Homebirth Stories Australia

Join us in this episode as we delve into Kendall’s experience with her first birth. Though she started her journey with the MGP program, Kendall felt a significant change midway through her pregnancy, prompting her to seek private midwifery care. She shares the powerful intuition that inspired her choice of a homebirth and narrates the moment when her baby's breech presentation became apparent.

Links:

• GrowBirthMother 
• The Great Birth Rebellion 

Support the show

@homebirthstoriesaustralia

Support the show by buying us a coffee!

Please be advised that this podcast may contain explicit language. Listener discretion is advised.

The information, statistics, and research presented in this podcast are for informational purposes only and are not intended to constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. All information discussed can be found online and is provided in the links in the show notes. It is always recommended to conduct your own research and make informed decisions. We advise you to discuss any topics or concerns with your healthcare provider. While we strive to incorporate the most up-to-date research in our episodes, we do not warrant or guarantee the accuracy of the information discussed on the show.

In today's episode, we sit down with Libby, a first-time mum who chose a homebirth for her baby's arrival. Libby shares her unique journey of surrounding herself with a supportive birth team, including her mother, a clinical midwife, and how this choice played a crucial role in her birthing experience. 
We dive into the discussions about her mother’s concerns and the careful planning that went into the birth. As Libby neared the 42-week mark, her midwifery team informed her that a homebirth might no longer be possible, and she would need to consider birthing within the medical system. However, fate had a different plan—on the day of her scheduled induction, her waters broke. She decided to wait for labour to start and birthed her baby in the comfort of her home. 

Links:

• Evidence Based Birth - Premature Rupture of Membranes.
• Pre-labour Rupture of Membranes: impatience and risk - Midwife Thinking.

Support the show

@homebirthstoriesaustralia

Support the show by buying us a coffee!

Please be advised that this podcast may contain explicit language. Listener discretion is advised.

The information, statistics, and research presented in this podcast are for informational purposes only and are not intended to constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. All information discussed can be found online and is provided in the links in the show notes. It is always recommended to conduct your own research and make informed decisions. We advise you to discuss any topics or concerns with your healthcare provider. While we strive to incorporate the most up-to-date research in our episodes, we do not warrant or guarantee the accuracy of the information discussed on the show.

Join us as we sit down with Mona to explore her remarkable journey through three pregnancies and births. Mona shares her experiences of giving birth to her first two babies within a hospital setting under the MGP (Midwifery Group Practice) program, detailing the interventions and interactions that influenced her decision to opt for a homebirth with her third child, supported by the publicly funded homebirth program.
Links:

• National Midwifery Guidelines For Consultation and Referral 
• 10 Years of Publicly Funded Homebirth Service in Victoria 
• Implementing a publicly funded homebirth program - QLD
• HOMEBIRTH (PUBLICLY FUNDED): CRITERIA AND PROCESS

Support the show

@homebirthstoriesaustralia

Support the show by buying us a coffee!

Please be advised that this podcast may contain explicit language. Listener discretion is advised.

The information, statistics, and research presented in this podcast are for informational purposes only and are not intended to constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. All information discussed can be found online and is provided in the links in the show notes. It is always recommended to conduct your own research and make informed decisions. We advise you to discuss any topics or concerns with your healthcare provider. While we strive to incorporate the most up-to-date research in our episodes, we do not warrant or guarantee the accuracy of the information discussed on the show.

In today's episode, we sit down with Krista to hear her two birth stories. From the outset, Krista knew she wanted a homebirth, a decision she made even before trying to conceive. However, what followed was a journey marked by both heartbreak and triumph.
Krista shares candidly about going into spontaneous labour with Salvatore (Sal) at 43+2 weeks, only to face a devastating realisation during labour—the absence of her baby's heartbeat. This heartbreaking moment led to a transfer to the hospital, where Krista gave birth to Salvatore, who was stillborn. She recounts the difficult experience of feeling unsupported by both hospital staff and her private midwife during this traumatic time.
Despite the immense loss and mistreatment, Krista courageously chose to trust her instincts and pursue a homebirth for her second child, Theodore (Teddy). With a new private midwife by her side, she welcomed Teddy into the world in the comfort and safety of her own home.
Throughout our conversation, Krista emphasises the critical importance of interviewing and carefully selecting care providers and individuals who will be present during childbirth. Her journey underscores how pivotal these choices can be in shaping the birth experience and ensuring emotional and physical safety for both mother and baby.

Links:

• Bears of hope
• Red nose - Hospital to home
• Lifeline
• Panda 
• Grief line
• Suicide call back
• Heartfelt 
• Evidence Based Birth: The evidence on due dates 
• Mothers & Babies Report - Stillbirths 
• Death and Dying: how different cultures deal with grief and mourning. 
• FUNERAL RITES ACROSS DIFFERENT CULTURES
  
  

Support the show

@homebirthstoriesaustralia

Support the show by buying us a coffee!

Please be advised that this podcast may contain explicit language. Listener discretion is advised.

The information, statistics, and research presented in this podcast are for informational purposes only and are not intended to constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. All information discussed can be found online and is provided in the links in the show notes. It is always recommended to conduct your own research and make informed decisions. We advise you to discuss any topics or concerns with your healthcare provider. While we strive to incorporate the most up-to-date research in our episodes, we do not warrant or guarantee the accuracy of the information discussed on the show.

Today's podcast episode features the incredible Chelsea, a mother of two, a passionate advocate for homebirth and VBAC, and co-host of the Growing Up Raising Us podcast.
Chelsea shares her unique journey, starting with an unplanned pregnancy whilst having a copper IUD in.  She delves into her decision to navigate the hospital system through the MGP program and her choice to engage a private midwife.
Chelsea recounts her experience of facing interventions and an unexpected caesarean section during her first birth.
Determined to have a HBAC for her second pregnancy, Chelsea embarked on a transformative journey towards a homebirth. The culmination of her efforts led to the beautiful and empowering experience of giving birth to her daughter in the serenity of her own home, surrounded by her dedicated birth team.

Chelsea's Podcast:

• Growing Up Raising Us podcast
• Growing Up Raising Us Instagram 

Birth Team:

• Birthed_with_bree (doula)
• Mamabirth.au

Links:

• VBAC Birth Stories Podcast - (old one)
• Australian VBAC stories podcast 
• She Births 
• The Great Birth Rebellion Podcast
• Group B Strep Screening 
• Dynamics of group strep B
• Cochrane Review Group B strep
• Intrapartum Group B Strep Screening 
• To screen or not to screen for Group B strep

Support the show

@homebirthstoriesaustralia

Support the show by buying us a coffee!

Please be advised that this podcast may contain explicit language. Listener discretion is advised.

The information, statistics, and research presented in this podcast are for informational purposes only and are not intended to constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. All information discussed can be found online and is provided in the links in the show notes. It is always recommended to conduct your own research and make informed decisions. We advise you to discuss any topics or concerns with your healthcare provider. While we strive to incorporate the most up-to-date research in our episodes, we do not warrant or guarantee the accuracy of the information discussed on the show.

Today, we sit down with Lizzie to discuss her three home births. Throughout all three pregnancies and births, Lizzie chose to work with the same private midwifery team, highlighting the importance of continuity of care with trusted known midwives.
Lizzie shares with us her unique experience of having pregnancies that extended past her due date, with each subsequent pregnancy being shorter in gestation. Despite some challenges, such as reduced fetal movements towards the end of her pregnancies, Lizzie sought reassurance from the hospital through CTG monitoring.
We delve into topics such as after birth pains, breastfeeding, placental encapsulation, and Lizzie's personal experience with postpartum rage. Overall, Lizzie's story sheds light on the benefits of personalised care and support during the birthing process.

Links:

• It Takes A Village Midwifery 
• Reduced Fetal Movement 
• CTG research
• MotherMoon Hypnobirthing 
• OliveJuice Lifestyle Photography
• Liz Johns - Osteo 

Support the show

@homebirthstoriesaustralia

Support the show by buying us a coffee!

Please be advised that this podcast may contain explicit language. Listener discretion is advised.

The information, statistics, and research presented in this podcast are for informational purposes only and are not intended to constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. All information discussed can be found online and is provided in the links in the show notes. It is always recommended to conduct your own research and make informed decisions. We advise you to discuss any topics or concerns with your healthcare provider. While we strive to incorporate the most up-to-date research in our episodes, we do not warrant or guarantee the accuracy of the information discussed on the show.

In today's episode we interview Matilda, a mum of three babies born at home and a midwife/nurse by trade. 
After Matilda finished her degree she worked inside hospitals and was a second midwife for women who gave birth at home. Once she fell pregnant she knew this was the way she wanted to give birth. 
After working within the system and seeing medicalised birth, Matilda talks about the vicarious trauma she had and how she worked through this during her pregnancies and births. 
Each of Matilda's three births unfolds as a unique narrative, showcasing the remarkable diversity and beauty inherent in the birthing process. From the evolving pace of her labors to the profound intuition guiding her every decision, Matilda's story underscores the transformative power of embracing the birth experience that resonates most deeply with each individual.

Links:

• Place and Space in relation to Childbirth Research
• The First Forty Days: The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother Hardcover - by Heng Ou 
• Core & Floor Restore 
• Birth Debrief 

Support the show

@homebirthstoriesaustralia

Support the show by buying us a coffee!

Please be advised that this podcast may contain explicit language. Listener discretion is advised.

The information, statistics, and research presented in this podcast are for informational purposes only and are not intended to constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. All information discussed can be found online and is provided in the links in the show notes. It is always recommended to conduct your own research and make informed decisions. We advise you to discuss any topics or concerns with your healthcare provider. While we strive to incorporate the most up-to-date research in our episodes, we do not warrant or guarantee the accuracy of the information discussed on the show.

In today's episode we talk to Lauren about her two birth experiences. Lauren shares her journey with work from being an instagram influencer and a travel photographer, to pivoting during COVID into the events space and now really leaning into motherhood and being more aligned with her values.
Lauren talks about trying to choose a care provider that worked around her travel/work for her first pregnancy. Lauren chose GP shared care and decided to give birth in the hospital system. Lauren went into labour spontaneously at 39+5 weeks and experienced a long labour where her cervix recoiled and after 30 hours, she opted for an epidural and had an instrumental birth. Throughout our discussion, Lauren addresses the systemic challenges within the maternity system that contributed to her birth trauma.
In her second pregnancy, Lauren sought a new model of care and was welcomed into the MGP program. As she laboured at home, her MGP midwife made a crucial home visit. In that moment, Lauren made the decision to stay home to give birth, supported by her trusted midwife.
Lauren's Links:

• Lauren's Instagram 
• makiathebabyjournal

Links:

• Info on Fentanyl 
• What is an Epidural 
• Effects of maternally administered fentanyl 
• QLD  GOV info on epidurals 
• 2021 Mothers & Babies report - Analgesia 
• Cochrane Review - Epidurals
• Second stage of labour & epidurals 
• Cervical Recoiling - Dr Sara Wickham 
• Ina May's Guide to Childbirth
• Divided by Annabel Sowemimo 

Support the show

@homebirthstoriesaustralia

Support the show by buying us a coffee!

Please be advised that this podcast may contain explicit language. Listener discretion is advised.

The information, statistics, and research presented in this podcast are for informational purposes only and are not intended to constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. All information discussed can be found online and is provided in the links in the show notes. It is always recommended to conduct your own research and make informed decisions. We advise you to discuss any topics or concerns with your healthcare provider. While we strive to incorporate the most up-to-date research in our episodes, we do not warrant or guarantee the accuracy of the information discussed on the show.

In today's episode we interviewed Kristyn, who is a mum of two and the president of Homebirth Australia.
Kristyn planned to birth her first baby at home with her private midwife. When Kristyn was 36+6 weeks pregnant she went to hospital with pain on her left side. After a long and painful wait, Kristyn's appendix ruptured resulting in an emergency caesarean under general anaesthesia. Kristyn experienced breastfeeding trauma due to the inadequate care she received from staff within the hospital as she wanted to breastfeed whilst her baby was in the NICU.
Kristyn recounts her journey through the heartbreak of an ectopic pregnancy during her second conception. After a year of trying, Kristyn conceived again and gave birth to her second baby (HBAC) in the comfort of her own home.

Kristyn's links:

• Homebirth Australia Website 
• Homebirth Australia Instagram 
• Kristyn's Instagram 

Links:

• Big Babies - Midwife Thinking
• Induction for Big Babies - Dr Sara Wickham
• Misconceptions by Naomi Wolf
• Birth with Confidence by Rhea Dempsey 

Support the show

@homebirthstoriesaustralia

Support the show by buying us a coffee!

Please be advised that this podcast may contain explicit language. Listener discretion is advised.

The information, statistics, and research presented in this podcast are for informational purposes only and are not intended to constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. All information discussed can be found online and is provided in the links in the show notes. It is always recommended to conduct your own research and make informed decisions. We advise you to discuss any topics or concerns with your healthcare provider. While we strive to incorporate the most up-to-date research in our episodes, we do not warrant or guarantee the accuracy of the information discussed on the show.

In today's episode, we had the privilege of chatting with Jodie regarding her transformative journey through two distinct birth experiences. During her initial pregnancy, Jodie opted for GP-shared care within a hospital setting, encountering an unforeseen intervention during labour that hindered her desired water birth.
Through meticulous research, the unwavering support of a dedicated doula, and active participation in a hypnobirthing course, she made the informed choice to pursue a homebirth. Jodie navigated through prodromal labor before her designated due date, ultimately delivering two weeks later compared to her first experience - providing insights into her mindset during this period.
By thoughtfully curating her birth team, comprising her partner, doula, and private midwife, Jodie successfully realised the water birth she had long envisioned.
Birth Team:

• Birth in Bloom Website (Doula)
• @birthinbloom_
• Midwife - @Rangimariemidwife

Links:

• Models of Care Australia
• Spinning Babies 
• Optimising Baby Position 
• Optimal Maternal Positioning 
• Cardinal Movements in Labour 
• Early Labour & Mixed Messages - Midwife Thinking 
• Braxton Hicks 

Support the show

@homebirthstoriesaustralia

Support the show by buying us a coffee!

Please be advised that this podcast may contain explicit language. Listener discretion is advised.

The information, statistics, and research presented in this podcast are for informational purposes only and are not intended to constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. All information discussed can be found online and is provided in the links in the show notes. It is always recommended to conduct your own research and make informed decisions. We advise you to discuss any topics or concerns with your healthcare provider. While we strive to incorporate the most up-to-date research in our episodes, we do not warrant or guarantee the accuracy of the information discussed on the show.