Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Ireland's Birth Stories

EP165 Nikki - One Pregnancy & Birth, Hospital Birth, PND & Anxiety

In this episode I share my chat with Nikki who talks me through her one pregnancy and the birth of her son. Nikki loved being pregnant but is also honest about her struggles with anxiety. She attended pregnancy yoga which was transformative as she used tools learned through her instructor (also teaches antenatal classes) throughout her birth. They formed a deep connection giving her that extra level of support.

Nikki revisits her son’s birth, the following hours and into the early days of motherhood. She describes feeling a shift in her mood which she was prepared for as she previously met with the mental heath team. Thankfully with the love and support of her family and therapist she navigated her way out of PND. 

Thanks so much Nikki

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Produced & edited by Corah Gernon at She Talks Productions

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In this episode I share my chat with Meghan who talks me through her one pregnancy and the birth of her son, Ronan. Meghan's birth story is so gorgeous as she was surrounded by nothing but support from her husband and midwives. The years prior to Meghan's pregnancy were incredibly tough as she overcame major surgery just as she was about to start planning her wedding along with other serious and very scary diagnosis in her close family unit.

Thank you so much for sharing Meghan

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In this next story I share my chat with Angel who revisit the birth of hr son, Barra. Angel opted for homebirth mostly with the support of her local maternity hospital.

She is such a great story teller so it was amazing to hear her go back to those moments of sheer disbelief that she was infact in labour followed by acceptance that baby was this was happening, she was giving birth. She shares the vulnerability labour can bring about explaining her experience in such a gorgeous way. Angel birthed her baby with the support of her partner Cathal, midwife Colette and doula Elisha. 

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In this week's episode I share my chat with Orlagh Reid who talks me through her two pregnancies and caesarean births. Orlagh revisits some tough moments in her experience entering into motherhood from discovering there was potentially something "wrong" with her baby at 37 weeks to receiving the news that her daughter Summer had Achondroplasia also known as Dwarfism. Oralgh chats through navigating those early days along with life with Summer know.

Thanks so much Orlagh

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This week I share part two of Paige's story. This episode is very different to Paige's first two pregnancies and births as she suffered with severe vertigo. Paige was crippled with constant vomiting and dizziness whilst also trying to manage daily life. She revisits multiple hospital trips and doctors appointments to try and find a solution to her illness. At 38 weeks Paige was induced which was a decision made together with her consultant. Unfortunately, her wishes were heard but not listened to as she repeatedly asked for an epidural but it wasn't administered in time. Paige talks us through her experience, the following days and her decision to write a letter of complaint to the hospital .

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In this week's episode I share part 1 Paige's story. We revisit her first two births both being positive surrounded by support from midwives and consultant. She was induced with her first baby and later opted for an epidural. She also opted of an epidural with her second birth but this time she went into labour herself, feeling her water break for the first time. Paige also chats through her first experience breastfeeding and how tough she found it but took a very different approach with her second baby.

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This week on the Ireland's Birth Stories podcast I share my chat with Sarah Louise. Many of you will remember our first chat in November 2022 which was so tough as she was pregnant going through the breakdown of a relationship. This time her story is very different. She was supported by her fiance, feeling loved and the kindness of a partner not only throughout pregnancy but also in those postpartum days.

Sarah Louise chatted through each step of her planned c-section from waiting to go into surgery to her recovery at home.

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In this week's episode I share my chat with Aishling who talks me through her first pregnancy and the birth of her son. Aishling suffered from severe hyperemesis which had a huge impact on her life. We also chat through other health complications which really made an already tough pregnancy even more challenging. We then chat through Aishlings birth story, she opted for an induction and later it was decided to bring her son into the world through an emergency c-section. We also chat through these early postpartum days which were really tough.

Thanks Aishling

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In this week's episode on the Ireland's Birth Stories podcast I share my chat with Judith who talks me through her pregnancy with Rian. Judith was monitioredclosley throughout her pregnancy right from the very early stage to the moment Rian came Ito the world. She also discovered her cervix was measuring short therefore had a stitch inserted to ensure baby was safe and sound for as long as possible. Judith then revisit the final few weeks, her deciosn to have an induction and the birth of her last baby, Rian.

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This episode was brought to you by *Birth Baby Beyond*

Book your free doula consultation via their website or visit their Instagram for further information.

Produced & edited by Corah Gernon founder of She Talks Productions

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This week on the Ireland's Birth Stories podcast I’m sharing my chat with @anirishmammy who talks me through the last few years of her life TTC. Judith has been very open on her own IG page but here we really go through each of the treatments she underwent, how she felt mentally moving from a place of acceptance to deciding to try one last time and the toll it took on her body. Judith and I spoke back in 2021 and have always stayed in touch rooting for one another. We had this connection but she also experienced the power of women united through a visit in Greece.

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This episode was brought to you by *Birth Baby Beyond*

Book your free doula consultation via their website or visit their Instagram for further information. EP155 Charlotte, Two Births, C-section, Birth Preparation, VBAC

In this week's episode I share my chat with Charlotte who revisited reach of her two births with me, We chat about TTC, pregnancy sickness and her first birth which resulted in a C-section. Her second pregnancy and birth looked very different. She invested so much time in her preparation and was supported in her choice by her consultant.

Thanks so much Charlotte for sharing your story

Produced & edited by Corah Gernon at She Talks Productions

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This episode was brought to you by *Birth Baby Beyond*

Book your free doula consultation via their website or visit their Instagram for further information.

In this episode I share my chat with @justinekingxx She revisits TTC, discovering she was pregnant and her decision to have a homebirth. Justine also shares a difficult time in her families life as her dad overcame some heath issues but she also discusses how difficult it was to stay focused on what was imminent. The birth of her boy! A gorgeous episode demonstrating the power of support from family to midwives and also how incredible the arrival of a new family member can be for everyone.

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his episode was brought to you by *Birth Baby Beyond*

Book your free doula consultation via their website or visit their Instagram for further information.

In this week's episode I share the second part of Emmas story. Emma shares discovering she was pregnant soon after the birth of her first boy. She reminisces over feeling the need to work things out logically, how do naps work with two young babies? She then shares Shay's birth which was very different to her first experience. Emma also chats about extended breastfeeding and life with two kids at just 13 months apart.

Thanks so much Emma

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This episode was brought to you by *Birth Baby Beyond*

Book your free doula consultation via their website or visit their Instagram for further information.

EP152 - Emma (PT1/2) First Pregnancy, Sickness, Induction, Hormonal Shift (Breastfeeding) This week I share my chat with Emma. Again I have decided to split our chat into two episodes. In part one Emma shares discovering she was pregnant and struggling with pregnancy sickness. We then chat through Emma’s induction which was a really tough few days. A decision was made to bring Emma’s baby into the world via C-section but a midwife examined her just one last time which completely changed everything. We also chat about that hormonal shift which can be felt as breastfeeding wants/needs change for baby. Thank you Emma for sharing as much as you did.

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In this week’s episode I share the second part of Karla’s story. This part of Karla’s story is pretty tough listening up until the 35 minute mark. She talks us through major surgery through Covid and her experience with termination. Karla then shares the birth of her second daughter which is such a gorgeous, positive experience surrounded by midwives who were there to support her through it all. They stood back and let her do her thing. As I say in the introduction of Karla’s story from 15-33 minutes she revisits her experience with termination. I know this will connect with some of you but for others who aren’t in a place to listen I don’t want you to miss the birth of Lyla, hence the reason I have shared that time stamp.

Thanks for sharing Karla

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This week I’m sharing part one of two episodes. Karla shares so much of her life with us over these two episodes from suffering loss, birthing each of her girls, termination and over coming major surgery. This week we chat about Karla’s experience with her first miscarriage which is really tough to revisit. We then chat through her daughter’s birth, Kora. In the hospital Karla was surrounded by women who were really rooting for her. They gave her space, time and support. She did need some assistance at the latter stages of labour but thankfully all was well and Kora was up onto her chest a few moments later. Karla experienced that high, the one we wish every woman could experience but not all of us do immediately.

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I had the pleasure of not only sitting with Áine revisiting Cora’s birth in person but also meeting the lady herself. Áine shared so much with us. We chat about her first pregnancy which unfortunately ended in a miscarriage. As for many of us, this led to a roller coaster of emotions. Áine shares what she did to help navigate life through pregnancy loss. We then chat about her second pregnancy which thankfully went to full term. Áine shares her perspective as a midwife through pregnancy, opting for a homebirth and how difficult it can be to take that midwife hat off. When it was go time, it all happened super quick in the end and she was surrounded by everyone that was important to her. 

Support Áine received after suffering a miscarriage was through Orlagh Reid

You can help support the podcast via the link below which gives you access to each episode ad-free

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In this episode Brana shares the birth of her second daughter Riyah. We also chat about Evie, Brana's first daughter who sadly passed away weeks before Riyah came into the world. Below I have linked our first chat from 2022 when Brana talked us through Evie's birth but also her suffering the loss of a pregnancy at 10 weeks gestation. Brana shares so much with with us in both of our chats.

Thanks Brana

EP99 - Evie's Story

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In this episode I share my chat with Emma who talks me through her pregnancy and the birth of her son Robin. Emma is also incredibly open about her struggles with depression. Unfortunately Emma’s medical team discovered she had severe pre-eclampsia so she was admitted to hospital at 34 weeks. Her son came into the world 5 weeks premature, thankfully healthy with a short stay in NICU. Emma talks us through a crippling depressive episode at 4 months postpartum, again being so honest with us. She remarks on the support she had from family, the medical professionals who gave her what needed at just the right time (some not so much!) and the moment she felt the darkness lifting. I’ve no doubt some of my listeners will relate to Emma’s story but I do want you to listen with caution. This episode might not be for you at the moment but will always be here if/when you are ready. 

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In this week's episode I chat to Megan who talked me through the birth of her first baby at home. Megan's first choice wasn't homebirth but after attending an antenatal class she was inspired. She talks us through preparation which included keeping the fact she was having a homebirth under wraps as a means of protecting her space. Megan then talks me through the birth of her first boy which is just gorgeous.

Enjoy

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In this episode I share my chat with Aoife and her wife Ciara. Together they share their experience bringing their daughter Rua into the world. They chose reciprocal IVF which is relatively new to Ireland so it's a great opportunity to be given such first hand insight into the such a new form of IVF. Together they made informed decisions which best suited what they wanted throughout conception, pregnancy and birth. I love listen to a couple share their story, it's such a rare opportunity to be a part of something so intimate.

Thanks @ciarajharrison & Aoife

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In this episode I share my chat with Erin who talks me through her second birth story. In Oct 2021 I shared Erins first birth story which was so different. Erin prepared so much for this birth ensuring she was confident in her decisions when creating her birth plan. We also talk about adjusting to life as a mum of two and over coming breastfeeding obstacles.

Thanks @vodkatearserin

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In this episode I share Shauna's story. Shauna's first story is hard to0 here, she really suffered not only throughout the birth of her son but for months following his arrival. She suffered physically and mentally but finally found the strength to start healing with the support of professionals. Shauna later gave birth to her second child, a little girl. This time her story was very different being supported by so many HCP's that had her best interests at heart.

Thank you Shauna

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In this week's episode I share my chat with Edel who talks me though her three birth stories. Edel gave birth to her first little girl in a hospital as planned. She then gave birth unexpectedly at home with her second girl. Although this wasn't the plan, Edel was so calm as she created the perfect environment to lean into labour and enjoy the experience as much has she could. She was supported by her husband as the ambulance made its way to her home. She then decided to opt for a planned homebirth on her third pregnancy. Another gorgeous story shared.

Thanks Edel

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In this week's episode I share my chat with Sarah who talks me through her two birth stories. Sarah gave birth to her first little girl at 31 weeks gestation. Despite the worry and stress the birth of her daughter was really positive with the support of a medical team that continued to communicate with her. She then shares her second experience which again she loved but unfortunately she felt the support wasn't there with her midwife. Sarah also shares life in the early days of motherhood.

Thanks @sorcha_rose

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In this week's episode I share my chat with Julie who talks me through her two pregnancies and one birth. Julie also shares her level of preparation which thankfully came in handy while giving birth. She also shares how tough it can be in labour in a busy hospital. Her preparation absolutely enabled her to regain focus and also to give her husband the confidence to advocate for her.

Enjoy

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In this weeks episode I share Aimee's story of four pregnancies and three births. Aimee shares a profoundly sad part of her story surrounding the loss of her baby boy after a diagnosis of fatal fetal abnormalities. She share the day, weeks and months following this incredibly tough period of her life. Aimee then goes on to share her most recent birth story which was a beautiful positive Caesarean birth.

Thank you so much Aimee!

Within this link are many supports to help not only you but those around you navigating the loss of a child.

https://pregnancyandinfantloss.ie/support-links/

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Sinead shares her second birth story following her first story in 2021 EP104 - Sinead D. Thankfully this experience was very different. She was surrounded by such a great team also supported by a doula who she was in touch with throughout labour. Sinead also chats about life postnatally which is equally as important to hear.

Enjoy

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Just saying hello and sharing and also sharing the date for the next episode

Chat soon

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In this weeks episode I share my chat with @kate.canavan who talks me through her three pregnancies and two births. Kate opted for private care with her first pregnancy. She shares her experience which wasn’t one she expected in terms of support from her HCP and those around her during the birth of her son.

Kate made the decision to give birth to her second baby in the comfort of her own home. She laboured with the support of her midwife and husband but the decision was made to transfer to hospital.

She gave birth in hospital to another healthy little boy, this time her experience was thankfully much more positive.

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In this next episode I share my chat with Claire who talks me through her two birth experiences. She was induced at 42 weeks with her first little boy and underwent and emergency c-section to bring her second baby into the world safely. At the latter stages of her second pregnancy it was discovery her baby was surrounded by a significant amount of fluid which led doctors to make the decision to bring her little boy into the world at 32 weeks.

Thankfully the diagnosis wasn’t as severe as originally suspected but her little boy did spend some time in NICU.

Claire also talks about her experience with fertility treatment, multiple early pregnancy losses and so much more that I know many of you will relate to.

Thank you Claire

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In this next episode I share my chat with Emma who talks me through her one pregnancy and the birth of her son. I vividly remember received Emmas email last year, she told me she suffered with PNA & PND but was ok the road to recovery. Although Emma was in a good place at the time she wasn’t aware of how tough the following months would be.

Emma was diagnosed with gestational diabetes but managed this with both diet and exercise. She then talks me through her induction and the birth of her son. She admits she didn’t feel the rush of love that is spoken about so much but in reality not always felt.

I truly appreciate how far Emma brought us into the depts of her depression. I think this honesty is so powerful as I know she isn’t alone in her experience. I do want to highlight she shares feeling suicidal thoughts at the height of her depression.

As Emma said ‘if anyone is listening, you are worth trying to get better for, always!’ 

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In this next episode I share my chat with Gillian who talks me through her two pregnancies and births. Both Gillian’s boys have come into the world quickly, especially her second little man who was born in the assessment unit much to everyone’s suprise. Gillian knew the birth of her baby was imminent so put all her energy into staying calm and focusing on what was about to come. 

She then talks me through her diagnosis of PNA. She shares how she felt, the support she received and she adjusted to life as a mother of two.

The release of this episode has lined up perfectly with Patrick’s first birthday too.

Enjoy!

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In this episode I share my chat with Aideen who talks me through her two pregnancies and births. Aideen is a nurse, midwife and most recently and IBCLC so it's really nice to hear her perspective. She gave birth to her first son in hospital quiet quickly after an induction. Both she and those supporting her were surprised at how quickly she progress from 4cm to baby arriving into the world. We then chat through her second pregnancy after overcoming a tough postpartum period through early Covid with very little supports and the isolation that so many of us felt with new borns in our arms. Aideen decided to go down the homebirth route second time around supported by the Domino midwives. Similar to her first birth Aideen little man came quickly out into the world with one expulsive push.

Enjoy!

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In this episode I share my chat with Shauna who talks me through her four pregnancies and three births. The birth of her first son was incredibly tough resulting in a due to the lack of support and communication within the hospital. Her son was birthed with the assistance of a forceps which hugely impacted her postpartum healing process for a number of reasons. Although the care within the hospital was poor, she was supported by a midwife for a number of days when she returned home. This is where she received the TLC she needed to help her establish breastfeeding and start the road to recovery. Shauna also suffered two early pregnancy losses which she shared previously in depth when we chatted on the "Between Us" episode linked.

Shauna' second experience was just so beautiful and poles apart from her first, right down to her very first interaction in labour.....the taxi driver!

Enjoy!

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In this episode I share my chat with Alice who talks me through part two of her story, the birth of her son. Alice got to the the very familiar stage in her pregnancy where she felt so ready to meet her baby. She went into labour spontaneously but was later induced for reasons which I will let Alice share. After some time the decision was made to bring her son into the world via C-section Alice also chats through her early days as a mother including solo parenting and breastfeeding.

Thank you Alice for sharing your story!

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EP130 - Alice, Pregnancy and Birth Preparation at 38 weeks

In this next episode I share my chat with Alice who I spoke to in April last year as she prepared to give birth to her first baby. Alice was also preparing to enter motherhood as a solo mum with her sister as her birth partner. 

She talks me through coming to terms with the prospect of motherhood as a single person and how she was shown amazing support from the team in the maternity hospital. She also talks about birth preparation, her preferences and how excited she felt at the prospect of giving birth.

This is part one of Alice’s story, we will share her birth story later in the week.

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In this weeks episode I share my chat with Rosie who talks me through her two pregnancies and births. Rosie had two beautiful, positive experiences, one in hospital and one at home supported by her husband and her midwife.

She also shared a tough couple of weeks following the birth of her first baby highlighting the importance of visiting a 

women’s health physio.

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In this weeks episode I share may chat with Danielle who talks me through her twin pregnancy, pre-eclampsia, c-section and VBAC. Danielle was admitted to hospital at 30 weeks due to pre-eclampsia, her girls were brought into the world at 34 weeks. Her girls spent some time in special care before going home around 36 weeks. Danielle then goes on to chat about her second pregnancy. She opted for an elective section but things turned out very different. She had an incredible VBAC which was completely unplanned. I love this story!

Enjoy!

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EP127 - Ruth, One Pregnancy & Birth, Birth Preparation, Induction, Breastfeeding

In this weeks episode I share my chat with Ruth who talks me through her one pregnancy and the birth of her daughter. Ruth discovered she was pregnant while living in Japan, moved to the UK and later back home to Ireland when she was 22 weeks pregnant. A busy time!

She invested lots of time preparing for birth from attending pregnancy yoga, antenatal classes and also hypnobirthing which played a huge roll on the day of her daughters birth. 

She also shares more on her experience with breastfeeding at the end of the podcast which I think is important to hear.

Thanks Ruth!

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In this weeks episode I share my chat with Julie who talks me through her one pregnancy and there birth of her son. Julie's experience is tough to hear in parts as both her recovery from a physical and emotional perspective wasn't an easy road. She was admitted to hospital twice in the early postpartum days, shares her experience with breastfeeding and importantly, chats openly about suffering with PND. Thankfully Julie sought the help she needed but I think the action she took to ensure she got the care that suited her specifically is an important part of out conversation.

Nice to Meet You (coffee morning group)

Thanks for your continued support

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In this next episode I share my chat with Sarah Louise who talks me through her one pregnancy and the birth of her little girl. Sarah Louise talks openly about her 10 year relationship coming to an end in the early weeks of her pregnancy. She shares how she not only navigated pregnancy during Covid but also coping with the unexpected end to such a huge chapter of her life. 

She had a really positive induction and was supported by some incredible midwives and doctors throughout labour and birth. Sarah Louise also speaks so highly of a midwife in particular who gave her the time she needed while learning how to feed her baby.

Later in the episode she shares aspects of her life which I know will be valuable to others who have experienced the grief of a relationship breakdown.

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In this weeks episode I share my chat with Lindsay who talks me through her two pregnancies and births. Lindsay gave birth to her first baby in hospital with the support of her husband and midwives. She remarks on how supported she felt by the midwives who spent time helping her breastfeed her little boy in those first few hours.

She then shares the birth of her daughter who was born at home with the support of @privatemidwivesireland and her husband. Her midwife called the ambulance service as there was meconium in her waters. They were present when baby arrived but all was well. Lindsay also mentioned how respectful the ambulance team were waiting outside the room as she birthed her baby as to not disturb her. I will let Lindsay fill you in.

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In this weeks episode I share Erin’s story who talks me through her one pregnancy and the birth of her son Jorge. Erin completely opened up sharing so much of her life throughout her pregnancy. She chats about the reality of an unplanned pregnancy, how she felt sharing her news with her family and how she was supported by the mental health services in the maternity hospital to help her through anxiety. 

Throughout Erin’s story she speaks so fondly of specific people from midwives that supported her at antenatal appointments. A taxi driver that didn’t charge her fare and walked her to the door of the hospital. A midwife that stayed with her throughout Jorges birth and another who came to Erin’s bedside every two hours to help her feed and just check-in. 

Erin also shares her breastfeeding experience which only recently came to and end after nearly two years.

Thanks Erin x

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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

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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

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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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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.

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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

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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.

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