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In today's episode, we had the pleasure of interviewing Jordan, a midwife and first-time mum who made the decision to birth her baby at home.

We chat to Jordan about her journey to conceive which involved taking Letrozole to help support ovulation. Jordan shared her experience of a swift 6-hour labour, culminating in the beautiful birth of her son in a birth pool.

Notably, Jordan encountered a unique challenge during the third stage of labor, as she experienced Vasovagal Syncope while attempting to deliver the placenta. This occurrence was attributed to the presence of a bilobed placenta situated behind her cervix, a condition known as Cervical Shock Syndrome. Our discussion further delved into Jordan's profound thoughts and emotions surrounding the hospital system, as well as the reasons that guided her decision to embrace the path of a homebirth.

Join us as we explore the intricacies of Jordan's experience, gaining valuable insights into the world of midwifery and the transformative power of making informed choices during the birthing process.

Jordan documented her whole pregnancy and birth on her instagram page  - Fromwomb_toworld

Links:

• Photographer - Caitlyn Hands (Stemmer)  - Earthchild.photography 
• Hunter Valley Homebirthers Facebook group 
• Coulton Stoliar, S., Dahlen, H. G., & Sheehan, A. (2023). A national survey of Australian midwives’ birth choices and outcomes. Women and Birth, 36(2).
• Coulton Stoliar, S., Dahlen, H. G., & Sheehan, A. (2022). Insider knowledge as a double-edged sword: an integrative review of midwives' personal childbearing experiences. BMC pregnancy and childbirth, 22(1), 640. 
• PANDA 
  • https://treasury.gov.au/sites/default/files/2021-05/171663_perinatal_anxiety_and_depression_australia.pdf
• Black Dog Institute 

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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 we speak with Bel who delves into the transformative power of breathwork, particularly a parasympathetic nasal breathing technique, in managing stress and fostering authentic responses.

During the episode we explore parallels between breathwork and childbirth, highlighting the importance of expressing and validating emotions. Bel also shares the story of her homebirth where she take us through a long back labour that left her feeling physically traumatised, and she emphasises the importance of being adequately supported in your postpartum period, while also allowing yourself time to process your birth. She takes us through her journey towards healing herself out of a freeze state and survival mode, and how breathwork was a huge facilitator in this healing process.

Links:

• Bel's breathwork sessions 
• Australian Breathwork Association  
• Reconnected 
• 2LifeDoula
• It Takes a Village Midwifery 

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 for a heartfelt conversation with Hayley as she opens up about her transformative journey through two distinct birth experiences. 

Amidst the challenges of navigating pregnancy during the COVID era, Hayley reflects on the profound effects of fragmented care on the birthing process. Following a pivotal moment during her first labour, Hayley made a decision to embrace a new approach to care for her second pregnancy – opting for a homebirth supported by a private midwife.

In a remarkable turn of events, Hayley's second labour presented an unexpected twist as her baby arrived breech. With unwavering support and expertise from her dedicated midwife, Hayley's breech birth unfolded smoothly and safely within the comfort of her home. 

Links: 

• Breech Presentation - The Evolution of Management 
• The Midwives Book 
• Australia's Mothers and Babies Report 
• Women's Experiences of Planing a Vaginal Breech Birth in Australia 
• The Evidence on: Breech Birth 
• What was the Canadian Term Breech Trial? 
• RANZCOG - Management of Breech Birth 
• Term Breech Trial 
• Birthing Instincts 
• Term Breech Trial 
• The Term Breech Trial Ten Years on: Primun Non Nocere? 
• The Great Birth Rebellion 
• Breech without borders 
• ReTeach Breech - Dr Stu

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 have the pleasure of chatting with Ell, who shares her remarkable journey through four unique birth stories. As a midwifery student, Ell's exposure to homebirth during a placement sparked a profound realisation – she wanted to bring her children into the world in the comfort of her own home. However, her first pregnancy took an unexpected turn when a scan revealed issues with her son's bowel, leading to Ell and her partner testing positive as carriers of Cystic Fibrosis (CF). As a result, complications arose, preventing Ell from having a homebirth for her first child.  Undeterred, Ell went on to successfully birth her next three babies at home, embracing the empowering experience of homebirth. 

Links:

• Cystic Fibrosis info - https://www.cysticfibrosis.org.au/about/ 

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 Taylor, who opens up about her transformative journey through two distinct birth experiences. Taylor's first birth took place in a hospital as part of the Midwifery Group Practice (MGP) Program. However, she candidly shares her feelings of disillusionment with the experience, shedding light on the shame she felt for having these emotions. This pivotal moment became the catalyst for change in Taylor's birth approach, leading her to embark on a Freebirth for her second baby, right in the comfort of her own home.

During our conversation, Taylor fearlessly delves into the issues within the hospital system, exploring the impact of patriarchy on childbirth and the challenges she faced in accessing private midwifery care. She also addresses the limitations of publicly funded homebirth programs, providing valuable insights into the complexities surrounding birth choices.

Links:

• Australia's Mothers and Babies Report
• Freebirth definition
• Birthing outside the system - the motivation behind choice to freebirth or have a homebirth
• Cost of Private Midwife
• The financial impact of offering publicly funded homebirths: A Population-based microsimulation in Queensland, Australia 
• Positive Birth Stories Australia
• Dr Rachel Reed
• Dr Sarah Wickham
• Jane Hardwicke Collings
• Dr Sarah Buckley 

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 chat to Jisella who gave birth to her first baby at home. After experiencing a miscarriage and unexplained infertility, Jisella delved into the world of research in order to figure out what model of care would be right for her when the time came.

Once Jisella fell pregnant with her now daughter, she knew she wanted to give birth at home. Nearing the end of her pregnancy (41 weeks), her baby turned breech. She had a successful ECV and went on to have her baby at 43+3 weeks at home.

Links: 

• Birth time
• Birth rebellion - arrive trail 
• Real Food For Pregnancy - Lily Nichols
• Great birth rebellion - Breech - Dr Andrew Basset
• Miles circuit 
• Together with Rachael Rose -  44+3 week pregnancy
• Born at Home Film

Research/stats:

• Uptake of external cephalic version for term breech presentation: an Australian population study, 2002-2012
• The Evidence on: Breech Version - Evidence Based Birth 
• The Evidence on: Due Dates - Evidence Based Birth
• Post-Dates Induction of Labour: balancing risks
• Risk of Stillbirth and Infant Death Stratified by Gestational Age 
• Breech without borders

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 chat to Eleanor Currie, who is the co-producer (with Amanda Banks) of the film, Born At Home. Eleanor chats to us about how she came to producing the film and how it led to her birthing her second baby at home.

After going into labour spontaneously with her first baby, Eleanor entered the hospital system with the hope of a vaginal birth. After a midwife suggested to break her membranes (AROM), her baby was discovered to be in the breech position. This intervention led to her environment and hormonal flow being altered leading to the decision being made to have a belly birth. 

During the production of the documentary, "Born At Home," Eleanor embarked on a personal journey of exploration and understanding of birth. Immersed in the world of home births, she made the empowering decision to have her second baby at home, reclaiming the birthing experience she had long envisioned.

Links:

• Born at Home Film website 
• Born at Home Film Instagram 
• Tickets to watch the film 
• How to Heal a Bad Birth -Debby Gould 
• The Reconnected 
• Spinning Babies 
• Dr Rachel Reed 
• 2LifeDoula 
• Dr Sarah J Buckley 

Research:

• Risk of uterine rupture in Australian women attempting vaginal birth after one prior caesarean section: a retrospective population-based cohort study 
• Mother & Babies Report 2021

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 chat to Georgia who gave birth to her first baby at home. Georgia delved into the statistics, research and birth podcasts and decided that birthing at home was safer for her and her baby. Georgia chats with us about how she navigated finding a care provider that was right for her and how her family got on board with the idea of her birthing at home.  After a long labour that went over a few days, Georgia gave birth to her son in the water surrounded by her partner, mum and private midwives. 

Links:

• Australia's Mother & Babies Report 2021
• Australian Birth Stories Podcast
• Birth Time
• Core & Floor Restore 

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 chat to Amanda Banks who is the co-producer (with Eleanor Currie) of the new film, Born At Home. Amanda chats to us about why she wanted to create a film about homebirth, the benefits of acupuncture in pregnancy and her two homebirth experiences. 

After having a straightforward birth at home with her first baby, her son was unresponsive and needed to be transferred to hospital. Her son was born with Oesophageal Atresia which meant he needed surgery and a 6 week stay in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). After having two miscarriages, Amanda fell pregnant with her daughter and had a quick birth and a healing postpartum where she was able to be tucked into her own bed by her private midwives. 

Links for Amanda:

• Website - https://www.amandabanksacupuncture.com/ 
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/amandaacupuncture/

Links to Born At Home film:

• Born at Home Website 
• Trailer 
• Instagram 
• Where to buy tickets

Other:

• Why Not Home Film 
• Dr Sarah Buckley
• Jess - Mothermoon Hypnobirthing 
• 2LifeDoula- Moran 
• Maet Pearson - It Takes a Village Midwifery

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 Alyssa Booth (Doula & Birth Educator) from Cherish Birth who shares with us her three birth stories. Alyssa gave birth to her first baby in the hospital system, where she experienced a positive induction where they broke her waters (PROM).  For her next two births, she birthed her babies quickly in the comfort of her own home.

We also chat to Alyssa about the work that Better Births Illawarra have done to improve better facilities within the hospital as well as pushing for the expansion of midwifery-led care/continuity of care (MGP) within the region. We also discuss the Birth Trauma Inquiry that is currently running in NSW.

Links for Alyssa:

• Alyssa - Cherish Birth 
• Better Births Illawarra +  https://www.betterbirthsillawarra.org.au/submission

Other:

• The Nappy Collective 
• Nurtured Village Hampers 
• Australia Doula College 
• Book - Birth Skills by Juju Sundin & Sarah Murdoch.
• Hyperemesis Australia - https://www.hyperemesisaustralia.org.au/, https://www.instagram.com/hyperemesisaustralia/?hl=en

Birth Trauma Links:

• Inquiry 
• Women's experiences of birth trauma: A scoping Review
• Submission by PANDA 

Where to find help:

• PANDA 
• Pink Elephant 
• Beyond Blue
• Debby Gould

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.