Episode 23 is the birth story of Nia, who Tash gave birth to at home after having had a c-section. Tash tells her experience of a 'failed' induction for an unclear and inconsistent pre eclampsia diagnosis, that also led to the seperation of her and baby Leo, and ultimately severly impacted her post partum.  Tash wasn't aware of homebirth, until choosing continuity of care, and learning from her private midwife of the possibility of homebirth.  This is a powerful and beautiful story of Tash getting bacl her self belief as a woman, and as a mum. Links to people/business/resources for this episode:Breast Cancer & the Braca 1 Gene https://www.breastcancerspecialist.com.au/procedures-treatment/prophylactic-mastectomy-risk-reducing-mastectomy-immediate-reconstructionBMI and pregnancy https://www.sarawickham.com/plus-size-pregnancy/Double Uterus https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/double-uterus/symptoms-causes/syc-20352261Hypertension in pregnancy https://australianprescriber.tg.org.au/articles/management-of-hypertension-in-pregnancy.htmlWhy Induction Matters by Dr Rachel Reed https://www.rachelreed.website/wimHBAC research https://www.sarawickham.com/research-updates/hbac/The Positive Birth Company https://thepositivebirthcompany.co.uk/FREE Antental Classes https://coreandfloor.com.au/products/antenatal-classesVaginal Examinations on The Great Birth Rebellion Podcast https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/podcasts/the-great-birth-rebellion/episodes/2147802824Support the show

Dad of 2, husband to Sarah (Episode 19), school teacher, and now homebirth advocate, Robert shares his experiences with supporting Sarah to have an amazing homebirth. We touch on important questions to ask and consider like “what does that mean” when told ‘your risk has increased’ ? & we discuss frankly about death and how it is treated in society. Links to people/business/resources for this episode:Benefits of Continuity of Care https://midwives.org.au/Web/Web/News-media-releases/Articles/2023/02_February/Midwifery_Continuity_of_Care_benefits_everyone.aspxHow Doctors Die https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6179868/How to be a great birth support - Episode 28 of the Great Birth Rebellion Podcast https://open.spotify.com/episode/1EsigayO8c2zHXMJSUSvRM?si=c11f9700523240aaHow Other Dads Dad Podcast https://open.spotify.com/show/32MkoyOu9jntM5MTRVSldl?si=088a538b37cb4495CHAPTERS 03:20First Pregnancy and Birth Experience06:14Preparing for Second Pregnancy and Birth10:00Considering Home Birth11:08Addressing Fears and Concerns14:45Ultrasound Drama and Decision-Making29:31Preparing for Birth and Labor35:16Birth Experience of Quinton40:54Advice for Partners and DadsSupport the show

Epsiode 22 is finally, a story from South Australia! And not just any but a first time mum homebirth story is very beautiful to listen to. Through our conversation, Issie explains how she initially was "terrified of birth" but through connecting with the local Adelaide birth network, she was able to develop a deeper understanding of true physiological birth and how to plan for it. Links to people/business/resources for this episode:Adelaide Birth Network https://www.facebook.com/groups/AdelaideBirthNetwork/LLETZ surgery https://www.jostrust.org.uk/information/cervical-cancer/treatments/surgery/lletzGroup B Strep (GBS) https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/podcasts/the-great-birth-rebellion/episodes/2147792078Osteo in pregnancy https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/episode-61-osteopathy-in-pregnancy-with-liz-and-kate/id1639430316?i=1000636556452Spinning Babies https://www.spinningbabies.com/'The Birth Space' book https://www.gabriellenancarrow.com/thebirthspaceRachel Reed's books https://www.rachelreed.website/booksPelvic Floor after birth https://birthtrauma.org.au/physical-birth-trauma/pelvic-floor-muscle-damage/CHAPTERS02:12Discovering Home Birth03:11Choosing Home Birth04:36Considering Home Birth06:31Pregnancy and Care Options08:33Partner's Perspective on Home Birth09:29Family and Friends' Reactions10:59Influence of Home Birth Background11:28Pregnancy Experience with Harper12:46Declining Tests and Education14:13Empowerment through Education16:33Mental Health Doula and Support17:29Working During Pregnancy18:58Colleague Reactions26:52Going into Labor28:50Preparing for Labor29:47Early Labor and Showering31:40Midwives' Arrival32:38Getting in the Pool37:09Relief in the Water39:29Pushing and Catching Harper43:37Birth of Harper48:01Changing Birth Plan and Birth Space50:11Postpartum Experience52:30Future Home Births52:54Empowerment and Respect for the Body53:48The Power of Positive Home Birth StoriesSupport the show

In episode 21, Jessie shares with us why after an induction that she didn't know she was allowed to decline, she chose a wild pregnancy and freebirth with her second baby. It was great to listen to Jessie tell her story - true birth story medicine! Links to people/business/resources for this episode:Buy me a coffee :) https://ko-fi.com/birthingathomeapodcast#linkModalBuy a shirt/onesie! https://www.etsy.com/shop/BirthingAtHome?ref=dashboard-headerFreebirth society https://www.freebirthsociety.com/What is a wild pregnancy?  https://youtu.be/HQKqmgx_Pt4?si=ZX_TR5Bba8uAvWPABreaking your tailbone/coccyx - I couldn't find any good resources on this, but this link gives an idea https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10436-coccydynia-tailbone-painFetal Ejection Reflex https://www.bellybelly.com.au/birth/fetal-ejection-reflex/CHAPTERS00:31Jessie's Hospital Induction Story03:04Choosing Home Birth for Frankie05:25Discovering Home Birth and Free Birth06:46The Impact of Jessie's Birth Experiences09:36Jessie's Wild Pregnancy with Frankie12:02Preparing for Frankie's Birth21:52The Birth of Frankie34:37The Birth of the Placenta36:02Recovery and Healing39:39The Impact of Free BirthSupport the show

Episode 20 is here! And what better way to celebrate than with TWO homebirth stories from Emma in Woollongong, NSW.  This is a beautiful episode & I was so excited to hear the birth of Dara as well, because Emma listened to this podcast whilst she was pregnancy with Dara! How full circle. Links to people/business/resources for this episode:Birth Time Documentary - get 20% off with code CICADA20 when you use my link> https://www.birthtime.world/a/2147503775/TEzXryDMGroup B Strep https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/podcasts/the-great-birth-rebellion/episodes/2147792078Gestional Diabetes and the Glucose Tolerance Test https://midwifethinking.com/2018/03/20/gestational-diabetes-beyond-the-label/Negative Blood Types and Anti-D https://themidwivescauldron.buzzsprout.com/1178486/8664928-an-interview-with-dr-sara-wickhamFree! Core Floor & Restore Antenatal Class https://coreandfloor.com.au/products/antenatal-classesSex for 'natural' induction of labour  https://evidencebasedbirth.com/evidence-on-pineapple-and-sex-for-natural-labor-induction/Rebozzo Sifting https://www.pregnancy.com.au/rebozo-sifting-demonstration/Meconium in waters Rachel Reed's Blog https://midwifethinking.com/2015/01/14/the-curse-of-meconium-stained-liquor/Birthing Instincts Podcast https://open.spotify.com/episode/0blrYkGkDK2O5MjzRoSWFz?si=9d2910b4272e45a0After birth pains https://www.cochrane.org/CD004908/PREG_relief-pain-caused-uterine-cramping-or-involution-after-giving-birthCHAPTERS: 03:18Discovering Home Birth06:11Challenges with Hospital Birth08:09Choosing Home Birth09:06Pregnancy Experience11:20Declining Tests14:21Education and Preparation23:00Working During Pregnancy28:48Onset of Labor31:02Midwife's Arrival36:37Progression of Labor41:14Feeling the Baby's Head45:04Transition and Pushing46:57The Birth of Emma's First Child at Home50:31Deciding on a Home Birth for Emma's Second Child51:26Dealing with Morning Sickness During Pregnancy56:43The Role of a Doula in Emma's Second Birth58:32Declining the Glucose Tolerance Test59:53Finishing Work and Preparing for Birth01:04:24Emma's Waters Breaking and Waiting for Labor to Start01:07:13Contractions Begin and the Midwife's Advice01:12:26Emotional Challenges and the Midwife's Support01:19:16Active Labor and Getting into the Birth Pool01:27:43The Birth of Emma's Second Child at Home01:30:26The Afterbirth and Postpartum Experience01:32:28Difficulties during labor and recovery01:33:54Lack of appetite and dehydration01:35:43Factors contributing to the challenging labor01:36:38Importance of rest and recovery01:37:38Advice for women with pre-rupture of membranes01:38:32Home birth experiencesSupport the show

Today is a special epsiode where I chat to Wilmar in Texas, USA where we talk all things homebirth and birth culture in the context of Australia, the USA & Guatemala, where he was born and lived until 2002. Wilmar is dad to 4 children, all born at home. We connected via a podcaster group, and I couldn't not have him on the podcast! For those who don't know, Guatemala has a very high homebirth rate, and also a high maternal mortality. Wilmar himself was born via c-section, and grew up believing homebirth was only for those too poor to access healthcare. I found this fascinating considering in Australia, homebirth is very expensive! It was a very thought provoking episode and I hope it makes you think about homebirth in a global context and the issues and challenges that exist in well resourced versus less resourced countries. CHAPTERS00:58Guest Introduction and Birth Culture in Different Countries03:12Personal Journey and Decision to Have Children05:07Cultural Differences in Home Ownership and Family Planning06:52Education and Access to Healthcare in Guatemala08:44Home Birth Rates and Healthcare Privileges10:36The Influence of Colonization and Religion on Birth Culture13:26Socioeconomic Factors and Family Planning14:24Maternal Mortality and Complexities in Guatemala17:38Changing Perspectives on Home Birth20:18The Emotional and Intimate Experience of Home Birth23:08The Impact of Home Birth on Self-Perception and Trust in the Body26:07The Importance of Informed Choice and Advocacy for Home Birth28:26The Supportive Community and Joy of Home Birth32:55The Lasting Impact and Cherished Memories of Home Birth39:42The Empowering and Transformative Nature of Home Birth46:03The Symbolism and Emotional Connection to the Home Birth Space49:20The Legacy and Awareness of Home Birth in the Family50:11The First Memories52:03The Importance of Connection54:24Going for the Best Experience57:53Exercising the Privilege58:22The Joy of Home Birth01:05:53Perception of Home Birth in Texas01:09:04Keeping an Open Mind01:12:26Examining Your WhySupport the show

In episode 19, Sarah walks us through her 7 year learning and unlearning around pregnancy and birth which led to her choosing a homebirth for her 2nd baby, Quentin. In the 7 years, Sarah experienced many challenges, including hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), postnatal anxiety, an ultra sound drama and an IGUR (Intrauterine growth restriction) scare. So many of these anxieties were created and perpetuated by the many attempts to pathologise and medicalise birth.  Homebirth story begins approx 45:00Links to people/business/resources for this episode:What is HG? https://www.hyperemesis.org/about-hyperemesis-gravidarum/Sara Wickham GBS resources https://www.sarawickham.com/topic-resources/group-b-strep-resources/The Great Birth Rebellion Podcast on GBS  https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/podcasts/the-great-birth-rebellion/episodes/2147792078Solaine Douglas Nutritionist - Gestastional Diabetes and the GTT https://solainedouglas.com/2022/04/25/the-oral-glucose-tolerance-test-ogtt-alternatives-with-solaine-douglas/The evidence around Ultra Sounds (or rather, lack of)Birthing Instincts Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/297-the-light-dark-sides-of-ultrasound/id1552816683?i=1000599733024The Great Birth Rebellion https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/podcasts/the-great-birth-rebellion/episodes/2147903261CTG evidence and problems https://www.sarawickham.com/topic-resources/fetal-monitoring-research-resources/The risks of coached pushing https://www.better-birth.co.uk/post/guided-vs-spontaneous-pushingHomebirth Australia Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/212985225383780/Types of cord insertion (placenta) https://sfbirthdoulaandplacentaencapsulationservices.com/birth-blog/2015/8/22/placenta-variationsPerinatal and postnatal depression and anxiety support https://panda.org.au/Resources for IUGR and scans here https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1vSSerYXB6XBsrd4B1sZwVGhdKRwvBqHa?usp=sharingCHAPTERS03:11Choosing the Public System and Hyperemesis08:18Induction and Hospital Experience13:24Epidural and Pushing17:34Postpartum Experience and Mental Health20:11Finding Out About Second Pregnancy28:15Considering Home Birth34:34Misdiagnosis and Confirmation of Pregnancy38:58Telling Family and Friends45:33Support from Sister-in-Law and Mother48:21Education and Pre-Birth Counseling49:19Preparing for the Birth52:10Clearing the Mind53:07IUGR Scare54:44Preparing the Space for Birth01:13:45Going into Labor01:18:13Labor Intensifies01:25:14Transition and Pushing01:29:58Baby's Arrival01:36:08Birthing the Placenta01:37:01Exploring the Placenta and Baby's Size01:37:56The Birth of Quentin01:38:46No Tearing and Empowerment01:39:17Perception of Birth and Recovery01:40:14Empowering Women's Birth Experiences01:41:06The Impact of Continuous Care01:41:21Gratitude and ConclusionSupport the show

Episode 18 is from Jess in NSW who shares her homebirth after (traumatic) c-section (HBAC) story. An incredible story, with unfortunately a lot of drama, including problems getting a referral to a private midwife, issues around the GTT and GDM & then shockingly, after needing to transfer to hospital after Jacob was born, was treated horribly in hospital & was denied seeing or holding freshly newborn Jacob face-to-face for THREE days because of totally unaccetable reasoning surrounding Jess having COVID-19. Homebirth story begins approx 28:50Links to people/business/resources for this episode:Calmbirth https://calmbirth.com.au/Obstetric Violence & Sexual Assault in Maternity Care "Obstetric violence often focuses on labor and childbirth even when referring to maternity care, which includes pregnancy, given that these are moments in which women are particularly vulnerable to health care abuse and over-medicalization, or non-medically justified obstetric interventions, e.g., episiotomy and caesarean section. Other important components of obstetric violence are dehumanization and non-consensual care, as well as overall conversion of biological processes into pathological ones."https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/10778012221140138https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/newscentre/news_centre/more_news_stories/study_finds_one-in-ten_australian_women_have_experienced_obstetric_violencePostnatal anxiety https://panda.org.au/articles/postnatal-anxiety-signs-and-symptoms/Birth Debrief with Core & Floor Restore https://coreandfloor.com.au/products/birth-debriefBirth Time Doco  https://www.birthtime.world/The Unbelievable Tactics of teh Formula Industry on The Midwives Cauldron https://open.spotify.com/episode/3BsQomw00EvZ5NWfYPTbEA?si=9258a8e558ec4e15CHAPTERS: 01:00Jess's traumatic first birth experience02:25Jess's home birth after caesarean story08:11Jess's experience with gestational diabetes14:49Jess's caesarean birth experience20:30Decision to have a home birth33:36Options for home birth43:36Difficulties with GP and referral45:28Care with private midwife48:17Preparing for birth and moving houses49:40Midwife's Holiday and Breach Position51:14Turning the Baby53:03Miscarriage and ECV56:14COVID Diagnosis58:08Collaborative Care and Home Preparation01:00:32Onset of Labor01:04:57Pushing and Birth01:09:40Baby's Breathing Difficulties01:13:00Separation and NICU01:21:39Postpartum and Frustrations01:28:17Reflection and Future Birth PlansSupport the show

Welcome to 2024! & episode 17 of the podcast. In episode 17 we hear from Claudia, mum of 6, Muslim mum & birth worker located in Sydney. Claudia has had 3 births at home (#3, #5 & #6). It was super interesting to hear Claudia's diverse experiences with the Australian maternity system. Claudia and I also have some great discussion around birth culture in Australia and how even though birthing at home is an amazing birth place, the approach to homebirth often demands more work by the woman both physically and mentally. Links to people/business/resources for this episode:Leisa Masters https://www.leisamasters.com.au/Adventures in Natural Childbirth https://www.amazon.com.au/Adventures-Natural-Childbirth-Pleasures-Naturally/dp/1569243689Labour pauses episode  https://open.spotify.com/episode/7KfyfzmbDT7bsKdEeMZgxl?si=637d366b217e4781Fear Free Childbirth Podcast https://open.spotify.com/show/4ZXSstzpU3vVHpqIwon7Ee?si=712590800c0a413cHypnobirthing https://hypnobirthingaustralia.com.au/Wholistic approach to Nutrition in Pregnancy https://thewomenswellnesscollective.com/journal/2018/3/1/guide-to-fertility-prenatal-nutritionPostnatal Depletion https://thememo.com.au/blogs/news/lets-talk-about-postnatal-depletionFreebirth Society https://open.spotify.com/show/2IGK3JDmaHkVkjxQw0Q4ig?si=e577e21fe973421fNormal Boring Freebirth https://open.spotify.com/show/0TYdF3nKgDJuocYzh87nMg?si=3a0c21a5a93d4f44Amniotic Fluid Levels in Pregnancy https://midwifethinking.com/2013/08/14/amniotic-fluid-volume-too-much-too-little-or-who-knows/CHAPTERS 00:00Introduction01:28Claudia's Background and Birth Work05:41Claudia's First Birth and Second babies born in a birth center 24:22 Claudia's third baby born at home experience49:00 Claudia's fourth baby born in hospital 01:07:36Choosing Home Birth after coercian and meddling from the hospital 01:15Homebirth with fifth baby 01:16Releasing Fears and Prioritizing Self-Nourishment01:23Choosing a Free Birth01:31Trusting the Body and Embracing the Unknown01:37Preparing for birth01:42Unconventional Positioning and Fluid Levels01:46Reflecting on the Birth ExperiencesSupport the show

Finally, in episode 16, I - the host of Birthing at Home: A Podcast, get to share my 2 homebirth stories. From my first baby in 2020 who was 4.55kg and my second in 2023 who was 4.61kg. I'm excited to share my stories, especially to help inspire 1st time mums & mums with 'big' babies. Thanks to my midwife friend Hannah, from @thesacredbubble on the Sunshine Coast for taking the time to chat with me. Links to people/business/resources for this episode:Ina May's Guide to Childbirth https://woomwomen.com.au/products/ina-mays-guide-to-childbirth-bookRachel Reed https://www.rachelreed.website/Sara Wickham https://www.sarawickham.com/Some tips about being a student midiwfe from Sara Wickham https://www.sarawickham.com/original-articles/eight-things-id-like-to-share-with-midwifery-students-who-care/Would you like a student midwife as a support person? Contact any university that offers midwifery and they'll be able to help you. ALL Midiwfery programs require 'continuity of care' experiences The label for Gestational Diabetes https://midwifethinking.com/2018/03/20/gestational-diabetes-beyond-the-label/The Great Birth Rebellion https://open.spotify.com/show/3gQRikeOcaHkJjWTtcT1B1?si=a044a4d334ea4de0CHAPTERS 00:00Introduction and Acknowledgements01:00Sharing Home Birth Stories03:18Reflections on Midwifery Education05:12Discovering Home Birth07:38Choosing Nursing over Midwifery08:37Considering Home Birth09:59Navigating the Maternity System10:43Family History of Home Birth11:38Overcoming Self-Doubt12:33First Home Birth Experience19:08Challenges and Frustrations with the System20:30Negative Experience with Glucose Tolerance Test22:14Birth of Murphy29:53Mixed Feelings about First Birth36:20Empowering Experience with Frankie's Birth47:03Pregnancy in the Netherlands50:35Financial Challenges and Support53:32Friend's Generous Loan54:01Challenges with Medical Professionals58:11Uncomfortable Pregnancy01:00:03Dealing with Infection Risk01:02:01Concerns about Midwives01:03:29Preparing for Birth01:05:48Labor Begins01:08:35Labor Progresses01:12:15Transition and Pushing01:17:31Birth of Frankie01:18:26Placenta Birth01:19:51Post-Birth Moments01:21:16Euphoric Experience01:22:10Healing Journey01:23:09Sharing Birth StoriesSupport the show