Birth Tales

This week we're hearing from Eve about her two very different but equally positive birth experiences. Both were planned homebirths, but she ended up in hospital with her first after there was meconium present in her waters. Eve talks about how different decisions can feel when you come to them yourself rather than feeling backed into them, she shares about the trust she built with her midwife over the course of her pregnancy and birth, plus the profound impact that that relationship had on her experience. Her second birth was a beautiful, unmedicated waterbirth at home (following seven weeks of prodromal labour), with the support of her partner and doula. We chat about the differences between the two experiences, how things don't have to go exactly to plan for a birth to feel positive and empowering and why Eve says she'd do her daughter's birth again in a heartbeat. This is a really thoughtful episode about trust, choice and the importance of feeling genuinely supported throughout your birth.   Eve's IG: https://www.instagram.com/evie.yoga/ My website: www.serenalouth.com My IG: https://www.instagram.com/serenalouth/

In this episode Lottie is back on the podcast to share her second birth story. After a positive induction with her eldest, she didn't have any particularly strong feelings about what she hoped for from this birth, so when concerns were raised about her baby's size, she felt comfortable accepting another induction. We discuss the differences between this labour and her first, how Lottie felt she was working collaboratively with her care team whilst birthing her baby and her experience of a postpartum haemorrhage from a cervical tear.    Lottie's first birth: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/birth-tales/id1703057905?i=1000658863582 Lottie's IG: https://www.instagram.com/slow_fashion_lottie/ and  https://www.instagram.com/studio_kivu/ The Birth Prep Bundle: https://sincere-union-68693.myflodesk.com/zkj6c4q686  My website: www.serenalouth.com My IG: https://www.instagram.com/serenalouth/

Lily is back on the podcast for the third time! After a birth centre birth and a BBA with her two daughters, she's here today to share her most recent experience of giving birth to her son. Lily shares how she prepared for her homebirth by working on her mindset and hiring the same wonderful doula who supported her previous births. She explains why protecting her peace became a priority throughout her pregnancy, whether that meant shielding herself from other people's opinions or declining extra scans that were causing her unnecessary worry. Instead, she chose to trust her instincts and listen to her body. We chat about the idea that third births can throw you a curveball, and Lily shares how, after waiting much longer than she'd expected for her labour to begin, her third birth was definitely more mentally challenging than her second. Despite this, she found the experience genuinely fun and enjoyable. This is such a lovely story about waiting patiently for your baby to come when they're ready, and I'm sure it will be a really positive and empowering listen for anyone awaiting their baby's arrival.   Lily's 1st birth: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/005-lily-physiological-birth-mlu-doula-urinary-retention/id1703057905?i=1000629471822  Lily's 2nd birth: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/031-lily-2nd-birth-homebirth-bba-physiological-birth/id1703057905?i=1000652105241  Lily's IG:  https://www.instagram.com/thebettersleepcoach_/ Doula: https://www.instagram.com/doula_sarah/   My website: www.serenalouth.com My IG: https://www.instagram.com/serenalouth/

In this episode Lisa shares her journey into motherhood. Having always wanted to be a mum, she loved being pregnant and was really excited to give birth. Lisa takes us step by step through her homebirth preparation including hiring two independent midwives to ensure continuity of care and planning for a waterbirth. We talk in depth about choosing to have your baby at home as a first time mum, the incredible support she received from her private midwives and her daughter's amazing en caul birth! Lisa's story beautifully highlights the power of both being well prepared and trusting your instincts when it comes to childbirth.   My website: www.serenalouth.com My IG: https://www.instagram.com/serenalouth/

In this episode Sam shares the story of her son Max's birth. She began her conception journey with very little trust in her body, but her confidence grew rapidly once she fell pregnant and, aside from an ECV to turn her breech baby, she went on to have a very straightforward pregnancy. As Sam learned more about birth she transferred to the homebirth team to give herself the best chance of achieving the spontaneous physiological birth she hoped for. When her labour began, it quickly became far more intense than she had anticipated and she made the decision to transfer into hospital for anti-sickness medication. Sam reflects on what an incredible advocate and cheerleader her partner was, the fantastic support she received from her homebirth midwives and the elements that made her birth feel so positive despite the change in location. This is such a lovely conversation about learning to trust your body, adapting when birth takes an unexpected turn and recognising that a positive birth isn't defined by where it happens.   Sam's IG:  https://www.instagram.com/scroge  The Birth Prep Bundle: https://sincere-union-68693.myflodesk.com/zkj6c4q686  My website: www.serenalouth.com My IG: https://www.instagram.com/serenalouth/