KEY TOPICS: 2 births, natural delivery, recurrent miscarriage, second trimester loss, reflux, grandmother, 1980's
From Geraldine Finlayson’s textbook first pregnancy, labour and easy baby, to becoming a doting grandmother, there’s a real sense of gratitude running through this episode… despite several devasting miscarriages inbetween. Her motherhood journey took her from love to loss – but then to HOPE: a group she founded to offer support to other parents after miscarriage and stillbirth.
_____________________________
Married at 19 years old, Geraldine and her husband discovered they were expecting soon after trying to start a family. She fondly describes an enjoyable straightforward pregnancy before a fast labour with a good midwife. Geraldine felt no real ‘pain’ for her natural delivery.
There’s humour in her descriptions of gender-appropriate clothing of the time, and learning to changing nappies. She had good family support, and established breastfeeding, though we discuss her baby’s reflux and advice that helped build Geraldine's confidence. Plus, what it’s like to have an ‘easy’ baby that sleeps well and cries little!
In the years that followed, Geraldine sadly suffered recurrent miscarriages… each coming as a devasting blow. She describes a final crushing experience: a second trimester loss. *Please note that Geraldines description of her last baby’s birth is a difficult listen ⚠️
We discuss the impossible task of telling their son, and how isolating grief can be when you’re trying to be strong for others. Determined to turn her pain into purpose, Geraldine founded the Catholic Church’s HOPE group to support others facing baby loss, and offer a confidential listening service.
We finish on a high as she describes the pure joy of becoming a doting grandmother. I’m so grateful to Geraldine for sharing her Gibraltar Birth Stories (Recorded August 2026). 💜
Call HOPE on: 200 418 17
Find support at BABYSTEPPS
","author_name":"Gibraltar Broadcasting Corporation"}