Ireland's Birth Stories

In this week's episode I chat to Megan who talked me through the birth of her first baby at home. Megan's first choice wasn't homebirth but after attending an antenatal class she was inspired. She talks us through preparation which included keeping the fact she was having a homebirth under wraps as a means of protecting her space. Megan then talks me through the birth of her first boy which is just gorgeous. Enjoy

In this episode I share my chat with Aoife and her wife Ciara. Together they share their experience bringing their daughter Rua into the world. They chose reciprocal IVF which is relatively new to Ireland so it's a great opportunity to be given such first hand insight into the such a new form of IVF. Together they made informed decisions which best suited what they wanted throughout conception, pregnancy and birth. I love listen to a couple share their story, it's such a rare opportunity to be a part of something so intimate.Thanks @ciarajharrison & Aoife

In this episode I share Shauna's story. Shauna's first story is hard to0 here, she really suffered not only throughout the birth of her son but for months following his arrival. She suffered physically and mentally but finally found the strength to start healing with the support of professionals. Shauna later gave birth to her second child, a little girl. This time her story was very different being supported by so many HCP's that had her best interests at heart. Thank you Shauna

In this week's episode I share my chat with Edel who talks me though her three birth stories. Edel gave birth to her first little girl in a hospital as planned. She then gave birth unexpectedly at home with her second girl. Although this wasn't the plan, Edel was so calm as she created the perfect environment to lean into labour and enjoy the experience as much has she could. She was supported by her husband as the ambulance made its way to her home. She then decided to opt for a planned homebirth on her third pregnancy. Another gorgeous story shared.Thanks Edel

In this week's episode I share my chat with Sarah who talks me through her two birth stories. Sarah gave birth to her first little girl at 31 weeks gestation. Despite the worry and stress the birth of her daughter was really positive with the support of a medical team that continued to communicate with her. She then shares her second experience which again she loved but unfortunately she felt the support wasn't there with her midwife. Sarah also shares life in the early days of motherhood.Thanks @sorcha_rose

In this week's episode I share my chat with Julie who talks me through her two pregnancies and one birth. Julie also shares her level of preparation which thankfully came in handy while giving birth. She also shares how tough it can be in labour in a busy hospital. Her preparation absolutely enabled her to regain focus and also to give her husband the confidence to advocate for her. Enjoy

In this weeks episode I share Aimee's story of four pregnancies and three births. Aimee shares a profoundly sad part of her story surrounding the loss of her baby boy after a diagnosis of fatal fetal abnormalities. She share the day, weeks and months following this incredibly tough period of her life. Aimee then goes on to share her most recent birth story which was a beautiful positive Caesarean birth.Thank you so much Aimee!Within this link are many supports to help not only you but those around you navigating the loss of a child. https://pregnancyandinfantloss.ie/support-links/

Sinead shares her second birth story following her first story in 2021 EP104 - Sinead D. Thankfully this experience was very different. She was surrounded by such a great team also supported by a doula who she was in touch with throughout labour. Sinead also chats about life postnatally which is equally as important to hear. Enjoy