Born on The Rock: Gibraltar Birth Stories

KEY TOPICS: 4 births, natural deliveries, nuchal cord, late miscarriage, birth trauma, functional neurological disorderPlease note there is discussion of loss in this emotional episode of two halves, as we meet brave local mother Vanessa Correa who describes her four birth experiences.Vanessa begins by fondly recalling how she was engaged, married and a mother... all by the age of 20. She and her husband welcomed their first baby after a good pregnancy and long labour, in the summer of 2004. They settled into family life, although Vanessa shares some funny anecdotes of how their son never seemed to sleep!Soon after, the couple discovered they were expecting again. After another straightforward pregnancy and long labour, their second son was born in 2006. We chat about what it's like to raise teens and young adults with differing personalities.At the start of 2013, Vanessa and her husband were devastated by the spontaneous late miscarriage of their third baby, a little girl at 21 weeks. She speaks bravely about trying to come to terms with grief, with no obvious answers... and factors that made the situation worse. Later that same year, the unthinkable happened - another late miscarriage, another little girl, this time at 19 weeks. It's an incredibly difficult listen as Vanessa describes insensitive comments and a lack of counselling, as she and her husband supported each other in their darkest grief - while continuing to parent their young sons.Although very rare, late miscarriages do happen in 2-3% of pregnancies... and it's Vanessa's hope that sharing her story may offer support to others grieving the loss of a child. She spoke so bravely about her parenting journey and the longer-term physical impacts, including her functional neurological disorder potentially linked to the stress of her birth trauma. This episode honours the memory of Vanessa's two daughters (Recorded January 2026).If you've been affected by topics raised in this episode, please find support at:GibSams by free phone 116 123, Whatsapp 56003612 or online: gibsams.gi/BabyStepps (Support Through Early Parenthood & Pregnancy): www.facebook.com/babystepps.gibraltar/Sands: www.sands.org.ukFind 'Born on the Rock: Gibraltar Birth Stories' on Facebook and Instagram for more Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

KEY TOPICS: 2 births, caesarean, nuchal cord, jaundice, ABO incompatibility, haemolytic disease of newborn (HDN), blood transfusion, grandmotherWe’re heading back to the late 80’s today, with Ivana Finlayson and her husband – both nurses at the old St Bernard’s hospital. It’s a dramatic and emotional listen for the second half of our story.Ivana was a young mother with a good pregnancy, and her son was born on his actual due date! She required a caesarean with both of her children – at a time when these were carried out under general anaesthetic. She returned to work two months postpartum, and speaks about a special bond with her own mother.By 1991, Ivana was expecting again. Soon after the birth, her baby’s health deteriorated due to differing blood types between mother and baby (ABO incompatibility now rarely presents complications, thanks to advances in early detection).She describes a traumatic few days as her daughter’s jaundice worsened; she became so poorly that a priest was called. Just two days postpartum, Ivana took a flight to King’s College Hospital, terrified by warnings that her baby might die. She remembers emergency care being excellent, as staff discovered the shocking reason her daughter hadn’t improved in Gibraltar. Back on the Rock, Ivana adjusted to life with a newborn and toddler… while taking her nursing exams. She feels that navigating her daughter’s near-fatal experience made her a more empathetic nurse, and she describes a touching ‘full-circle’ moment towards the end of our chat. It was lovely to hear Ivana’s advice to her younger self, as well what it’s like to be a grandmother. Thank you Ivana for sharing your two Gibraltar Birth Stories (Recorded December 2025).Find 'Born on the Rock: Gibraltar Birth Stories' on Facebook and Instagram for more Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

KEY TOPICS: 2 births, miscarriage, fertility, posterior uterus, transverse lie, induction, natural delivery, advanced maternal age, pandemicWelcome to an uplifting episode of empowerment, positivity and humour! We meet Dulcie Edwards, her husband and their two children, born either side of the pandemic.For years Dulcie never dreamed of becoming a parent - but when the time came to start a family in her early 30's, she describes tricky menstrual cycles and hormonal treatment for fertility issues. After a sad miscarriage, the couple found they were expecting their daughter in 2019.There's some very funny anecdotes through Dulcie's pregnancy journey (especially from her workplace at a school!), before a long labour began. She describes how her baby seemed 'stuck,' due to a transverse position and her posterior uterus. A fast birth followed with a good recovery for both, though Dulcie speaks about processing her emotions in the early postpartum months.After the pandemic, the family found they were expecting a little boy. At full-term Dulcie was induced due to the risk of infection. She describes an intense labour with no pain relief, and her son making his arrival known! We chat about her recovery, the children's bond and personalities, plus her hopes for their futures - especially in a digital world. This was a fun and empowering one to record, and I'm very grateful to Dulcie for sharing her two Gibraltar Birth Stories! (Recorded December 2025).Find 'Born on the Rock: Gibraltar Birth Stories' on Facebook and Instagram for more Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

KEY TOPICS: 3 births, natural delivery, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, breech, elective caesarean, Klipper-Feil syndrome (KFS), large age gapWe meet Nicole Byrne this week: a mother of three boys who really learned to speak up! It's an episode of growth as Nicole overcame challenges and stigma - she describes negative local attitudes to being young, pregnant and unmarried in the 1990's.For all three pregnancies, Nicole experienced nausea, sensitivity to smell and minimal weight gain. Much of her first labour was without pain relief, and her son was born with no complications. Despite him being a 'good' baby, Nicole's fatigue led to a diagnosis of Hashimoto's thyroiditis, requiring lifelong treatment.When pregnant with her second son, Nicole was advised to have a caesarean due to his breech position. In the months after his birth, she felt certain there was something wrong... yet felt dismissed by doctors with no medical answers. Nicole insisted on a referral to a UK hospital - where he was diagnosed with a very rare condition affecting the neck, shoulder and spine (Klipper-Feil Syndrome with Sprengel's deformity). Despite family support it was a difficult time for Nicole - she became involved with the Disability Society and took a career break to care for her young boys.There's humour in our chat as Nicole describes a surprise pregnancy with her new partner, almost a decade later! After a scare in the third trimester, her third son was born very quickly. We have a lovely chat about the boys' relationships, and what it's like to parent adults. This was such an interesting episode about trusting your intuition, learning to advocate, and growing in confidence as a mother. I'm so grateful to Nicole for sharing her Gibraltar Birth Stories! (Recorded November 2025).http://www.gibraltardisabilitysociety.comFind 'Born on the Rock: Gibraltar Birth Stories' on Facebook and Instagram for more Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

KEY TOPICS: 2 births, endometriosis, hyperemesis, assisted delivery, elective caesarean, pandemic We meet local mother Roxane and her husband in this episode, plus their son and daughter born two years apart. Roxane discovered she was pregnant after treatment for endometriosis... and just as the world locked down with the pandemic in 2020. She describes the uncertainty of changing Covid restrictions, and how severe sickness from six weeks made for a challenging pregnancy. After a lengthy labour, their little girl arrived by assisted delivery. Roxane describes the use of forceps as traumatic, and her recovery slow as they adjusted to life as a family of three. In her second pregnancy, Roxane again suffered with hyperemesis that led to three hospital admissions in her first trimester. This time she accepted more family support, and describes finding a pattern to taking anti-sickness medications... while parenting her toddler. Due to her previous difficult experience, Roxane was offered an elective caesarean. She describes feeling torn between her options, before a 'lightbulb' decisive moment. However, the birth of her son coincided with an unsettling event for the family, leading to an emotional week in hospital. Despite being major surgery, Roxane describes her caesarean recovery as far less painful and a complete contrast to her first birth experience. It's lovely to hear her increased self-confidence across this episode! We also discuss her hopes and concerns for the children's futures - including the rise of social media, and her positive parenting approach from a counselling background. Thank you Roxane for sharing your two Gibraltar Birth Stories! (Recorded October 2025).Find 'Born on the Rock: Gibraltar Birth Stories' on Facebook and Instagram for more Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

KEY TOPICS: 1 birth, type-1 diabetes, blood thinning injections, induction, natural delivery, jaundice, athleteThis is a great episode about what it's like for a world class athlete to undergo dramatic physical changes to become a mother, as well as manage type one diabetes through pregnancy. Olivia and her husband Mark are parents to a one year old little girl and are both elite cyclists, having represented Gibraltar at the Commonwealth and Island Games.The couple had to find time period between competitive events to try for a family, and quickly became pregnant in 2023. The physical change for Olivia was stark - from 100km cycles and personal bests, to a 25kg weight gain and being breathless climbing the stairs. She describes becoming hyper-vigilant in monitoring her daily sugar levels to ensure the baby's healthy development. She also experienced an erratic heart rate and nausea through pregnancy, alongside working full-time and moving house!This is a great example of a successful induction and straightforward labour without complications - aside from the smell of her husband's lunch! It was emotional meeting their daughter for the first time, and after a short stay in hospital due to jaundice, they settled into life as a family of three.Olivia's postpartum journey saw her restart gentle exercise with her husband's support a few weeks later. Remarkably within just three months, she regained much of her fitness and qualified for the Orkney Island Games! Olivia went on to win gold and bronze medals at the event in 2025 - when her daughter was just over a year old. She describes juggling training and parenting in such a down-to-earth way - I loved recording this fun and inspirational episode! Thanks Olivia for sharing your Gibraltar Birth Story (Recorded September 2025).https://www.gbc.gi/news/orkney-island-games-two-gold-a-bronze-for-gibraltars-womens-cycling-teamFind 'Born on the Rock: Gibraltar Birth Stories' on Facebook and Instagram for more Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

KEY TOPICS: 2 births, natural deliveries, unmedicated birth, jaundice, pelvic girdle pain (PGP), Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD), sacroiliitis, hypermobility, autism, pandemicWe meet Maggie Henshaw in this episode, a mum to two boys born either side of the pandemic. The way she discovered both pregnancies was unusual!Maggie and her husband had been trying to start their family for over three years, when they found they were expecting their son. She had a positive pregnancy journey, natural delivery and good recovery in early 2019, with her son experiencing temporary 'conehead' after delivery. As a toddler, he began speech and language therapy due to glue ear and later received a diagnosis of autism… while Maggie was pregnant with the couple’s second son.Her second pregnancy was difficult due to worsening pelvic pain - by her second trimester, Maggie was using crutches. Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) meant she experienced increasing discomfort around her hips, sacroiliac joints and lower spine… especially as the baby grew. This affects 1 in 5 pregnant women, and Maggie’s story really highlights its’ impact before and after birth. She went into spontaneous labour in the summer of 2023 and had another natural delivery – without any pain relief! Maggie speaks warmly of her supportive husband, her mum and mother-in-law – as well as Early Birds nursery. We discuss her mixed feeding journey, parenting a child with autism, and what it’s like to have children that look so similar! Thank you Maggie for sharing your two Gibraltar Birth Stories (Recorded September 2025).Early Birds Nursery: https://www.stmartinsschoolgibraltar.com/our-school/early-birds-nurseryFind 'Born on the Rock: Gibraltar Birth Stories' on Facebook and Instagram for more Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

KEY TOPICS: 2 births, pre-eclampsia, induction, natural delivery, jaundice, breech, epidural, elective caesarean, big babiesKick-starting Season 4 of the podcast is local nurse Kelly Bingham! In this episode we meet her family - her ex-military husband and two boys... born six years apart at the same weight of 9lbs 2oz!The couple learned they were expecting their first baby in the summer of 2013, and Kelly experienced a good pregnancy - aside from nausea and working a physically demanding job. She describes a good labour and natural delivery, although with fluctuating blood pressure (pre-eclampsia) and an issue with uterus contraction afterwards. At six weeks old, her baby’s jaundice levels required an urgent referral to a London hospital – a period Kelly describes as very difficult. Thankfully he had no serious complications and returned to the Rock soon after.For her second pregnancy Kelly was not as nauseous… but from 14 weeks her baby remained in breech position. She talks about the higher-risk situation making her nervous for a different kind of birth, an elective caesarean. Thankfully it went well, and after being treated for an infection she had a good recovery too. Although her second son also had jaundice investigations, he was deemed healthy.Throughout our chat, Kelly references gratitude for her strong family support. She describes adjusting to becoming a family of four - there's a funny story about how her sons first met! - and she speaks fondly about the bond between her two sons. This was a fun one to record! (August 2025) Thank you Kelly for sharing your two Gibraltar Birth Stories.Find 'Born on the Rock: Gibraltar Birth Stories' on Facebook and Instagram for more Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hear a gripping audio trailer of our wonderful guests, who told their unique birth experiences across episodes 26 - 40 in Season 3.Listen to the the voices of these local mothers, and a summary of the huge range of topics covered:💜 15 episodes (July to October 2025)💜 Over 18 hours of audio💜 Stories ranging from 1975 to this summer💜 27 babies born!!As the national broadcaster, it's been a privilege to capture these life-changing and emotional local stories... providing support and a powerful resource to others in our community. Thank you for listening, and join us for Season 4 starting in January 2026!If you'd like to share your story, email: bornontherock@gbc.giFind 'Born on the Rock: Gibraltar Birth Stories' on Facebook and Instagram for more Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

KEY TOPICS: 1 birth, infertility, natural delivery, postpartum haemorrhage (PPH), blood transfusion, short age-gapWelcome to part 2 of Chloe's journey - a diary special to end Season 3 of the podcast! We track Chloe's pregnancy with their surprise baby that she and her husband conceived naturally... just months after welcoming their little girl born via IVF.Episode 39 (part one) was recorded when Chloe was 19 weeks pregnant. This episode begins at 29+2 weeks, as Chloe recaps her second trimester– with a flight to America, plus discovering an unusual gynae issue. Going into trimester 3, she’s uncertain whether to have an elective caesarean or natural labour.At our full term update (38+1), Chloe is more confident about her birth plan, and speaks so highly of her supportive husband. She outlines the physical and emotional strains of being heavily pregnant in August with a toddler, but shares a great beach tip and some funny anecdotes about how people respond to her bump! She speculates (incorrectly!) about when her daughter might be born. Another update (39+1) sees more discomfort kick in.Short voice notes at 40 weeks, 40+2 and 40+3 capture progress of appointments...and Chloe’s emotions! Remarkably, she recorded an update on the ACTUAL day her daughter was born, and the very next day too... but from the Critical Care Unit, due to another postpartum haemorrhage. Thankfully her daughter was well, and Chloe tracks her recovery with voice notes 2 & 5 days postpartum.Two weeks after the birth, Chloe gives a more detailed account of events. Despite another traumatic experience requiring a blood transfusion, she’s full of praise for the medical team and feels she had a better physical recovery this time. We have final catch-ups at 1 and almost 2 months postpartum, where Chloe discusses her daughter’s emerging personality, reflects on self-care and shares her hopes for the future.I’m so grateful to Chloe for recording this very special episode over half a year! :)Season 4 begins in January 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.

KEY TOPICS: 1 birth, infertility, IVF, assisted natural delivery, retained placenta, dilation & evacuation (D&E), postpartum haemorrhage (PPH)Welcome to the first of a two-part special, to end Season 3 of the podcast! Chloe Loddo and her husband had been trying to start their family for over 2 years, before receiving a diagnosis of infertility. She speaks poignantly about the increasing impact on her mental health at that time, before the couple began their IVF journey at a Spanish private clinic in 2023.Chloe had a successful first treatment cycle - and she describes her 'cautiously optimistic' mindset throughout a good pregnancy journey. There's some humour in how she describes labour starting, before her daughter was born via an assisted natural delivery (kiwi vacuum) in the Spring of 2024.However she sustained significant blood loss, and in the following days Chloe became even more poorly with a dangerous complication. She was admitted to hospital for an emergency procedure to remove retained placenta… and some weeks later, a second postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) led to another hospital admission. Chloe explains how her difficult start to motherhood was a blur, of feeling very unwell and being separated from her little girl.She praises her husband and mum for their support during her recovery, and happily they settled well into family life together. Chloe shares some great positive advice to others trying to conceive or facing infertility, and speaks about wishing she’d opened up to close family and friends sooner for support. And then! A HUGE surprise that Chloe simply describes as 'wild.' You'll be smiling so much by the end of this episode! We'll continue Chloe's story in part two, Episode 40.If you found this episode particularly interesting, check out episode 29 too.For more episodes about IVF, find episodes 2, 7, 17, 18, 20, 22 and 25.Find 'Born on the Rock: Gibraltar Birth Stories' on Facebook and Instagram for more Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

KEY TOPICS: 3 births, chicken pox, natural deliveries, fast labour, premature, caesarean, grandmotherWe're heading back to 1985, 1987 and 1991 today with Jackie Catania and her three children. This is a great episode for hearing about very smooth pregnancies... although she describes medical factors after each birth.Jackie was 23-years old and full-term with her first child... when she got chicken pox! She was very uncomfortable, and it presented the maternity ward with a delivery challenge. A fast natural labour followed and thankfully her daughter was unaffected, but Jackie was advised not to hold or feed her daughter until the pox had gone... a full week later. She speaks about feeling overwhelmed when she finally brought her daughter home, although speaks fondly about support from her mother and sister.Two years later Jackie experienced another smooth pregnancy, fast labour and natural delivery with her son. However he had breathing difficulties as a baby and child, and she describes a trip to the UK for investigations. Doctors discovered the root of his manageable condition, and Jackie explains her concern and care throughout his childhood.A last textbook pregnancy followed, but with a spontaneous labour six weeks early. Jackie describes how her waters broke in a very public place, and how medical professionals deemed a caesarean delivery best... against her wishes. Jackie describes painful healing while travelling to hospital in London post-partum, for her daughter to be monitored. Happily she was well, and Jackie was able to breastfeed for the first time, before returning to the Rock. We have an interesting discussion about the benefits of hindsight, and what it's like to be a grandparent. I’m so grateful to Jackie for sharing her three Gibraltar Birth Stories (Recorded August 2025).Find 'Born on the Rock: Gibraltar Birth Stories' on Facebook and Instagram for more Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

KEY TOPICS: 2 births, endometriosis, laparoscopy, infertility, natural delivery, placenta previa, caesarean, haemorrhage, blood transfusion, birth trauma⚠️Trigger warning: Discussion of birth trauma in the second half of this episode.We're meeting Tina Reyes and her husband in this episode, whose two boys were born in 2012 and 2015. Tina underwent gynae investigations and treatments for suspected infertility, before falling pregnant with her first son. She had a textbook pregnancy before a lengthy labour and natural delivery. Tina gives a great description of her breastfeeding journey with local support.She had a positive second pregnancy... until a hospital admission at 17 weeks due to placenta previa. It's a serious complication with a high risk of bleeding, commonly requiring caesarean delivery. Tina describes how online groups helped yet hindered: she learned alot but felt intense anxiety into her third trimester. She was hospitalisied again at 32 weeks.A full-term caesarean delivery followed, but with a sudden medical emergency. Tina cites instances that she feels impacted events surrounding the birth - with some details she only learned months later. It's an emotional listen as Tina speculates whether outcomes may have been avoided or managed differently. Thankfully her son was well after a delayed blood transfusion, although her own recovery understandably took longer.Family support has been a major factor in Tina's journey, and we chat about raising boys as the teenage years approach. She's passionate about self advocacy, and I'm very grateful to Tina for bravely sharing her two contrasting Gibraltar birth stories (Recorded August 2025).If you have been affected by any of the topics in this episode, GibSams offer a listening service on free phone number 113 123, or find support online at: https://gibsams.gi/Disclaimer: views expressed in this article are those of Tina Reyes 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.

KEY TOPICS: 2 births, natural deliveries, premature, jaundice, gastroesophageal reflux, great-grandmother We’re meeting 68-year old Anne Martinez in this episode who takes us back to the 1970’s for a UK birth, and the 1980’s for a birth on the Rock. Unusually, both of Anne’s babies were born prematurely and - more unusually - required minimal intervention! Anne describes a good healthy pregnancy in 1975, and what it was like to go into spontaneous labour as a married 19 year old far away from family. Her daughter arrived by natural delivery at a healthy weight after a straightforward and quick labour – she had no complications and avoided a stay in an incubator. Anne recovered well, but alludes to a serious incident that led to her returning to the Rock with her daughter. Some years later a second pregnancy followed with her new husband. Anne was well, but again went into spontaneous labour at 7 months, while watching a popular 80’s TV drama! Her son arrived by natural delivery – the same week that Anne was due to use the first ultrasound scanner that had arrived in Gibraltar. She describes him born at a good weight, but experiencing jaundice. She also sought a second opinion and medical treatment across the (recently re-opened) border, for her son's gastrointestinal issues. We chat about what it’s like to be a great-grandmother, as well as something very important to Anne: her faith. There’s family links to a guest from episode 25 on the podcast too! I’m so grateful to Anne for sharing her premature birth stories from over 40 years ago (Recorded August 2025).Find 'Born on the Rock: Gibraltar Birth Stories' on Facebook and Instagram for more Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

KEY TOPICS: 3 births, PCOS, infertility, obesity, gestational diabetes, induction, assisted delivery, natural deliveries, short age-gap, Rh-negative blood, jaundice Laura Bradshaw and her military husband found themselves posted to Gibraltar in 2010, at a stage where they'd already been trying to start a family for a few years - unsuccessfully. Laura describes irregular cycles, polycystic ovaries and her weight as issues in not receiving more timely help with fertility treatment... but when this was finally prescribed, it proved very effective! Laura had a good pregnancy and felt well, but describes rising anxiety in her second trimester as she was repeatedly warned by military medical staff that she would have to return to the UK to give birth alone. Unhappy with this plan, she switched her care to the GHA and was instantly happier with a more attentive and caring approach, plus regular monitoring for her gestational diabetes. She describes a lengthy labour, induction and tricky assisted delivery as they welcomed their little boy, before spending a very happy year on the Rock as a family of three.Laura explains what it was like to discover a surprise second pregnancy soon afterwards, and to move from Gibraltar for their next posting while expecting! This time it was textbook pregnancy with a faster, spontaneous labour and natural delivery of their second son. Some years later (and while living in yet another location!) Laura became pregnant again with their daughter. But this journey was trickier due to nausea, gestational diabetes, a longer induced labour and a jaundice scare requiring specialist treatment.We chat about juggling care for three young children while far away from family, the military way of life, and the things Laura misses about Gibraltar (especially one detail about St Bernard's hospital!)... as well as the power of advocating for yourself and seeking support. This story was so interesting to record and I'm very grateful to Laura for adding a fascinating insight to the podcast, about giving birth on the Rock when it's not your permanent home! (Recorded August 2025).Find 'Born on the Rock: Gibraltar Birth Stories' on Facebook and Instagram for more Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

KEY TOPICS: 2 births, early miscarriages, subchorionic hematoma, hyperemesis, placental abruption, prematurity, emergency caesarean, pandemic, short age-gap, elective caesarean, blood transfusion, autism We're squeezing a huge range of topics into this fascinating episode, with Lesley Anne Viñales and her husband. This couple married young and took a relaxed approach to starting their family, but as the years passed with two sad early miscarriages, they began to think parenthood could be out of reach. Happily, they became pregnant... but as the pandemic hit! Lesley speaks about the challenges of being an expectant mother when the whole world locked down. At 33 weeks while in Spain, she felt increasing pain... followed by a sudden, heavy bleed. A frightening rush followed to get to Gibraltar, and thanks to the actions of a quick-thinking border officer, the couple reached St Bernard's quickly. It's an emotional listen as Lesley describes the blur of an emergency caesarean - her doctor detected life-threatening placental abruption, and safely delivered their daughter.  Unusually for a premature baby, she didn't have to leave the Rock for specialist care. Lesley reflects on how different the outcome could have been. She healed well and they settled into family life in the summer of 2020. Then along came a second, unexpected pregnancy! Lesley explains the irony of the new baby's due date, and speaks about navigating gallbladder issues, another haematoma and more hyperemesis. She was monitored closely, and an elective caesarean was deemed the safest option. Their second daughter arrived healthy at full-term, and Lesley reflects on the two contrasting birth experiences, describing them as like 'night and day.' There's an interesting discussion about autism towards the end of this episode, and the parenting challenges that presents. She has been supported by family and Early Bird's nursery, and speaks so fondly about both her girls - their personalities really shine through! It's clear she and her husband are an incredibly strong team together, and I'm so grateful to Lesley for sharing her - remarkably different - birth stories (Recorded July 2025).Early Bird's Nursery information: https://www.stmartinsschoolgibraltar.com/our-school/early-birds-nurseryFind 'Born on the Rock: Gibraltar Birth Stories' on Facebook and Instagram for more Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

KEY TOPICS: 1 birth, PCOS, adenomyosis/endometriosis, natural delivery, sciatica, miscarriage, multilingualism, advanced maternal age Benvenuti to an international episode of the podcast! We’re jetting between Gibraltar and Rome in this story, with local mum Rochelle Ferreri and her Italian husband.  Rochelle sets the scene describing gynaecological issues from her from teenage years, with PCOS and debilitating painful periods. This was medically managed through her adult life, until the couple decided to start trying for a baby. Rochelle fell pregnant quickly in 2014, and found comfort spending time at the beach. Despite sickness and sciatica, she had a generally good pregnancy and a straightforward natural delivery on the Rock. Rochelle was supported by her mum and husband – who thankfully made it back in time from Italy for his son’s birth! She explains what it was like to travel with a newborn, highlighting both the exciting opportunities and challenges of bringing up a baby over a thousand miles away from family. Rochelle found a support network of other ex-pat parents, and emphasises the importance of creating connection in early parenthood.  There's mention of a sad miscarriage in this episode, as Rochelle navigated medical investigations for her returning heavy periods approaching her forties. She shares the fertility information she wishes she’d known years ago, and we discuss the importance of listening to your body. There's an interesting chat about raising a child in a trilingual household, and her hopes for her son in the future. This was a really thought-provoking episode, and I’m very grateful to Rochelle - grazie! - for sharing her Gibraltar Birth Story (Recorded July 2025).Find 'Born on the Rock: Gibraltar Birth Stories' on Facebook and Instagram for more Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

KEY TOPICS: 2 births, teenage mother, short age gap, cryptic pregnancies, natural deliveriesWe're heading back to the late 1990's in this episode, to meet teenage sweethearts Claire Ellul and her then partner. Claire experienced very erratic periods, and on advice from her doctor she began medication to regulate her cycles. Some time later, she discovered she was pregnant... and already entering her third trimester! 😮 Claire describes the shock of this news and the absence of traditional early pregnancy symptoms. There's some humour with her mother-in-law's novel suggestion to confirm the pregnancy!Claire tried old wives' tales to facilitate the labour and had a good experience with a natural birth. She safely delivered her son in the summer of 1998, and got married (very!) soon afterwards. Claire describes money as tight, with the couple having made financial commitments before learning about their son. After returning to work, she discovered ANOTHER cryptic pregnancy late in her second trimester! Claire speaks about adjusting to welcoming a second baby, with cravings and a bump appearing as she neared her due date. Another good natural delivery followed in the summer of 1999, and the couple settled into life as a family of four... all this before Claire reached her 20th birthday!Her two sons share the same age for part of each year - we reflect on the realities of parenting a small age gap, and her whirlwind start to motherhood. Claire shares the advice she would give herself as a new mum, and reflects on what it's like to parent young adults now. I really enjoyed hearing this remarkable story, and I'm so grateful to Claire for sharing her two 'cryptic' birth stories! (Recorded July 2025). Find 'Born on the Rock: Gibraltar Birth Stories' on Facebook and Instagram for more Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

KEY TOPICS: 2 births, large age gap, nuchal cord, placenta banking, natural deliveries, post-natal anxiety, silent reflux, nut & egg allergies, advanced maternal age, gestational diabetes, placenta previa, breech, pandemicWe’re meeting qualified nurse Nicole Pizarro in this episode, a mum who’s two daughters were born 10 years apart. She describes a good first pregnancy, with parentcraft classes helping her feel more prepared for her daughter’s arrival in 2012… a rare example of a baby born on their actual due date!Nicole describes a natural delivery, the process of placenta stem cell retrieval, and then the difficult months that followed as she adjusted to a breastfeeding journey alongside silent reflux. She’s open about anxiety she experienced, and we discuss her daughter’s diagnosis of nut and egg allergies. It’s an educational listen as Nicole outlines many challenges across the years in keeping her little girl safe, and how it's changed her as a parent. She speaks fondly of the bond with her daughter, as well as navigating the pandemic and a wedding to her new partner.A much-wanted second pregnancy came along in 2023 with a fun gender reveal, and Nicole describes issues faced as an older mother approaching 40. There are positives though – her gestational diabetes was controlled, placenta previa resolved, and the baby turned from breech position before birth. A fast natural delivery followed, and Nicole speaks about what it’s like adjusting to a larger age gap, and the importance of support for mothers. I’m so grateful to Nicole for sharing her birth stories! (Recorded June 2025).Find 'Born on the Rock: Gibraltar Birth Stories' on Facebook and Instagram for more Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

KEY TOPICS: 1 birth, unexplained infertility, advanced maternal age, miscarriage, fibroids, endometriosis, polyhydramnios, elective caesarean, anemia, blood transfusion, hysterectomy, sciatica, pandemicIn this episode we meet serving police officer Patricia Gonzalez, who sets the scene with a history of gynaecological issues over many years, and a diagnosis of unexplained infertility. She accepted that she’d always be the ‘fun aunt’ and not a mother... until her late 30’s when she naturally conceived!After a sad miscarriage, Patricia speaks about feeling more ready for motherhood… and then becoming pregnant again in 2016. She describes feeling uncomfortably large due to fluid retention, and her pregnancy was classed as high-risk as she approached her 40th birthday. Patricia had an elective caesarean, with a less-common vertical incision to remove a large fibroid. She required a blood transfusion during recovery, due to anemia. Patricia speaks very openly about her anxiety at being a good mum, and about bonding with her little girl.This episode highlights an older mother’s physical journey after birth – Patricia describes painful gynae issues, sciatica and peri-menopause symptoms. Tests indicated her at heightened risk of ovarian cancer, requiring an urgent hysterectomy. She shares her experience of navigating this difficult stage with fluctuating hormone levels, a toddler and working full-time… through the pandemic! Despite these big topics, there’s lots of laughs and candid honesty in this episode, and it's lovely to hear about the relationship she has with her daughter. I’m so grateful to Patricia for sharing her birth story (Recorded June 2025).Find 'Born on the Rock: Gibraltar Birth Stories' on Facebook and Instagram for more Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.