Positive Birth Australia

Today, we dive into Amanda's remarkable birth stories, marked by challenges yet underscored by her unwavering resilience, advocacy and deep knowledge. Amanda's excitement about her first birth was initially clouded by a diagnosis of placenta previa at 32 weeks. This resolved as time passed, but Amanda soon faced another hurdle: preeclampsia, which led to a recommendation for induction at 38 weeks. Despite a series of medical interventions, Amanda achieved the vaginal birth she had hoped for. However, a tense moment occurred when her midwife pulled on her placenta and discovered that it was deeply attached to her uterus, a condition known as placenta accreta, which required Amanda to be taken away to have it surgical removed.

When Amanda prepared to welcome her second child, she was armed with greater knowledge and a strong resolve to advocate for her choices. Despite being diagnosed once again with placenta previa, she maintained her positivity and advocated for her birth plan. Defying expectations, Amanda successfully gave birth to a healthy 5.3kg son in the way she envisioned.

Join me as Amanda shares her inspiring birth stories, highlighting the crucial moments she asserted herself, the challenging discussions with healthcare providers, and her navigation when faced with the discovery of placenta accreta again, leading to significant and life-changing surgery.

Show Notes:

Instagram: @amandasempf

Birth education: @2lifedoula

Midwife: @benefitingbirthandbeyond

Acupuncture: @wombtoworld.aus

Photographer: @jaydearchivesphotography

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. For only $5, you can download at www.positivebirthaustralia.com and immerse yourself in our affirmations track to transform your mindset.

Positive Birth Australia

In today's episode, I sit down with Poppy, the host of Out the Gate Parenting, to explore her two distinctly different birth experiences. Poppy was inspired to choose homebirth after her sister's peaceful home delivery, contrasted sharply by witnessing a friend's hospital birth. Knowing this was the right path, Poppy engaged a homebirth midwife shortly after she consciously conceived her first child. However, as her birthing time approached, an uncomfortable encounter led Poppy to question the support she was receiving. This experience ultimately influenced her decision to forgo a private midwife for any future deliveries, despite having a beautiful first birth.

When it was time to welcome her second child, Poppy felt confident and prepared. As the urge to push arrived unexpectedly early, Poppy found herself embracing the profound lesson of surrendering to the unique journey that each birth unfolds. After five intense hours of pushing, Poppy sensed something was unusual but remained unafraid, drawing strength from deep within to bring her baby into the world. As soon as he arrived, it was revealed that her son had been in a brow presentation. Poppy shares the challenges of the prolapse that followed and the natural healing process she embraced after this fiery birth, offering profound insights into the lessons she learnt along the way.

Show Notes:

Instagram: @outthegateparenting_podcast

Listen to Out the Gate Parenting Podcast 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. For only $5, you can download at www.positivebirthaustralia.com and immerse yourself in our affirmations track to transform your mindset.

Positive Birth Australia

Welcome to today's episode, where we delve into the transformative journey of Fiona, a birth educator and doula whose experiences in childbirth deeply reshaped her life. Fiona admits that initially, she knew very little about pregnancy and childbirth. However, inspired by the profound insights from Ina May Gaskin's book, Fiona embarked on a path that dramatically altered her perspective on birth.

Fiona shares her first birth experience at a birth center, where she faced a challenging six-hour pushing phase and the looming threat of medical intervention. This initial encounter, marked by moments of trauma, profoundly influenced her approach to subsequent births. Reflecting on her experiences, Fiona gained a deep understanding of how various factors impacted her natural birthing process. These invaluable lessons not only shaped her significantly different approach to her second and third births but also enriched her practice as a doula.

Join us as we explore Fiona's three powerful birth stories and her journey from the corporate world to a deeply fulfilling role supporting women in the birth space.

Show Notes:

Instagram: @bumps_birth_and_beyond

@fi_oshaughnessy

Midwife: @midwifelibbylamb

Charity: @hygieiahealthltd

Fiona's Website HERE.

Please Donate to the Fundraiser HERE. Every dollar helps!

Book: 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. For only $5, you can download at www.positivebirthaustralia.com and immerse yourself in our affirmations track to transform your mindset.

Positive Birth Australia

In today's episode, I am delighted to welcome the visionary creators of the Australian documentary, Born at Home, which explores the intimate world of homebirth. Following the empowering experience of her second child's birth, Amanda, with her extensive background in birth advocacy and evidence-based maternity care, felt an undeniable call to create a resource that could educate and empower other women. When she shared her vision with Eleanor, her friend of 15 years, Eleanor was immediately on board despite having no information on what they were creating. 

As they ventured into the world of documentary filmmaking, Amanda and Eleanor set out to gather the wisdom and stories from women in the community, leading birth experts, doulas, and midwives. Their mission was to create a film that not only moves its audience with the inspiring real-life stories featured but also provides evidence-based information, empowering viewers with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their own birthing experience.

Today, we not only dive into Amanda and Eleanor's personal birth journeys but also explore the dedication, passion, and resilience that fuelled the creation of this impactful documentary. All while they balanced their personal and professional lives amidst the worldwide acclaim of Born at Home.

Show Notes:

Born at Home Website HERE.

Book Tickets to see Born at Home HERE.

Listen to guests featured in the Born at Home Film:

• Dr Sarah Buckley
• Dr Rachelle Reed
• Moran Liviani
• Mae't Pearson

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. For only $5, you can download at www.positivebirthaustralia.com and immerse yourself in our affirmations track to transform your mindset.

Positive Birth Australia

I'm thrilled to introduce Kristine, an international midwife with over three decades of experience in the birth space. Kristine has dedicated her career to guiding women around the globe through their most transformative journey, offering compassion, expertise, and a profound understanding of the birthing process. 

Kristine's journey began as an apprentice midwife, working with the Amish community where home births were the norm. Witnessing birth unfold naturally, without medical intervention unless absolutely necessary, became her foundation. This early experience shaped her belief in the innate ability of women's bodies to birth, contrasting sharply with the hospital protocols she later encountered.

Her path led her to specialise in breech births. Her work with Breech Without Borders has taken her around the world, teaching birth workers to view breech birth as a natural variation that requires a nuanced approach, rather than an immediate emergency,

Kristine's approach to birth, particularly with high-risk cases, emphasises individual assessment and trust in the birthing process. Her perspective challenges the traditional medical model and offers a profound reevaluation of how we view birth. This dedication to her philosophy is evident in her work, which takes her to some of the most challenging environments, including refugee camps, where she provides the full scope of midwifery care to high-risk women. Despite encountering countless scenarios over her years of practice, Kristine remains amazed by the unpredictability of birth, recognising that anything is possible.

In today's episode, Kristine shares her insights into breech birth, offering a glimpse into its diverse manifestations and the body's remarkable ability to adapt. She also delves into her extensive experience with multiple births, including a recent triplet home birth featured on episode #143

Join me in this captivating conversation as we explore the world and mind of one of the greatest midwives of our time. 

Show Notes:

Instagram: @globalmidwife64

@breechwithoutborders

Website: www.breechwithoutborders.org

How to Book a Training HERE.

Upcoming Trainings HERE. Check back later in the year for 2025 tour dates.

Kristine's Blog HERE.

The Traveling Midwife Website HERE.

Here Amber's Triplet Homebirth Story HERE.

In this episode, Astrid reflects on her three unique birth experiences, each contributing to her deep respect for the journey of birth. Her trust in birth was instilled at a young age as she witnessed her siblings being born at home.

Her first birth, initially planned for a homebirth but ending in a transfer, became a pivotal moment for Astrid. It prompted her to explore the essence of physiological birth more deeply. The natural unfolding of her second baby's birth further solidified her trust in her body’s innate wisdom.

However, it was Astrid's third pregnancy that unraveled life's most profound teachings. Amidst the turbulence of a challenging pregnancy, her world shattered at 37 weeks when her partner was diagnosed with a brain tumour. Diving into these challenges, Astrid recounts the homebirth of her daughter, who arrived in her 43rd week weighing over 9 pounds. She shares the invaluable life lessons she uncovered from this journey, forging deeper bonds within her relationship as they walked through the fire of life and birth together.

Show Notes:

Instagram: @astrid_rene_

Resources:

• Jane Hardwick Collings - Shamanic Dimensions of Pregnancy
• Dr Rachel Reed
• Rhea Dempsey
• ISTA
• Born at Home Film

Today’s episode features Mia, a jewellery creator and first-time mother, sharing her unexpected journey to motherhood. When Mia met her partner, they both agreed that they weren't ready to have children at that time. However, six years later, Mia began to feel a deep longing to become a mother. She sensed the spirit of a little girl around her and knew that a daughter was waiting to be conceived.

After a spontaneous night of intimacy without contraception, and a difficult discussion about their readiness for children, Mia took the morning-after pill. Living a holistic lifestyle, she initially attributed her oncoming symptoms to ingesting something foreign. However, when her cycle didn't arrive on the full moon as predicted, she decided to take a pregnancy test. The surprise of a positive result stirred a whirlwind of emotions for Mia and her partner. However, they quickly embraced the joy and excitement of knowing that their baby was meant to be here, deepening their bond and anticipation for the journey ahead.

Mia shares her insights into homebirth, describing how she knew it was the right choice for her daughter's birth, and the turbulence of discovering her baby was breech. She discusses her decision to undergo an ECV to maintain her birth plans, along with the challenges and learning that came with it.

Show Notes:

Instagram: @mia_savage_designs

Mia's Website Here.

Father: @creatures_of_the_wild_unknown

Birthkeeper: @birthandbabybliss

On today’s episode, I have the honour of sharing the remarkable story of Amber and her journey to birthing her triplets at home. Amber's husband sensed something unique about her pregnancy when he noticed her symptoms were more intense this time around. Initially dismissing it as typical pregnancy fatigue for a mother of five, Amber went for a dating scan with a friend. Little did she know, this scan would reveal a surprise: three sacs, three heartbeats. Amber recounts her reaction to the sonographer's reveal that she was indeed carrying triplets.

As the news settled in, Amber felt a wave of grief, realising her dream of a home birth might be out of reach. However, she was determined to make it happen. With unwavering conviction, she set out to find her dream birth team, and to her relief, everything fell into place, and her home birth was back on track.

Throughout her pregnancy, Amber was closely monitored and surrounded by supportive friends and family, which instilled in her the trust she needed to birth her babies. She shares the challenges and triumphs of carrying her triplets past the expected gestation date, an impressive 38 weeks. She recalls the scare of early water rupture at 24 weeks while she was organising a Halloween party at home. And the unique circumstances of triplet 1 and 2 being born en caul, while triplet 3 required special management by her highly skilled midwife.

Amber's story is a testament to the incredible power of the female body and the remarkable journey it undertakes when given the space and support to unfold naturally. Join us as we dive into this inspiring story of strength, resilience, and the beauty of birth.

Show Notes:

Midwife: Kristine Lauria @globalmidwife64

In today's episode, I’m excited to welcome Emma, co-founder of Maia Mothers Collective, as she shares her contrasting birth experiences. During her first pregnancy, Emma felt well-prepared for birth, but her experience of prodromal labour sent her on a rollercoaster of emotions. This ultimately led to a series of interventions that ended in an emergency caesarean. Without any real understanding why, in the moments that followed that experience she knew her next birth would be at home.

Describing this pregnancy and birth as a more spiritual journey, Emma utilised the knowledge gained from her first birth experience as guidance as she entered the next season of motherhood, feeling more connected to her feminine wisdom than ever before.  As this birth began to unfold, she noticed a stark contrast in her pain experience, feeling softer and more in flow with her surges. Emma attributed this newfound fluidity to her profound trust and deep surrender to the natural unfolding of this birth journey.

Today, Emma shares her tips and expertise on supporting health and well-being during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. She opens up about her struggle with depression during hyperemesis gravidarums (HG) overwhelming impact on her life, and expresses admiration for her midwives' swift action during a postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) experience.

Show Notes:

Instagram: @emmamorris_nutrition

Clinic: @maiamothers.collective

Midwives: @ittakesavillagemidwifery

Photographer: @anita.alice.photography

Maia Mothers Collective Website HERE.

Join the Maia Mothers Membership HERE.

Mentioned in this episode:

Positive Birth Australia Birth Pool Hire

Available Australia-wide. Head to the PBA Instagram for more details, and register your interest using the link provided.

Positive Birth Australia Birth Pool Hire

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 Pool Hire

Available Australia-wide. Head to the PBA Instagram for more details, and register your interest using the link provided.

Positive Birth Australia Birth Pool Hire