We Are Mothers.

Sarah
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We Are Mothers is a podcast dedicated to real, honest motherhood stories. Chapter One centres on birth. Not to tell you how it should happen, but to honour how it actually did. Hosted by Sarah - mumma and storyteller, this podcast creates a calm, safe space for women to share their birth experiences in all their complexity. Through storytelling, women can heal their own birth experiences while helping others learn, prepare, and trust themselves as they approach birth and motherhood. Every birth matters. Every story belongs.

  1. 3d ago

    S3 EP 3 | Alana’s Story: Losing Zara, Fighting for Harvey, Saying Goodbye to Daisy: One Mum's Pregnancy Loss Journey

    Content warning: This episode discusses pregnancy loss, infant death, medical termination for medical reasons (TFMR), and NICU experiences. Please take care while listening. In this episode, we sit down with Alana, a mum from South Gippsland, who takes us through three profoundly different pregnancies — and the devastating losses and hard-won joys that shaped her into a mother of three. Alana shares the story of her first pregnancy with daughter Zara, who was born at 23 weeks after an undiagnosed incompetent cervix and a traumatic hospital experience where her pain was repeatedly dismissed. She opens up about the seven minutes she and her partner spent holding Zara before she passed away, and the diagnosis that followed — and shaped every pregnancy after. She then walks us through her second pregnancy with son Harvey, including a rare cervical stitch procedure, months of bed rest, a 35-week emergency birth, and weeks in the NICU — plus what it was like navigating his fragile immune system through the early days of COVID. Finally, Alana shares her most recent pregnancy with daughter Daisy, an "easy" pregnancy that took an unexpected turn at 30 weeks when scans revealed a serious brain abnormality. She speaks candidly about the decision to pursue medical termination for medical reasons (TFMR), the support — and the gaps — she encountered in the medical system, and how she and her family continue to honour Zara and Daisy's memory. This is a raw, honest conversation about advocating for yourself in the medical system, the realities of incompetent cervix and cervical stitches, grief, resilience, and what it means to keep going. In this episode: Alana's first pregnancy and the signs that were missedWhat an incompetent cervix is and how it's diagnosedBeing born at 23 weeks — holding Zara for her final seven minutesThe lack of aftercare support following infant lossSecond pregnancy: a rare transabdominal cervical stitchHarvey's premature birth at 35 weeks and weeks in NICUNavigating an immunocompromised baby through COVIDA surprise pregnancy after fertility strugglesDaisy's diagnosis at 30 weeks and the decision to pursue TFMRHow the family keeps Zara and Daisy's memories aliveAdvice for expecting mums: trust your gut and advocate for yourselfIf this episode has raised anything for you, please reach out to Pink Elephants, Red Nose, or your GP. You are not alone. Want more? You can find episode photos over at: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/wearemotherspod/⁠ You can find me at: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/iamsarahcusack/⁠ You can find Alana at: https://www.instagram.com/alana.spencer/ Resources for infant loss mentioned in this episode: Pink Elephants - TFMR Private Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/3230922303638400/?ref=share&mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=BF5Yjz9LeQcQydU8&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2Fg%2F1EBSMnRQcg%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr# Pink Elephants - Pregnancy After Loss Private Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/825313904330950/?ref=share&mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=jK20OI2Y16n0bwxk&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2Fg%2F17efiQUFDV%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr# Pink Elephants - Live Chat Support for Pregnancy Loss https://www.pinkelephants.org.au/live-chat Rebecca Jane Foundation - Gifting Farewells to Angel Babies https://www.facebook.com/RebeccaJaneFoundation Red Nose - Grief and Loss Support https://rednose.org.au/grief-and-loss-support/overview/

  2. Aug 9

    S3 EP 2 | Sarah’s Story: 42 Weeks and Trusting the Wait | Fourth Birth, First Homebirth

    In this episode, birth and postpartum doula Sarah shares the story of her fourth and final birth, a home water birth in northern NSW that arrived sixteen days past her due date, right as COVID lockdowns began. Sarah opens up about the emotional preparation that shaped this birth: hypnobirthing, acupuncture, and confronting a long-standing pattern of people-pleasing that had surfaced in her previous births. She talks candidly about navigating pressure from the hospital system while planning a home birth well past 42 weeks, the surreal experience of falling asleep mid-labour, and how she consciously chose to stop "overriding" her body during pushing, after a very different experience with her third baby. This is a conversation about surrender, self-trust, and giving yourself full permission — in birth, and in motherhood. In this episode: Preparing emotionally (not just physically) for birthNavigating a 42+ week pregnancy during COVIDThe role of hypnobirthing in shifting fear and anxietyFalling asleep in active labourChoosing trust over control during pushingA peaceful, cocooned postpartum in lockdownAdvice for first-time mums preparing for their own birth Want more? You can find episode photos over at: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/wearemotherspod/⁠ You can find me at: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/iamsarahcusack/⁠ You can find Sarah at: https://www.instagram.com/birth_in_love/ https://sarahdwyer.com.au/ Sarah is a doula and a certified hypnobirthing practitioner and can support you in a positive birthing experience so that you can approach your birth with confidence, calmness, and control.  With a deep understanding of the mind-body connection, she guides clients through evidence-based techniques, visualisations, and relaxation methods to release fear, manage pain, and enhance their overall birth experience.  She brings her experience of supporting families for the last 4 years and birthing her own children in hospital & at home. She support families across Northern Rivers and Gold Coast.  Resources mentioned in this episode: Books: Gentle Birth Gentle Mothering - Dr Sarah Buckley https://sarahbuckley.com/gentle-birth-gentle-mothering/ Spiritual Midwifery - Ina May Gaskin https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/1570671044?ref_=mr_referred_us_au_au The First Forty Days - Heng Ou https://www.amazon.com.au/First-Forty-Days-Essential-Nourishing/dp/1617691836 Podcast: The Great Birth Rebellion - Dr Melanie Jackson https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/podcasts/the-great-birth-rebellion

  3. Aug 2

    S3 EP 1 | Meg’s Story: A Hospital and Home Birth Journey into Two Under Two

    In this episode, Meg mum of two and founder of a keyword sign/Auslan training program for families shares the story of her two very different births.  For her first, Cecilia, Meg wanted a home birth, but she and her husband ultimately decided together on a hospital birth during the height of COVID lockdowns, culminating in an intense, fast-moving labour with a midwife she didn't click with and a birth that came right down to the wire.  Her second, Remy, was the home birth she'd always wanted a fast, water birth she describes as completely "easeful." Meg opens up about conception, pregnancy through a pandemic, trusting her body, postpartum with two under two, and the advice she'd give to any pregnant mum today. Key takeaways from this episode: Two very different birth experiences from the same mother show how much environment, support, and prior experience shape birth. The power of growing up around unafraid, honest conversations about birth. Why "trust your body" doesn't mean rejecting support, it means holding preferences loosely. Want more? You can find episode photos over at: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/wearemotherspod/⁠ You can find me at: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/iamsarahcusack/⁠ You can find Meg at: https://www.instagram.com/babysignau/ https://babysignlanguageclasses.com.au/ Meg run’s Baby Sign - an education service for parents, carers, educators and other key stakeholders working with children in the early years. We provide key word sign (also known as baby sign language) training and early intervention services for children with speech and language delays. With Baby Sign, you’re not just learning signs – you’re building confidence, strengthening bonds, and giving the next generation a voice before they can speak.

  4. Jul 26 ·  Bonus

    Bonus Episode | A Pregnancy Update Planning Our Second Home Birth

    In this solo mini episode, I share a personal update on my second pregnancy and our plans for a second home birth. At 26 weeks pregnant with our second son, I answer listener-submitted questions covering everything from our IVF journey and the reasoning behind the close age gap, to navigating gender disappointment, prepping our toddler for a new sibling, and planning a home birth after a traumatic postpartum hemorrhage the first time around. Honest, unfiltered, and full of practical detail for anyone expecting a second baby — or just curious what it's really like behind the scenes. The pregnancy so far: 26 weeks along, why second pregnancies "fly by," and the mental difference between a first and second pregnancyWhy we're growing their family so quickly: an eight-year fertility journey, IVF timing, and choosing an ~18-month age gap by circumstance rather than planSymptoms & how this pregnancy compares to the first: first-trimester nausea, insomnia (possibly linked to a zinc deficiency), and fatigue while chasing a toddlerStaying active during pregnancy: continuing to weightlift three days a week, working with my coach, and prepping for a return to Masters Weightlifting post-birthBody work & birth prep: fortnightly visits to a chiropractor focused on spinal alignment, breathing, and nervous system regulation — plus dealing with rib pain this time aroundOn gender disappointment: an honest, taboo-breaking conversation about grieving the idea of a daughter, spirit baby readings, and holding grief and gratitude at the same timePreparing our toddler, Henley, for a sibling: bed-sharing, upgrading to a king bed, working with an attachment-based sleep consultant, and slowly shifting nighttime routines ahead of baby's arrivalLogistics without family support nearby: who's helping care for Henley during labour, and lining up extra support for the early newborn weeksPlanning birth #2 after a hospital transfer: revisiting the postpartum hemorrhage from Henley's birth, why home birth still feels safest, and how our midwife Jacinta is helping them plan differently this timePreparing mentally for a possibly fast labour: her first labour was under 5 hours — how she's managing expectations without "planning" for speedHerbs, supplies, and practical birth prep: tinctures for bleeding and afterpains, and reusing gear from their first home birth Want more? You can find episode photos over at: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/wearemotherspod/⁠ You can find me at: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/iamsarahcusack/⁠

  5. Jul 12

    S2 EP 10 | Elise Story: Induction, Birth Trauma, Healing & Physiological Birth

    In today’s episode we chat with Elise, doula and mum not two from the Northern Rivers.  After an induced first birth involving a postpartum haemorrhage, theatre, blood transfusions and a long physical recovery, Elise believed she had experienced a "positive induction."  It wasn't until she became pregnant again that she recognised how much unresolved birth trauma she was carrying. In this episode we discuss: • Growing up always knowing she wanted to become a mother. • Her first pregnancy, severe nausea and developing PUPPP rash late in pregnancy. • Why she agreed to an induction at 40+4 after developing high blood pressure and protein in her urine. • An induction that progressed quickly before a prolonged pushing stage, assisted delivery, postpartum haemorrhage, blood transfusions and emergency theatre. • Recovering physically while also realising later that the emotional impact of her birth had been much greater than she first believed. • Entering her second pregnancy determined to process her previous birth trauma and advocate differently for herself. • Choosing to keep baby's sex a surprise the second time and returning to Midwifery Group Practice. • Navigating suspected ruptured membranes, using evidence from birth education podcasts and confidently making informed decisions with supportive care providers. • Experiencing a calm, physiological labour with no vaginal examinations until she chose them, laughing between contractions and allowing her body to push instinctively. • Why her second birth became the healing experience she didn't know she needed. This is such a beautiful episode where the journey of birth can really take many turns along the way. Want more? You can find episode photos over at: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/wearemotherspod/⁠ You can find me at: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/iamsarahcusack/⁠ You can find Elise at: https://www.instagram.com/elisethedoula/ https://www.elisethedoula.com.au/ Elise is a doula based in Tweed Heads and servicing the Northern Rivers and Gold Coast areas. She offers pregnancy, birth and postpartum support along with Tens Machine and Birth Sling hire.

  6. Jul 5

    S2 EP 9 | Kaela’s Story: Home birth | Third Degree Tear and a Hospital Transfer

    For years, Kaela carried a deep fear of birth. Instead of letting that fear guide her decisions, she immersed herself in learning everything she could about physiological birth, home birth and informed consent. The more she learned, the more confident she became that home was where she felt safest. In this episode, Kaela shares the complete story of welcoming her daughter Sophia into the world through a planned home birth. We talk about: • What shifted her mindset from fear to confidence before pregnancy • Preparing physically and mentally for a physiological birth • Why she chose a private midwife and home birth model of care • Labouring at home and the freedom of moving through birth in her own space • The powerful moment her partner caught their daughter in the birth pool • Discovering their baby's gender together after birth • The unexpected third-degree tear and why she ultimately transferred to hospital • How her midwife advocated for her wishes throughout the hospital transfer • Choosing local anaesthetic over theatre so she could remain present with her newborn • Recovering from a significant birth injury while protecting her postpartum space • Preparing nourishing postpartum meals, embracing the 40 days of rest and supporting healing • Her honest reflections on birth, informed choice and what empowerment in motherhood now means to her Whether you're planning a home birth, exploring your birth options or simply love hearing honest birth stories, this episode is a beautiful reminder that birth doesn't have to be perfect to be deeply empowering. Want more? You can find episode photos over at: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/wearemotherspod/⁠ You can find me at: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/iamsarahcusack/⁠ You can find Kaela at: https://www.instagram.com/kaela_banney/ Mentioned in the episode: Shetland Eller. The Birthing Mum https://birthingmum.com.au/about-2/about/ https://www.instagram.com/birthingmum/

  7. Jun 28

    S2 EP8 | Emily’s Story: From Hospital Plans to Home Birth and Trusting Your Intuition

    In this episode, Emily shares her journey from a conventional pregnancy care pathway to an empowering home birth experience with her son, Kai. What began as a fairly standard pregnancy quickly became a deeper exploration of birth philosophies, informed decision-making, and learning to trust her own instincts. Emily opens up about feeling increasingly disconnected from the care she was receiving, the fears she initially carried about home birth, and the serendipitous meeting with a private midwife that changed the course of her pregnancy. Together we discuss: Discovering she was pregnant and preparing for her first babyWhy she initially planned a hospital birthThe growing feeling that her maternity care wasn't aligned with her valuesHow birth education completely shifted her perspective on birthThe fears and misconceptions she carried around home birthMeeting her private midwife at 30 weeks pregnant and instantly feeling alignedMaking the decision to transfer her care late in pregnancyLearning to trust her intuition throughout pregnancyEarly labour signs and the emotional lead-up to birthLabouring at home with her husband and support teamUsing a TENS machine, movement, water and hands-on support during labourThe intensity of transition and navigating self-doubt in labourGiving birth to baby Kai in a birth pool at homeDiscovering her baby's sex after birthThe beauty of remaining in her own space after birthA physiological third stage and waiting for the placenta to be born naturallyPreparing for postpartum using principles from The First Forty DaysStocking the freezer, creating a supportive postpartum environment and protecting the newborn bubbleThe unexpected challenges of breastfeeding and overcoming latch issues with nipple shieldsWhy finding care providers who align with your values mattersHer advice for women preparing for birthThe powerful role intuition played throughout her pregnancy, birth and postpartum journeyEmily's story is a beautiful reminder that there is no one right way to birth, but there is immense value in finding the path that feels right for you Want more? You can find episode photos over at: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/wearemotherspod/⁠ You can find me at: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/iamsarahcusack/⁠ You can find Emily at: https://www.instagram.com/emjenkinsss_/ Mentioned in the episode: Dee - birth worker / yoga teacher: https://www.instagram.com/deva_birth_co/ The Great Birth Rebellion - The medicalisation spectrum: https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/podcasts/the-great-birth-rebellion/episodes/2148900490

  8. Jun 21

    S2 EP7 | Cheree’s Story: IVF, Second Trimester Loss, Pregnancy Complications & a Planned C-Section turned Unexpected Emergency Caesarean

    After three years of infertility, IVF treatment and pregnancy loss, Cheree finally welcomed her son Teddy into the world. In this deeply honest conversation, Cheree shares the emotional road from deeply wanting to become a mother to navigating a pregnancy complicated by rapidly rising liver function tests and an unexpected emergency caesarean birth at 37 weeks. When concerns around Teddy's wellbeing escalated, Cheree's carefully planned birth took an unexpected turn. Teddy required support in Special Care Nursery immediately after birth, forcing an unexpected separation during those first precious hours of motherhood. Five weeks postpartum, Cheree reflects on: Her three-year journey through infertility and IVFThe emotional impact of pregnancy after lossDeveloping significant liver complications during pregnancyMonitoring, testing and navigating uncertainty in late pregnancyHow her planned birth changed unexpectedlyUndergoing an emergency caesarean birth at 37 weeksTeddy's admission to Special Care Nursery for respiratory supportMissing the "golden hour" she had hoped forReuniting with Teddy and establishing breastfeedingThe realities of breastfeeding a late preterm babyNipple vasospasm, cracked nipples and seeking lactation supportRecovering physically and emotionally from a caesarean birthCreating a strong postpartum support plan with her husband NickIntroducing Teddy to their beloved dog, FranklinWhat birth after infertility taught her about trust, advocacy and flexibilityWhy informed decision-making matters throughout pregnancy and birthCheree's story is a powerful reminder that birth doesn't always unfold according to plan, but even when the path changes, there can still be beauty, strength and deep empowerment in the experience. Want more? You can find episode photos over at: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/wearemotherspod/⁠ You can find me at: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/iamsarahcusack/⁠ You can find Cheree at: https://www.instagram.com/chereeanne_/ https://www.tiktok.com/@chereeanne?_r=1&_t=ZS-969wuVodRdl

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About

We Are Mothers is a podcast dedicated to real, honest motherhood stories. Chapter One centres on birth. Not to tell you how it should happen, but to honour how it actually did. Hosted by Sarah - mumma and storyteller, this podcast creates a calm, safe space for women to share their birth experiences in all their complexity. Through storytelling, women can heal their own birth experiences while helping others learn, prepare, and trust themselves as they approach birth and motherhood. Every birth matters. Every story belongs.

Information

  • Creator
    Sarah
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    26
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Sarah
  • Show Website
    We Are Mothers.