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Today, we’re joined by Ellen, a mum of two, who shares the story of her evolving birth journey. Her first experience was in the MGP program at her local hospital. After experiencing reduced fetal movement, Ellen was advised to have an induction. The induction led to complications: a fever, blood in her urine, and an accelerated heart rate for her baby, culminating in an unexpected caesarean. Ellen felt a deep sense of disappointment with her first birth experience.

Determined to approach her second birth differently, Ellen took the time to educate herself, preparing for a more empowered experience. She chose a homebirth (HBAC) and found the difference to be profound. She was more present, more aware, and felt a deeper sense of control over her body and the process. Ellen reflects on how natural contractions were far more manageable than the synthetic ones from her induction. She also shares the intense afterbirth pains she experienced—pain so severe it caused her to vomit—but despite this, she felt an overwhelming sense of peace and empowerment.

Ellen’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of self-advocacy, birth education, and trusting your instincts to shape the birth experience that’s right for you.

Links:

• The Great Birth Rebellion - Episode 86 - Internal Release Work with Fiona Hallinan.
• Birth After Caesarean - Hazel Keedle 
• Mothers & Babies Report 2022
• Maternal and perinatal outcomes by planned place of birth in Australia 2000-2012: a linked population data study. 
• Perineal Bundles - The Great Birth Rebellion 
• Perineal bungles - The Midwifes' Cauldron
• Perineal ‘Bundles’ and Midwifery - Midwife Thinking - Dr Rachel Reed

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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.

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In today’s episode, we have the privilege of speaking with Jessie, a seasoned Doula based in Karratha, Western Australia. Jessie generously shares the profound wisdom she gained from her four unique birth experiences—three in hospital and one empowering free birth with her fourth child. Reflecting on her first journey into motherhood, she discusses how the prevailing narrative around birth was one of pain and fear, which led to unexpected interventions. Through her work supporting other women as a doula, Jessie came to understand that women already possess everything they need within themselves to bring their babies into the world. She takes us through her personal evolution, from hospital births to the decision to have a free birth. 

Jessie also opens up about D-MER (Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex), a condition where some breastfeeding women experience negative emotions just before milk let-down, during breastfeeding, expressing, or even when not nursing.

Links:

• Jessie the doula
• Jessie's Website 
• Birth Without Fear - January Harshe
• Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex (D-MER) - Australian Breastfeeding Association 
• Midwives' Cauldron - Breastfeeding aversion, agitation, D-MER
• Reddit thread 
• DMER study 

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@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.

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In today’s episode, Laura & Aimee, take a moment to reflect on the year that was—both personally and within the world of the podcast. They chat about the highs, the lessons learned, and some of the most memorable moments from 2024.

Here’s what’s in store for you in this episode:

• A heartfelt look back at the past year—how things have evolved in both their personal lives and the podcasting journey.
• The most listened-to episodes of the year and what made them stand out!
• A huge thank you to everyone who’s supported the podcast, including those who bought us a coffee—we see you, and we’re so grateful!
• An exciting update as we open up to sponsorship and what that means for the future of the show.
• A sneak peek at what’s coming in the next season—what to expect, and what we’ve got in store for you.
• Listener Q&A! We dive into some of your burning questions from our Instagram stories, covering:
  • Tips for helping partners get on board with homebirth
  • Our approach to parenting (and how homebirth may have influenced it)
  • Navigating big emotions for kids during the holiday season

It’s a mix of reflection, gratitude, and exciting new things on the horizon. Tune in for all the details and a little sneak peek into what’s coming next!

Links:

• Maternal and perinatal outcomes by planned place of birth in Australia 2000 – 2012: a linked population data study- (Homer et al., 2019)
• Midwives Cauldron Podcast 
• The Great Birth Rebellion Podcast
• Pop Culture Parenting Podcast - Parenting Styles 
• Together with Rachael Rose Podcast 
• Calling Home Podcast
• Positive Birth Australia Podcast
• Australian VBAC Stories Podcast - (New)
• VBAC Birth Stories (old one) Podcast

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.

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In this episode, we sit down with the remarkable Dr. Sarah Buckley to explore the fascinating world of oxytocin and syntocinon. 

Join us as we dive into the mechanics of oxytocin and how the body naturally releases hormones for labour and birth. Dr. Buckley discusses the history of synthetic oxytocin (syntocinon) and its integration into the maternity system, as well as the impacts of syntocinon, including the hormonal gaps that can arise with various interventions.

We also chat about one of Dr. Buckley’s recent papers, which investigates whether syntocinon crosses into the placenta and compares oxytocin levels between physiological and induced labour. Whether you're a parent, healthcare professional, or simply curious about the birthing process, this episode provides valuable insights into the critical role of hormones in childbirth. 

Links: 

• Dr Sarah Buckley's Website
• Instagram 
• Research papers 
• Maternal and newborn plasma oxytocin levels in response to maternal synthetic oxytocin administration during labour, birth and postpartum

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.

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In today’s episode, we chat with Emma, who shares her two distinct birth stories. Emma's first experience took place within the hospital system during COVID, where she faced challenges such as having an unknown midwife, being unable to bring her doula into the birth space, and not accessing the birth pool when she wanted. She reflects on how the care she received significantly impacted her experience.

After this, Emma shifted her mindset for her second pregnancy and birth, empowering herself to make informed decisions. She hired a private midwife and welcomed her baby into the comfort of her own home, surrounded by her family.

Throughout the episode, we explore a range of important topics, including:

• Mental health issues, including postnatal depression and anxiety
• Breastfeeding challenges
• Hyperthyroidism 
• Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult
• Navigating a vegan lifestyle during pregnancy, including low iron and nutritional issues
• Experiences with prolapse and tearing

Links:

• Bron (doula) - Kindred Birth 
• Dawn Shalom (midwife) 
• Birth Mapping 
• Core & Floor Restore 
• Foraged for You supplement 
• Amberley Harris - IBCLC
• Thompson Method 
• Doulas Uncensored - Breastfeeding with Amberley Harris
• Australia Mothers & babies Report - Breastfeeding stats 
• Australian Breastfeeding association 

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.

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In this episode, we sit down with Kirah, a first-time mum who chose to give birth at home. Kirah opens up about her unique journey, navigating various health challenges, including POTS, autism, and C-PTSD. She shares the pivotal moment when she switched care providers midway through her pregnancy, ultimately opting for a homebirth through the Community Midwifery Program (CMP). 

Kirah reveals her fears surrounding hospital births, expressing how the thought of leaving her safe space for an unfamiliar environment filled with strangers was daunting. She reflects on her concerns about the hospital policies, particularly the limitations on labour duration and the potential for unwanted interventions. For Kirah, feeling safe and supported was paramount in her birthing experience.

Join us as Kirah’s story unfolds, highlighting the strength and resilience it takes to advocate for one’s own birth experience. 

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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.