Ireland's Birth Stories

This week, I share my chat with Laura, who talks me through the birth of her daughter, Saoirse. Laura is so honest at the beginning of our conversation, sharing how she felt when she saw the positive pregnancy test. Her pregnancy was unplanned, which brought a huge shock and a mix of emotions. She changed her mindset and started putting a lot of time into educating herself and preparing for the months ahead.
Laura opted for a home birth, but after it was discovered that she had a fibroid, the decision was made at 38 weeks' gestation that she would give birth in a Midwife-Led Unit (MLU). Looking back, she tells us she is happy with her decision. The level of support she received from the midwives was just incredible not only throughout labour, but also during her antenatal care and in the days following her discharge. We also talk about breastfeeding and her transition to motherhood.

Thanks so much Laura
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E: irelandsbirthstories@gmail.com
IG: Irelands Stories Birth Podcast IG

Produced & edited by Corah Gernon at She Talks Productions

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This week, I share my chat with Silvija. Together with her wife, she went through a long journey to bring their baby girl into the world. After nine fertility treatments and four pregnancy losses, they finally saw that positive pregnancy test with no fading lines.
Silvija shares everything about their fertility experiences, including the decision to try double reciprocal IVF. We talk through her pregnancy and the anxiety that came with it as a result of her previous experiences. She also shares the story of her baby girl being brought into the world via an emergency C-section. Silvija also shares the medical emergency that followed as her own body reacted while she was being prepped for surgery. Now, they are happy, healthy family of three.

Thanks so much Silvija
Get in touch
E: irelandsbirthstories@gmail.com
IG: Irelands Stories Birth Podcast IG

Produced & edited by Corah Gernon at She Talks Productions

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

This week, I share my chat with Paige, who I'm sure many of you will recognise. In this episode, Paige shares the birth of her fourth baby. During her pregnancy, Paige experienced sickness and quickly realised that medication would be necessary this time around. Later, in her third trimester, she noticed reduced fetal movements on a number of occasions. During a routine appointment with her consultant, these concerns were discussed further, and at 37 weeks the decision was made to proceed with an induction. Throughout her induction, Paige was supported by an incredible team of midwives who helped her feel safe, heard, and comfortable every step of the way. Everything was put in place for the epidural Paige had chosen, but once labour progressed and baby was ready to make their way into the world, there was no time for anything else but to let Paige's body work its magic.

Thanks so much Paige

https://open.spotify.com/episode/5xWE8ztPjawTr4TRrIYENw?si=qVzHAM8HTsG3v6WdsfGZFQ

https://open.spotify.com/episode/33jYdgZivoSIhEjqpIGM83?si=985e012c6f324175
Get in touch
E: irelandsbirthstories@gmail.com
IG: Irelands Stories Birth Podcast IG

Produced & edited by Corah Gernon at She Talks Productions

Show Your Support
Buy Me A Coffee
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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, I’m sharing my chat with Úna, who talks me through her three very different birth experiences. During her first pregnancy, Úna was closely monitored after her baby was diagnosed with IUGR (intrauterine growth restriction). As concerns grew, she was admitted to hospital for more intensive monitoring, and her baby was born by c-section at just 29 weeks. Úna shares her experience of navigating life with a premature baby in the NICU.
We then revisit her second pregnancy and the VBAC she had hoped for. While the birth itself was a positive experience, Úna reflects on how the everything connected with her first experienced surface as she welcomed her second child. Finally, we discuss her third pregnancy and another VBAC. Supported by her husband and midwives who wholeheartedly believed in her, Úna describes a birth experience that left her feeling empowered and supported.

Thanks Úna
Get in touch
E: irelandsbirthstories@gmail.com
IG: Irelands Stories Birth Podcast IG

Produced & edited by Corah Gernon at She Talks Productions

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

This week I share my chat with Alana, who talks me through each of her two birth experiences. Alana dedicated a lot of time and effort to preparing for birth, making sure she stayed fit and strong throughout both of her pregnancies. With her first baby, she laboured at home for as long as possible before heading to the hospital, arriving just in time. Her baby was born shortly after, with the support of her husband and the amazing midwives she speaks so fondly of. Alana experienced profound loss with the passing of her much loved father and later mother-in-law in a very short space of time. Throughout this time she discovered she was pregnant with their second baby which leads us to chatting through the juxtaposition of coping with raw grief and the joy of pregnancy.
For her second birth, Alana planned a home birth with the support of her midwife. However, late in her pregnancy, she was diagnosed with pre-eclampsia so home birth was no longer an option. As labour began naturally, Alana was keen to avoid an induction and asked the hospital to give her more time. Trusting her instincts, she continued to labour and was able to stay on that path without intervention. She welcomed her baby boy into the world exactly as she had hoped vaginally and without intervention supported once again by the midwives she has nothing but positive things to say about.

Thanks so much Alana
Get in touch
E: irelandsbirthstories@gmail.com
IG: Irelands Stories Birth Podcast IG

Produced & edited by Corah Gernon at She Talks Productions

Show Your Support
Buy Me A Coffee
Patreon
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.