Australian Birth Stories

579| Melanie Jackson Two home births, 36-hour labour, midwife, acupuncture in labour

Mel is an experienced private midwife and academic researcher who shares her two contrasting home birth experiences - from a 36-hour labour with her first baby born at 36 weeks weighing just 2.3kg, to a euphoric second birth that had her laughing with joy. Her story beautifully illustrates how subsequent births can offer completely different experiences, and how trusting your intuition and having the right support can make all the difference.  The Birth Class [https://australianbirthstories.com/shop/the-birth-class/] our empowering, evidence-based online birth education program that will help you confidently prepare for a positive birth experience. Preparing for your baby's arrival should be as comfortable as possible. With our online childbirth course, you and your partner can learn everything you need to know about birth from the cozy comfort of your own home. Curl up on the couch together, grab your favorite snacks, and join our comprehensive birth classes whenever it fits your schedule. No need to rush to in-person meetings – simply pause, rewind, and review the material as often as you like while you nest and prepare for your little one's arrival. Our expert-led sessions cover everything from early labour to postpartum care, helping you feel confident and prepared for your birthing journey. Start learning today The Birth Class [https://australianbirthstories.com/shop/the-birth-class/] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

578 | Maddie - Homebirth, private midwife, cleft lip and palate diagnosis, exclusive pumping journey

Maddie shares her transformative journey from receiving an unexpected cleft lip and palate diagnosis at 22 weeks to achieving her dream home birth despite numerous challenges. As a 36-year-old first-time mother living in Melbourne's Bayside area, Maddie's story beautifully illustrates the power of informed choice, trusting your body, and finding the right support team. Her experience navigating the complexities of birthing a baby with additional needs whilst maintaining her vision for a physiological home birth offers invaluable insights for expectant parents facing similar circumstances. Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/australianbirthstories/] for photos from today's interview and more. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

577 | Annabel Bower, Stillbirth, Grief After Loss, NICU, Placental Insufficiency

For this week’s episode and in honour of Infant Loss Week, I interview Annabel Bower who takes us through her experience of stillbirth and the immense, layered grief that followed. Two weeks after her fourth child – a boy named Miles – was born still, she started writing about her experience so she could record all the little details that she knew would eventually fade. As she journeyed through a grief that stripped all colour from her world, she documented the days and weeks of life after loss and went on to interview women who had experienced miscarriage, stillbirth or infant loss. The finished project is her book, Miles Apart, a heartfelt offering of support for those who have lost a baby and are enduring the incomprehensible grief. Annabel hopes that her words break the stigma and the silence of miscarriage and stillbirth and open a vital conversation for us all to have. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

576 | Lauren Perrett Posterior baby, postnatal anxiety, healing second birth

Lauren shares her contrasting birth experiences with her two boys, Charles and Harvey, whilst navigating the challenges of building two innovative businesses for parents. From her anxiety-filled first pregnancy during COVID to her blissfully calm second experience, Lauren's story highlights the profound difference that continuity of care and mental preparation can make. She opens up about her struggle with postnatal anxiety, the healing power of a positive second birth, and how her experiences as a mother directly inspired her to create BubbaDesk (co-working spaces with childcare) and Wombee (a purpose-built app for mothers). This episode is particularly valuable for expectant mothers dealing with anxiety, those considering epidurals, and anyone interested in how birth experiences can shape entrepreneurial ventures. Today's episode is brought to you by Wombee [https://wombee.com/]. We all know that finding your village as a new mum can feel overwhelming. Traditional mothers groups don't start until 6-8 weeks after birth, but what about all those questions and moments of uncertainty before then? That's where Wombee comes in. Whether you're looking for a group or already have one and want a better way to stay organised, Wombee makes it easy. Wombee [https://wombee.com/] - helping you build your village and take the pressure off finding support, because every mum deserves her people. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

575 | Osteopathy in pregnancy, pain management, pelvic girdle pain, postpartum

In today's episode I chat with Dr Daniela Aiello, a registered osteopath specialising in pregnancy and postpartum care at Bulleen Osteopathy in Melbourne's northern suburbs. Daniela brings over two decades of experience treating pregnant and postpartum women, combined with her personal journey as a mother of two (aged 14 and 11) and founder of Continuall, a compression wear brand designed specifically for women during pregnancy and postpartum recovery. This episode serves as an essential guide for expectant mothers, doulas, and midwives seeking to understand the most common musculoskeletal complaints during pregnancy and the fourth trimester.     Today's sponsor - iL Tutto  iL Tutto design nursery furniture that’s as stylish as it is supportive. Their Trend Collection has already given parents the award-winning Frankie and Louie Nursery Chairs in our signature teddy-fleece. And now, we’re so excited to welcome Louie in Corduroy — a brand new textured fabric available in three colours: Taupe, Green Olive, and Coconut. Corduroy brings a modern, tactile finish to the nursery, while Louie delivers the comfort parents love — with plush cushioning, smooth gliding, and thoughtful design for every feed, cuddle, and nap-time story. To celebrate, we’re giving Australian Birth Stories listeners an exclusive discount: Use the code BIRTHSTORIES20 at checkout to receive 20% off your iL Tutto order, but hurry — this offer ends 12th October 2025. Shop the collection now at iltutto.com.au [http://iltutto.com.au/] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.