Kiwi Birth Tales

Welcome to the first episode of Pregnancy Diaries, a bonus series running alongside the 2026 season of Kiwi Birth Tales.In this episode, I’m sharing a real-time update from my third pregnancy, how I’m feeling physically and mentally, what feels different this time around, and some of the early decisions I’m already thinking about as I prepare for birth again.These bonus episodes will sit alongside our weekly birth stories and give you a more personal look at what this chapter looks like for me.If you’re pregnant right now, I hope this feels relatable in some way! Topics for the week: Bountiful Pregnancy tracking appPelvic girdle pain Pregnancy Pillow (From Carry The Mums on @ MOM Store )Gestational Diabetes testHeartburn Low Iron (Ferritin) and B12 (symptoms) Emily from @nourisher_co support with Iron supplement Nipple pain Bhone Beauty Powder drink Pure Mama Body Scrub, Belly Oil + Magnesium body rubParental LeaveDulese Natural DeodorantFarmers Nursey Sale Elective Csection32 week scan coming up for check of Renal Dilation

This episode of Kiwi Birth Tales is proudly brought to you by Your Birth Project.In this episode of Kiwi Birth Tales, I speak to Harriet. Some of the topics we cover:Fast first labour and birth Ventouse delivery Overdue Felt something wasn't right in second pregnancy towards end Self admitted to Hospital without Midwife CTG heartrate caused emergency reactionEmergency CsectionDelay in birth Lack of oxygen SCBU and NICU stay Care not of standard, caused further issues ACC Claim HDC Claim Advocating for yourself and trusting your gut Your 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 brought to you by Your Birth Project.In this episode of Kiwi Birth Tales, I speak to Bonnie. Some of the topics we cover:Unplanned homebirthBirth Trauma + Empowering feelingsClose age gapPlanned homebirths Homebirth Canterbury organisationPreparing for birth at homeBreastfeeding journey and challengesLarge families and parents experience with birth Kids at birth VS not Your 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

I am sharing some exciting news with you this week before jumping back into regular programming! Thanks for being here x

This episode of Kiwi Birth Tales is proudly brought to you by Your Birth Project.In this episode of Kiwi Birth Tales, I speak to Georgia. Some of the topics we cover:Early pregnancy lossBloating in pregnancy Morning sicknessMy Little Kiwi Antenatal CourseSpontaenous labour at home Birth at birth unit 3B tear after long pushing stage Transfer to hospital for surgical repair Collecting colostrum in pregnancy Nipple shields Your 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 brought to you by Your Birth Project.In this episode of Kiwi Birth Tales, I speak to Lexi. Some of the topics we cover:Hatched Antenatal CourseAntenatal ExpressingPilates in pregnancy Positive feeling towards homebirth but didn't plan to have one Spontaneous labourBeing checked at homeThrowing up, transitionBirthing at home unplanned without a midwife present 2nd degree tear that wasn't stitched Positive breastfeeding journey Sleep training Viva La Vulva perineal spray Electrolytes post birth Wish they had considered a homebirth more seriously, would plan for one next time Positive birth story Your 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 brought to you by Your Birth Project. In this episode of Kiwi Birth Tales, I speak to Abby. Some of the topics we cover:Spotting before a positive pregnancy test Testing in pregnancy Wanting an unmedicated birth Baby breech presentation at 37 weeksPracticed spinning babies daily and she turned Didn't find out sex during pregnancy Spontaneous labour Losing large amount of water / fluid after waters broke Fast labour Immediate latch after birth Lots of mucus coming from Sadies nose post birth Transferred to hospital for size (2.5kg, 47cm and small head circumference) Struggled with weight gainObsessive tracking of feeds Re-admission to the hospital Heart murmur Referral to paediatrician Blood tests - DiGeorge Syndrome (22Q.11) Your 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 brought to you by Your Birth Project. In this episode of Kiwi Birth Tales, I speak to Renata. Some of the topics we cover:Unplanned pregnancy Changing midwives at 35 weeks Spontaneous labourSyntocin drip / inductionEpiduralEpisiotomy and Ventouse delivery COVID - germs, anxiety Colic baby Travelling with baby Starting a business: Roam with Kids AppChanging midwife at 20 weeks Gender disappointment Spontaneous labour No epidural or drugsShoulder Dystocia Mum guilt JaundiceBreastfeeding challenges Positive birth despite end emergency Your 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 brought to you by Your Birth Project. In this episode of Kiwi Birth Tales, I speak to Emma. Some of the topics we cover:Emma was 43 when she gave birth to Remi Years of infertility IVFEgg Donor Covid impacting journey"High Risk" pregnancy Emergency Csection (had already decided on Csection being mode of delivery) 3 weeks in NICU Donor Milk Struggled with breastfeeding Mental health Your 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