Ireland's Birth Stories

This week, I’m sharing my chat with Sarah as she talks through each of her three birth experiences. After spending a year trying to conceive, Sarah discovered she was pregnant just before making the final decision to move forward with fertility treatment.She reflects on the birth of her first daughter, a birth she still looks back on fondly, despite some difficult moments surrounding intervention and an unwanted episiotomy. We also chat through her two subsequent births, both of which were positive vaginal birth experiences.Sarah shares how powerful hypnobirthing was for her throughout second but mostly third pregnancies, and even more so with the birth of her third baby. There’s also a moment in her story where she felt strongly that she needed to say “no,” highlighting the importance of self-advocacy and trusting your instincts when something doesn’t feel necessary.Thanks so much, Sarah

This week I share my chat with Gráinne who talks me through her three positive hospital births. Gráinne gave birth to her first baby in hospital which was a positive experience once she got settled into the delivery suite. Following her first experience she decided to opt for home birth with her second baby. Although she didn't end up giving birth to her baby at home she did have the continued support of her amazing home birth midwife. When Gráinne discovered she was pregnant with her third baby, she again opted for home birth but her son was born in hospital. Her little man came into the world in the birth pool with Gráinne surround by so much love and support. She shares having mastitis seven times after her first baby came into the world. Gráinne also touches on her experience with profound grief after losing both of her parents in the space of 10 months. To hear Gráinne tell me "I felt like a queen" brought me so much joy. Enjoy and thank you Gráinne

This week, I share my chat with Stephanie, who talks me through each of her three positive hospital births. Stephanie first shares her TTC journey and everything that surrounded it, from visiting multiple HCPs for advice and support to reading a book recommended to her that changed everything.After welcoming her first baby, Stephanie experienced multiple pregnancy losses, which we discuss in detail. With further support, Stephanie went on to give birth to two gorgeous babies again in a hospital setting.As we get ready to wrap up our chat, Stephanie shares some exciting news with me, she is expecting her fourth baby in a matter of weeks.Thanks Stephanie.

I share with you a decision to share episode 1-100 exclusively over on Patreon. Link to Patreon Thanks for your support

This week I share my chat with Leah who revisits her pregnancy and the birth of her daughter. Leah discovered she was pregnant shortly after a move to New Zealand. Together Leah and her partner decided being closer to home was the best choice for them when raising a family. The made their way back to Ireland and immediately got in touch with a home birth midwife. Leah chats through labour which she found tough in parts and the moment she met her baby. She felt that immediate high and recalls saying "I need to do that again" moments after she gave birth. A gorgeous positive birth story.Thanks Leah

This week, I share my chat with Susan, who talks me through the birth of her son. Susan enjoyed her pregnancy but found the last few weeks waiting for baby to arrive really tough. She was ready to meet her baby, but each day that came and went felt so long. She shares just how tough she found waiting for signs of labour and for her baby to come into the world.Susan went into labour spontaneously, which led to great excitement, and she made her way to the hospital with all the bits and pieces in tow, ready to give birth . However, her experience in the hospital was difficult. The unit was busy and she felt overwhelmed for a number of reasons. The decision was made to bring her son into the world via caesarean section, which at the time felt like the right choice, but Susan shared that she experienced a sense of “failure.”We then talk through her breastfeeding journey, which lasted 16 months. Susan told me, “I didn’t know breastfeeding was so important to me until I started.” which was so nice to hear. Through breastfeeding, she found healing from her birth experience and also created a whole new world of friendships.Thanks Susan