Born on The Rock: Gibraltar Birth Stories

Gibraltar Broadcasting Corporation
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to Born on the Rock: Gibraltar Birth Stories podcast, with host and producer Lucinda Snape. This weekly podcast is a collection of fascinating stories about what it's like to have a baby in Gibraltar - a small British Overseas Territory, with an average of one birth per day. These are ordinary women telling extraordinary events in their own words, capturing the emotional highs and lows involved in starting a family. There's a huge range of topics covered including stories of twins, triplets, fast arrivals, and premature babies requiring care from outside Gibraltar... plus powerful taboos discussed, like postnatal depression, infertility and loss. Even 'textbook' experiences make for a fascinating listen, because becoming a mother is life-changing. We believe there's no such thing as a boring birth story! Stories are welcomed from across all decades, allowing GBC as the National Broadcaster to present a rich social and cultural resource for our community. The podcast is unique to Gibraltar, but relatable to anyone with an interest in parenting. If you've had a baby on the Rock, we want to hear from you! To share your story or find out more, email: bornontherock@gbc.gi Find 'Born on the Rock: Gibraltar Birth Stories' on Facebook and Instagram for more. Disclaimer: Views expressed in episodes are those of guests and do not reflect the views of GBC. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 4d ago

    Episode 59: Restricted Growth in Pregnancy, with Stephanie Piri

    KEY TOPICS: 2 births, induction, fast delivery, ventricular septal defect (VSD), intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), jaundice, postpartum depression (PPD), pandemic It’s a story that grows in drama this week with Stephanie Piri, her husband and two pandemic pregnancies. Stephanie describes how her body let her know she was expecting, days before tests confirmed it! Despite social distancing, she had pregnancy company with her sister giving birth in the same week. Stephanie describes going past her due date and being induced, before the fast arrival of her little girl. There’s a lovely story about discovering their second pregnancy after the couple conceived quickly. Everything changed at the 20-week scan however, with the a heart issue identified. The rest of the pregnancy became a blur of appointments, trips to Spain and multiple scans. Worryingly, a second condition was identified: Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR). Their son measured small… and then stopped growing. Stephanie was induced at 37 weeks and believes this saved his life. She had a choice on delivery preference and experienced another fast birth, with a very small placenta. Her son arrived just before Christmas 2022 and recovered well from jaundice. There was positive news about his heart issue too. Stephanie speaks honestly about the impact of the pregnancy stress on her mental health. She sought postpartum counselling support, with encouragement that it’s OK to ask for help. Stephanie highlights the importance of measuring placenta during scans, speaking up in appointments and practising self-care… plus how her family took surprise positive inspiration from a children’s TV show! I’m so grateful to Stephanie for sharing her two Gibraltar Birth Stories (Recorded May 2026). Find 'Born on the Rock: Gibraltar Birth Stories' on Facebook and Instagram for more Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    2h 1m

  2. Jun 4

    Episode 58: Born & Bread, with Jessica Montado

    KEY TOPICS: 2 births, retroverted uterus, caesarean, miscarriages, premature, grandmother Local cooking enthusiast and author Jessica Montado serves up a flavour of what motherhood was like in the 1980’s and 1990’s this week – and what it’s like to be a grandparent now. In fact, there are touching references to her own mother and grandmother’s influences throughout our chat. Jessica married in 1987 and was pregnant with her first son at the age of 24 the following year. There was an unusual twist to her pregnancy tests, and a ‘near miss’ situation in the first trimester, before an induced labour and caesarean due to her tilted uterus. We discuss the concept of not feeling fully ‘ready,’ for motherhood, plus differences in maternity care and the short period of leave that was usual in those days. Jessica also highlights the challenges of accessing support and information – relying on advice from other women in the community, as opposed to the internet now. She references two miscarriages before becoming pregnant with her next son - another 'bun in the oven' - in 1994. Jessica’s second birth was a harder experience as her son arrived eight weeks prematurely. He remained in Gibraltar and although both mother and baby recovered well after the C-section, she describes the lasting impact of that emotional time. We discuss adapting to life as a family of four, navigating the teenage years and what it’s like to become a grandmother – “the best thing that ever happened to me.” Jessica’s own grandmother was a big influence in her life, as captured in her recipe book full of home-cooked family meals and memories that she herself passes down now to her children and grandchildren. She reflects on great positive advice she would give to her younger self too. Thank you so much Jessica, for ‘serving up’ this great episode! (Recorded May 2026). Jessica’s book is out now: “CosyKitchenCorner: A Legacy of Recipes from Lely's Kitchen.” https://www.facebook.com/Cosykitchencorner Find 'Born on the Rock: Gibraltar Birth Stories' on Facebook and Instagram for more Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    42 min

  3. May 28

    Episode 57: A Triploidy Pregnancy, with Aidele Casciaro-Beazley

    KEY TOPICS: 1 pregnancy, triploidy syndrome, partial molar pregnancy, termination for medical reasons (TFMR) ⚠️Trigger warning: please note this episode involves emotional discussion of baby loss In this powerful episode, local teacher Aidele Casciaro-Beazley bravely describes a whirlwind journey with her husband… from the high of discovering pregnancy on honeymoon, to the low of a loss by the second trimester, due to a rare chromosomal condition. Aidele had a good start to pregnancy, though everything changed at her 12 week scan. Nuchal scan measurements indicated anomalies, requiring further investigations in Spain. Devastatingly, findings confirmed that their baby had Triploidy syndrome: a chromosomal anomaly that is incompatible with life. Aidele explains the details of the fatal diagnosis, and the small comfort in discovering their baby’s gender. The newlyweds were given bleak options that no parent should have to face - including termination for medical reasons. She reflects that their much-wanted baby Aliza Natalie was simply ‘not meant to be here,’ and their heart-breaking choice was made purely through love 💜 It’s an incredible difficult listen as Aidele outlines the procedure that followed, risks to her own health, and reflects on key issues in this situation. She's grateful for the compassion shown by medical staff during her surgery and recovery, as well as huge family support. Aidele speaks very eloquently about this emotive, taboo topic – and so soon, too: with bittersweet irony this episode was recorded on Triploidy Awareness Day, and just one day after Aidele’s due date. It’s her wish that Aliza’s legacy may help others in a similar impossible situation – and it’s my wish that we can invite her back in future with a happier story, as the condition is not genetic. Thank you so much for bravely sharing your story, Aidele (Recorded April 2026). If you've been affected by issues in this episode, please find support at: Sands https://www.sands.org.uk BabySTEPPS (Gibraltar) https://www.facebook.com/BABYSTEPPSGIB Gibsams: https://gibsams.gi Disclaimer: views expressed in podcast episodes are those of guests, and do not reflect the views of GBC. Find 'Born on the Rock: Gibraltar Birth Stories' on Facebook and Instagram for more Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 9m

  4. May 21

    Episode 56: A Mother’s Heart, with Colette Stewart

    KEY TOPICS: 1 birth, aortic valve displacement/replacement, blood clot, advanced maternal age, premature, caesarean, hip dysplasia Meet poker manager Colette Stewart, who had a high-stakes journey to motherhood! It’s an extraordinary listen as Colette describes a complication with her artificial heart valve, that led to her daughter’s emergency caesarean… alongside her own heart surgery in the same procedure. Colette moved to the Rock in 2000 with a managed heart condition. There were known risks to becoming pregnant, but her medication was adjusted and she conceived with her then-partner. She had a good textbook pregnancy with a due date the end of January 2013, however as she entered her third trimester, Colette felt crushing fatigue. An emergency check-up confirmed the frightening presence of a heart complication. What followed was a dramatic race to Cadiz for emergency care, as a team of specialists urgently consulted: how to save both mother and baby? With huge risks, uncertainty and a language barrier, Colette faced the real possibility that she might not survive to meet her baby. It’s an emotional listen as she describes undergoing a caesarean AND a heart valve replacement… within the same hour. More surgery followed to fit a pacemaker, and five days passed before Colette could meet her premature little girl. Thankfully both recovered well and returned home for Christmas. We discuss how Colette’s daughter was treated for hip dysplasia, but has since been in excellent health with no inherited heart issues... and is now actually taller than Colette! It’s heart-warming to hear about the invaluable support she had from friends and family, as Colette beat the odds to become a mother. She tells this incredible journey in such a down-to-earth way! Thank you Colette, for sharing your birth story (Recorded March 2026).   Find 'Born on the Rock: Gibraltar Birth Stories' on Facebook and Instagram for more Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 17m

  5. May 14

    Episode 55: Missed Miscarriages & a Rainbow Baby, with Angelique Cavilla

    KEY TOPICS: 5 pregnancies, missed miscarriages, second trimester loss, birth trauma, retained placenta, D&C, cervical lip, assisted delivery, autism, thyroiditis, pandemic Angelique Cavilla describes her parenting journey involving five pregnancies and her three sons… so please note this episode contains discussion of loss, including the second trimester. Angelique and her husband were expecting their first baby in 2013. It was a good pregnancy, although the induced delivery of their little boy was tricky with Angelique’s cervical lip. Over time, she noticed her son’s development differed from other babies, and he received a diagnosis of autism as a toddler. Angelique’s second pregnancy in 2016 went well, with a delivery similar to her first although more intense. Their second son was born quickly and Angelique recovered well. Despite nights of poor sleep and communication issues with her eldest, she expressed the feeling: “I’m not done yet.” However the journey to reach their third child saw two devastating losses – in the pandemic year of 2020. At almost 16 weeks the couple’s world fell apart at a gender scan, when instead, they discovered no heartbeat. It’s a harrowing description of traumatic delivery… while background TV’s announced lockdown. Angeliques explains the cruelty of a ‘missed miscarriage,’ – when the body gives no sign that a pregnancy has ended weeks before – and the hardest part: explaining to her young sons. Social distancing meant Angelique’s recovery was lonely, while working and home-schooling. It was a bleak time, made harder by the discovery of another missed miscarriage at 8 weeks. A rollercoaster of emotions followed – and another pregnancy. Thankfully Angelique reached full-term, before a difficult labour and forceps delivery of her longed-for son. We discuss the bond between her boys, family life, plus coping with health anxiety and physical repercussions after her births and losses. Angelique hope her story of a 'rainbow baby' shows that hope can exist after loss. I’m very grateful to Angelique for so honestly sharing her Gibraltar Birth Stories (Recorded March 2026). If you've been affected by topics in this episode, please find local support online: Baby STEPPs (Support Through Early Parenthood & Pregnancies) Gibraltar or with https://gibsams.gi for a free confidential listening service. More support is available at: https://www.tommys.org/ and https://www.sands.org.uk/ Find 'Born on the Rock: Gibraltar Birth Stories' on Facebook and Instagram for more Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 25m

  6. May 7

    Episode 54: A Twin Mum with Ulcerative Colitis, with Kyrane Lia

    KEY TOPICS: 2 births, non-identical twins, caesarean, ulcerative colitis, pandemic During her twin pregnancy, local artist Kyrane had other double trouble to contend with: her own autoimmune disorder and the pandemic. Kyrane and her husband were childhood sweethearts who married in 2018 – and when they conceived, her bump showed quickly! There’s a humorous description of the moment the couple discovered they were expecting not one, but two babies. The pregnancy also had a surprising effect on Kyrane’s existing ulcerative colitis: her often debilitating chronic inflammatory bowel condition. As Kyrane entered her second trimester… the world entered lockdown. She describes cancelled appointments in 2020 with restrictions and isolation, at a time when most expectant mothers are enjoying family contact. Happily she made it to full-term and her non-identical twin boys arrived safely – although she had a difficult recovery from the elective caesarean. The boys were well, though Kyrane later describes a dramatic health scare with one, plus a serious UC flare up that saw her hospitalised for a month, when her boys were still babies. She talks about these frightening incidents in such an engaging way, and we have a great chat about the boys’ bond, and her strong family support. Fun fact – Kyrane is the daughter of our guest from episode 47! 🤩How amazing to hear the baby from that story all grown up, and describing her own babies now! Thanks so much Kyrane, for sharing your twin Gibraltar Birth Stories (Recorded February 2026). Find 'Born on the Rock: Gibraltar Birth Stories' on Facebook and Instagram for more Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    57 min

  7. Apr 30

    Episode 53: AN INFANT-FEEDING SPECIAL, with Karen Kelly

    KEY TOPICS: 3 births, PCOS, low PAPP-A, meconium, natural delivery, advanced maternal age, nuchal hand, precipitous labour, infant feeding coach Our guest Karen Kelly is passionate about supporting nursing parents on the Rock! Karen is registered with the Federation of Antenatal Educators (FEDANT) and is working through her advanced professional qualification with the Association of Breastfeeding Mothers (ABM), with a view to become a certified lactation consultant. Karen shares her own three birth stories: the first in a busy UK hospital with a challenging and lengthy induced labour, followed by her further two daughters born quickly - and without pain relief! – here in Gibraltar 🇬🇮  She shares why she thought she may not be able to have a baby, and the emotions in discovering pregnancy for the first time in 2019. Karen felt pressured into having a medicalised birth, and endured a 52-hour labour in an overstretched London hospital with her concerned husband by her side. She describes the experience as ‘horrendous,’ and recovery difficult, although praises the breastfeeding support she received.  The family relocated back to the Rock in 2022, and another low-risk pregnancy followed. Karen’s description of this natural labour is fascinating, with euphoria as her second daughter arrived. An unusual incident made her suspect she was pregnant for the third time, due in 2025. Karen experienced more tiredness in her late 30’s, before her third child arrived in an unusual position, after an intense and fast labour. We chat about the emotive topic of breastfeeding – tongue tie, latch, expressing and relactation, plus the importance of good community support for maternal mental health. Thank you Karen for sharing your clear passion for this topic, and for helping others! Find more on Instagram at: @infant_feeding_matters https://www.gbc.gi/news/breastfeeding-support-group-opens-its-doors-in-march Find 'Born on the Rock: Gibraltar Birth Stories' on Facebook and Instagram for more Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 35m

  8. Apr 2 ·  Bonus

    Season Four: Meet Our Guests!

    Season 4 of the podcast is complete! 🙌 Hear a summary trailer of our wonderful guests, who told their unique birth experiences across episodes 41 - 52. 12 local mothers bravely shared their birth stories in their own words, with fascinating topics and perspectives. Deeply emotional, educational, surprising, amusing and inspirational... these stories are told by women living right here in Gibraltar! 💜 12 episodes (January - March 2026) 💜 Over 15 hours of audio 💜 Stories from 1989 - 2025 💜 27 babies! Birth is so intimate and life-changing... your experience is unique. Want to share your story? Contact Lucinda: bornontherock@gbc.gi  Thank you for listening, and join us for Season 5 starting in May 2026! Find 'Born on the Rock: Gibraltar Birth Stories' on Facebook and Instagram for more Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    13 min
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Trailer

About

Welcome to Born on the Rock: Gibraltar Birth Stories podcast, with host and producer Lucinda Snape. This weekly podcast is a collection of fascinating stories about what it's like to have a baby in Gibraltar - a small British Overseas Territory, with an average of one birth per day. These are ordinary women telling extraordinary events in their own words, capturing the emotional highs and lows involved in starting a family. There's a huge range of topics covered including stories of twins, triplets, fast arrivals, and premature babies requiring care from outside Gibraltar... plus powerful taboos discussed, like postnatal depression, infertility and loss. Even 'textbook' experiences make for a fascinating listen, because becoming a mother is life-changing. We believe there's no such thing as a boring birth story! Stories are welcomed from across all decades, allowing GBC as the National Broadcaster to present a rich social and cultural resource for our community. The podcast is unique to Gibraltar, but relatable to anyone with an interest in parenting. If you've had a baby on the Rock, we want to hear from you! To share your story or find out more, email: bornontherock@gbc.gi Find 'Born on the Rock: Gibraltar Birth Stories' on Facebook and Instagram for more. Disclaimer: Views expressed in episodes are those of guests and do not reflect the views of GBC. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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