Welcome back to The Mama Village! Today, I have the pleasure of introducing you to Bryanna, a remarkable woman who shares her deeply personal journey of two homebirth experiences that couldn’t be more different.

Bryanna's story begins with her husband's initial hesitation about their first homebirth, shaped by the trauma of a previous birth experience. However, together, they worked as a strong team, navigating their fears and dreams for the kind of birth Bryanna envisioned. With a thoughtful approach, they blended care with private midwife and backup private obstetrician, ultimately creating a calm and beautiful first homebirth that Bryanna describes as pain-free, filled with love and connection.

Yet, Bryanna's journey also includes profound heartache. She gets raw and real about the emotional impact of her two miscarriages between her children, sharing how those losses reshaped her understanding of motherhood and her body. Her candid reflections reveal the pain, grief, and vulnerability that often accompany the journey to motherhood, and how it can feel isolating in a society that often rushes past these stories. Bryanna emphasises the importance of individualised care and the support she found in her naturopath, illuminating the path through her fertility struggles.

When it came time to birthing her son, her second birth was a whirlwind of pain and intensity, yet it brought her to a place of deep reflection and embracing the postpartum experience in ways she hadn't before. Bryanna's story is raw, real, and beautifully inspiring, reminding us of the complexities of motherhood.

Before we dive in, I want to take a moment to share some bittersweet news. This episode marks the final chapter of The Mama Village podcast, as I take an indefinite break. Juggling moving house, the needs of my young family, my part-time job and the podcast has left me feeling burnt out, and I need this time to recharge. I am incredibly grateful to all the women and experts who have generously shared their stories and insights on this platform. My passion for women’s rights and autonomy in childbirth remains strong, and I’ll continue to advocate for this cause in new ways. Thank you for being part of this journey with me. Now, let’s dive into Bryanna’s inspiring story!

For Music: https://soundcloud.com/emotionetoile/kevin-macleod-easy-day-no-copyright-music-103 

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional, and this

Welcome back to another episode of The Mama Village! I’m your host, Ellen, and today we have a truly inspiring guest, Anna, who is not only a midwife but also a mother with powerful stories to share. Anna takes us on a journey through her two contrasting birth experiences that highlight the incredible strength and resilience of women.

In her first story, Anna navigated a vaginal breech birth in

Fast forward to her second pregnancy, where Anna embraced the transformative journey of a home birth. This time, she found comfort and trust in her body and her baby, discovering that her natural birthing position was lying down.

But Anna's journey hasn't been without its struggles. She

Additionally, Anna opens up about her perineal trauma from

Join us as we dive deep into Anna's stories of strength,

Resources

Hypnobirthing

Reclaiming Childbirth as a Rite of Passage by Rachel Reed

Don’t forget that if you like the podcast, please subscribe!

For Music: https://soundcloud.com/emotionetoile/kevin-macleod-easy-day-no-copyright-music-103 

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional, and this

Welcome back to another episode of The Mama Village!

Today, I’m thrilled to introduce you to our first international guest, Brittany, all the way from Southern California.

 In today’s episode, Brittany shares her empowering journey

After feeling pressured by her OBGYN about her rapid weight gain that didn’t reflect her overall health, she made the brave decision to switch care providers and hire a private midwife and a doula. Brittany's experience highlights the importance of finding supportive care that truly understands and respects your body and your journey.

Brittany will also take us through a touching moment in her

Brittany also opens up about the challenges she faced in the

Resources

Books:

1. The Birth Partner by Penny Simkin 

2. Hypnobirthing: The Breakthrough to Safer, Easier, More Comfortable Childbirth by Marie Mongan

3. Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn by Penny Simkin 

Courses:

 1.        https://www.hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/birthbox

Don’t forget that if you like the podcast, please subscribe!

If you would like to share your pregnancy, birth and postpartum story, or if you have education in the space to share, please send me a direct message on Instagram or email [email protected]

For Music: https://soundcloud.com/emotionetoile/kevin-macleod-easy-day-no-copyright-music-103 

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional, and this

Welcome to another episode of The Mama Village! I’m your

Hannah’s story is both heartfelt and enlightening. She’ll

Diagnosed with gestational diabetes in each of her

We’ll explore the significance of finding a midwife or

Adding to the magic of her home birth, Hannah's other

Join us as we delve into Hannah’s story of transformation,

Whether you’re a mama-to-be or just looking for inspiration, this episode is sure to leave you feeling uplifted and informed.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

The Midwives Cauldron Podcast on gestational diabetes episodes:

1.       

2.       

The Great Birth Rebellion episode on gestational diabetes:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3cnhNfsp4ZYmwiGJ86VxuU?si=MRoEiOX_QVi89zsvcONYXQ

The Great Birth Rebellion episode on small/big babies including accuracy

1.       

2.       

Book: Real Food for Pregnancy by Lily Nichols

Home Birth Australia & Home Birth Queensland, Home Birth Gympie Facebook pages

Don’t forget that if you like the podcast, please subscribe!

If you would like to share your pregnancy, birth and postpartum story, or if you have education in the space to share, please send me a direct message on Instagram or email [email protected]

For Music: https://soundcloud.com/emotionetoile/kevin-macleod-easy-day-no-copyright-music-103 

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional, and this

Welcome back to another episode of The Mama Village. I’m

In this episode, we’re going to unravel all things

We’ll cover everything from when to seek out an osteopath,

So, whether you're expecting, newly postpartum, or just

Don’t forget that if you like the podcast, please subscribe and leave a review on your podcast platform.

If you would like to get in touch with Mandy or Chelsea at Osteos of Noosa:

https://www.osteosofnoosa.com.au/

@osteosofnoosa

Email: [email protected]

If you would like to share your pregnancy, birth and postpartum story, or if you have education in the space to share, please send me a direct message on Instagram or email [email protected]

For Music: https://soundcloud.com/emotionetoile/kevin-macleod-easy-day-no-copyright-music-103 

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional, and this

Welcome back to another episode of The Mama Village!

I’m your host, Ellen, and today we’re diving into a truly

Rhianon’s path to motherhood is a tapestry of contrasts and

But it’s Rhianon’s third birth that truly captures the

In addition to her birth stories, Rhianon highlights the

Tune in to hear Rhianon’s heartfelt reflections, learn from

Watch the video interview with Rhianon on YouTube -

Don’t forget that if you like the podcast, please subscribe and leave a review on your podcast platform.

If you would like to share your pregnancy, birth and postpartum story, or if you have education in the space to share, please send me a direct message on Instagram or email [email protected]

For Music: https://soundcloud.com/emotionetoile/kevin-macleod-easy-day-no-copyright-music-103 

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional, and this

Welcome back to another episode of The Mama Village!

Today we have a truly inspiring guest joining us—Sunni, a

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of nutrition

One of the highlights of our conversation is Sunni’s

Whether you’re expecting, a new mom, or simply interested in holistic approaches to health, this episode is packed with valuable information and practical tips to support you on your journey. So, grab a comfy seat, and let’s get started with Sunni!

Don’t forget that if you like the show, please subscribe and leave a review on your podcast platform.

If you would like to get in touch with Sunni:

@the.sunni.naturopath

Email:

Ritual

If you would like to share your positive pregnancy, birth, postpartum and motherhood story, or if you have education in the space to share, please send me a direct message on Instagram or email [email protected]

For Music: https://soundcloud.com/emotionetoile/kevin-macleod-easy-day-no-copyright-music-103

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional, and this

Welcome back to The Mama Village podcast!

Today, I’m thrilled to introduce you to Cindy, a homeopath

In this episode, Cindy will take us through her first home

Her labour was swift, and her daughter’s birth was a striking moment of nature's artistry, with her daughter arriving en caul, wrapped in her amniotic sac.

Cindy also reflects on the lessons she learned about control

Join us as Cindy delves into her powerful experiences,

Don’t forget that if you like the podcast, please subscribe!

If you want to get in touch with Cindy: www.linktr.ee/flowcindy

Flowing Health with Cindy Lane

Homeopathy & Yoga for your health

0407 682 046

www.linktr.ee/flowcindy

*Homeopath

Former AHA Vic/Tas branch president, secretary &

Current AHA Qld branch committee & National Council

Yoga Alliance accredited in hatha, hot, prenatal, postnatal,

For Music: https://soundcloud.com/emotionetoile/kevin-macleod-easy-day-no-copyright-music-103

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional, and this is not medical advice. Any information discussed in this podcast should not replace the advice of your professional healthcare provider. This podcast is designed for general information only and is not specific to individual needs. Please seek advice from your professional healthcare provider if you have any concerns regarding your pregnancy, birth or postpartum.

Welcome back to The Mama Village podcast!

I’m your host, Ellen, and joining us is Laura, whose journey through conception and motherhood is nothing short of extraordinary.

Laura opens up about the challenges that she faced from the start, including a heart-wrenching ectopic pregnancy that led to the rupture of her right fallopian tube, and the complex layers of grief that followed. She sheds light on the crucial role language and medical attitudes play in a mother’s experience of loss and how these moments of grief are deeply personal.

Laura’s story continues with her first full-term pregnancy, where she was faced with the unexpected diagnosis of gestational diabetes, just barely over the threshold. This label, though small in number, had a significant impact on her pregnancy and birth, turning her journey into a battleground where she fought to protect her space and her birth experience. Despite a long labour and a water birth that, on paper, looked perfect, Laura felt a deep internal struggle, questioning if she ever wanted to give birth again.

But Laura’s story takes a beautiful turn with her second baby. This time, she chose a home birth with a private midwife, and the experience was a profound departure from her first. Laura describes her second birth as intense and empowering, a journey that unfolded with a sense of magic and pure wonder. The contrast between her first and second births highlights a powerful transformation, showing how deeply personal and extraordinary the experience of bringing a new life into the world can be.

Join us as Laura shares her powerful journey, the lessons she’s learned, and how each experience has shaped her understanding of birth and motherhood.

Don’t forget that if you like the podcast, please subscribe!

For Music: https://soundcloud.com/emotionetoile/kevin-macleod-easy-day-no-copyright-music-103

Resources mentioned in this episode:

The Midwives Cauldron Podcast on gestational diabetes episodes:

1.       

2.       

The Great Birth Rebellion episode on gestational diabetes:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3cnhNfsp4ZYmwiGJ86VxuU?si=MRoEiOX_QVi89zsvcONYXQ

The Great Birth Rebellion episode on small/big babies including accuracy

1.       

2.       

Dr Rachel Reed’s blog - Midwife Thinking

Books:

Reclaiming Childbirth as a Rite of Passage by Rachel Reed

Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering by Sarah J. Buckley

Ten Moons by Jane Hardwicke Collings

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional, and this is not medical advice. Any information discussed in this podcast should not replace the advice of your professional healthcare provider. This podcast is designed for general information only and is not specific to individual needs. Please seek advice from your professional healthcare provider if you have any concerns regarding your pregnancy, birth or postpartum.

Welcome back to another episode of The Mama Village!

I'm your host, Ellen, and today, we have a deeply moving and enlightening episode that I’m excited to share with you. Our guest, Nina, opens up about her incredible journey through two very different pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experiences.

In this episode, Nina takes us through her first birth, a hospital experience that left her feeling disempowered and disconnected from her own body. She gets real about the anxiety she faced during pregnancy and postpartum, and how these struggles were intertwined with a sense of not feeling safe from childhood. Nina describes how, in her first birth, she placed her trust in the hospital system rather than in herself, leading to a series of events that felt more like a breach of her personal space and autonomy. From the separation of her baby immediately after birth, lack of informed consent, and the lack of proper care during stitches, Nina’s story is a testament to the urgent need for respect and dignity in maternity care.

Nina’s second birth was a complete turnaround—a beautiful, empowering home birth that completely transformed her experience. She describes how she embraced the trust in her body and her baby, creating a birth environment that honoured her wishes and her values. With her supportive midwives and the loving presence of her husband, Nina’s second birth was marked by a profound sense of respect and connection. Her baby was placed on her chest immediately, and she experienced birth without pain—a stark contrast to her first experience. This second birth was a moment of healing and empowerment for her entire family.

Nina’s bravery in advocating for herself and her mental health is inspiring. Her journey through these two births highlights the importance of listening to our instincts, the power of self-advocacy, and the transformative nature of a birth experience that truly respects and honours a mother’s wishes.

Join us as we dive into Nina’s heartfelt story, exploring the highs and lows, and discovering the incredible growth she experienced through her two very different births.

Don’t forget that if you like the show, please subscribe and leave a review on your podcast platform. Thank you all for your continuing support!

For Music:

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional, and this is