Our Birth Stories Podcast.

In episode twelve, we meet Olga and hear all about her first pregnancy, birth and beyond journey. Olga planned to birth in a birth centre and then late in her pregnancy changed her mind and had a home birth. She then transferred to hospital to have some retained placenta removed and a small tear stitched in theatre. Olga also talks about her experiences of establishing breastfeeding and learning to be content while parenting a new baby.  Topics covered in this episode include: early pregnancy tiredness, low level morning sickness, pregnancy travel, doula support through pregnancy, planning water birth, changing from birth centre plan to homebirth plan late in pregnancy, being labelled high risk due to smoking before being pregnant, preparing mentally and looking after yourself physically  in pregnancy for birth, slow start to contractions, meet-up and massage in early labour, labour gradually increasing through the day and evening, calling out doula and midwives and then sending them home, calling everyone back and getting in the pool immediately ready to push, pool birth, physiological third stage, post partum hemorage and retained placenta, transfer to hospital, retained placenta removed and second degree tear stitched in theatre, three day stay in hospital, self advocacy with routine medical interventions, declining routine anticoagulant injections, resisting pressure to formula feed in hospital, mixed support levels in hospital, placenta encapsulation, postnatal recovery, breastfeeding with inverted nipple, sleep and small babies, sleep and small babies, protecting your peace when planning your birth, keeping going with a plan for if you have slow downs during labour.  If you're wondering whether a doula might be right for you or even what one actually is or does this might be a good place to start reading. https://hampshiredoulas.uk/what-is-a-doula/ https://hampshiredoulas.uk/frequently-asked-questions/ If you are looking for a community of new families to be part of please do come and join ours in person if you're in South East Hampshire or Online if you're further away. Join our Facebook group here. https://www.facebook.com/groups/pregnancybirthandbeyondcommunitygroup Find the details for our meet-ups here https://www.informedpregnancybirthandbeyond.org/meet-ups For information about the possibility of some or all of your placenta not coming out as expected and what can be offered to help this is a good place to start reading https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/pregnancy-complications/retained-placenta If you're wondering if your baby is sleeping a normal amount you might find this a helpful website https://www.basisonline.org.uk/hcp-how-babies-sleep/ Or this book https://lyndseyhookway.com/product/lets-talk-about-your-new-familys-sleep/

In episode eleven of series three, we're back with Kimberley to hear the story of her second baby's birth. After the events surrounding her experience in the hospital after her first birth, Kimberley opted for a planned cesarean for her second baby. She had a very positive second birth experience  Second pregnancy worse PGP, pregnancy in covid affecting medical appointments, making a choice for planned cesarean due to previous trauma, TBR Three-Step-Rewind trauma recovery, planning a family centred cesarean, student midwives - impact of respectful care, skin to skin and cesarean birth, sensory processing issues and the business of theatre, fast birth, skin to skin in theatre, declining weighing offers, establishing breastfeeding with a second baby, placenta smoothies, postnatal recovery, postnatal planning, postnatal self care, thoughts on the experience of cesarean birth after a previous home birth.  If you're having any pain around your pelvic joints and would like support or information the Pelvic Partnership is the place to go. https://pelvicpartnership.org.uk/ You may also find the Let's Talk about Pelvic Girdle Pain Podcast helpful. https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/lets-talk-about-pelvic-girdle-pain/id1582059096 If you're planning to have a cesarean birth for any reason this would be a good place to start thinking about how to make that a comfortable and safe experience for you and your baby. https://www.royalsurrey.nhs.uk/download.cfm?doc=docm93jijm4n14342.pdf&ver=37125 If sensory processing challenges are something that you think might affect you during your pregnancy, birth or beyond or you're interested in how that or other things that could affect people differently during this time you might want to check out this podcast https://www.ndbirth.com/podcast If you're interested in how your placenta could benefit you post birth then check out Kimberley's own website https://www.southcoastplacenta.co.uk/benefits If you would like to know more about the TBR Three-Step-Rewind process check it out here https://traumaticbirthrecovery.com/what-is-the-3-step-treatment/ If you are interested in Sarah's support for yourself find her here https://joyfulfamilies.uk/emotional-support-birth-trauma/

In episode ten of the third series, we meet Kimberley and hear about the birth of her first baby. Kimberly had a turnaround in pregnancy and went from having thought she would choose a cesarean to choosing a home birth. Kimberley also talks about her experience of transferring to hospital for stitches after birthing at home.  Topics covered in this episode include support from an NCT teacher, the birthplace study, planning a homebirth after being afraid of birth before pregnancy, PGP - chiropractic and NHS physio support, stretch and sweep, watching comedy, immediate start to strong regular contractions, following your body's lead for position, labour in birth pool, gas and air, privacy on the toilet - feeling of progress, mooing, birthing on sofa, birthing lying on side, having a cat doula, coached pushing, fourth-degree tear, shower at home then transfer to hospital, mention of tramatic experience in hospital, fourth-degree tear stitched in theatre, overly fully bladder given catheter to rest bladder for a week, home with a catheter, supportive partner, establishing breastfeeding, frequent feeding, long term perspective of feeding and sleep.  For information on the birthplace study check out https://www.npeu.ox.ac.uk/birthplace/ More information on the research about homebirth can be found here https://www.sarawickham.com/research-updates/is_home_birth_safe/ Some information about what to expect if you have a third or fourth degree tear https://www.rcog.org.uk/for-the-public/browse-our-patient-information/care-of-a-third-or-fourth-degree-tear-that-occurred-during-childbirth-also-known-as-obstetric-anal-sphincter-injury-oasi/

In Episode Nine of the third series, we meet Katie who tells us all about her pregnancy, birth and postnatal experiences with her first baby. Katie had a fast labour and a longer pushing stage of her birth due to her baby having a hand by her face. Katie also talks about her experience of caring for a baby with cow's milk protein allergy.  Topics covered in this episode include: pregnancy after miscarriage, growth scans, hypnobirthing course, mention of Remifentanil, unhelpful/unsupportive comments during pregnancy about ability to cope without pain relief, water's breaking at start of labour/before contractions, immediate strong contractions, use of TENS machine, active labour, labour on toilet, arriving at the hospital fully dilated, long pushing stage, hand by face presentation, second degree tear, stitches, “ring of fire” crowning sensations, not staying in hospital but returning for newborn checks the next day, cows milk protein allergy, tongue tie.  If the idea of being as relaxed as Katie appeals to you you can find out more about hypnobirthing here https://hampshiredoulas.uk/2017/10/09/an-introduction-to-hypnobirth-with-wendy-from-wondrous-birth/ If you're looking for a hypnobirthing course we can recommend contacting our team members Sally and Sophy,  Megan from Southsea Birthing or Hannah Rose Hypnotherapy.  If you would like information and support with cows milk protein allergy you might find these websites useful https://www.allergyuk.org/about-allergy/allergy-in-childhood/cows-milk-allergy/ https://dilanandme.com/dairyfree/

In episode eight of the third series, we chat to Sinead a longstanding member of the Informed Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond team about her labour birth and postnatal experiences with her eldest child in Australia. This episode includes Sinead's experience of her baby being very ill and needing resuscitation at 9 days old. If you would find this distressing or triggering please skip this episode.  Topics covered in this episode include: labour starting with waters going at 36 weeks, Natropath/herbalist support to conceive, planning birth in a midwife unit/birth centre, show at 35 weeks, placenta previa, eating in labour - being sick, nipple stimulation to increase contractions, using the shower in labour, counter pressure on lower back, baby born on birth stool in shower (water off), managed third stage, staying in hospital second night, establishing breastfeeding with a tiny baby, baby infection at 9 days, needing resusitation in hospital, baby in intensive care, baby in hospital, return to health.  If you would like to know more about placenta praevia / low-lying placenta) this is a helpful place to start reading https://www.nct.org.uk/pregnancy/worries-and-discomforts/common-discomforts/placenta-praevia-low-lying-placenta If your baby is hospitalised as a newborn you may find the charity Bliss are a good source of information and support https://www.bliss.org.uk If you're wondering about using a birth stool like Sinead or other options for giving birth in an upright position and why anyone might want to avoid birthing in the bed/on their back then you might find this a helpful read/listen https://evidencebasedbirth.com/evidence-birthing-positions/

In episode seven of the third series, we meet Lilia who had her first baby in a stand-alone midwife-led birth centre. Lilia had a quick birth and a very positive experience being well supported by her partner, mum and the team at the birth centre.  Topics covered in this episode include: taking time to fall pregnant, healthy pregnancy, expectations vs reality of maternity care, planning to birth in a stand-alone midwifery unit/birth centre, braxton hicks, gentle early labour, 7 cm dilated on arrival, having two birth partners (covid regulations stress), labour in water, birth on land, supportive partner and care team, small tear, stitches, skin to skin, being admitted to the postnatal ward for breastfeeding support, reflections on parenting. Many people assume at least for their first birth that they will have to birth in the hospital but the evidence shows that you may be more likely to have a safe and positive experience of birth if you choose a birth centre. The main “risk” found in this research study was that when birthing for the first time you have a high chance of needing to transfer to the hospital but with that chance being up to 45% it's still more likely that you will birth in the birth centre without any issues. It's also important to remember that most of those transfers are not emergency situations but more likely to be like in this birth story where you chose to go to the hospital for something specific that's available there for example an epidural, stitches or overnight postnatal support.  https://evidence.nihr.ac.uk/alert/birthplace-in-england-follow-up-analysis-reveals-some-variation-between-units-delivering-maternity-care/ https://www.rcm.org.uk/media/2353/freestanding-midwifery-units-busting-the-myths.pdf One of the biggest impacts that Lillia talks about was the effect of having a team of people caring for her who were there for her as an individual with respect and encouragement. There's a lot of evidence that having a midwife who knows you with you through your birth can keep you safer and improve your experience. If you have the option of a continuity of care midwifery team you may want to consider taking that option.  https://www.england.nhs.uk/blog/the-importance-of-continuity-of-carer-in-maternity-services/

In episode six of series three, we talk to Jordan about her experiences of pregnancy birth and beyond with her first baby. Jordan gave birth in the hospital having had her labour induced. She shares how she has managed her mental health during pregnancy and postnatally including receiving a diagnosis of OCD while in the care of the perinatal mental health team.  Please be aware this episode contains a discussion of a traumatic event during birth and difficult experiences with breastfeeding and postnatal mental health.   Topics covered in this episode include: uneventful pregnancy, pregnancy/birth/postnatal with existing bipolar diagnosis, induction of labour due to high blood pressure, problems with having epidural - change of anaesthetist, long pushing stage, ventouse assisted birth, episiotomy, haemorrhage, stitches in labour room, equipment failure, infection in labour - post birth antibiotics to prevent sepsis, formula feeding, staying with family for postnatal support, postnatal low mood and anxiety, perinatal mental health care, OCD diagnosis, Health Visitor Support.  If you would like to know more about the mental health team mentioned in this episode check out https://www.southernhealth.nhs.uk/our-services/a-z-list-of-services/perinatal-community-mental-health-service If you would like to know more about perinatal (the year around childbirth) OCD this is a useful resource https://maternalocd.org/ If you're wondering about assisted vaginal birth and would like some information on what happens and why it could be recommended you may want to start with the information from RCOG whose guidance your obstetrician (in the UK) will be following.  https://www.rcog.org.uk/for-the-public/browse-our-patient-information/assisted-vaginal-birth-ventouse-or-forceps/ If you have an assisted birth you will usually need stitches as episiotomy is almost always part of the procedure. There's some good information on caring for your perineum while it heals here https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/after-birth/recovering-perineal-tear

In episode five of the third series, we meet Shannon who tells the story of her second baby's birth. Shannon's first birth was traumatic and her second birth was very healing in many ways not least her experience of positive and respectful care.  Topics in this episode include: second pregnancy during first maternity leave, low weight for gestational age, faltering growth, previous negative birth experience - induction UTI, thrush, stomach bug in pregnancy, planning a homebirth - International Homebirth Day- research stats, birth plan - thinking through decisions - informed consent, slow manageable early labour over a couple of days, labour in water UFO positions, urge to push at 8cm, midwife offer to push cervix aside, worry of “bruised cervix”/pushing too early, fast labour - 4 hours, established labour to birth half hour pushing stage, partner support in the pool, feeling baby's head crowning, comparing experience of birthing in the pool to previous experience birthing after induced labour having had pethidine, effect of gas and air - choosing to stop to help with awareness for pushing, gas and air, asthma, breathing experiences, birthing placenta in the pool, golden hour on sofa, tea and biscuits etc, stitches on sofa, impact of respectful care, establishing breastfeeding, blocked ducts and mastitis, balancing the needs of an older child and a new baby.  If you're concerned about the possibility of an “early” pushing sensation you might find this research paper a helpful start to your reading. https://open.library.ubc.ca/media/stream/pdf/52966/1.0108912/3 There are also some ideas of things that may help with this in labour here https://www.spinningbabies.com/pregnancy-birth/labor/what-to-do-when/ For information about pregnancy and birth if you have asthma check out  https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/conditions/asthma/manage/pregnancy Wondering about tears and stitches etc you might find out bog is a helpful place to start https://www.informedpregnancybirthandbeyond.org/post/10-things-you-need-to-know-aboutyour-perineum-and-pelvic-floor Wondering about why you might think about using water for labour and birth find the facts here https://evidencebasedbirth.com/waterbirth/

In episode four of the third series, we're back with Katie who we met in episode two. This time we catch up on her pregnancy, birth and beyond with her second baby. Katie's second baby arrived relatively soon after her first and she chose to birth by cesarean section again. Katie shares the different challenges she had the second time around and how she was more prepared to meet them after her experiences with her eldest.  Topics covered include hyperemesis with a toddler, gestational diabetes, self-advocacy - making your own decisions, cesarean - the impact of insulin/low blood sugar when nil by mouth, antenatal expression of colostrum, postnatal recovery with a degenerative spine condition -slipped disk, breastfeeding challenges, post-weaning depression.  For information about and support with gestational diabetes check out https://www.gestationaldiabetes.co.uk/gestational-diabetes-diagnosis/ For information on expressing colostrum before your baby arrives https://abm.me.uk/breastfeeding-information/antenatal-expression-colostrum/ If you feel sad after weaning your baby, even if that sadness stays for a longer time you're not alone, it's okay to talk about it and need support feeling better. https://www.pinkymckay.com/weaning-blues-the-depression-nobody-talks-about/

In the third episode of series three, we meet Alice who, after the disappointment of being sent home on her first trip into the hospital during labour, had a fast birth in the birth pool of an alongside midwife led birth centre. Alice also talks about her struggles with establishing breastfeeding and the effects of feeding a baby with a tongue tie.  Topics covered in this podcast include: pregnancy after endometriosis, pregnancy after miscarriage, growth scans, induction for “big babies” discussion, stop and start early labour, reduced movements, induction pressure, cervical sweep, wave comb, birth ball, being told you're “not in established labour” and need to go home, oramorph, labour in the bath, using affirmations, knees in calves out, vaginal exams to access care, Gas and Air, birth pool, feeling shocked by fast birth, getting out of the water for third stage, Third degree tear 3b, stitches with spinal block, interrupted golden hour effects on breastfeeding initiation, struggles initiating breastfeeding, weight loss over 10% pumping and top ups, postnatal mental health challenges, impact of tongue tie release, benefit of in person antenatal classes for finding your perinatal community.  If you have endometriosis and are thinking about getting pregnant you can find support and information from Endometriosis UK https://www.endometriosis-uk.org/endometriosis-fertility-and-pregnancy If you're offered an induction of labour due to having a suspected “big baby” you may find this information useful. https://www.sarawickham.com/articles-2/induction-for-big-baby/ For a visual understanding of the knees in calves out position and why it might be helpful for the pushing stage of labour check this out. https://youtu.be/jS9v2zFZuQc?si=MeQ5eQkE51tI0YSm For more information about tears and repairs check out the information from RCOG https://www.rcog.org.uk/for-the-public/perineal-tears-and-episiotomies-in-childbirth/perineal-tears-during-childbirth/ If you missed out on an uninterrupted golden hour it might not be too late to get back skin-to-skin now. For more on why and how to do that check out our blog. https://www.informedpregnancybirthandbeyond.org/post/skin-to-skin-not-just-for-the-golden-hour For information about tongue tie and baby feeding check out https://www.laleche.org.uk/tongue-tie/

In the second episode of the third series of Our Birth Stories Podcast, we meet Katie and hear the story of her first pregnancy birth and beyond. Katie shares her experiences of pregnancy and being a new parent during the covid lockdown regulations. Katie chose to have a cesarean birth due to having a degenerative spine condition and had a positive experience of her birth. She also shares her difficult breastfeeding experiences and how she has come through that.  Topics covered include: pregnancy in covid lockdown, hyperemesis, pregnancy anxiety, gestational diabetes diagnosis, pregnancy with a degenerative spine condition, choosing cesarean due to risks of spinal damage while birthing, experience of cesarean birth, difficulty establishing breastfeeding, having a new baby in covid lockdown, managing wider family expectations and relationships.  If you think an elective cesarean might be the right choice for you for any reason you can read more about your rights and the available support on the Birthrights website. https://www.birthrights.org.uk/factsheets/right-to-a-c-section/ If you're planning to nurse your baby linking up with the available support services during pregnancy is a great way of supporting yourself to do that. Ask your midwife whether there is an infant feeding coordinator at your hospital and what support is available there so you know what or who to ask for if you face any challenges. Check out what local peer support groups are available from the BfN, LLL or ABM and find out who your nearest IBCLC is.  https://www.laleche.org.uk/find-lll-support-group/ https://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/drop-in-centres-map/ https://abm.me.uk/find-a-local-breastfeeding-support-group/ https://lcgb.org/find-an-ibclc/ If things haven't gone how you wanted them to with your feeding journey your feelings about that are valid and important. You might find it helpful to read Amy Brown's Why Breastfeeding Grief and Trauma Matter. https://professoramybrown.co.uk/books-%26-shop/ols/products/why-breastfeeding-grief-and-trauma-matter-signed-copy 

Welcome to the third series of Our Birth Stories Podcast we start off this series by meeting Hannah who tells us all about her third baby's pregnancy, birth and beyond. Hannah talks about the experience of pregnancy and birth during the constantly changing covid regulations. She describes the experience of birthing unassisted as having had a very positive impact on increasing her confidence in herself.  Topics covered in this episode include: Unexpected pregnancy, pregnancy in covid - effects of inequalities in health services, planning a home birth, walking in early labour - the difference between Braxton Hicks and labour contractions, using a hot water bottle during labour, remembering to pee during labour, labouring alone, vocalisation (mooing), counting breaths through contractions, baby arriving before midwives, older children at the birth, foetal ejection reflex, post-birth transfer to the hospital, medical management for birthing placenta, safe co-sleeping, the impact of positive birth experiences on your own life and self-confidence.  If you would like some of Hannah's confidence and wisdom why not check out her Instagram @thirty_percent_parent or @high.vibe.hypno If you're interested in the impact of inequalities on the health of black and brown pregnant and birthing people check out https://fivexmore.org/ Making noise is very helpful to many people as they labour and birth. The noises you make can even be a good indicator for experienced midwives as to how far into labour you are. There's more information here https://www.lamaze.org/Giving-Birth-with-Confidence/GBWC-Post/making-noise-in-labor-and-birth   Some more explanation of why labouring on your own can be a really great choice if you're feeling safe and relaxed. The hormones that run your labour are best produced when you feel least observed just like any other mammal.  https://sarahbuckley.com/pain-in-labour-your-hormones-are-your-helpers-2/ If you're wondering about your choices for birthing your placenta you might be interested to read the book Birthing Your Placenta by Dr Sara Wickham.

Apologies it's taken a while in the editing stages but our third series of lovely birth stories are on their way very soon.

Episode twelve of the second series of Our Birth Stories Podcast is our final episode of the series and we finish with Elizabeth's final birth story. This is an extra special birth story for our team as so many of us were there either in person or over text. Despite being Elizabeth's fourth birth this was also her longest labour and gave her many firsts including her first time actually using her birth pool in labour. Baby four was born at home during a party for his arrival. Elizabeth also talks about the challenges they had as baby four didn't put on weight as much or as fast as he ideally should have and Elizabeth had to fight to get him medical attention. Topics covered in this episode include pregnancy in challenging family times, the impact of family and community support, not telling anyone your due date, possible breech baby, consultant midwife support, longer labour than previous babies, family barbeque in the house, post-birth transfer for stitches, trauma-informed midwifery led hospital care, mental health specialist midwifery care postnatally, breastfeeding struggles, baby not gaining weight, fighting for medical attention for baby.  If you're wondering why you might not want to sell anyone your due date, aside from it's no one's business but yours, then you might be interested to read a little more about guestimated due dates. https://www.sarawickham.com/articles-2/fixed-point-due-dates-and-wider-windows/ Not all hospitals have consultant midwives but all should have some process for getting further support from a senior midwife if your birth plans are outside of the usual hospital policy advice. Ask your midwife to refer you to the appropriate person at your hospital or contact the head of midwifery there if you find your midwife is not helpful or the hospital website doesn't have that information like this one for a hospital near us. https://www.uhs.nhs.uk/departments/maternity-services/your-pregnancy/consultant-midwives If you're local to us in South East Hampshire and thinking about having a home birth and using a birth pool then you might want to consider borrowing our pool. https://www.informedpregnancybirthandbeyond.org/birthpool  

In episode eleven of the second series of Our Birth Stories podcast, we meet Ellie who shares the story of her first pregnancy, birth and postnatal experiences. Ellie had a fast birth after arriving at the hospital for the second time (after having been advised to go home the first time as she was considered not far enough along in labour.) Ellie also shares the ups and downs of learning to parent with your first baby including feeding and sleep challenges and how she is now feeling much more confident in herself as she heads into her second pregnancy.  Topics covered in this episode include rhesus negative mum and positive baby, low platelets in pregnancy, human rights in pregnancy and birth, decisions not permission, early labour “not in labour”, fast birth after arriving at the hospital for the second time, early postnatal experiences in the first covid lockdown, newborn jaundice, tongue tie division, postnatal depression, breastfeeding with large breasts -unique challenges, support over zoom compared to in person, normal infant sleep, second baby feeling more confident, birth reflections service/midwife. For information about low platelets in pregnancy, these are some good starting points for reading. https://www.midwifery.org.uk/articles/thrombocytopaenia-of-pregnancy-low-platelets/ https://yourhealth.leicestershospitals.nhs.uk/library/women-s-children-s/obstetrics/28-234-062018-low-platelets-in-pregnancy/file If you have larger breasts and are thinking about the possible challenges of feeding your baby this might be a good watch ⁠https://youtu.be/584nv1oNxvw⁠ If you have any concerns with feeding your baby please keep asking until you find someone who has the training level you need to get the information and support you need. The National Breastfeeding Helpline is open on 0300 100 0212 from 9.30am-9.30pm For information about tongue-tie and how it may impact your baby's feeding you may want to check out this organisation for those who are trained to treat tongue ties. https://www.tongue-tie.org.uk/tongue-tie-information/ Wouldn't it be great if we could say, yes here's a magic plan that will make your baby sleep all night every night and also not have any trouble feeding or putting on weight etc. Sadly no one has that but what we do have is the opportunity to share realistic expectations of how babies sleep that may allow you to know you're not doing anything wrong and give you the opportunity to put in place support options that will allow you to cope during the intense early weeks months and years while your baby needs comfort regardless of the time of day.  Here are some more of our thoughts on baby sleep https://www.informedpregnancybirthandbeyond.org/post/normal-newborn-sleep  This is a fantastic resource https://www.basisonline.org.uk/ If you like a book to read “Let's talk about your new family's sleep” by Lyndsey Hookway is a good one. You can also follow her social media https://www.instagram.com/lyndsey_hookway/ and if you're thinking you would like some extra support with sleep the people who have completed the course Lyndsey teaches “Holistic Sleep Coaching” will all be trained to support you in a family centred and evidence-based way. Many hospital trusts have birth reflections services, you may find your local one by doing an internet search on “birth reflections -name of the place you had your baby-” but in some places, you may need a referral from your midwife or to contact the maternity services for the up to date information.  Other perinatal professionals such as independent midwives, doulas and counsellors may also offer birth story listening services and be able to support you with requesting a copy of your notes for yourself and going through those with you as well as further support with healing from the effects of feeling sad or angry about what happened when you gave birth.

In episode ten of the second series of Our Birth Stories Podcast, we meet Megan and hear about the birth of her second baby in a birth pool in her home. Megan thought about the possibility of a free birth (without any medical attendance) during her pregnancy but kept an open mind and didn't make the decision until during labour when she felt safe and confident. She also talks about transferring to the hospital for stitches after the birth and about what helped her with planning for and experiencing a gentle and undisturbed postnatal recovery. Topics covered in this episode include pregnancy after a previous traumatic birth, doula support, low-lying placenta, pregnancy as a trained hypnobirthing teacher, baby in back-to-back position in late pregnancy, thinking about an unassisted birth, “nesting”, slow and gentle start to labour, keeping eating to keep up your energy, TENS machine, active labour, birth ball, birth pool, making the decision to free birth during labour, using a mirror to know what your body is doing and work with it, calling midwives after your baby is born, transfer to hospital for stitches, two weeks of quiet recovery with no visitors etc, having your mum come and stay to care for you postnatally, having a postnatal plan and expectations clearly communicated before baby arrives.  Megan is available as a hypnobirthing teacher again now so if you're looking for a course check out her website here. https://southseabirthing.wixsite.com/my-site-1  If a free birth is something that might be of interest to you this course may also be of interest. https://birth-joy.teachable.com/p/unassisted-birth-and-what-to-do-if-you-labour-rapidly-or-your-baby-arrives-suddenly If you would like to know more about what degrees of tear means and what to expect in terms of your care if you experience a perineal tear this is a good place to start reading. https://www.nhsinform.scot/ready-steady-baby/labour-and-birth/assisted-birth/perineal-tears-and-episiotomy There is also a blog post on our website all about your perineum. https://www.informedpregnancybirthandbeyond.org/post/10-things-you-need-to-know-aboutyour-perineum-and-pelvic-floor If you're thinking of making plans about your postnatal care and especially how to care for yourself while also caring for a new baby this blog post might be a good place to start. https://www.informedpregnancybirthandbeyond.org/post/normal-for-a-new-parent

In episode nine of the second series of Our Birth Stories Podcast we meet Emma who tells us all about her pregnancy and birth experiences with her first baby. Emma talks about how pregnancy after miscarriage was for her. We hear about her experiences with hyperemesis and with anxiety during pregnancy. Emma chose to have her labour induced and then to have a cesarean birth when she felt the time was right. She had a positive experience with a gentle family-centred cesarean birth. Emma also talks about her postnatal experiences and making the right choices for her and her baby. There are quite a few heavy topics in this episode including experience with intrusive thoughts and while they are sensitively covered please as always take care of yourself and make your listening choices carefully.  Topics covered in this episode include pregnancy after miscarriage,  hyperemesis, GP-medical misogyny, Pregnancy Sickness Support -volunteer peer support via Whatsapp, knowing where to find information, RCOG and NICE guidelines etc, consultant-led care, pregnancy with epilepsy, gestational diabetes, growth scans, making choices about early induction, managing anxiety in pregnancy and with birth choices, epilepsy and birth choices, induction of labour with folly catheter and breaking waters, cyst on cervix, internal heart rate monitor, failed epidural, gas and air, recited epidural, continuity of care midwife, choosing a cesarean birth during labour, anxiety-related intrusive thoughts during labour, gentle cesarean, single artery umbilical abnormality, post-birth haemorrhage, baby not latching on to breastfeed, exclusive pumping.  Resources for pregnancy after baby loss that Emma recommends. The book “Watering the flowers: A guide to find healing and hope after losing a baby”  by Bettina Rae, the book “Pregnancy After Loss” by Zoe Clarke Coats the podcast “Worst Girl Gang Ever” and the website and organisation  https://www.mariposatrust.org/ If you have had anxiety in the past then the year around the birth of a baby may be a time that you are vulnerable to that returning. It's also common for this time of life to be the first time you experience anxiety. There is some natural anxiety involved in the responsibility of bringing a new person into the world and being responsible for their well-being. But anxiety that makes you feel ill or that makes it difficult to manage your day-to-day life is something you can safely talk about and receive support and treatment to help you manage. Here's a good place to start your reading. https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/postnatal-depression-and-perinatal-mental-health/perinatal-anxiety/ For information on epilepsy and pregnancy this might be a good place to start reading. https://www.womenwithepilepsy.co.uk/pregnancy-toolkit/  If you're concerned about bleeding after your baby is born here are a couple of places you can read about the care you can expect to receive if that happens https://www.rcog.org.uk/for-the-public/browse-all-patient-information-leaflets/heavy-bleeding-after-birth-postpartum-haemorrhage-patient-information-leaflet/  ⁠https://www.bellybelly.com.au/birth/postpartum-haemorrhage/⁠ If you have a baby who can't latch on to feed the most important thing is to get good support as soon and as often as you can. Ask to speak to the infant feeding coordinator, go to your local breastfeeding support group, call one of the national breastfeeding helplines, consider seeing a lactation consultant. Always remember to consider all the important factors including what is the right choice for you and your mental health and to make your own decisions not the ones anyone else thinks you should make. If you decide exclusively pumping is the best choice for you this is a good place to start reading.  https://www.laleche.org.uk/exclusively-expressing-breastmilk-for-your-baby/

Episode eight of the second series of our birth stories podcast is another lovely double birth story episode. For the first birth story, we are back to hear the story of Elizabth's third pregnancy and birth. During this pregnancy, Elizabeth moved across the country and joined our team. She had another difficult pregnancy with hyperemesis but by this point was used to that and knew how to care for herself. This birth although not as quick as her second birth was quick, uneventful, and relaxed.  Topics covered in this birth story include tears and repairs, NICE guidelines on the assessment of scar repair, pregnancy with hyperemesis for the third time, planned home birth, labour at home midwives arriving at end of labour, instinctive birthing position, using heat for pain relief, warm compress on the perineum, physiological third stage, student midwife, tandem breastfeeding, afterpains, placenta consumption and postnatal emotional/mental health. For our second birth story, we meet Gemma who tells us about her second pregnancy and birth. This is another quick birth story, this time planned as a hospital birth but never making it out of the front door. Gemma shares how unexpected her home birth was but also how she and her birth team stayed relaxed and kept everything calm. Topics covered in this birth story include pelvic girdle pain, pregnancy and immune system, benefits of chiropractic care, planning a hospital birth, birth ball, tens machine, using noise in labour, birthing before leaving for the hospital, baby born en caul, caught by baby's father, physiological third stage, ambulance responders at the birth, stitches for second-degree tear at home by midwives, taking care of yourself during postnatal recovery, positive and healing birth experiences after previous traumatic experiences.  For information on support available following a serious perineal tear check out the MASIC Foundation website https://masic.org.uk  If you would like to know more about continuing to breast/chest feed your first baby while pregnant and alongside your new baby this is a good place to start reading https://www.laleche.org.uk/pregnant-and-breastfeeding/ an LLL group is a good place to meet other people who are making this choice.  ‘Afterpains' the cramping sensations that come (especially when feeding your baby) and go, during the first few days are a normal part of having a baby and you can take over the counter pain relief and use heat packs/hotwater bottle to help with them. But if you have constant pain or any concern over whether what you're feeling is normal please contact your midwife or hospital and get checked out to make sure you don't have any kind of infection.  https://www.kentandmedwaylms.nhs.uk/after-birth/recovering-birth/after-pains  If you have any pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy or you would just like to make sure your body is comfortable and balanced ready for birth you can find Philippa at https://www.alverstokechiropractic.com/ and https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/letstalkaboutpgp  If you're interested in the possible benefits of a TENS machine for labour this is a good place to start reading https://evidencebasedbirth.com/transcutaneous-electrical-nerve-stimulation-tens-for-pain-relief-during-labor/  Making noise during labour is often something that just happens naturally. It's not about screaming in pain it's just part of your whole body being involved in the hard work you're doing. It's important to remember that using your voice shouldn't prevent you from continuing to breathe deeply and get oxygen to your body and baby. This video explains it pretty well https://youtu.be/krurni3nm_Y

In episode seven of the second series of Our Birth Stories Podcast, we meet Hayley and hear about her experience of birthing as a surrogate. After having had positive experiences of birthing her own children including a home birth with her youngest child Hayley was happy to be able to be a surrogate for some friends of her sister. Her surrogate birth was an unplanned cesarean chosen during labour after concerns over the baby's heart rate. Hayley also talks briefly about her second surrogate pregnancy experiences with another set of parents. So far this has been a much more difficult journey as one pregnancy sadly ended at 20 weeks and another in an earlier miscarriage. Hayley talks about the emotions of giving the gift of parenthood in a situation where that also involves grief.  There have been some very challenging times but the overall message and feeling in this episode is one of hope and resilience.  Topics discussed in this episode Making the decision to become a surrogate, legalities of surrogacy arrangements, baby measuring big and navigating the offer of early induction, choosing induction at 42 weeks, full process of labour induction, concerns over baby's heart rate at 6cm dilated, baby not descending into pelvis, in labour cesarean birth, 5kg big baby, deflexed head position, surrogate birth and baby's parents and c-section who can be there when baby is born, postnatal experience as a surrogate, expressing milk for baby, baby loss at 20 weeks, surrogacy and baby loss, recurrent baby loss.  For more information about surrogacy in the UK check out https://surrogacyuk.org/ Information and support when you lose a baby are available from https://www.sands.org.uk/ And https://www.tommys.org/baby-loss-support  Want to hear more about induction of labour check out our team chat on the topic https://youtu.be/OXuZT-JWjiw Sometimes babies get themselves into positions that make it difficult or impossible for them to get through the space available to be born vaginally. Ultimately you can't guarantee this won't happen and it's one of the things you may want to talk about a plan B or C for when you're making your birth plan. There are things you can do to give yourself the best chances of avoiding this including seeing a chiropractor during pregnancy who will help you to have the most accommodating space for your baby to turn into the best position in and checking out https://www.spinningbabies.com for info on positions you can get yourself into to which may allow your baby to change their position. 

In episode six of series two of Our Birth Stories Podcast, we've got two lovely birth stories to share with you. There are some similar themes to these two birth stories and the most important one is their complete joy with the birthing experience. The other main similarity is both babies arrived at top speed before a midwife could get there.  Our first birth story is Joanne's birth story with her second baby. Joanne's second pregnancy was during the covid lockdown and her planned homebirth turned into a homebirth with just herself in her birth pool catching her own baby.  Topics covered in this birth story include pregnancy in lockdown, declining growth scans, planning a homebirth, making a cake in labour, reading books to inform yourself, using relaxation and visualisation, active labour, waterbirth, no pushing, baby arrives before midwives, physiological third stage, enjoying labour.  For our second birth story, we're back with Elizabeth whose first birth story you heard in the last episode. Elizabeth's second birth was as enjoyable for her as Joanne's second birth. Elizabeth also planned a home birth and ended up catching (or not) her own baby by herself in her bathroom.  Topics covered in this birth story include hyperemesis and self-care, birth trauma, PTSD, preparing for birth after trauma, doula/birth group support, home birth, birth before the midwife arrives, birth en caul, transfer after birth for stitches, the impact of good midwifery care, trauma-informed care, self-discharge from the hospital, a breastfeeding support group with La Leche League, feeling empowered by a positive birth experience, pain-free labour and birth. If you have any reason to expect (maybe you know you labour fast or there might be a shortage of staff in your area or you just like the idea) that you might be in the situation of birthing on your own, you might want to check out this course that will help you feel prepared.  https://birth-joy.teachable.com/p/unassisted-birth-and-what-to-do-if-you-labour-rapidly-or-your-baby-arrives-suddenly If you like the idea of a homebirth whether or not you expect to labour fast there's loads of information here http://www.homebirth.org.uk/ 'etrjzeeb'

In episode five of the second series of Our Birth Stories Podcast, we talk to Elizabeth from the IPBB committee about her first pregnancy, birth and postnatal experiences. This is the first episode we haven't just fully shared as it happened. It is a story that includes some very traumatic experiences. Please be extra careful to only listen if you're not currently pregnant and if you have no chance of finding that hearing about traumatic experiences will re-trigger your own traumatic feelings.  Topics covered in this episode include Hyperemesis, Premature Labour, Episiotomy, Perineal Tearing, Medical assault, Baby in Special Care, Breastfeeding Struggles, Postnatal Depression, and lichen sclerosus an autoimmune condition that affects the vulva.  If you have had any experiences during pregnancy, birth or beyond that have left you feeling sad or anxious or just not really yourself please contact one of the many people who can help you to work through that and allow yourself to heal. makebirthbetter.org traumaticbirthrecovery.com birthtraumaassociation.org.uk birthtraumahampshire.co.uk If someone did something they should not have done during your birth and you want to make a complaint these people may be able to help you with that. birthrights.org.uk/factsheets/making-a-complaint/  aims.org.uk/information/item/obstetric-violence If you experience feeling or being sick constantly during pregnancy Pregnancy Sickness Support have some excellent support options. pregnancysicknesssupport.org.uk For parents of babies born prematurely, Bliss offers lots of support bliss.org.uk For information about breastfeeding when you have a premature baby this is a good start to your reading laleche.org.uk/successfully-breastfeeding-premature-baby/  Breastfeeding support is available from several charities including the LLL laleche.org.uk and the BfN breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk If you're wondering what lichen sclerosus is this is a good place to start reading nhs.uk/conditions/lichen-sclerosus/ LS is a rare condition but it's not the only potential issue with your postnatal perineum. It's always a good idea to know what your vulva normally looks like and to be aware of when and how to ask for support when things are not right. Check out our blog post for some more information informedpregnancybirthandbeyond.org/post/10-things-you-need-to-know-aboutyour-perineum-and-pelvic-floor  If you're feeling very down, anxious, or not yourself in any way please always feel you can talk about it. There are people who will understand and who can help you. Don't be stopped from seeking help by outdated ideas that “people like us” don't get depressed or don't need medication. Medication is very often life-saving and taking it doesn't make you any kind of person except the kind having appropriate medical care.  We have great perinatal mental health services in Hampshire check out what's available here southernhealth.nhs.uk/our-services/a-z-list-of-services/mother-and-baby-unit southernhealth.nhs.uk/our-services/a-z-list-of-services/mother-and-baby-unit  Know you can always talk to your GP, health visitor or midwife and they can signpost you for further support if you need it. If you're breast/chestfeeding your baby you can take medication and continue to do so check out the BfN info sheets for more information. breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/antidepressants/  Good sources of social and peer support on top of the support of your friends and family include pandasfoundation.org.uk/how-we-can-support-you/ Homestart home-start.org.uk  You can also self-refer for counselling for example in Portsmouth via talkingchange.nhs.uk or find your local service with an internet search for self-referral mental health support in -name of place you live-

In episode four of the second series of our birth stories podcast in celebration of world doula week your podcast host shares the story of her third baby's birth at home in a birth pool with the support of a doula. Topics covered in this episode include miscarriage, becoming a doula, home birth, waterbirth and some of the benefits of doula support. For more information and support with miscarriage check out the Miscarriage Association website https://www.miscarriageassociation.org.uk/ For more information on when your waters break before your contractions start check out https://evidencebasedbirth.com/evidence-inducing-labor-water-breaks-term/  For information about Doulas https://doula.org.uk/what-doulas-do/ is a good place to start reading. Did you know our committee co-chairs are both doulas?  https://sally.solentparenting.co.uk/ https://www.doulasophy.co.uk/

In Episode Three of the second series of Our Birth Stories Podcast, we talk to Kate who had her first baby in a midwife-led alongside (in the same building as the obstetric labour ward) birth centre. Topics covered in this episode include a positive pregnancy test on day one of the first covid lockdown, pelvic girdle pain -chiropractic care, continuity of midwifery care, changing maternity services for more suitable care, planning to birth in a midwife-led birth centre, slow start to labour, alongside midwife unit birth, waterbirth, student midwife support, second-degree tear stitched by a midwife in the birth room with local anaesthetic and gas and air, positive and easy start to breastfeeding. If you're experiencing pain in your pelvic joints during or after pregnancy the Pelvic Partnership is a brilliant source of support and information. https://pelvicpartnership.org.uk/ As is the Let's Talk about Pelvic Girdle Pain Podcast. https://anchor.fm/letstalkaboutpgp If you also experienced pregnancy, birth and being a new parent during the covid lockdown time you're especially welcome to join us at our next online meet-up where we're going to be talking about how that was for us and how we're all doing now. Reserve your space here https://www.eventbrite.com/e/march-online-meet-up-tickets-567944496277 If you would like more information to help you decide on where to give birth or if you're not feeling happy with the maternity services you're registered with and are thinking about changing you might find this page a helpful starting point https://www.birthrights.org.uk/factsheets/choice-of-place-of-birth/ If you're wondering about the possibility of your perineum tearing while giving birth you might like to read our blog post all about your pelvic floor and perineum https://www.informedpregnancybirthandbeyond.org/post/10-things-you-need-to-know-aboutyour-perineum-and-pelvic-floor Waterbirth is a popular choice but it's not for everyone. If it's a mystery to you why anyone would consider that you might like to read this https://www.maternityandmidwifery.co.uk/why-waterbirth/ Remember if you try out a birth pool and don't like it you can always get out but if you think you might like it you've nothing to lose by giving it a go.

In Episode Two of the second series of Our Birth Stories Podcast, we talk to Jade who had her first baby by unplanned cesarean birth after a back-to-back labour with a baby who had his head wedged at an angle that made being born difficult. Topics covered in this episode include struggling to get pregnant, infertility community on Instagram, surprise pregnancy just before starting IVF, pelvic girdle pain, vaginal bleeding in third trimester, accessing maternity care when away from home, gbs testing, attending maternity day assessment for reduced movement, growth scan, recommended induction due to ‘big baby', declining induction, sweeps from 38 weeks, labour starting after a sweep at 39+ weeks, planned homebirth no midwives available, baby in back to back position, back pain in labour, labour stopping at 4cm, augmentation of labour, making decisions on the day that were not the one's you thought you would ever make, making a plan A, B and C when birth planning, non-emergency “emergency” cesarean birth, difference between epidural and spinal block, complications of epidural relating to piercing the dural membrane, post epidural severe postural headache, contrast ct scan and breastfeeding, BfN drugs in breastmilk leaflets and helpline, passing on feedback can change policy and procedure. If you're experiencing pain in your pelvic joints during or after pregnancy the Pelvic Partnership is a brilliant source of support and information. https://pelvicpartnership.org.uk/ As is the Let's Talk about Pelvic Girdle Pain Podcast. https://anchor.fm/letstalkaboutpgp If you've not heard about GBS which Jade mentions being tested for when admitted to hospital after a suspected late pregnancy bleed. The reason it is not routinely tested for is that a lot of people carry this and the risk of babies having negative effects/becoming infected is very low. You can find out about it here: nhs.uk/common-health-questions/pregnancy/what-are-the-risks-of-group-b-streptococcus-infection-during-pregnancy If you're concerned about your baby's movements for any reason, if they don't seem normal. It's always a good idea to get checked out, the maternity day assessment unit is there for this reason and open 24 hours a day 7 days a week. For more information about being aware of your baby's movements check out kickscount.org.uk/your-babys-movements Jade experienced a really strong pain in her back during labour that was present between contractions. This really strong back pain seems to be something some people with a baby who is in what's called a posterior position experience. Although some babies in the posterior position don't cause any more than the usual discomfort of contractions and other people will experience back labour when their baby is in the optimal anterior position. It's always important to remember everyone experiences labour differently and your journey is unique and your choices are right for you on the day even if they feel very difficult to make as Jade's did. You can read more here https://www.bellybelly.com.au/birth/back-labour-what-is-it-and-how-to-manage-it You may also want to check out Spinning Babies while you're planning your birth so you can be prepared with some things that may possibly help when you're in labour.

In Episode One of the second series of Our Birth Stories Podcast, we talk to Mandie who had her first baby in a midwife-led birth centre. We're extra happy to be sharing Mandie's birth story as she was a series one podcast listener so it was very special to welcome her as a guest for series two. Topics covered in this Episode include thoughts and feelings around surprise pregnancy, pregnancy sickness, pelvic girdle pain & women's health physio, podcast listener, NCT and social support network, on and off early labour, active labour positions, birth ball, essential oils, acupressure comb, declining continuous monitoring during labour, using gas and air, birth pool in labour, birth on land, alongside midwife unit/birth centre. If you're wondering what a midwife-led birth centre is and why you might want to consider that as a choice for your place of birth, this might be a good place to start reading. https://www.rcm.org.uk/media/2353/freestanding-midwifery-units-busting-the-myths.pdf NCT is one of the antenatal course options available more information can be found on their website https://www.nct.org.uk/ For more information on stop and start early labour this article might be a good start https://emilylandrydoula.com/blog/2015/10/20/prodromal-labor-a-survival-guide If you would like to know more about any of the self-help methods mentioned here and more check out our blog on helping yourself https://www.informedpregnancybirthandbeyond.org/post/help-your-body-birth Continuous monitoring during labour is offered for many reasons. This is one of the times you might want to use your BRAIN tool (Benefits, Risks, Alternatives, Instincts, Nothing) to ask questions and make decisions on if it's the right choice for you. Always remember any intervention, regardless of how routine, is an offer that you have every right to ask questions about and decide to decline if it doesn't feel right for you.

Series Two of Our Birth Stories is due any day now. Make sure you've clicked the link to follow the podcast so you don't miss the first episode all about a first baby born in a midwife-led birth centre.

In Episode Ten of Our Birth Stories Podcast, we talk to Sarah about the home water birth of her second baby. Topics covered in this episode include emotions around going from one child to two, going into labour gradually, having an older child around during labour, oxytocin, hypnobirthing, partner-supported grounding techniques, waterbirth, pelvic floor and tearing, having stitches at home, positive sibling introductions. If you would like to know more about what Sarah mentions about raising oxytocin levels check out our blog post - https://www.informedpregnancybirthandbeyond.org/post/help-your-body-birth Wondering about tearing and stitches and your pelvic floor this might be a helpful place to start reading https://thepogp.co.uk/patient_information/pregnancy_and_early_postnatal/perineal_healing_.aspx If you thought Sarah sounded lovely and would like to check out the support she might be able to offer you through your pregnancy birth or postnatal experiences you can connect with her here https://sarahlewis.uk/

In Episode Nine of Our Birth Stories Podcast, we catch up with Sally who we met in Episodes Two and Six and hear the story of her third and final pregnancy and birth. Sally's third baby was born in hospital after a very fast labour following the first step of the induction of labour process. Topics discussed in this episode include: Falling pregnant without assistance after previously needing fertility treatment, testing negative for gestational diabetes after having tested positive in a previous pregnancy, pregnancy-related thrombocytopenia (deficiency of platelets in the blood) risk with possible PPH, dealing with a shroud waving obstetrician, planning for a homebirth, choosing induction of labour for being past the usual pregnancy length, very rapid labour on induction ward, fast birth, baby needing oxygen and help to get breathing, reflections on the effects of stress on going into labour. If you find yourself in a meeting with a doctor or any other professional who threatens death to you or your baby to try and coerce you into making the decision they are recommending you might find some of these phrases could come in handy https://birthjoy.co.uk/2013/02/mary-cronks-assertiveness-phrases/ If you would like to read some information about thrombocytopenia one place to start is here https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1365-2141.2012.09135.x

In episode eight of Our Birth Stories Podcast, we talk to Carolina who had an assisted birth with her first baby. Topics covered in this episode include birth doula support, change of perspective in pregnancy, previous stroke, medication, waters breaking pre-labour, making decisions about augmentation/induction of labour, active labour including walking and squatting, TENS machine, in and out catheter, positive affirmations, ventouse assisted birth due to concerns about baby's heart rate, positive birth experience for supportive new dad, previous positive test for group B strep, staying in hospital for prophylactic antibiotics following birth, birth and a hospital stay during covid -visiting restrictions, the impact of respectful care when things don't go according to birth plan A, episiotomy and stitches. There is also a short discussion at the end with Carolina's doula Sophy also about respectful care in the situation where new decisions are needed during the course of labour and birth. If you are wondering why it was a concern that Carolina had a previous positive test for group B strep you might want to read about that here https://www.sarawickham.com/topic-resources/group-b-strep-resources/ If you would like to know more about labour and birth when your waters go before your contractions start one option is to listen to this episode of the evidence-based birth podcast https://evidencebasedbirth.com/induction-when-your-water-breaks-at-term/ The app Carolina mentions using to time her contractions is https://thepositivebirthcompany.co.uk/freya-hypnobirthing-app other similar apps are also available and always remember you don't need to time your contractions at all if you don't want to. A good place to start reading about assisted birth is on the NHS website https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/labour-and-birth/what-happens/forceps-or-vacuum-delivery/

In Episode Seven of Our Birth Stories Podcast, we talk to Robyn about her experiences of pregnancy, birth and beyond. In this episode, we chat about being an older mother, fertility issues, hyperemesis, gestational diabetes testing, finding support and information for making individual decisions, pregnancy during covid lockdowns, breech baby at over 30 weeks pregnant, spinning babies, Chiropractic Care, doula support - including support for your partner, active labour, supportive partner, water birth, home comforts, struggles with bonding with baby, breastfeeding support, tongue tie, postnatal anxiety and intrusive thoughts, postnatal depression and medication while breastfeeding. If you're struggling with getting pregnant you might want to check out this podcast Robin mentioned https://www.bigfatnegative.com/ If you're pregnant and feeling or being sick all day and wondering if how sick you are is normal or if there's better support than being told to eat ginger you might want to check out https://www.pregnancysicknesssupport.org.uk/ and https://thesickfilm.co.uk/ If your baby is breech (or back to back) and you're wondering what Spinning Babies that Robyn mentioned is all about check out thier website https://www.spinningbabies.com/ One option for good breastfeeding support in the UK which was mentioned in this episode is the Breastfeeding Network. Find them here https://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/ For information on medication and lactation check out https://breastfeeding-and-medication.co.uk/ The doulas who feature in this episode are Sally https://sally.solentparenting.co.uk/ and Sophy https://www.doulasophy.co.uk/ and the Chiropractor is Philippa https://www.alverstokechiropractic.com/

In episode six of our birth stories podcast, we're back with Sally from Episode Two. At the end of episode two, we left Sally at the point of coming off of antidepressant medication after coming through depression during pregnancy and postnatally. We pick up the story with something else that happened at the camp where Sally stopped taking her medication. This story of Sally's second pregnancy and birth contains chat about: Falling pregnant while breastfeeding and not having periods, health care discrimination due to bmi and weight, glucose tolerance testing, gestational diabetes, pelvic girdle pain, induction of labour, fast labour on labour ward, managed third stage, baby kept for 24 hours observation due to gestational diabetes, hand expressing colostrum, being able to look back and feel proud of your achievements even when you did not enjoy a labour experience. This was a challenging pregnancy and birth experience but the positive is the support and information Sally is now able to offer to anyone in a similar situation. This is one of the reasons we're sharing all different types of birth experiences so we can share how difficult things can be different if you have more information and support. The other reason is that we love to celebrate people who have birthed in hard circumstances and to make very clear there's no pass or fail when it comes to birth even if that is often implied in the language used in the healthcare system. If you're facing the same challenges as Sally finding good support from other people who are going or have been through the same things could be a lifeline. Please come and join our groups or find groups local to you where you can talk to other people who are pregnant and share the feelings you're having and reach out for support. If you have very negative experiences with healthcare professionals and want to pass on feedback you can find support for that via AIMS https://www.aims.org.uk/contact#post-heading-3 For positive information and support about being plus size and pregnant check out @fat.and.pregnant on Instagram or read the book Fat Birth: Confident, Strong and Empowered Pregnancy At Any Size. Another recommended resource is https://plusmommy.com/ For information about gestational diabetes check out https://www.gestationaldiabetes.co.uk/ For information and support about pelvic girdle pain in pregnancy check out https://pelvicpartnership.org.uk/ If you're making decisions about induction of labour you might want to start with our blog and video on the topic https://www.informedpregnancybirthandbeyond.org/post/induction-of-labour

Episode Five of Our Birth Stories Podcast was recorded at an online meet-up of our support group. The topic of the meet-up was homebirth and these three birth stories have a lot in common. As well as being home birth stories they were all quite quick births and in two of them, the babies arrived before the midwives. Lucy shares the story of her second baby's birth topics discussed include choosing homebirth after transferring from homebirth due to high blood pressure in a previous labour , doula support and refusing vaginal exams during labour. Claire shares the birth of her third baby (which was her fourth birth as her third birth was as a surrogate) topics covered include choosing homebirth after a previous postpartum haemorrhage, meconium in the waters, using the Aims website while in labour, monitoring in hospital during labour but returning home for the birth, supportive partner, baby being born before the midwives arrived. Philippa shares the homebirth of her third baby topics covered include choosing homebirth after previous c-section birth for breech and a hospital vbac, choosing to birth at home at what was considered a high maternal age, having a friend support you, supportive partner, baby being born before midwives arrive. AIMS- the Association for Improvements in Maternity Services is an organisation that supports families when they come up against unsupportive or unhelpful policies and practices in their maternity care and campaigns for improvements in how maternity services are run. You can find resources and a helpline via their website. https://www.aims.org.uk/information/page/1 If you have any reason to be concerned that your labour may be very quick and you may birth before either the midwife arrives with you or you arrive at the hospital you may find this course really helpful https://birth-joy.teachable.com/p/unassisted-birth-and-what-to-do-if-you-labour-rapidly-or-your-baby-arrives-suddenly

In episode 4B of our birth stories podcast, we pick up where episode 4A finished, at the end of Melissa's pregnancy waiting for her contractions to start. This episode includes chat about contractions being strong and frequent at home and then easing off during the journey to hospital, accepting induction/augmentation of labour due to concerns about baby's heart rate, covid testing in hospital, staying calm through concerns with baby's heart rate after having prostin gel, continuous monitoring, labour in the induction ward, positive midwife support on labour ward, making the birth room work for you, active labour, use of TENS machine, use of cordless telemetry/monitoring, breathing through contraction, ring of fire, use of warm compress on perineum, feelings about meeting your baby for the first time, physiological third stage moving on to managed third stage, struggles with establishing breastfeeding, breastfeeding support on the postnatal ward. If you're wondering what choices you would make about whether to have your labour induced or what it might be like if you do choose that option you might want to check out or blog post and videos of our team chatting about the topic. https://www.informedpregnancybirthandbeyond.org/post/induction-of-labour

Episode four of Our Birth Stories Podcast is split into two parts in this first half of the podcast we will be talking to Melissa about her pregnancy with her first baby. Topics covered include pregnancy during covid lockdown, lifelong interest in pregnancy and birth, the effects of your own mother's experiences with and attitudes to pregnancy and birth, researching options and planning for birth in a stand-alone midwife unit, late pregnancy midwife concerns over possible slowing of baby's growth, late pregnancy growth scans, challenging conversations with health professionals, gathering information and making decisions that feel right as an individual, pregnancy past 41 weeks, resisting pressure to choose induction of labour, standing up for yourself during unpleasant interactions with health professionals, choosing to continue pregnancy past 42 weeks, choosing monitoring rather than induction of labour, support from a consultant midwife and finally the gentle beginnings blurring the end of pregnancy into the start of labour. Wondering what you will do if your labour doesn't start before 41 weeks of pregnancy? Once information source you might find useful to start reading is the AIMS website https://www.aims.org.uk/information/item/due-date if you want to read into the topic more in-depth you might find this book interesting https://www.sarawickham.com/iol/

In this episode, Shelly talks about her pregnancy and birth with her second baby. Shelly birthed her second baby at home in water with the support of her partner, her doula, her mum, her first baby and her continuity of care midwifery team. Topics covered in this episode include pregnancy in lockdown, pregnancy after postnatal depression, hyperemesis, doula support, mental health in pregnancy, continuity of care/caseload midwifery, possible big baby, waterbirth, position change to resolve shoulder dystocia, homebirth after previous postpartum haemorrhage/transfusion, physiological third stage. If you find yourself expecting a baby who may be considered a 'big baby' and want to know more about what Shelly refers to as the Gaskin manoeuver for preventing/treating shoulder dystocia (note this is now usually referred to simply as changes of position or sometimes the FLipFLOP technique due to the cultural appropriation issue with a technique learned from Central American midwives being credited to a midwife from the USA) you can find out more in this article https://www.midwiferytoday.com/mt-articles/flipflop-four-steps-remember/ please remember this article is written for midwives and what Shelly is talking about are the first two simple steps which were under her control. These were choosing an all-fours position and then moving one foot forward into a position that looks a bit like a runner starting a race. You may also want to read about the evidence about "possibly" big babies here https://evidencebasedbirth.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Big-Babies-Handout.pdf

Sally talks about the journey to conceiving her first baby, her pregnancy including dealing with medication for depression and the birth of her baby in a hospital labour ward with the support of her husband. This episode includes chat about infertility, pcos, bmi and weight, the medication metformin, depression, antidepressants in pregnancy, hospital birth, TENS machine, continuous monitoring in labour including use of a fetal scalp electrode, discussion of episiotomy, perineal stitches, continuing antidepressants while breastfeeding. During the episode, Sally reflects that she might make different decisions about how she and her baby were monitored had she had different information. If this makes you wonder about what your choices would be when planning for your birth you might want to check out this article https://www.aims.org.uk/information/item/monitoring-your-babys-heartbeat-in-labour and specific information on the scalp monitor here https://www.verywellfamily.com/what-is-internal-fetal-monitoring-2758716

Hopefully, this first podcast episode will help you get to know Sarah who you will hear interviewing people about their birth stories throughout the podcast series. Sarah tells the story of her second pregnancy and birth. The episode covers previous traumatic birth experiences, continuity of care midwifery, birth with a toddler around, waterbirth, baby needing a small amount of support to start crying and postnatal anxiety.

Sarah explains who IPBB are, what we do and why we've added a podcast to our peer support and information-sharing activities. For more information on our support groups check out our website. And for the blog that's mentioned in the podcast click here.