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  • 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 BuckleyDr Rachelle ReedMoran LivianiMae'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

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  • 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.

    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,...

  • 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 PregnancyDr Rachel ReedRhea DempseyISTABorn at Home Film

    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

  • 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

    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

  • 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

    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’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 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 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 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...

  • Welcome back to season 5 of PBA. We’re kicking this season off with a two-part series. In this opening episode, I'm taking you on an intimate journey through my own experience of childbirth. We'll explore the transition from maiden to mother as I recount the birth of my daughter - a journey that, while filled with challenges, taught me invaluable lessons about myself.

    This episode delves into my unexpected journey through an unplanned induction and the typical cascade of interventions that usually follows. I'll share the profound ways in which this experience peeled back the layers of my personality, revealing depths I hadn't known before. We'll discuss the crucial roles of mindset and the art of surrender as I navigated self-inflicted challenges leading up to my birth. And, I'll explain why even methods considered to be natural "inductions" should be approached with the understanding that they are, in essence, interventions.

    Join me as I dive into these insights, unpacking the wisdom gained from navigating the turbulent waters of my experience. My hope is that by sharing my story, I can offer insights that will resonate with and empower my listeners on their own journeys.

    Show Notes:

    Instagram: @the.waters.life

    Podcast: @positivebirthaustralia

    Dr Sarah Buckley Episode

    Jane Hardwick Collings Episode

    Spiritual Midwife Episode

    Lactation Consultant: Bridget Ingle

    Book Recommendations:

    Reclaiming Childbirth as a Rite of Passage

    Gentle Birth Gentle Mothering

    Birth With Confidence

    10 Moons

    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, we are joined by Hannah, tuning in all the way from the US, as she shares her two unique birthing experiences. 

    Choosing the path of motherhood was a spontaneous decision that immersed Hannah in the journey of pregnancy, evoking a deep appreciation for the miracle of growing life within. Hannah's deep desire for a healing journey to redefine her family's lineage gained clarity when she witnessed women in circle sharing their empowering birth stories. Inspired, she made the intentional choice to birth at home where she would be undisturbed.

    As labour unfolded, Hannah embraced intuitive movement and sound, creating a birthing rhythm with her son - a practice she holds dear as a potent and healing tool. From the anticipation of watching her partner fill the outdoor tub sitting on the hillside of their property to the serene moment of raising her son into his new world, she walks us through the intricate details of her transformation from maiden to mother.

    Taking a thoughtful pause between births for personal growth and nourishment, Hannah approached her second pregnancy with a seasoned perspective. At 38 weeks, sensing the subtle signs of surges, she initially shrugged them off, presuming they would subside.Despite denial, she wisely adjusted her plans, including canceling a mother's blessing the next day. This decision proved serendipitous, as she welcomed her second son at the magical hour of 2:22 pm on the very same day.

    Join us as Hannah reflects on the contrasting experiences of her two births, guiding us through the nuanced= details that shaper her story, and unveils the intriguing thread connecting her journey to the presence of hawks.

    Show Notes:

    Instagram: @webofgrace

    Support: @adelaidemeadow_ @__sheaz

    Books: Unhindered Childbirth by Sarah M Haydock

    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

  • On today's episode, Paige takes us on a her journey, navigating the challenges of conception and recounting her empowering experience of an unmedicated hospital birth. 

    After a heartbreaking missed-miscarriage, a sobering realisation dawned on Paige that a pregnancy doesn’t always guarantee a baby. Following the identification of a blood clotting disorder, low ovarian reserve, and an endometriosis diagnosis, she embarked on a series of fertility treatments that proved unsuccessful. But just as the idea of trying IVF crossed their minds, Paige discovered she was pregnant.

    During her pregnancy, Paige stumbled upon a birth video that revealed the potential for an intimate birthing journey. Observing the the dim lighting, soft music, and calm atmosphere, she realised that childbirth doesn’t have to be a bright, chaotic, experience. Fuelled by this realisation, Paige and her husband immersed themselves in a Hypnobirthing course, arming themselves with the knowledge to advocate for the birth experience they desired.

    Show Notes:

    Instagram: @elizabethpaigex

    Midwife: @valley_births

    Hypnobirthing: @hypnobirthing_with_skye

    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, Lucinda guides us through the journey of her three contrasting births. Her introduction to motherhood was far from smooth, given a preexisting kidney condition that required careful blood pressure management. Unfortunately, poor care from health providers meant she never received the correct protocol, leading to a stressful pregnancy and a preeclampsia diagnosis. Lucinda's struggle for her birth and baby in the face of inadequate care resulted in a cascade of interventions and significant birth trauma.

    Shortly after conceiving, with the memories of her previous experience still fresh in her mind, Lucinda went on a journey of self-education about the available models of care. Her initial presumption that private obstetric care was the gold standard stumbled as she delved deeper into her research. With a better-managed blood pressure, this pregnancy was more enjoyable, but an accidental fainting spell meant she would once again face induction. This time, armed with the knowledge to advocate for herself, Lucinda proceeded to have a birth that left her astounded by its stark contrast and exhilaration compared to her first. It was a realisation — this was how birth should feel. This newfound understanding guided her through her most recent birth, where she stood firm in her autonomy, choosing never to leave the comfort of home.

    Lucinda's story speaks to the importance of personalised care, self-advocacy, and the recognition that, even in the face of trauma there's room for a positive and fulfilling birth experience.

    Show Notes:

    Instagram: @lucindaskeatsmiller

    Doula: @beautifulbirths.doula

    IBCLC: Bridget Ingle

    Chiro: Thrive Health Chiro - Jemima Nelson

    Acupunture: Dr Andrew Orr

    Disclaimer:

    While we strive to share positive birth stories and insights, please note that the content provided is for informational and inspirational purposes only. We are not medical professionals, and the stories shared are personal experiences. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalised advice tailored to your unique situation. If you have any medical concerns, please seek professional guidance. 

    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

  • Today we warmly welcome back Emma to the podcast sharing her most recent birth. Emma’s first birth can only be described as a dream unfolding, one you can hear in detail over on episode #102. While Emma maintained the awareness that each birth is a unique journey, as she approached her second birthing experience, there was a natural sense of anticipation that it might progress more quickly. However, this labour would unfold over a span of 29 hours..

    Emma guides us through the series of events that triggered enough disruption for her body to react in its innate protective manner. Recognising the impact of these subtle yet profound interruptions on her labor and observing a slowing of surges when she felt ready to push, Emma drew upon the wisdom accumulated over her years as a wellness expert, skilfully realigning herself and making the necessary adjustments to her environment so her birth could unfold undisturbed.

    Today's story stands as a testament to our biology and the instinctual response of our bodies, highlighting Emma's extraordinary strength and wisdom. Wisdom that enabled her to maintain trust and reclaim control over her space, creating the environment she needed to guide her son home on the 29th hour, by the fire and witnessed by her firstborn.

    Show Notes:

    Instagram: @emmamaidment_

    Business: @flowstatescollective

    The Flow State Podcast HERE.

    Emma's first birth story 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

  • Today we're diving into Marie's incredible story, one that beautifully illustrates the profound transformation that took place following her unplanned, intervention-free physiological birth in the hospital.

    In her first pregnancy and birth, Marie found herself consumed by anxiety and fear. She willingly handed over her power to medical professionals, following their guidance and even entertaining the idea of a planned caesarean or induction. But an unexpected turn of events changed everything. At 36 weeks, her waters broke, and on arrival to the hospital she was placed in a small room due to how busy they were, feeling abandoned as she waited for a more suitable space. Little did she know that this challenging situation would turn out to be a monumental gift. With only her husband by her side, she could labour undisturbed. When they finally secured a room for her, Marie caught her son shortly after, an empowering moment that shattered her preconceived notions about childbirth. This moment became the catalyst for her journey of unlearning.

    Marie's conscious conception of her daughter marked a new beginning. Determined to approach her pregnancy differently, she chose to take each day as it came, avoiding unnecessary medical interventions that had marred her first experience. Fearful of re-entering the system, given her higher BMI and prior experience of excessive testing, she was instead led by her intuition and the knowledge she’d gained on childbirth. This time around, she opted for a free birth at home with only her husband by her side.

    Marie's journey is a testament to the power of birth, self-discovery, intuition, and the unlearning of societal birth norms ⋒

    Show Notes:

    Instagram: @mama_fairy_

    Resources: Sovereign Birth Sessions by Amy Lou

    Sacred Birthing by Sunni Karl D.D

    10 Moons by Jane Hardwick Collings

    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

  • S4 EP134: In today's episode, we dive into the fascinating birth experiences of Charlotte. Her upbringing instilled in her a profound reverence for birth. Being surrounded by positive birth stories, shaped her perspective, casting aside fear and filling her with a genuine sense of excitement. However, her first pregnancy took her by surprise. Though she had eagerly anticipated the journey into motherhood, she found herself struggling to enjoy the experience. 

    As her birth drew closer, it was the restrictions imposed by the hospital that ultimately guided Charlotte toward the idea of a homebirth. A choice she holds profound gratitude for, as it not only enabled her to have all their appointments in the comfort of their own home but also to bring her baby into the world within the intimate sanctity of her own space.

    Their second child's conception coincided with the start of a long-awaited family expedition around Australia. As Charlotte's pregnancy progressed, it became evident that she would be embarking on a freebirth journey. The warmth and support of an online community played a pivotal role in helping her find a place to settle, where she could safely bring her baby into the world, within the comforting embrace of her newfound friends' home.

    Today’s story weaves together a truly special and heartwarming story that exemplifies the beauty of birth and the strength of community love.

    Show Notes:

    Instagram: @growingaroundaus

    Resources: @freebirthsociety

    Books: 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

  • Today’s episode features Brooke Turner, the founder of Balance Fitness and Nutrition and the internationally recognised course, Functional Fitness for Pregnancy & PostPartum™. With over 15 years of expertise in the health and fitness industry, Brooke is a renowned figure, earning accolades such as the Australian Fitness Educator of the Year. Her qualifications in exercise science and nutrition, combined with her specialisation in functional training, nutrition, and mindset for pregnancy and motherhood, make her a leading expert in the field.

    As a mother of three, Brooke's passion is to educate and empower women on the importance of safe, effective, and enjoyable exercise throughout pregnancy and motherhood. Having personally trained hundreds of women through singleton, twin, and quad pregnancies, as well as various motherhood journeys, Brooke understands the unique needs and challenges that women face during these transformative stages of life.

    Tune in as Brooke shares her journey, insights, and mission to advocate for keeping women moving in a way that helps them thrive. 

    Show Notes:

    Instagram: @brooke.turner._

    Facebook link HERE.

    Programs for Pregnancy & Postpartum

    Download the Balance by Brooke app to access Brooke’s 12 week Exercise for Pregnancy Program that is perfect for any stage of your pregnancy, or her 8 week REBUILD program. Designed to rebuild from the inside out, get a more functional pelvic floor and stronger core to support your return to exercise journey.

    App launching Wednesday 1st November. Sign up for exclusive access HERE

    Can’t wait until November? Download Brooke’s Exercise & Nutrition for Pregnancy, or Return to Exercise & Nutrition for Postnatal Recovery ebooks HERE. Use code FITBUMP for 15% off.

    www.balancefitnessandnutrition.com.au

    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

  • On today's episode, I have the pleasure of sitting in conversation, once again, with Emily from the Authentic Birthkeeper. Not only is she a devoted wife and loving mother to three wonderful children, but she's also a freebirther and an experienced birth keeper. 

    Today we touch on the stories of Emily's initial two births, which you can listen to in more detail on episode #44. This sets the stage for a deeper exploration into her most recent birth experience. She guides us in detail through the birth of her daughter, an experience she describes as her first entirely undisturbed and authentically physiological birth.

    Emily’s purpose transcendes beyond her own experiences. She's devoted to championing women to birth on their own terms, standing firm in their autonomy and sovereignty. Rooted in a profound trust and belief in the innate intelligence of women's bodies - and the symbiotic relationship between mother and child during birth - she envisions a world where birth remains undisturbed and uninhibited. Every word she speaks vibrates with her passion to reconnect women with their inherent strength and restore childbirth to its natural essence. In doing so, she challenges the prevailing medical birth paradigm and its inherent skepticism towards the natural capabilities of women's bodies.

    Today, Emily imparts her invaluable wisdom on childbirth and delves into her role as a freebirth birthkeeper.

    Show Notes:

    Instagram: @the_authentic_birthkeeper

    Pelvic Physiotherapy: @embody_inner_harmony

    Resources Mentioned: Dr Rachel Reed, Freebirth Society

    Listen to Emily's previous episode 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

  • In today's episode, we unpack Lauren’s two births. Lauren's acceptance into the local MGP program ensured she received continuity of care throughout her pregnancy. Pairing this with a hypnobirthing course, Lauren armed herself with knowledge to strive for a physiological, intervention-free water birth. As labour started, Lauren was faced persistent vomiting, and upon reaching the hospital and hitting transition, she grappled with a crisis of confidence. As it turned out, her baby girl was en caul, still within her sac, and although an empowering water birth with zero interventions, this birth ended with Lauren sustaining a third-degree tear, needing 27 stitches.

    When the time came to welcome another child into her family, Lauren had relocated and was without the MGP care model. Leaning into her hypnobirthing training, she advocated for another intervention-free physiological birth in her local hospital. As labour started, the familiar sensation of vomiting returned, but as we know, every birth writes its own script. With her labour progressing faster than anticipated, another tumultuous transition unfolded. However, the natural release of her waters turned the tide, giving her a brief moment to pause, allowing her to harness her inner strength, slow down, and intuitively guide her body to birth her baby, preventing any tears.

    Today, as Lauren details her births, she shares the powerful moment when nurses struggled for hours to regulate her daughters breathing, but once wrapped in the comfort and warmth of her mother's embrace, she effortlessly found her breath's rhythm.

    Show Notes:

    Instagram: @laurenbarsley

    Hypnobirthing: @inbirthandbeyond

    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

  • On today’s episode, we dive into the incredible journey of Paige, a first-time mother and dedicated doula. Paige comes from a lineage that celebrates birth as a natural and transformative experience in a woman's life. Growing up surrounded by pregnancy circles and bearing witness to the birth of her siblings, she developed an unwavering trust and faith in the power of physiological birth.

    As she began her own rite of passage into motherhood, Paige was fearless, knowing that homebirth was the only path she would take to welcome her child into the world. However, during her pregnancy, sharing her birth choices unexpectedly brought forth fears projected onto her by others - a surprising twist for someone who had been raised with a strong foundation of normalised, empowering birth experiences. This exposure introduced her to a world of fear-based narratives surrounding childbirth.

    Join us as Paige shares her birth story, one that was not only positive and powerful but also offers a unique perspective on childbirth, highlighting the disparities she observed between the births she witnessed in her mother's birthing space and her own personal experience.

    Show Notes:

    Instagram: @your_birth_keeper

    Podcasts: Midwife Couldron, The Natural Birth Podcast

    Books: Birth With Confidence, Gentle Birth Gentle Mothering, Sarah Wickham - Vit K and the Newborn Group B Strep

    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, we hear Kayla's transformational journey through her three distinct birth experiences. Kayla's lifelong desire for motherhood led her down a path toward a holistic lifestyle even before she became pregnant. Her introduction to the concept of homebirth through online videos solidified her decision that this was the path she wanted to take in bringing her babies into the world.

    Her first birth unfolded swiftly, leaving her with mixed emotions. While it was a positive and empowering experience, she couldn't help but grieve the rapid conclusion of a journey she had invested so much time and energy into. It was during this period that she delved into the world of placenta encapsulation, eventually embarking on a career supporting women as a placenta alchemist.

    Kayla recounts her extraordinary third birth, which unfolded before the 37-week gestation mark, highlighting the immense trust her midwife had in her and her baby, which fuelled her own confidence in birthing her 2kg son safely at home. When it was time to welcome her third child into the world, Kayla carried the profound knowledge that everything required for this birth resided within her. Despite the challenges she encountered, this birth instilled within her the profound wisdom of surrender and trust—a powerful lesson that beautifully marked the end of her childbirth journey.

    Show Notes:

    Instagram: @milky.rituals

    Doula: @iamemilyedgar

    Freebirth Online Circle: @maggiestorm_ @michellepalasia

    Books: The First Forty Days, The Postnatal Depletion Cure

    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