Kiwi Birth Tales

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!!!!

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

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