Kiwi Birth Tales

This episode of Kiwi Birth Tales is proudly sponsored by Woolworths NZ in support of the Little Miracles Trust. This week on Kiwi Birth Tales I speak with Phoebe about her journey to motherhood with her daughter Amelie.Phoebe’s pregnancy was mostly textbook until late in her third trimester when repeated growth scans showed her baby was measuring large. After discussions with Auckland Hospital, Phoebe chose to be induced at 38-39 weeks due to concerns around shoulder dystocia and baby’s size.In this episode Phoebe shares her two-day induction, intense labour, emergency csection birth and the scary moments after Amelie was born and unable to breathe independently, resulting in a short NICU stay.We also talk through Phoebe’s incredibly difficult postpartum experience. Around 12 weeks postpartum she developed severe back pain which was eventually diagnosed as Pregnancy and Lactation Osteoporosis (PLO), a rare condition that caused multiple spinal fractures while breastfeeding.Phoebe speaks honestly about birth trauma, postpartum mental health, physical recovery, self advocacy and navigating another pregnancy after such a challenging first experience.In this episode we cover:Textbook pregnancy and easy conceptionGrowth scans and suspected large babyChoosing induction at 38-39 weeksTwo-day induction at Auckland HospitalEpidural and labour slowing downEmergency caesarean birthBaby requiring NICU support after birthBirth trauma and postpartum emotionsBreastfeeding and cluster feedingSevere postpartum back painMultiple spinal compression fracturesPregnancy & Lactation Osteoporosis (PLO)Weaning and recoveryPreparing for baby number two after traumaPostpartum depressionYour Birth Project Online Hypnobirthing Coursehttps://www.fertilityassociates.co.nz/book-a-free-nurse-consultPlease seek support for any mental health concerns. Some helpful links are below:Mental Health in PregnancyPerinatal Depression and Anxiety Aotearoa Plunket - Dads Mental HealthLittle Shadow - Private Counselling NZFind me @kiwibirthtales and @yourbirthproject

The final pregnancy diaries update before our baby is here!!!

This episode of Kiwi Birth Tales is proudly sponsored by Woolworths NZ in support of the Little Miracles Trust. In this episode of Kiwi Birth Tales, I speak to Brianna. After experiencing reduced movements later in pregnancy, Bri underwent further monitoring where concerns were identified around cord blood flow. She shares the events that led to an emergency c-section at 35 weeks, Oakley’s transfer to Auckland Hospital NICU, and the emotional realities of navigating NICU and SCBU as a new mum.We also talk about recovery, feeding challenges, support systems and life after bringing home a late preterm baby. Some of the topics we cover:Reduced fetal movements in pregnancyAbnormal cord blood flow pregnancyCTG monitoring during pregnancyMaternal fetal medicine involvementEmergency c-section at 35 weeksLate preterm birth experienceNICU experience in New ZealandBaby transferred to Auckland Hospital NICUSCBU and NICU journeyRecovery after emergency c-sectionBreastfeeding and pumping after NICU birthFormula feeding after NICUJaundice and blue light therapyMental health after NICULittle Miracles Trust supportParenting a premature babyYour Birth Project Online Hypnobirthing Coursehttps://www.fertilityassociates.co.nz/book-a-free-nurse-consultPlease seek support for any mental health concerns. Some helpful links are below:Mental Health in PregnancyPerinatal Depression and Anxiety Aotearoa Plunket - Dads Mental HealthLittle Shadow - Private Counselling NZFind me @kiwibirthtales and @yourbirthproject

This episode of Kiwi Birth Tales is proudly sponsored by Woolworths NZ in support of the Little Miracles Trust. In this episode of Kiwi Birth Tales, I speak to Samantha - we focus on her second pregnancy, which she conceived through IVF. Her pregnancy was not without challenges and they spent a lot of time in NICU as Otis was born just before 30 weeks. Some of the topics we cover:IVF journey and embryo transferEarly pregnancy after IVFBleeding in early pregnancy (week 10)Subchorionic hematoma and pregnancy complicationsHeavy bleeding at 13 weeksIncreased risk factors identified during pregnancyAmniocentesis and genetic testingAnatomy scan and ongoing monitoringPregnancy anxiety after complicationsHospital stays during pregnancyPremature labour at 28 weeksEmergency response and hospital admissionBirth of a premature babyNeonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) experienceOxygen support and respiratory challenges in newbornsFeeding challenges and NICU careEmotional impact of NICU on parentsTransition from NICU to Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU)Preparing to take baby home after NICULife after NICU and early newborn periodLong-term development and health outcomesYour Birth Project Online Hypnobirthing Coursehttps://www.fertilityassociates.co.nz/book-a-free-nurse-consultPlease seek support for any mental health concerns. Some helpful links are below:Mental Health in PregnancyPerinatal Depression and Anxiety Aotearoa Plunket - Dads Mental HealthLittle Shadow - Private Counselling NZFind me @kiwibirthtales and @yourbirthproject

Pregnancy Diaries update week 34 and 35 - getting close to the end now!

Did someone say numb flaps? Oh, it was me.... Week 31-33 and all the joys that come along with it that, in this pregnancy diaries episode. Carpal tunnelPregnancy insomniaSleeping arrangementsNesting (or lack of) Renal dilaiton scanGrowth scan + LGA babyGestational diabetes retest Numb pelvic area Franjos Kitchen Hydration Powder + Bhone Beauty drinkObstertric appointment next week 4 weeks left of work Breathlessness!!!!

This episode of Kiwi Birth Tales is proudly sponsored by Your Birth Project. In this episode of Kiwi Birth Tales, I speak to Kobi about her experience navigating pregnancy as a single mum, induction of labour, postpartum recovery and mental health after birth. Some of the topics we cover:Single mum pregnancy journeyRelationship breakdown during pregnancyConsidering termination and unexpected pregnancy emotionsMoving cities while pregnant and rebuilding support networksGrowth concerns in pregnancy and SGA clinic careInduction birth story at 37 weeks (balloon induction and syntocin)Hospital birth experience in New ZealandThird-degree tear recovery and labial tearSignificant postpartum blood loss (1 litre)Early postpartum recovery and hospital stayBreastfeeding struggles and painful early feeding journeyPostpartum hormonal changes and emotional wellbeingDepression diagnosis and mental health supportThe importance of village support, nourishment and postpartum careHow motherhood changed her identity and perspectiveHealing after birth and finding strength in motherhoodYour Birth Project Online Hypnobirthing Coursehttps://www.fertilityassociates.co.nz/book-a-free-nurse-consultPlease seek support for any mental health concerns. Some helpful links are below:Mental Health in PregnancyPerinatal Depression and Anxiety Aotearoa Plunket - Dads Mental HealthLittle Shadow - Private Counselling NZFind me @kiwibirthtales and @yourbirthproject

Keeping you updated with all things pregnancy as I get closer to bringing our 3rd boy earthside!This update:body changes and updates pregnancy symptomsorganising and planningWE'VE PICKED A NAME Jai in hospitalThoughts about preparing for birth and breastfeeding Room set ups

This episode of Kiwi Birth Tales is proudly sponsored by Bhone BeautyIn this episode of Kiwi Birth Tales, I speak to Genevieve. Some of the topics we cover:Voices of Hope Eating disorder when youngerOBGYN careProtein in urine at 37 weeks Emergency Csection (had planned for an elective csection) Auckland Hospital Breastfeeding journey Postpartum support from family Prioritising restThings she loved - vital bits belly band and scar patches, carrier from the sleep store, breastfeeding pillow, baby lounger, wahakura, lanolin creamYour Birth Project Online Hypnobirthing Coursehttps://www.fertilityassociates.co.nz/book-a-free-nurse-consultPlease seek support for any mental health concerns, some helpful links are below:Mental Health in PregnancyPerinatal Depression and Anxiety Aotearoa Plunket - Dads Mental HealthLittle Shadow - Private Counselling NZFind me @kiwibirthtales and @yourbirthproject