Ireland's Birth Stories
Health, Fitness & Longevity
About
A platform for women to share their experiences with pregnancy and birth without feeling shy about the detail Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
- Update - Episode 1 - 100
This episode provides an update on episodes 1-100 of the podcast. These episodes are now available exclusively on Patreon.
- EP212 Leah, One Pregnancy and Birth, Planned Homebirth, Postpartum
Leah recounts her pregnancy and planned homebirth experience in Ireland after returning from New Zealand. She discusses her labor, the immediate joy of meeting her daughter, and her desire to experience childbirth again.
- EP211 Susan, One Pregnancy and Birth, Waiting for Baby to Arrive, C-section, Breastfeeding
Susan discusses her pregnancy, a challenging C-section birth, and a 16-month breastfeeding journey that helped her heal and build new friendships. She shares her feelings about the waiting period before birth and her hospital experience.
- EP210 Lyndsey, Twin Pregnancy (Fertility Treatment), C-Section, Post Birth Williams Syndrome Diagnosis, Pre Eclampsia, VBAC, Chemical Pregnancy
Lyndsey discusses her twin pregnancy, birth by caesarean section, and her daughter's Williams Syndrome diagnosis. She also shares her experience with pre-eclampsia, a successful VBAC, and a chemical pregnancy.
- EP209 Nancy, 4 Pregnancies, 2 Miscarriages, C-section, Down syndrome Diagnosis, Leukemia, Induction, VBAC
Nancy discusses her journey through four pregnancies, including two miscarriages, and the births of her two children. She shares her experiences with a Down syndrome diagnosis and her daughter's leukemia, as well as her successful VBAC. Th…
- EP208 Julia (Austria), 4 Pregnancies, C-section, Loss at 20 WKS, VBAC Homebirth, Recent Ectopic Pregnancy
Julia from Austria discusses her four pregnancies, detailing a hospital C-section, a home VBAC after a previous loss, and a recent ectopic pregnancy. She shares the emotional impacts and differing birth experiences.
- EP207 Laura One Pregnancy & Birth, Positive Hospital Birth at 42+1 WKS
Laura recounts the birth of her daughter, detailing her decision to decline induction and her spontaneous labor at 42 weeks' gestation. She describes her positive hospital birth experience and meeting her baby for the first time.
- EP206 Judy, Four Pregnancies, Premature Birth at 26 WKS, NICU, Two Early Pregnancy Losses, Cervical Cerclage at 15 WKS (4th pregnancy), TFMR at 19 WKS, Grief
Judy discusses her four pregnancies, detailing a premature birth, two early pregnancy losses, and a later pregnancy involving a cervical cerclage and TFMR. She also shares her experiences with navigating life with a premature baby and supp…
- EP205 Niamh, Two Births, Vaginal Hospital Birth (Remifentanil pump), Planned Homebirth, C-section (Breech baby)
Niamh discusses her three pregnancies and two birth stories, including a vaginal hospital birth using Remifentanil and a planned homebirth that led to a C-section due to a breech baby. She also touches on early pregnancy loss.
- EP204 Bebhinn, Four Pregnancies, Pregnancy Losses at 12 WKs, Loss at 23 WKs, Blighted Ovum
Bebhinn shares her personal journey through multiple pregnancy losses, including losses at 12 weeks, a stillbirth at 23 weeks, and a blighted ovum. She discusses the challenges of grieving and her subsequent experience of giving birth to h…
- EP203 Aidín, 8 Pregnancies, 3 Miscarriages, 5 Births, Induction, Precipitous Births, Positive Experiences
Aidín discusses her journey through eight pregnancies and five births. She recounts her experiences with miscarriages, a fertility clinic, and several rapid hospital births.
- EP202 Erin, 4 Pregnancies (Currently 20 wks Pregnant), Two Births, Miscarriage, Stillbirth
Erin shares her journey through four pregnancies, detailing the birth of her first daughter, an early pregnancy loss, and the stillbirth of her daughter, Summer. She also discusses her current pregnancy at 20 weeks and navigating life afte…
- EP201 Katrina, Three Pregnancies, Two births, Pregnancy Loss, Quick Births
Katrina discusses her birthing journey, including a pregnancy loss at 13 weeks and two subsequent quick and positive birth experiences. She reflects on the taboo surrounding pregnancy loss and her evolving understanding of labor.
- EP200 Stephanie, Third Birth Story, Planned Homebirth, Hospital Admission 41 WKS, Positive Hospital Birth
In this episode, Stephanie shares her third birth experience, detailing how she transitioned from a planned home birth to a positive hospital birth at 41 weeks. The conversation covers her pregnancy, balancing family and work, and the supp…
- EP199 Aisling, Two Births, Emergency C-section, VBAC, Grief
In this episode, Aisling shares the stories of her two births, including an emergency c-section and a subsequent successful VBAC. She also discusses experiencing the sudden loss of her father during the final stages of her second pregnancy.
- EP198 Joan, Two Vaginal Births, Episiotomy, Breastfeeding, Unmedicated Birth, Newborn Meningitis
Joan shares her two birth stories, discussing her experiences with vaginal births, an episiotomy, breastfeeding, and an unmedicated second birth. She also reflects on her recovery, a kidney infection during pregnancy, and her son's hospita…
- EP197 Louise, Multiple Pregnancy Losses, Three Birth Stories, Assisted Birth, Motherhood
Louise joins the podcast to discuss her journey through multiple pregnancy losses, fertility treatment, and her three distinct birth experiences. She reflects on overcoming challenges, supporting postpartum recovery, and the importance of…
- EP196 Audrey, Emergency C-section, Birth at 28 Weeks, Preemie Baby, Life Through NICU, Giving Hope
In this episode, Audrey shares her experience of giving birth to her daughter, Luna, at 28 weeks via emergency C-section. She discusses the challenges of the NICU and offers hope to families navigating similar journeys.
- EP195 Lauren, Three Pregnancies, Two Births, Induction, Postpartum, Spouse Stage 4 Cancer Diagnosis
In this episode, Lauren discusses her experience with three pregnancies, two births, and navigating a pregnancy loss while her husband underwent treatment for stage 4 cancer. She shares details about her inductions, the role of hypnobirthi…
- EP194 Sarah, 3 Pregnancies & Births, Two Inductions, Unmedicated Birth, Pelvic Health
Sarah joins the podcast to discuss her three different birth experiences, including two inductions and an unmedicated birth. She also shares her journey with postpartum recovery and managing pelvic health.
- EP193 Ciara, Three Births, Induction, Three C-Sections, Post Dural Headache, Severe Morning Sickness, Motherhood
Ciara shares her journey of raising three boys, detailing her experiences with severe morning sickness, three C-sections, and recovering from a post-dural headache. She also discusses the challenges of overcoming feelings of guilt regardin…
- EP192 Anna, 4 Pregnancies, Two Births, Emergency C-Section, Planned C-Section, Pregnancy Loss, D&C
In this episode, Anna shares her experiences across four pregnancies, including two births and two miscarriages. She discusses her emergency and planned C-sections, the support she received from her consultant, and navigating the emotional…
- Birth Back Then (1990's) EP191 Michele, Three Pregnancies, Two Births, Circle of Life
Michele shares her experiences with two births in the 1990s, offering insight into the maternity care of the era. She also discusses her family life, including caring for her father in their home.
- EP190 Lisa, 8 Years TTC/IVF, Two Birth Stories, Loss of a Parent (Lisa's mother), Placenta Abruption
In this episode, Lisa shares her nine-year journey, covering fertility struggles, IVF, and the loss of her mother during her first pregnancy. She also discusses a later missed miscarriage and the emergency c-section she underwent following…
- Birth Back Then EP190 Susan (1980’s), 5 Pregnancies & Births, Infant Loss, Positive Births, Community & Family Support
In this episode, Susan talks about her experiences with five pregnancies and births during the 1980s. She discusses the loss of her first daughter, the lack of support services available at the time, and the role of family and community su…
- EP189 Becky, Three Pregnancies & Births, Positive Induction (During covid), Premature Birth (36 and 6), Cholestasis, Unplanned Homebirth
Becky shares her three distinct birth experiences: an induction during COVID-19, a premature birth at 36 weeks, and an unplanned homebirth. She also discusses her diagnosis and management of cholestasis during her third pregnancy.
- EP188 Ellen (Past Guest EP21), One Pregnancy & Birth, Homebirth, Breastfeeding
In this episode, recurring guest Ellen discusses the homebirth of her third child and her experience with breastfeeding. She also shares how her recent training as a postpartum doula influenced her birth preparation and recovery.
- EP187 Danielle, 4 Births, Rare Genetic Condition (First Baby), Epidural, Unmedicated Birth, Healing Experiences
In this episode, Danielle shares her experience of navigating four pregnancies and births. She discusses the challenges of an unplanned pregnancy, caring for a baby with a rare genetic condition, and transitioning from difficult epidural b…
- Birth Back Then (1980's) - EP186 Mairead, 5 Pregnancies, 3 Early Pregnancy Losses, Unmedicated Birth, Major Surgery 26 WKS Gestation, Unmedicated 2nd Birth Story
In this episode of Ireland's Birth Stories, guest Mairead shares her personal experiences as a mother in the 1980s. She discusses her history of early pregnancy losses, her unmedicated births, and a medical emergency that required surgery…
- EP185 Sarah, Solomum (IUI, Donor), Two Vaginal Births, Postpartum
In this episode, Sarah shares her journey of starting a family on her own using a donor. She discusses her two pregnancies, her experiences with anxiety, the birth stories of her daughter and son, and her postpartum recovery.
- EP184 Julie, Second Birth, Unmedicated Quick Labour & Birth, Positive Hospital Birth
In this episode, Julie shares the story of her second child's birth, which contrasted significantly with her first experience. She describes her quick, unmedicated labour and the support she received from her midwives during the hospital b…
- EP183 Amber PT2/2, Postpartum Psychosis, Second Birth, Planned Induction, Breastfeeding
In this episode, Amber continues sharing her experience with postpartum psychosis, detailing the weeks following the birth of her son and the manifestation of her symptoms. She also discusses her second pregnancy, the decision to have a pl…
- EP182 Amber PT1/2 Two Pregnancies, Ectopic Pregnancy, Induction, Haemorrhage, Postpartum Psychosis
In this episode, Amber shares the first part of her birth story, discussing an ectopic pregnancy and a challenging second pregnancy involving sickness, IUGR, and a two-vessel cord. She recounts her induction, a post-birth haemorrhage, and…
- EP181 Jess, Midwives Perspective, Two Births, TTC, Induction, Grieving Birth
In this episode, guest Jess reflects on her two birth experiences, discussing her induction, the process of trying to conceive, and navigating the emotions of grieving a birth experience. Jess and the host discuss the importance of support…
- EP180 Hannah, Three Pregnancies, Miscarriage, Two Homebirths (SECMs)
Hannah discusses her experiences with three pregnancies, covering pregnancy loss, the loss of a twin, and her two homebirths supported by midwives. She shares how she navigated anxiety and grief throughout her journey.
- EP179 Emma, Two Births, Epidural, Unmedicated, Life with a Reflux Baby
Emma discusses her two birth experiences—one with an epidural and one unmedicated—and reflects on the challenges of raising a baby with severe reflux. She shares the difficulties of sleepless nights and seeking help for her son's condition.
- EP178 Aoife PT2/2, Pregnancy Through Grief, Miscarriage, Unmedicated VBAC
In the second part of her interview, Aoife discusses navigating pregnancy following the loss of her son, Rían. She also details the preparation for and experience of her successful, unmedicated VBAC.
- EP177 Aoife PT1/2 Two Births, Diagnosis of Life Limiting Condition - Encelphalocele (First Pregnancy), Induction, C-section, Life with Rían
In this episode, Aoife discusses her first pregnancy, receiving a diagnosis of a life-limiting condition for her son, Rían, and her experience with induction and a C-section. She recounts the challenges of preparing for the unknown and the…
- EP176 Sarah Louise PT2/2 Two Planned Homebirths, Miscarriage
In this episode, Sarah Louise discusses her experiences with two planned home births and her journey through miscarriage. She also shares the story of the birth of her fourth daughter.
- EP175 Lisa, Three Pregnancies, Two Births, Birth at 34WKS, Ectopic Pregnancy, Full Term Pregnancy, Breastfeeding
In this episode, Lisa shares her experiences with three pregnancies, including an ectopic pregnancy, a premature birth at 34 weeks, and a full-term birth. She discusses the challenges of her journey, the medical support she received, and h…
- EP174 Eleonora, TTC, Pregnancy & Birth of Son, Family Health, Induction, Epidural, Breastfeeding
In this episode, Eleonora shares her journey through trying to conceive, her pregnancy, and the birth of her son, Adam. She discusses being induced, her experience with an epidural, and the challenges of breastfeeding a sleepy newborn.
- EP173 Niamh, Two Pregnancies & Births, Induction, Emergency C-section, NICU, Placenta Previa, Private Care, Planned C-section, NICU
Niamh shares her two pregnancy and birth experiences, covering an induction leading to an emergency c-section with her first child, and a planned c-section for her second due to placenta previa. She discusses the differences between the pr…
- Community In You with Angel Cassin
In this episode, Angel Cassin returns to discuss the concept of community and building support systems. She shares her personal experiences and reflections on motherhood alongside the host.
- EP172 Eilis, Reciprocal IVF, Induction, Epidural, Vaginal Birth, Haemorrhage, Supporting Our Partners
In this episode, Eilís discusses her experience with reciprocal IVF, her pregnancy, and the birth of her daughter. She details her induction, vaginal birth, subsequent emergency surgery, and blood transfusions, alongside the importance of…
- EP171 - Vanessa, Fourth Birth, Navigating Profound Grief Through Pregnancy, VBAC, Unmedicated Birth
Vanessa shares her experience of navigating profound grief following the loss of her sister while pregnant with her fourth child. She discusses her hospital VBAC, the importance of asking for support, and the challenges of managing life wi…
- EP170 Caroline, Three Pregnancies, Two Births, Premature Birth at 25 Weeks 2 Days, NICU, Second Pregnancy, Full Term, Vaginal Birth
Caroline shares her experience of two very different births, including the premature arrival of her first son at 25 weeks, his time in the NICU, and the subsequent full-term birth of her second son. She also discusses her experience with a…
- EP167 Jessica, One Pregnancy and Birth, Induction, Very Quick Labour
In this episode, Jess shares her experience of pregnancy and the induction of her baby girl. Despite expecting a long induction process, Jess experienced a very quick labour, with her baby arriving 45 minutes after she reached 2.5cm dilati…
- EP166 Sarah Louise PT1/2 Two Pregnancies & Birth, Induction, Forceps, Recovery, Unplanned Homebirth, Breastfeeding
In this episode, Sarah Louise discusses the first two of her four birth experiences. She covers her induction, forceps delivery, and recovery from her first birth, as well as her unplanned home birth with her second baby.
- EP165 Nikki - One Pregnancy & Birth, Hospital Birth, PND & Anxiety
In this episode of Ireland's Birth Stories, Nikki discusses her pregnancy, hospital birth, and journey through postpartum depression and anxiety. She shares how prenatal yoga supported her birth experience and how she managed her mental he…
- EP164 Meghan - Major Surgery (Removal of large mass, ovary & fallopian tube), Recovery, One Pregnancy and Birth, Positive Hospital Birth, Breastfeeding
In this episode, Meghan discusses her pregnancy and the birth of her son, Ronan, following her recovery from major surgery. She shares her positive hospital birth experience and her journey with breastfeeding.