Homebirth Stories Australia

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In this episode, we speak with Tate—midwife, mother, and passionate advocate for physiological birth. Tate takes us through her path to becoming a midwife and her time working within the system as an MGP midwife, where she came face-to-face with the harsh reality: the system is not set up for true woman-centred care. Hospital policies, rigid protocols, and the fact that maternity care operates like a business often leave women and midwives disempowered.

When Tate became pregnant with her first baby, she experienced hyperemesis gravidarum from just five weeks and required several ED visits for fluids. She shares how this intense time challenged her physically and emotionally, and how she leaned on supports like acupuncture and regular sessions with her psychologist to get through.

Tate also opens up about experiencing bleeding in her first trimester, and how a diagnosis of a “short cervix” brought pressure from the hospital to start progesterone—something she declined, trusting in her baby and body instead.

As a midwife herself, Tate reflects on how difficult it was to switch off her clinical brain and instead midwife herself through the process. 

Links:

• Intuitive Birth Collective - Midwife
• Jerusha Sutton - Birth Photographer

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@homebirthstoriesaustralia

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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 this episode, Renee shares her experience of choosing a home birth for her first baby, explaining what led her to that decision and how she prepared for it. 

She speaks openly about her intense journey with hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), describing the constant nausea, relentless vomiting, and exhaustion that lasted throughout her entire pregnancy — right up until the moment she gave birth. Renee talks about everything she tried to manage it, including medications, IV fluids, and natural approaches, and the emotional and physical toll of living with little relief. She also reflects on the financial strain caused by months of sickness and lost work. 

At 17 weeks, she experienced a small bleed, adding extra worry during an already difficult time. She also discusses what it was like breastfeeding her large toddler while pregnant and how demanding that was on her body. Finally, Renee shares how she’s working to heal — physically, emotionally, and mentally — after such a challenging pregnancy.

Links:

• Embrace Midwifery Services
• HER foundation 

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, Ebony shares the story of her first birth — a journey that began with a planned homebirth and unfolded in unexpected ways. After a long labour and signs of possible malposition, her care team discovered meconium in the waters and an elevated heart rate in her baby. At that point, Ebony made the decision to transfer to hospital via ambulance.

At the hospital, doctors attempted a manual rotation and three vacuum-assisted birth attempts before her baby was born by caesarean. Ebony speaks openly about the intensity of the experience, the breastfeeding challenges she faced in the early weeks, and how she worked through the emotional impact of the transfer with support from a psychologist.

Links:

• Mothers & Babies Report - Instrumental Birth
• Vacuum Extraction Info
• Forceps Delivery Info
• QLD Clinical Guidelines - Instrumental Vaginal Birth

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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Today we interviewed Cally, who shared her experiences across two very different births. Her first pregnancy took place during COVID, where limited access to care led her to an OB by default. Red flags emerged throughout the pregnancy, but she continued with the same provider. After a long posterior labour that ended in an epidural and Syntocinon, she began to reflect more deeply on her birth choices.

We also spoke about her breastfeeding journey—navigating early challenges, pumping and bottle-feeding for nearly two years—and her experience with a medically managed miscarriage, which she approached with intention and care.

In her third pregnancy, Cally initially returned to her OB but switched to a private midwife at 26 weeks after feeling unsupported in her birth preferences. She went on to plan a homebirth that honoured her values and autonomy. When a postpartum hemorrhage occurred, it was swiftly and effectively managed by her midwifery team at home—including resuscitation—demonstrating the high level of skill and preparedness within well-supported homebirth care.

Links:

• Mama Midwives 
• Core & Floor Restore Free Antenatal Classes
• The Pink Elephant Support Network 
• Red Nose  
• Info on APGAR Score 
• Ten years of publicly funded homebirth services in Victoria 
• Mothers & Babies Report - APGAR data
• National Core Maternity Indicators - APGAR
• What is Medical management of miscarriage 

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 of our mini-series on homebirth transfer, we share the story of Tiahn, a mother who, inspired by the documentary Birth Time, knew that homebirth was the path for her. As she approached 42 + weeks, concerns about potential pre-eclampsia arose, but she made the choice to decline induction and continue her pregnancy.

Throughout her journey, Tiahn faced significant pressure from friends and family, especially towards the end of her pregnancy and even during labour. Despite this, she stayed firm in her decision to follow her instincts and birth her baby on her own terms. After a long labour at home, she opted to transfer to the hospital. During labour, she chose to rest with an epidural, but complications soon emerged when her baby’s heart rate dropped and meconium was found in the waters after an artificial rupture of membranes. A caesarean was quickly recommended.

Links:

• Birth Time Doco
• Spinning Babies 

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 Alinta, a mother who has experienced the beauty and challenges of homebirths for both her children. Alinta shares the powerful story of her first birth, which took place at her mother's house after a 37-hour labour journey. Living a few hours away from a hospital in a remote location, Alinta chose to be with her mum for support during the long labour.

For her second birth, Alinta chose to have her baby at home, in a space she found most comfortable. This time, she welcomed a 4.7kg baby into the world. In addition to her homebirths, Alinta also shares how she supported a friend by donating breast milk during her postpartum period with her second child.

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 are joined by Ellena, who shares the deeply personal and transformative stories of both of her births. Ellena’s first birth journey was marked by unexpected challenges, as she faced an emergency caesarean at 34 weeks after being diagnosed with eclampsia. She opens up about the subtle, often overlooked signs of the condition during her pregnancy and reflects on the surreal experience of having her son under general anesthesia after suffering an eclamptic seizure. Ellena describes the emotional and physical hurdles she faced as her baby spent time in NICU and she herself was in ICU, while also navigating the complexities of breastfeeding a premature baby.

For her second birth, Ellena sought out a private midwife and chose to have a homebirth, giving birth to her daughter at 42+1 weeks. She discusses how she took a proactive approach, conducting extensive research and preparing herself mentally and physically, aware of the slim possibility of experiencing eclampsia once more—yet this time, her journey was different. Ellena beautifully recounts how she created a birth experience that felt empowering, culminating in the peaceful birth of her daughter on her own bed, in the comfort of her home.

Links:

• Eclampsia in Australia & NZ: A prospective population-based study
• Australian Action on Pre-Eclampsia Website 
• RANZCOG - high blood pressure & pre-eclampsia 

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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Today, we interviewed first-time mum Rachel about the birth of her baby. Initially planning for private OB and hospital care, Rachel explored public hospitals and homebirth midwives before choosing a homebirth after watching Birth Time. She experienced PROM and prodromal labour, and during active labour, transferred to the hospital due to her baby's elevated heart rate. 

Rachel reflects on the challenges that followed, particularly hospital policy placing her baby in special care. She also opens up about her breastfeeding journey, which ended around 4 months postpartum with the return of her period, and discovering her baby had CMPI.

Links:

• Birth Time Film 
• RANZCOG - Homebirths 
• Transfer to hospital in planned home births: a systematic review
• Ten years of a publicly funded homebirth service in Victoria: Maternal and neonatal outcomes. 

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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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

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 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 

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.