Australian Birth Stories

Sophie Walker
  • 4.9 (147)
  • PARENTING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

A Podcast of Mothers' stories of childbirth. Weekly interviews with mothers giving their first hand accounts of child birth in Australia. Designed to help educate and inform first time pregnant women, parents wanting to have better subsequent births and birth enthusiasts who love to hear and tell birth stories. An entertaining and heartfelt resource for pregnancy, labour and delivery and postpartum. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 5D AGO

    592 | Josey - Midwife, Home Birth, Third-Degree Tear, Positive Birth Experience

    Josey, a midwife from the Central Coast of New South Wales, shares her remarkable birth story that beautifully illustrates how positive birth experiences can unfold even when plans change. Working at Gosford Hospital and living with her husband Fergus (a paramedic) and their golden retriever Maggie, Josey takes us through her journey from conception to welcoming seven-month-old Murphy. Today's episode is brought to you by Mini + Me's revolutionary new Mama Bites – the world's first 6-in-1 functional snack designed specifically for the incredible demands of motherhood. As any new mum knows, nourishing yourself while caring for your little one can feel impossible. That's where Mama Bites comes in – thoughtfully formulated to support you through every aspect of your postpartum journey. Each delicious bite delivers six essential benefits: feeding support with galactagogue foods like flaxseeds and almonds, duct function support with sunflower lecithin, gut and vaginal health through maternal probiotics, immune support with clinically researched Wellmune beta-glucan, structural support with collagen peptides for your hair, skin and nails, and energy support through a maternal vitamin complex – all without stimulants or added sugar. Whether you're breastfeeding, pumping, or simply recovering from birth and navigating sleep deprivation, Mama Bites provides the nutritional support your body craves as part of a balanced diet. Ready to nourish yourself the way you deserve? Visit Mini + Me today and use code "ABS15" for 15% off sitewide. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 4m

  2. JAN 26

    591 | Kim - Two births, from isolation in London to building Australia's largest mum walking movement after two very different births

    Kim shares her contrasting birth experiences between the UK and Australia, her journey through postpartum depression, and how she transformed her challenging early motherhood into a national movement supporting mothers. From a medicalised first birth during COVID lockdowns to an empowering second birth that nearly happened at home, Kim's story illustrates how different experiences can shape us and how we can use our struggles to help others. Now the founder of Mum Walk  a national charity connecting mothers across Australia, Kim demonstrates how community and connection are vital for maternal mental health and postpartum wellbeing. Feeling overwhelmed in your pregnancy? Looking to learn how to connect with your breath? Introducing The Birth Meditations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1 hr

  3. JAN 20

    590 | Maddy - Three vaginal births, MGP care, third-degree tear recovery

    Maddy, a registered nurse and mother of three from the Central Coast of New South Wales, takes us through her complete birth journey. Her story beautifully illustrates how subsequent births can offer profound healing opportunities, especially with the right support team and birth education. Maddy's first birth was an induction which resulted in significant perineal trauma, and postpartum haemorrhage. However, her second and third births through Midwifery Group Practice (MGP) care demonstrate the transformative power of continuity of care, informed choice, and trusting your body's ability to birth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 13m

  4. 12/22/2025

    589 | Beth, three vaginal births, blended family, returning to motherhood with a 13-year age gap

    Beth shares her remarkable journey of welcoming baby Milo – her third child and first with partner Dean. After a 13-year gap since her last birth, Beth navigated the unique challenges of pregnancy in her thirties whilst parenting teenagers Tyler (13) and Ivy (11) from a previous relationship. Her story beautifully illustrates how birth experiences can evolve and how different life circumstances shape our approach to pregnancy and labour. From dealing with a low-lying placenta that was leading to a caesarean birth to ultimately achieving the vaginal birth she desperately wanted, Beth's journey is one of resilience, preparation, and the profound love that binds blended families together. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 22m

  5. 12/15/2025

    588 | Shannon – A Midwife's Journey: Perinatal Anxiety, Miscarriage, Two Empowering Birth Stories

    As a midwife with a graduate certificate in perinatal mental health, Shannon thought she was prepared for pregnancy and birth. However, her experience taught her that professional knowledge doesn't shield you from the profound emotional and physical challenges of becoming a mother. Her candid discussion about perinatal anxiety, the impact of her eating disorder history, and her breastfeeding journey with breast implants and suspected insufficient glandular tissue makes this episode essential listening for anyone supporting women through pregnancy and early motherhood. Shannon's two birth stories - both beautiful home births in her converted studio space - showcase the power of trusting your body, excellent midwifery care, and the importance of mental health support throughout the perinatal period. Today's episode is brought to you by Bare Mum and their thoughtfully curated Breast Care Kit. Every breastfeeding journey comes with its unique challenges - from those tender early days with sore nipples to managing unexpected leakage. That's where Bare Mum's midwife-approved Breast Care Kit becomes your trusted companion. This comprehensive kit offers practical and effective solutions to the common discomforts that come with breastfeeding. Whether you're preparing for your little one's arrival or supporting a new mum in your life, this care kit has all the essentials to nurture and protect during this precious time. What makes it even better? It's ready to go straight into your hospital bag, taking one thing off your preparation list. And if you're looking for the perfect gift for a new mum, this kit shows you truly understand what she needs during those early breastfeeding days. As a special treat for our listeners, you can enjoy 15% off your Breast Care Kit with the code ABS2025 at checkout. Because every mother deserves comfort and support on her breastfeeding journey - Bare Mum's Breast Care Kit, midwife approved and mother tested. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 5m

  6. 12/08/2025

    587 | Zan & Indi - Two births, queer family, home insemination, IVF, surprise breech home birth, induced lactation

    In this episode I chat to Zan and Indi, a queer couple from Adelaide who share their remarkable journey through fertility challenges, pregnancy loss, and ultimately both carrying a pregnancy and welcoming two beautiful children. Their story encompasses home insemination, IVF, a surprise breach home birth, termination for medical reasons following a twin pregnancy, and the unique experience of a trans pregnancy. This episode offers invaluable insights into the realities of fertility treatment and the profound strength required to navigate pregnancy loss whilst building the family you've always dreamed of. Today’s episode is brought to you by Moonpig. Remember the excitement of finding a beautiful card in your mailbox? Moonpig has brought that special feeling back to over 4 million Aussies. As parents, we know how important it is to celebrate life’s milestones. Speaking of birthdays, it’s actually my son Nik’s 12th birthday this week, so we’ve jumped on Moonpig, like we always do, to create some personalised cards for him. We’ve also made a beautiful mug with a family picture on it, and we really hope that he enjoys it. With over 33,000 personalised cards for every occasion, you can create something truly special from home. Add your own photos, scan in your handwriting, or even include QR codes for video messages. It’s so much more than a basic supermarket card – it’s a keepsake they’ll treasure. Starting from just $9.99, you can create something beautiful through their website or the Moonpig app. And here’s something special for our Australian Birth Stories community – enjoy 50% off your first card plus free standard shipping when you use the code ABS at checkout. Shop Moonpig today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 45m

  7. 12/01/2025

    586 | Brittany, 28-week birth, IUGR, preeclampsia, emergency caesarean, NICU journey, heart surgery

    Brittany shares her extraordinary journey from a challenging conception to a life-changing premature birth experience. After 18 months of trying to conceive with low AMH levels, Brittany and her husband Braden welcomed their son Tulla at just 28 weeks following a dramatic turn of events. What began as routine monitoring for IUGR (intrauterine growth restriction) quickly escalated into preeclampsia, emergency caesarean, and a four-month NICU journey that included heart surgery in Melbourne. Brittany's story is one of resilience, advocacy, and the incredible strength of the parent-baby bond formed in the most challenging circumstances. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 1m

  8. 11/24/2025

    585 | Em Shared care,induction, Postnatal Depression, Perinatal Mental Health Unit

    In this week’s episode I interview Em about her pregnancy during lockdown. She was induced at 41 weeks and laboured for a long time alone in the maternity ward before she was transferred to the birthing suite where she experienced the cascade of intervention and birthed her baby boy via vacuum delivery. Em was four months postpartum when she disclosed her sadness to her GP and was subsequently diagnosed with PND and PTSD. Three days later she walked into the Perinatal Mental Health Unit at Mitcham Private Hospital. It was a life changing experience for her and she shares her story in the hope that she can spread the word about the essential postpartum support resources that are available (even if they are notoriously difficult to find). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 11m
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Hosts & Guests

4.9
out of 5
147 Ratings

About

A Podcast of Mothers' stories of childbirth. Weekly interviews with mothers giving their first hand accounts of child birth in Australia. Designed to help educate and inform first time pregnant women, parents wanting to have better subsequent births and birth enthusiasts who love to hear and tell birth stories. An entertaining and heartfelt resource for pregnancy, labour and delivery and postpartum. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Sophie Walker
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    590
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Sophie Walker
  • Show Website
    Australian Birth Stories

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