Kiwi Birth Tales

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 brought to you by Your Birth Project.In this episode of Kiwi Birth Tales, I speak to Jess. Some of the topics we cover:Heart shaped uterus (partial septate)Bleeds in early pregnancyCholestasis Polyhydramnious Preparing for hospital birthTransverse until 38 weeks Anxious at end of pregnancy Reduced movements Waters broke when in hospital Episiotomy and Kiwi Cup deliveryEpiduralBreastfeeding class @ Catherine Rietveld St George's Hospital Christchurch 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

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