Australian Birth Stories

• 563 | Hannah - two births, Vaginal Breech Birth, NICU Journey, and Raising Awareness About CMV in Pregnancy, infant loss.

  In this deeply moving episode, we speak with Hannah, a midwife and lactation consultant from the Southern Highlands, who shares her profound journey through two very different birth experiences. Hannah takes us through her first pregnancy with daughter Beatrix, including the unexpected discovery of a breech presentation, her decision to pursue vaginal breech birth at Westmead Hospital, and the challenging NICU journey that followed. She then courageously shares the story of her son Albie, whose life was tragically cut short at 17 months due to complications from congenital CMV - a preventable condition that Hannah is now passionate about raising awareness for. This episode is both heartbreaking and educational, highlighting the importance of CMV screening in pregnancy and the incredible strength of families navigating complex medical journeys.__________ Australia's trusted baby sleepwear brand ergoPouch has launched the Drift Home Baby Monitor and Smart TOG Guide—the only monitor combining real-time environmental insights with evidence-based sleepwear recommendations. Drawing on 15+ years of safe sleep expertise, this device integrates monitoring with their globally trusted What to Wear guide, helping parents dress babies appropriately based on room temperature for confident, calm bedtimes. Exclusive ABS Offer: Purchase the Drift Home and entire ergoPouch range exclusively at ergopouch.com.auABS listeners get 20% off sitewide with code AUBS — valid until 11:59 p.m. on 18th August 2025 Excluding: Lyra Convertible Cot, Sale, Gifts, Multibys, Deluxe Cot Mattress, Drift Home Baby Monitor and Smart TOG Guide and Blobby the Bedtime Lamp.Plus, ergoPouch is launching something new and elevated next week!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  --------  

  1:28:57

  --------

  1:28:57
• 562 | Dr. Amber Hart on Building Breastfeeding Confidence and Holistic Postpartum Care

  In honour of World Breastfeeding Week today I sit down with Dr. Amber Hart, a Melbourne-based GP and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. Dr. Hart shares her expertise on the realities of breastfeeding, the importance of antenatal education, and addresses the controversial rise in tongue tie diagnoses. Amber offers a refreshing perspective on supporting new mothers through their feeding journeys whilst prioritising mental wellbeing and realistic expectations.Get our how-to Breastfeeding Guide HERE _ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  --------  

  42:29

  --------

  42:29
• 561 | Tessa - Two births, Darwin private hospital closures, advocating for birthing mothers

  In this powerful episode, lawyer and mother-of-two Tessa shares her contrasting birth experiences in Darwin, Northern Territory. Her first birth with daughter Frankie was everything she'd hoped for - a quick, low-intervention delivery at a private hospital with excellent postnatal care. But when she fell pregnant with her second daughter Millie, everything changed. Healthscope announced without warning that they were closing the maternity ward at Darwin Private Hospital, leaving 61 women - including Tessa at 28 weeks pregnant - scrambling to find alternative care. Sponsor: Pregnancy is beautiful, but it can come with its share of discomfort. That’s why Little Company in Collingwood — and their sister spa, About Time in Torquay — offer dedicated pregnancy-safe treatments that support you through every stage — from the very beginning right up until the final days. Their Pregnancy Ritual Facial is a blissful, tailored experience designed to calm hormonal skin changes and restore radiance, using products that you can trust for you and your baby’s wellbeing. Their Pregnancy Massage — using a pregnancy pillow, adjustable beds, and experienced therapists who adapt the massage to your body’s needs on the day. Using Pure Mama’s pregnancy-safe product range, this restorative massage is designed to ease muscular tension, support circulation, and help you feel at home in your changing body. Whether you're in Melbourne or down the coast, Little Company and About Time are here to nurture you — and your baby — through it all. You can enjoy 15% off all pregnancy treatments for the year of 2025. Put ‘ABSxLTCO’ in appointment notes and the discount will be applied when payment is taken post treatment. Book your moment of care at littlecompany.com.au or atthebathhouse.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  --------  

  1:23:34

  --------

  1:23:34
• 560 | Sophie Pearce - HG across three pregnancies, PUPPs, doctor to podcaster, positive birth experiences

  In this episode, Sophie Pearce shares her transformative journey through three pregnancies complicated by severe hyperemesis gravidarum. Sophie opens up about her early miscarriage, the challenge of PUPPs during her first pregnancy, and how she navigated the transition from medicine to motherhood whilst dealing with significant pregnancy-related mental health challenges. Her story beautifully illustrates the reality of hyperemesis gravidarum and how preparation, support, and self-advocacy can transform your birth experience, even when pregnancy itself is incredibly difficult.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  --------  

  1:21:04

  --------

  1:21:04
• Sleep Safety Special with Loren Rushton - Sponsored by Bonds

  In this episode, we chat with Loren, a registered midwife turned sleep safety educator at Red Nose Australia. Loren shares her comprehensive journey from supporting families through pregnancy and birth to becoming a leading voice in SIDS prevention and safe sleep practices. This conversation is packed with practical, evidence-based guidance that every new parent, midwife, and doula needs to know about creating the safest possible sleep environment for babies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  --------  

  23:53

  --------

  23:53

More Kids & Family podcasts

Trending Kids & Family podcasts

About Australian Birth Stories

Australian Birth Stories: Podcasts in Family