Positive Birth Australia

Welcome back to part two of my birth story series. In this episode, we dive into the rollercoaster ride of my pregnancy with fraternal twins. Discovering that I was carrying twins was a huge surprise for our family, a journey I recount with honesty and transparency. Knowing that my dreams of a homebirth were no longer a reality, became a process of continuous grieving.

However, it was a transformative conversation with a recommended doula @2lifedoula that reignited my sense of excitement for this experience. With the support and guidance of my doula, we began a deep exploration of twin childbirth, navigating the complexities and unique considerations that come with carrying and birthing twins, ensuring that I was well-informed for the journey ahead.

In today's episode, I'll walk you through the mental and emotional challenges I faced as my pregnancy reached its 40th week. Igniting a massive season of personal growth and development, pushing me into uncharted territories of self-discovery. By sharing my experience, I hope to provide insights and encouragement for others to explore their own paths in pregnancy and childbirth with confidence and curiosity.

Show Notes:

Instagram: @the.waters.life

Podcast: @positivebirthaustralia

My Doula: @2lifedoula

Join our Mothers Gathering village HERE.

Dr Rachel Reed - Meconium Stained Waters

Bella Meeting the Twins!

Twin Homebirth Page

Dr Stuart James Fischbein - Twin Homebirth OBGYN

Amanda Freeman Twin Freebirth Story

The Postnatal Depletion Cure Book

PBA Tumbler

Maia Mothers Collective

Get our 20 Minute Birth Affirmation Track HERE.

Mentioned in this episode:

Positive Birth Australia Birth Affirmations Tracks Available Now!

Did you know that studies have shown affirmations can significantly boost self-esteem and reduce stress? Here at Positive Birth Australia, we’ve crafted a 20-minute affirmation to guide you to deeply remember the power you hold within. And to my fellow Belly Birth mothers, we’ve created a track specifically for you, to honour that all birth is sacred.

Positive Birth...

Welcome back to season 5 of PBA. We’re kicking this season off with a two-part series. In this opening episode, I'm taking you on an intimate journey through my own experience of childbirth. We'll explore the transition from maiden to mother as I recount the birth of my daughter - a journey that, while filled with challenges, taught me invaluable lessons about myself.

This episode delves into my unexpected journey through an unplanned induction and the typical cascade of interventions that usually follows. I'll share the profound ways in which this experience peeled back the layers of my personality, revealing depths I hadn't known before. We'll discuss the crucial roles of mindset and the art of surrender as I navigated self-inflicted challenges leading up to my birth. And, I'll explain why even methods considered to be natural "inductions" should be approached with the understanding that they are, in essence, interventions.

Join me as I dive into these insights, unpacking the wisdom gained from navigating the turbulent waters of my experience. My hope is that by sharing my story, I can offer insights that will resonate with and empower my listeners on their own journeys.

Show Notes:

Instagram: @the.waters.life

Podcast: @positivebirthaustralia

Dr Sarah Buckley Episode

Jane Hardwick Collings Episode

Spiritual Midwife Episode

Lactation Consultant: Bridget Ingle

Book Recommendations:

Reclaiming Childbirth as a Rite of Passage

Gentle Birth Gentle Mothering

Birth With Confidence

10 Moons

Mentioned in this episode:

Positive Birth Australia Birth Affirmations Tracks Available Now!

Did you know that studies have shown affirmations can significantly boost self-esteem and reduce stress? Here at Positive Birth Australia, we’ve crafted a 20-minute affirmation to guide you to deeply remember the power you hold within. And to my fellow Belly Birth mothers, we’ve created a track specifically for you, to honour that all birth is sacred.

Positive Birth Australia

Mentioned in this episode:

Esfera Designs Wellness (Birth) Ball

Create a calm, supportive space during pregnancy and postpartum with Esfera Designs. Use code: PBA20 for $20 off your order.

Esfera Designs

Sacred Birth Affirmations Track

This gentle affirmation track was created to help you feel safe, confident, and connected in pregnancy and birth. Perfect for daily mindset work or to play during labour.

Positive Birth Australia

In today's episode, we are joined by Hannah, tuning in all the way from the US, as she shares her two unique birthing experiences. 

Choosing the path of motherhood was a spontaneous decision that immersed Hannah in the journey of pregnancy, evoking a deep appreciation for the miracle of growing life within. Hannah's deep desire for a healing journey to redefine her family's lineage gained clarity when she witnessed women in circle sharing their empowering birth stories. Inspired, she made the intentional choice to birth at home where she would be undisturbed.

As labour unfolded, Hannah embraced intuitive movement and sound, creating a birthing rhythm with her son - a practice she holds dear as a potent and healing tool. From the anticipation of watching her partner fill the outdoor tub sitting on the hillside of their property to the serene moment of raising her son into his new world, she walks us through the intricate details of her transformation from maiden to mother.

Taking a thoughtful pause between births for personal growth and nourishment, Hannah approached her second pregnancy with a seasoned perspective. At 38 weeks, sensing the subtle signs of surges, she initially shrugged them off, presuming they would subside.Despite denial, she wisely adjusted her plans, including canceling a mother's blessing the next day. This decision proved serendipitous, as she welcomed her second son at the magical hour of 2:22 pm on the very same day.

Join us as Hannah reflects on the contrasting experiences of her two births, guiding us through the nuanced= details that shaper her story, and unveils the intriguing thread connecting her journey to the presence of hawks.

Show Notes:

Instagram: @webofgrace

Support: @adelaidemeadow_ @__sheaz

Books: Unhindered Childbirth by Sarah M Haydock

Mentioned in this episode:

Positive Birth Australia Birth Affirmations Tracks Available Now!

Did you know that studies have shown affirmations can significantly boost self-esteem and reduce stress? Here at Positive Birth Australia, we’ve crafted a 20-minute affirmation to guide you to deeply remember the power you hold within. And to my fellow Belly Birth mothers, we’ve created a track specifically for you, to honour that all birth is sacred.

Positive Birth Australia

Mentioned in this episode:

Sacred Birth Affirmations Track

This gentle affirmation track was created to help you feel safe, confident, and connected in pregnancy and birth. Perfect for daily mindset work or to play during labour.

Positive Birth Australia

Esfera Designs Wellness (Birth) Ball

Create a calm, supportive space during pregnancy and postpartum with Esfera Designs. Use code: PBA20 for $20 off your order.

Esfera Designs

On today's episode, Paige takes us on a her journey, navigating the challenges of conception and recounting her empowering experience of an unmedicated hospital birth. 

After a heartbreaking missed-miscarriage, a sobering realisation dawned on Paige that a pregnancy doesn’t always guarantee a baby. Following the identification of a blood clotting disorder, low ovarian reserve, and an endometriosis diagnosis, she embarked on a series of fertility treatments that proved unsuccessful. But just as the idea of trying IVF crossed their minds, Paige discovered she was pregnant.

During her pregnancy, Paige stumbled upon a birth video that revealed the potential for an intimate birthing journey. Observing the the dim lighting, soft music, and calm atmosphere, she realised that childbirth doesn’t have to be a bright, chaotic, experience. Fuelled by this realisation, Paige and her husband immersed themselves in a Hypnobirthing course, arming themselves with the knowledge to advocate for the birth experience they desired.

Show Notes:

Instagram: @elizabethpaigex

Midwife: @valley_births

Hypnobirthing: @hypnobirthing_with_skye

Mentioned in this episode:

Positive Birth Australia Birth Affirmations Tracks Available Now!

Did you know that studies have shown affirmations can significantly boost self-esteem and reduce stress? Here at Positive Birth Australia, we’ve crafted a 20-minute affirmation to guide you to deeply remember the power you hold within. And to my fellow Belly Birth mothers, we’ve created a track specifically for you, to honour that all birth is sacred.

Positive Birth Australia

Mentioned in this episode:

Esfera Designs Wellness (Birth) Ball

Create a calm, supportive space during pregnancy and postpartum with Esfera Designs. Use code: PBA20 for $20 off your order.

Esfera Designs

Sacred Birth Affirmations Track

This gentle affirmation track was created to help you feel safe, confident, and connected in pregnancy and birth. Perfect for daily mindset work or to play during labour.

Positive Birth Australia

In today's episode, Lucinda guides us through the journey of her three contrasting births. Her introduction to motherhood was far from smooth, given a preexisting kidney condition that required careful blood pressure management. Unfortunately, poor care from health providers meant she never received the correct protocol, leading to a stressful pregnancy and a preeclampsia diagnosis. Lucinda's struggle for her birth and baby in the face of inadequate care resulted in a cascade of interventions and significant birth trauma.

Shortly after conceiving, with the memories of her previous experience still fresh in her mind, Lucinda went on a journey of self-education about the available models of care. Her initial presumption that private obstetric care was the gold standard stumbled as she delved deeper into her research. With a better-managed blood pressure, this pregnancy was more enjoyable, but an accidental fainting spell meant she would once again face induction. This time, armed with the knowledge to advocate for herself, Lucinda proceeded to have a birth that left her astounded by its stark contrast and exhilaration compared to her first. It was a realisation — this was how birth should feel. This newfound understanding guided her through her most recent birth, where she stood firm in her autonomy, choosing never to leave the comfort of home.

Lucinda's story speaks to the importance of personalised care, self-advocacy, and the recognition that, even in the face of trauma there's room for a positive and fulfilling birth experience.

Show Notes:

Instagram: @lucindaskeatsmiller

Doula: @beautifulbirths.doula

IBCLC: Bridget Ingle

Chiro: Thrive Health Chiro - Jemima Nelson

Acupunture: Dr Andrew Orr

Disclaimer:

While we strive to share positive birth stories and insights, please note that the content provided is for informational and inspirational purposes only. We are not medical professionals, and the stories shared are personal experiences. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalised advice tailored to your unique situation. If you have any medical concerns, please seek professional guidance. 

Mentioned in this episode:

Positive Birth Australia Birth Affirmations Tracks Available Now!

Did you know that studies have shown affirmations can significantly boost self-esteem and reduce stress? Here at Positive Birth Australia, we’ve crafted a 20-minute affirmation to guide you to deeply remember the power you hold within. And to my fellow Belly Birth mothers, we’ve created a track specifically for you, to honour that all birth is sacred.

Positive Birth Australia

Mentioned in this episode:

Esfera Designs Wellness (Birth) Ball

Create a calm, supportive space during pregnancy and postpartum with Esfera Designs. Use code: PBA20 for $20 off your order.

Esfera Designs

Sacred Birth Affirmations Track

This gentle affirmation track was created to help you feel safe, confident, and connected in pregnancy and birth. Perfect for daily mindset work or to play during labour.

Positive Birth Australia

Today we warmly welcome back Emma to the podcast sharing her most recent birth. Emma’s first birth can only be described as a dream unfolding, one you can hear in detail over on episode #102. While Emma maintained the awareness that each birth is a unique journey, as she approached her second birthing experience, there was a natural sense of anticipation that it might progress more quickly. However, this labour would unfold over a span of 29 hours..

Emma guides us through the series of events that triggered enough disruption for her body to react in its innate protective manner. Recognising the impact of these subtle yet profound interruptions on her labor and observing a slowing of surges when she felt ready to push, Emma drew upon the wisdom accumulated over her years as a wellness expert, skilfully realigning herself and making the necessary adjustments to her environment so her birth could unfold undisturbed.

Today's story stands as a testament to our biology and the instinctual response of our bodies, highlighting Emma's extraordinary strength and wisdom. Wisdom that enabled her to maintain trust and reclaim control over her space, creating the environment she needed to guide her son home on the 29th hour, by the fire and witnessed by her firstborn.

Show Notes:

Instagram: @emmamaidment_

Business: @flowstatescollective

The Flow State Podcast HERE.

Emma's first birth story HERE.

Mentioned in this episode:

Positive Birth Australia Birth Affirmations Tracks Available Now!

Did you know that studies have shown affirmations can significantly boost self-esteem and reduce stress? Here at Positive Birth Australia, we’ve crafted a 20-minute affirmation to guide you to deeply remember the power you hold within. And to my fellow Belly Birth mothers, we’ve created a track specifically for you, to honour that all birth is sacred.

Positive Birth Australia

Mentioned in this episode:

Sacred Birth Affirmations Track

This gentle affirmation track was created to help you feel safe, confident, and connected in pregnancy and birth. Perfect for daily mindset work or to play during labour.

Positive Birth Australia

Esfera Designs Wellness (Birth) Ball

Create a calm, supportive space during pregnancy and postpartum with Esfera Designs. Use code: PBA20 for $20 off your order.

Esfera Designs

Today we're diving into Marie's incredible story, one that beautifully illustrates the profound transformation that took place following her unplanned, intervention-free physiological birth in the hospital.

In her first pregnancy and birth, Marie found herself consumed by anxiety and fear. She willingly handed over her power to medical professionals, following their guidance and even entertaining the idea of a planned caesarean or induction. But an unexpected turn of events changed everything. At 36 weeks, her waters broke, and on arrival to the hospital she was placed in a small room due to how busy they were, feeling abandoned as she waited for a more suitable space. Little did she know that this challenging situation would turn out to be a monumental gift. With only her husband by her side, she could labour undisturbed. When they finally secured a room for her, Marie caught her son shortly after, an empowering moment that shattered her preconceived notions about childbirth. This moment became the catalyst for her journey of unlearning.

Marie's conscious conception of her daughter marked a new beginning. Determined to approach her pregnancy differently, she chose to take each day as it came, avoiding unnecessary medical interventions that had marred her first experience. Fearful of re-entering the system, given her higher BMI and prior experience of excessive testing, she was instead led by her intuition and the knowledge she’d gained on childbirth. This time around, she opted for a free birth at home with only her husband by her side.

Marie's journey is a testament to the power of birth, self-discovery, intuition, and the unlearning of societal birth norms ⋒

Show Notes:

Instagram: @mama_fairy_

Resources: Sovereign Birth Sessions by Amy Lou

Sacred Birthing by Sunni Karl D.D

10 Moons by Jane Hardwick Collings

Mentioned in this episode:

Positive Birth Australia Birth Affirmations Tracks Available Now!

Did you know that studies have shown affirmations can significantly boost self-esteem and reduce stress? Here at Positive Birth Australia, we’ve crafted a 20-minute affirmation to guide you to deeply remember the power you hold within. And to my fellow Belly Birth mothers, we’ve created a track specifically for you, to honour that all birth is sacred.

Positive Birth Australia

Mentioned in this episode:

Sacred Birth Affirmations Track

This gentle affirmation track was created to help you feel safe, confident, and connected in pregnancy and birth. Perfect for daily mindset work or to play during labour.

Positive Birth Australia

Esfera Designs Wellness (Birth) Ball

Create a calm, supportive space during pregnancy and postpartum with Esfera Designs. Use code: PBA20 for $20 off your order.

Esfera Designs

S4 EP134: In today's episode, we dive into the fascinating birth experiences of Charlotte. Her upbringing instilled in her a profound reverence for birth. Being surrounded by positive birth stories, shaped her perspective, casting aside fear and filling her with a genuine sense of excitement. However, her first pregnancy took her by surprise. Though she had eagerly anticipated the journey into motherhood, she found herself struggling to enjoy the experience. 

As her birth drew closer, it was the restrictions imposed by the hospital that ultimately guided Charlotte toward the idea of a homebirth. A choice she holds profound gratitude for, as it not only enabled her to have all their appointments in the comfort of their own home but also to bring her baby into the world within the intimate sanctity of her own space.

Their second child's conception coincided with the start of a long-awaited family expedition around Australia. As Charlotte's pregnancy progressed, it became evident that she would be embarking on a freebirth journey. The warmth and support of an online community played a pivotal role in helping her find a place to settle, where she could safely bring her baby into the world, within the comforting embrace of her newfound friends' home.

Today’s story weaves together a truly special and heartwarming story that exemplifies the beauty of birth and the strength of community love.

Show Notes:

Instagram: @growingaroundaus

Resources: @freebirthsociety

Books: Ina May's Guide to Childbirth

Mentioned in this episode:

Positive Birth Australia Birth Affirmations Tracks Available Now!

Did you know that studies have shown affirmations can significantly boost self-esteem and reduce stress? Here at Positive Birth Australia, we’ve crafted a 20-minute affirmation to guide you to deeply remember the power you hold within. And to my fellow Belly Birth mothers, we’ve created a track specifically for you, to honour that all birth is sacred.

Positive Birth Australia

Mentioned in this episode:

Esfera Designs Wellness (Birth) Ball

Create a calm, supportive space during pregnancy and postpartum with Esfera Designs. Use code: PBA20 for $20 off your order.

Esfera Designs

Sacred Birth Affirmations Track

This gentle affirmation track was created to help you feel safe, confident, and connected in pregnancy and birth. Perfect for daily mindset work or to play during labour.

Positive Birth Australia

Today’s episode features Brooke Turner, the founder of Balance Fitness and Nutrition and the internationally recognised course, Functional Fitness for Pregnancy & PostPartum™. With over 15 years of expertise in the health and fitness industry, Brooke is a renowned figure, earning accolades such as the Australian Fitness Educator of the Year. Her qualifications in exercise science and nutrition, combined with her specialisation in functional training, nutrition, and mindset for pregnancy and motherhood, make her a leading expert in the field.

As a mother of three, Brooke's passion is to educate and empower women on the importance of safe, effective, and enjoyable exercise throughout pregnancy and motherhood. Having personally trained hundreds of women through singleton, twin, and quad pregnancies, as well as various motherhood journeys, Brooke understands the unique needs and challenges that women face during these transformative stages of life.

Tune in as Brooke shares her journey, insights, and mission to advocate for keeping women moving in a way that helps them thrive. 

Show Notes:

Instagram: @brooke.turner._

Facebook link HERE.

Programs for Pregnancy & Postpartum

Download the Balance by Brooke app to access Brooke’s 12 week Exercise for Pregnancy Program that is perfect for any stage of your pregnancy, or her 8 week REBUILD program. Designed to rebuild from the inside out, get a more functional pelvic floor and stronger core to support your return to exercise journey.

App launching Wednesday 1st November. Sign up for exclusive access HERE

Can’t wait until November? Download Brooke’s Exercise & Nutrition for Pregnancy, or Return to Exercise & Nutrition for Postnatal Recovery ebooks HERE. Use code FITBUMP for 15% off.

www.balancefitnessandnutrition.com.au

Mentioned in this episode:

Positive Birth Australia Birth Affirmations Tracks Available Now!

Did you know that studies have shown affirmations can significantly boost self-esteem and reduce stress? Here at Positive Birth Australia, we’ve crafted a 20-minute affirmation to guide you to deeply remember the power you hold within. And to my fellow Belly Birth mothers, we’ve created a track specifically for you, to honour that all birth is sacred.

Positive Birth Australia

Mentioned in this episode:

Sacred Birth Affirmations Track

This gentle affirmation track was created to help you feel safe, confident, and connected in pregnancy and birth. Perfect for daily mindset work or to play during labour.

Positive Birth Australia

Esfera Designs Wellness (Birth) Ball

Create a calm, supportive space during pregnancy and postpartum with Esfera Designs. Use code: PBA20 for $20 off your order.

Esfera Designs

On today's episode, I have the pleasure of sitting in conversation, once again, with Emily from the Authentic Birthkeeper. Not only is she a devoted wife and loving mother to three wonderful children, but she's also a freebirther and an experienced birth keeper. 

Today we touch on the stories of Emily's initial two births, which you can listen to in more detail on episode #44. This sets the stage for a deeper exploration into her most recent birth experience. She guides us in detail through the birth of her daughter, an experience she describes as her first entirely undisturbed and authentically physiological birth.

Emily’s purpose transcendes beyond her own experiences. She's devoted to championing women to birth on their own terms, standing firm in their autonomy and sovereignty. Rooted in a profound trust and belief in the innate intelligence of women's bodies - and the symbiotic relationship between mother and child during birth - she envisions a world where birth remains undisturbed and uninhibited. Every word she speaks vibrates with her passion to reconnect women with their inherent strength and restore childbirth to its natural essence. In doing so, she challenges the prevailing medical birth paradigm and its inherent skepticism towards the natural capabilities of women's bodies.

Today, Emily imparts her invaluable wisdom on childbirth and delves into her role as a freebirth birthkeeper.

Show Notes:

Instagram: @the_authentic_birthkeeper

Pelvic Physiotherapy: @embody_inner_harmony

Resources Mentioned: Dr Rachel Reed, Freebirth Society

Listen to Emily's previous episode here.

Mentioned in this episode:

Positive Birth Australia Birth Affirmations Tracks Available Now!

Did you know that studies have shown affirmations can significantly boost self-esteem and reduce stress? Here at Positive Birth Australia, we’ve crafted a 20-minute affirmation to guide you to deeply remember the power you hold within. And to my fellow Belly Birth mothers, we’ve created a track specifically for you, to honour that all birth is sacred.

Positive Birth Australia

Mentioned in this episode:

Esfera Designs Wellness (Birth) Ball

Create a calm, supportive space during pregnancy and postpartum with Esfera Designs. Use code: PBA20 for $20 off your order.

Esfera Designs

Sacred Birth Affirmations Track

This gentle affirmation track was created to help you feel safe, confident, and connected in pregnancy and birth. Perfect for daily mindset work or to play during labour.

Positive Birth Australia