In this episode Abby shares her third pregnancy and birth story. She opted for shared care with her GP, a decision that really suited her busy family life and offered her continuity of care with someone she trusted. Her third trimester was challenging - she had significant pelvic pain which prevented her from exercising, she moved house and her iron levels were really low so each day was punctuated with significant fatigue. Her first two births were relatively quick so she knew she'd have to get to hospital without delay. She went into spontaneous labour at home on a Saturday morning when contractions came frequently. But one thing was different - the contractions weren’t painful and her labour felt easy. The whole family made their way to the hospital and two minutes after they walked through the door of the birth suite, baby Remy was born in what Abby describes as a completely pain-free birth.

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Today’s episode of the show is proudly brought to you by Once Upon.

I’m not sure about your kids but mine love looking at old photos of themselves. I recently made Ottie a photo book with the help of @onceuponapp It was so quick and easy to make I just selected photos in my phone and the @onceuponapp suggested the layout and offered lots of choices at the click of a button. I’ve ordered an extra copy to gift to my mum for Mother’s Day too. You can document your memories in a beautiful book today.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following on from her birth story in episode 468, Gen shares her significant challenges with baby sleep. Sleep is one of the most political and polarising aspects of parenthood; there’s a plethora of differing opinions and it can get very overwhelming, fast. For Gen and her baby Robbie, a variety of challenges created the perfect storm of unsettled sleep habits. She takes us through her first year and the three different sleep supports she used. She admits that she still feels conflicted about the choices she made but she’s also comforted by the fact that she’s got a healthy baby and she’s now a physically and mentally healthy mum.

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If you’re considering The Birth Class, now is the time to buy. It just got bigger and better thanks to new content that enhances your birth education and preparation experience, including:

• A cheat sheet for your birth partner. This simple outline takes your support person through early and active labour – what to expect, how to support and what to say when challenges arise
• Images of birth positions – the ideal addition for visual learners 3 meditations to release tension, foster trust and navigate a change of plans.
• An illustrated guide to antenatal expressing – everything you need to know about collecting and storing colostrum.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gen shares every aspect of her fertility, pregnancy and birth experience in this honest and hilarious episode. She tried to conceive for two years and experienced a devastating miscarriage before deciding to start IVF with her husband, Michael. Gen is a type-A personality and admits she loved the structure of fertility treatment. She opted for private obstetric care alongside support from a psychologist who helped her navigate the anxiety of her first trimester and the inherent challenges of a pregnancy after infertility and loss. Gen refers to her birth preference list as a ‘choose your own adventure’ but nothing could have prepared her for the intensity of an induction and a failed epidural. She admits that while her labour was incredibly challenging, her birth was very positive but even so, it took her days to feel any love for her newborn.

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Today’s episode is brought to you by Kiwi.co.

I must confess I’m not much of a crafty mum but Kiwi Co's panda crate has been the best educational investment for Ottie. KiwiCo Panda Crate is a bimonthly subscription for babies ages 0-24 months. We receive a subscription box filled with playful, open-ended activities backed by research and designed especially for naturally curious and creative babies and toddlers.KiwiCo Panda Crate products are not only safe and of high quality, but also age-appropriate and supportive of your baby's growth.

I'm a big fan of quality activities that create the opportunity for play-based learning and Kiwi Co delivers hands-on projects that get the whole family involved. Whether you have a brand-new baby or a trailblazing toddler, the Panda Crate is perfect for your little one’s developing brain.

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In episode 467 Gemma shares her unexpected pregnancy with twins. She shares the emotional rollercoaster of disbelief and excitement and the impact of the twins on her planned model of care for the pregnancy. Gemma went through the Midwifery Group Program at Sunshine Coast University Hospital, expressing gratitude for the exceptional care provided by her main midwife and the program's support throughout her twin pregnancy.

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iL Tutto Glider nursery chairs offer a smooth motion that’s gentle on your body, without needing you to engage your core to create the movement. iL Tutto glider chairs feature either electric – like their new luxe Frankie Electric Glider Recliners – or spring-loaded recline – such as the Chelsea Glider Recliner Chairs available in a range of premium fabrics.

The Chelsea Glider Recliner Nursery Chairs feature a high backrest and lumbar support for ergonomic comfort while feeding. The armrests are also at the right height for feeding, avoiding the strain that can come with armrests that are too high or non-existent.

Your baby will love the glide movement and your Glider will take up less space than a rocking chair. iL Tutto Gliders offer the best of award-winning Australian design that accounts for the unique needs of parents. Designed with style, luxury and comfort in mind, their glider nursery chairs will change your parenting life for the better and will last, growing with your family.

Explore the complete range and discover the perfect glider for your nursery using code GLIDER20 at checkout for 20% off any full price Nursery Chair, available at iltutto.com.au, code ends 30th April 2024.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In episode 466 Dee shares her emotional and challenging pregnancy journeys. She was shocked to learn she’d conceived quickly but her elation soon turned to grief when she miscarried; an experience that was long and traumatic. For her subsequent pregnancy she details the isolation and uncertainty that comes with fragmented care which exacerbated her anxiety. Her first birth was hard, resulting in a postpartum hemorrhage and a challenging physical recovery. For her second birth, Dee was determined to do things differently. She opted for private continuity of care and takes us through her induction that led into a calm and beautiful vaginal birth.

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Today’s episode is brought to you by the Tinybeans app. As parents, we’re constantly seeking the best for our little ones, especially when it comes to capturing and sharing every unforgettable moment.

That’s why I recommend Tinybeans to all new parents.

Tinybeans offers a seamless way to document your child’s journey from pregnancy to preschool and beyond and allows your closest family and friends to follow along with every gummy smile, milestone birthday, and special family vacation. With features like unlimited photo and video uploads, customizable photo books, and journal prompts, Tinybeans simplifies the way you record, relive, and privately share your family’s everyday moments, turning them into cherished memories.

Download the Tinybeans app and create your free account to start sharing all your silliest and sweetest memories, easily, all in one place.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In episode 265 Georgie shares with us the birth of her first child Sadie. Georgie lives in Gunning in rural NSW and went through the local public hospital for her care. Georgie was having her blood pressure carefully monitored throughout her pregnancy however, it wasn't until after Sadie was born that she became very sick with pre-eclampsia.

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Today’s episode is brought to you by the Tinybeans app. As parents, we’re constantly seeking the best for our little ones, especially when it comes to capturing and sharing every unforgettable moment.

That’s why I recommend Tinybeans to all new parents.

Tinybeans offers a seamless way to document your child’s journey from pregnancy to preschool and beyond and allows your closest family and friends to follow along with every gummy smile, milestone birthday, and special family vacation. With features like unlimited photo and video uploads, customizable photo books, and journal prompts, Tinybeans simplifies the way you record, relive, and privately share your family’s everyday moments, turning them into cherished memories.

Download the Tinybeans app and create your free account to start sharing all your silliest and sweetest memories, easily, all in one place.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode Alice shares her birth experiences in light of everything she’s learned as a mother, doula and midwife-in-training. In her first pregnancy she chose private obstetric care because at the time, she thought it was the best option available. She details the natural onset of labour, the decision-making process when planning her transfer to the hospital and her choice to use gas and morphine for pain relief. She also takes us through transition, the choices that were made for her and the impact of those choices on her mind and body. After experiencing two miscarriages, Alice conceived again and in preparation for her second birth, she was accepted into a publicly-funded homebirth programme. Determined and encouraged to birth her way, she was supported by two midwives and doula who were strongly aligned with her birth and care philosophies.

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Today’s episode is brought to you by the Tinybeans app. As parents, we’re constantly seeking the best for our little ones, especially when it comes to capturing and sharing every unforgettable moment.

That’s why I recommend Tinybeans to all new parents.

Tinybeans offers a seamless way to document your child’s journey from pregnancy to preschool and beyond and allows your closest family and friends to follow along with every gummy smile, milestone birthday, and special family vacation. With features like unlimited photo and video uploads, customizable photo books, and journal prompts, Tinybeans simplifies the way you record, relive, and privately share your family’s everyday moments, turning them into cherished memories.

Download the Tinybeans app and create your free account to start sharing all your silliest and sweetest memories, easily, all in one place.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.