Birth Stories Mzansi

Nomzamo: Unplanned pregnancy, single parenting, breech, VBAC, state care

Nomzamo is a mom of two. In this episode she opens up to us about her journey to motherhood and raising two children as a single mom. She walks us though her two pregnancies and deliveries, including a planned caesarian section for breech at term, and an unintentional VBAC. We discuss stigma and challenges facing single moms, as well as the importance of self advocacy. Her story also touches on many of the difficulties that we face in obstetric care in the public system, and the healing power of story telling.

Jess: un-medicated vaginal delivery, private care with Doula, extended delay in cord clamping

In today's episode Jess takes us through waiting to fall pregnant, battling pregnancy symptoms, and mapping out her birth plan for an un-medicated vaginal delivery in private care. We talk through the importance of self advocacy and holding the space during labour, and the fine line between advocacy and responding to the moment during labour. In this honest account, Jess shares her journey to motherhood. If you would like to contact myself or today's guest, whatsapp 0713582169 or look out for BirthStoriesMzansi on Facebook or Instagram

Danelle: Unplanned caesarian section, Sensitive Caesarian section,Pre-eclampsia, Prematurity, NICU, reframing birth trauma

This episode is a must!  Danelle is a Midwife and nursing educator. She takes us through her birthing experiences; where book knowledge became wisdom through her lived experience of birth. Danelle had two caesarian sections despite planning otherwise for both births. She shares with us the emotional journey of learning to go with the flow when pregnancy and birth just doesn't conform to what you expected or dreamed of. Her story includes her experience of pre-eclampsia, Unexpected C-section, NICU, and adjusting to motherhood. Please like and share this episode. If you would like to get in touch with Danelle you can find her via Estherea Women's wellness clinic: 083 728 7103 or via Birth Stories Mzansi: 0713582169 Get in touch to share your story

Elbé: 3 Vaginal Births, Faith Journey, ECV, Trisomy 21, Water Birth

Elbé passionately takes us through her experience of three vaginal births. One in Australia, one in a private hospital in South Africa, and the third - the redemptive experience of a water birth, lotus delivery in Midwife care. Her story is firmly grounded in her faith, and includes her reasoning behind desiring vaginal deliveries and advocating for a birth plan. She also takes us through her experience of deciding not to test for chromosomal abnormalities in pregnancy, being a parent in Neonatal ICU and the open heart surgery of her son.  Although a bit longer, this episode is jam packed with experience and food for thought Remember to like, rate, review and share. If you would like to get in touch with today's guest, or to share your story, whatsapp +27 713582169 or find Dr Clare on Instagram @Birthstoriesmzansi

Marie: Fertility treatment, three vaginal births in hospital, forceps, epidural

In this honest account, Marie takes us through waiting to conceive and her three subsequent pregnancies and deliveries. We touch on her experience with epidurals and delve deeper into her stories of delivering three vaginal births in private care; the expectations, her highs and lows. Please like, share, rate and review this episode. Contact CC or today's guest on whatsapp on +27 713582169 If you would like to share your birth story, send us a whatsapp or reach us on Instagram or Facebook @birthstoriesmzansi