use of breastfeeding allowances at work in Norway. Despite wanting to return to work himself, her husband supported her career by becoming the primary carer for their son during that period.

Michael's health posed challenges, as he developed asthma and various allergies, requiring careful attention to his well-being.

The pandemic took a toll on Stacey's family, causing the loss of several loved ones in a short period, leading to sleep deprivation and straining their relationship. Furthermore, it took two years before either of their families could meet Michael due to pandemic restrictions.

Throughout the episode, Stacey shares her experience of being legally blind and how that has impacted aspects of her parenting journey. She speaks about returning to work, her supportive boss, navigating breastfeeding and work, and friendships as a parent.

Follow our instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@definitelybabypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠for photos of weekly guests and episode updates and releases.

The photo in the podcast logo was taken by ⁠@maki.levine⁠.

In this episode, we are joined by Shan (she/her), a first-time parent to an 18-month-old daughter named Winter, alongside her husband Brad. Before becoming a parent, Shan was working as a beauty therapist and since, she’s recently started her career as a sleep consultant.

During Shan's pregnancy, her waters broke prematurely at 30 weeks gestation, resulting in a condition known as preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). She later discovered she had Chorioamnionitis, an infection in her placenta caused by the early rupture of the amniotic sac without receiving timely treatment. This led to her body rejecting the placenta and her baby.

As her contractions were too advanced, Shan could not have the epidural she had planned for. She was quickly moved to the birth suite, where she gave birth to Winter after just around 8 minutes of pushing. Following the birth, Shan went into septic shock, a condition she only learned about afterward.

After birth, Winter was taken to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) due to her delicate condition, covered in tubes and wires. For Shan, not being able to interact with Winter was particularly challenging. She was advised not to stroke her to avoid causing harm.

Over the following weeks, Shan and Brad visited Winter in the NICU and Special Care. Adjusting to parenthood was challenging for Shan, who struggled to connect with her baby due to the rapid and unexpected series of events.

After bringing Winter home, Shan faced further difficulties with sleep and feeding, leading her to switch to formula after four weeks of feeding Winter her expressed colostrum and milk through a tube. At four months old, Winter experienced breathing difficulties and was diagnosed with a cow's milk protein allergy.

Despite the challenges of the first year, Winter's health has improved, and she is now walking and reaching milestones appropriate for her adjusted age.

Shan expresses gratitude for the support of nearby family members, which allowed her and Brad some valuable alone time. She also acknowledges that their unique journey into parenthood has brought her and Brad closer together, improving their relationship in profoundly positive ways.

Follow our instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@definitelybabypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠for photos of weekly guests and episode updates and releases.

The photo is the podcast logo was taken by @maki.levine.

In this episode, we're joined by Nicole (she/her). Nicole and her husband are parents to two boys, Elliot (7) and Hamish (4).

Nicole's first pregnancy with Elliot led her to find a private midwife, valuing continuity of care. She had a quick labour, a water birth in a birth suite, but soon faced difficulties. Despite extensive postpartum preparation, the early days and weeks proved to be unexpectedly challenging. Breastfeeding was difficult, and Elliot struggled to gain weight, eventually labelled as 'failure to thrive.' Severe mastitis led to an undiagnosed breast abscess. Nicole reluctantly switched to formula, feeling guilt but relieved by Elliot's happiness. The first four months were particularly tough.

Elliot's sleep patterns were disrupted, with short naps and inconsistent nights. Exhausted and anxious, Nicole sought a sleep consultant who transformed their lives. The consultant helped Elliot self-settle, resulting in longer day and night sleeps. Nicole's positive experience inspired her to become a sleep consultant herself, advocating for better sleep and raising awareness that it's not a luxury but a necessity for parents.

After deciding to have another baby, Nicole experienced initial conflict and gender disappointment, hoping for a girl. However, she embraced gratitude for a healthy baby boy and fostered positive feelings throughout her pregnancy. Hamish's birth was swift and straightforward, despite him being in a posterior position. Nicole felt more confident during her postpartum period, though she encountered mastitis again. She breastfed Hamish for six months and found him to be a comforting and easygoing baby.

Nicole discusses her journey as a sleep consultant, crediting her husband's support for allowing her to complete her course. She's passionate about helping parents and babies achieve better sleep, emphasising that sleep deprivation isn't inevitable. 

As her children grow older, Nicole is rediscovering her social side and feels more like her old self in many ways. 

You can find Nicole on instagram here.

Or at her website, here.

Follow our instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@definitelybabypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠for photos of weekly guests and episode updates and releases.

In this episode, we are joined by Lucinda McKimm (she/her) of Ready or Not podcast. Her and her husband, Haydn, live in Rye on the Mornington Peninsula, and are parents to a 15-month-old son, Ray, and Lucinda is newly pregnant with their second child. Lucinda shares her journey of conception with her second, which happened more quickly than anticipated after stopping breastfeeding. They’d expected this to take longer, as it took them 8 months to conceive Ray. 

She recounts her pregnancy with Ray and her experience of her waters breaking at midnight and the subsequent fast labour, delivering her son drug-free. Her newborn was taken to special care due to being born prematurely.

Lucinda opens up about the challenges she faced during the baby blues and the mixed emotions of early motherhood. She discusses how her love for cooking changed post-baby and her preference now for takeaway and simple meals. Being pregnant herself, she and I also discuss pregnancy cravings and aversions during our first trimesters.

The topic of sleep regression and early mornings is explored, along with Lucinda's reflections on the responsibility and mortality that come with motherhood. Lucinda shares her motivation behind creating her podcast, Ready or Not, as a resource on working motherhood. She emphasises the importance of self-compassion and communication, inspired by the guests on her show.

We also chat about the impact of having a baby on Lucinda's relationship with her husband, along with the surprises and changes they experienced. Lucinda encourages others to educate themselves on how relationships can be affected after having a baby. 

She also shares her experiences with daycare, initially finding it daunting but now enjoying the benefits of working and personal time.

Having a supportive group of young mothers in her area has enriched Lucinda's friendships. While she has some regret in not attending her local mother's group, she feels fulfilled socially. 

Lucinda discusses the values she wants to instil in her children, emphasising acceptance, celebrating differences, and rejecting narrow-mindedness.

Overall, Lucinda reflects that motherhood has transformed her into a more confident person and a harder worker.

Follow our instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@definitelybabypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠for photos of weekly guests and episode updates and releases.