Ireland's Birth Stories

This week, I share my chat with Katrina, who talks me through each of her three pregnancies and two births. At 13 weeks’ gestation, Katrina experienced pregnancy loss that came as a complete shock. We talk openly about how taboo pregnancy loss still is, despite so many people living through loss at different stages of pregnancy.
Katrina then takes us through her second pregnancy. Labour and the birth of her first baby were much quicker than she expected, but overall it was a very positive experience. We go on to discuss her next pregnancy and birth, which was again fast, but this time Katrina was able to recognise the sensations of her baby making their way into the world, helping her feel prepared and ready.

We finish with a lovely, reflective chat to round out our conversation.

Thanks so much Katrina

Produced & edited by Corah Gernon at She Talks Productions

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This week I share my chat with Stephanie, who talks me through her third experience with birth. We talk through pregnancy while also looking after other kids, life, and work.
The original plan was to give birth at home, just as she had with her previous experiences. At 41 weeks, Stephanie was admitted to hospital as baby wasn’t head down and there were increased waters. Throughout her experience, Stephanie was supported by each HCP she interacted with, all of whom gave their time to discuss options and listen to her wants and concerns.
I’m delighted to share Stephanie’s third and final story, which I was so happy to hear was as powerful and positive as each of her previous experiences.
Thanks Stephanie

Below I have included Stephanie's previous episodes

EP37 - December 2020
EP112 - July 2022
Produced & edited by Corah Gernon at She Talks Productions

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This week I share my chat with Aisling who talks me through each of her two birth stories. Aisling invested so much time preparing for birth, so when the delivery room became very busy and interventions were needed, she felt informed and ready. The decision was made to bring baby into the world via emergency c-section.
During her second pregnancy, at 35 weeks pregnant, Aisling’s dear dad passed away suddenly which was a complete shock. She shares how this profound loss impacted her during the final stages of pregnancy. Her second labour looked very different, and she ultimately went on to have the VBAC she had hoped for. This is a gorgeous, positive VBAC story that so many people need to hear.

Thanks Aisling
Produced & edited by Corah Gernon at She Talks Productions

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This week I share my chat with Joan, who shares each of her two birth stories with us.
She reflects on the incredible support of her midwife throughout labour and opens up about her experience with an episiotomy, recovery, breastfeeding, and those early postpartum days.
We then move on to her second pregnancy, including a challenging kidney infection just days before her baby arrived. Joan shares her second labour story in detail, highlighting her determination to avoid an epidural this time around and the unforgettable oxytocin rush she experienced once again. Joans son was admitted to hospital at just three weeks old with viral meningitis, something no parent wants to experience.
There’s so much more in this episode.
Thanks Joan
Produced & edited by Corah Gernon at She Talks Productions

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This week I share my chat with Louise, who talks me through each of her three very different birth stories.
Louise opens up about her long journey with multiple pregnancy losses over 7 years. After undergoing treatment, she fell pregnant once again, and thankfully the treatment was successful, allowing her to carry to full term.
We talk through her first birth experience, which was particularly tough and involved vacuum assistance due to shoulder dystocia. Louise then shares her two subsequent birth stories, both of which were completely different experiences and gave her a much more positive start to those early postpartum days.
We finish our chat by talking about the importance of asking for help, and why none of us should feel we have to do it all alone.
Thanks Louise

Produced & edited by Corah Gernon at She Talks Productions

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.