Delighted to be back in action after a few weeks off. I have so many birth stories to share with you and grateful to each and everyone of you who support the pod here, it’s honestly keeps the podcast afloat.

In this episode I share my chat with Kathleen who talks me through her two pregnancies and births. Kathleen welcomed her first baby, little Charlie, nearly three years ago with the support of some incredible midwives who she speaks so fondly of. She gave birth to Charlie vaginally after being induced at full term.

She then goes on to share her twin pregnancy which was thankfully uneventful and the plan was to give birth vaginally. After labouring for some time Kathleen was brought to theatre to bring her babies into the world by C-section . Parts of her story are quite distressing from complications throughout surgery to their care in those early hours.

I also really want to highlight that Kathleen did avail of the services of the hospital to help resolve her birth trauma. Thanks to the decision she made to do this she is in a place to revisit these memories. She also lodged a complaint with the hospital wasn’t happy with the response so took her complaint further which Is important to highlight.

Thanks Kathleen x

Produced & edited by Corah Gernon at She Talks Productions

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In this short recording I share the words you would say to your postpartum self, shared by you. The over riding message, ask for help!

Enjoy

Produced & edited by Corah Gernon at She Talks Productions

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In this episode I share my two postpartum experiences, each very different. I chat about entering the unknown, motherhood! I share my very first experience from those very early days which were just shocked the shit out of me (no preparation!), being diagnosed with hypothyroidism at 4 months postpartum to pregnancy after loss when Oliver was 12 months old. I then share my second story which was amazing in parts but also blighted with crippling anxiety which was later diagnosed as PNA. I reckon I suffered from PNA with Oliver too but just wasn't aware. I sought help and can honesty say it was one of the kindest things I did for myself, I put myself first and as a result I have gained so much.

I then share my constant struggle with deciding to stay as a family of four. I'm super honest here as it's still very raw and hard to process although not as hard as it was. I know many of you are currently at the same phase of life deciding whether or not to close the chapter on pregnancy and adding to your family for a number of reasons, for me it has been the most challenging season yet.

I'm so so grateful for my beautiful family!

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In this weeks episode I share my chat with Gina who talks me through her four pregnancies and three very different births. At 9 weeks gestation Gina suffered early pregnancy loss with her first pregnancy. Soon after Gina conceived again, shares the details surrounding the birth of her first child. Her experience wasn't one that she envisioned which impacted those early postpartum days as a first time mother. Gina then shares two further vaginal births both unmedicated but each very different. 

Gina put so much time into preparing for her most recent birth attending various classes and availing of supports from hypnobirthing, using @gentlebirthofficial and @pamjdpilates was she remarked was ‘life changing’. At 34 weeks Gina started to bleed so was admitted to hospital until baby arrived at 37 weeks.

Thankfully all was well and got to feel that oxytocin rush!

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Produced & edited by Corah Gernon at She Talks Productions

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In this weeks episode I share my chat ith Maria who talks me through her two pregnancies and birth. Maria discovered she was pregnant in her early 20's after a short relationship. She shares how she navigated life from keeping her pregnancy hidden for nearly 18 weeks to adapting to such a huge change in her life during those early months of motherhood. She suffered birth trauma in her first experience with little or no support from both her partner at the time and also the medical team she was surrounded by.

Marias second birth experience was such a positive one for many reason. She was supported by her husband Paddy, midwives who wanted her to have a positive birth and most importantly she prepared in so many ways which I will let you hear for yourself.

Produced & edited by Corah Gernon at She Talks Productions

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In this episode I share my chat with Gráinne who talks me through her three pregnancies and two births. Both of Gráinnes boy were brought into the world by Caesarean birth (one emergency and under general anaesthetic) but each very different. Gráinne suffered an early pregnancy loss with her second pregnancy. It was later discovered after she underwent a DNC that she had a partial molar pregnancy which she shares more detail about.

As Gráinne shared her second birth story I could see this huge smile growing on her face, you can actually hear it in her voice. I love seeing that emotion and how powerful revisiting a story can be.

Enjoy and thank you @river_skincare for sharing your story

Produced & edited by Corah Gernon at She Talks Productions

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In this next episode I chat to Rachael who shares her two pregnancies and births. Rachael who is a maternity care advocate amongst other things shares her experience in detail from suffering with HG throughout the early stages of both pregnancies, attending appointments alone and navigating the restrictions as she was in the height of labour with her second daughter.

So much in this episode! I know Rachael is happy for you to reach out if you have any Q’s relating to any of the topics brought up within our chat.

Produced & edited by Corah Gernon at She Talks Productions

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In this next episode I share my chat with Michelle who talks me through her one pregnancy and the birth of her son. Michelle suffered from anxiety very early on in her pregnancy that crippled her everyday, impacting her sleep and general ability to function. She was completely consumed with worry, fear and guilt to mention just a few emotions. She talks me through the birth of her son which wasn't what she hoped for leaving her in a very vulnerable place. Michelles son was admitted to hospital at 12 days, another hugely traumatic experience. 

She then talks me through her experience with PND which is such an honest account of how tough life can be for those who suffer on a daily basis. 

This episode might not be suitable for everyone but I know it will also help many who are in the depths of anxiety, recovering from birth trauma and or are living with PND.

http://aimsireland.ie/birth-trauma/ 

https://www.restorativebirthservices.ie

https://www.resilientemotions.ie/perinatal--emotional-wellbeing/birth-trauma

BIRTH STORIES LIVE - Tickets

https://www.kiwico.com/panda - Code IREBIRTH to avail of 30% off your first order

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Produced & edited by Corah Gernon at She Talks Productions

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In this next episode I share my chat with Fiona, founder of @feed.me.mother breastfeeding clothing. Fiona’s shares her two pregnancies and births both of which were vaginal births but very different experiences. Fiona went into labour with her first baby while attending a wedding. She gave birth in an unfamiliar hospital. She shares much more and how this possibly contributed to how she felt in early motherhood.

She then shared her second birth experience, this time she prepared as much as possible. She attended hypnobirthing again, she went to a professional for guidance with perineal massage and as a result felt ready.

Lots more in this episode too.

BIRTH STORIES LIVE - Tickets

https://www.kiwico.com/panda - Code IREBIRTH to avail of 30% off your first order

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Produced & edited by Corah Gernon at She Talks Productions

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In the next episode share my chat with Leanne back in Feb 2021 who talks me through her pregnancy and the birth of her little boy, James. Leanne planned a homebirth, built a relationship with her midwife and prepared her home but later for reasons which she will go through, it was decided she should birth her baby in hospital.She talks me through her long labour which finally ended with a C-section to bring her boy into the world. It wasn't what she ever envisaged the outcome would be but she had such a positive experience. She was surrounded by a team that enabled her to feel comfortable and most importantly heard.I have to say, her outlook has stayed with me. So calm, positive and an absolute pleasure to chat to 

Enjoy!

The Beepbox

BIRTH STORIES LIVE - Tickets

https://www.kiwico.com/panda - Code IREBIRTH to avail of 30% off your first order

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Produced & edited by Corah Gernon at She Talks Productions

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