Birth Tales

Welcome to Birth Tales. Conception, pregnancy, birth and those first hazy postpartum days are a physical and emotional whirlwind. My hope is that by sharing these unique experiences we can support, educate and inspire others on their journeys to becoming parents.

082 - Rhian | 2 babies, 4 miscarriages, IUI, HG, placenta previa, premature baby, emergency c-section, NICU, planned c-section 04/09/2026

081 - Jess | midwife, third baby, hospital birth, induction, polyhydramnios, positive birth 03/26/2026

080 - Lydia | PCOS, miscarriage, letrozole, consultant lead care, private hospital, GBS, reflexology, ARM, 2nd degree tear 03/12/2026

080 - Lydia | PCOS, miscarriage, letrozole, consultant lead care, private hospital, GBS, reflexology, ARM, 2nd degree tear In this episode Lydia shares her journey into motherhood. After a difficult start conceiving, she very sadly miscarried her first pregnancy and talks about how that loss affected her emotionally when she became pregnant again. Lydia shares the many ways she prepared for birth, including how valuable she found listening to a wide variety of birth stories, and describes her experience of consultant-lead care within a private hospital. After a few sweeps and a very special reflexology treatment, Lydia’s labour began at nearly 41 weeks and she gave birth to her baby with the wonderful support of her husband and sister, who was also heavily pregnant at the time. This is such an empowering birth story, so if you’re in need of a little encouragement and positivity ahead of your own birth, you’re going to love this episode. The Birth Prep Bundle: FREE Birth Prep Session: Lydia’s IG: My website: My IG: Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or midwifery advice. It should not be used as a substitute for professional care or guidance. Always seek advice from your midwife, doctor, or other qualified health provider regarding your individual circumstances. The views and experiences shared in this podcast are those of the individuals involved and may not be suitable for everyone. Any opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcast host. While we aim to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no guarantees regarding completeness or accuracy, and information may change over time. We are not responsible for any outcomes resulting from the use of information discussed in this podcast. Use of this information is at your own discretion. /episode/index/show/0ade784d-a7f4-4273-bf98-42866755714d/id/40381080

079 - Monika | 2nd baby, homebirth, doula, gestational diabetes, physiological birth, birth pool 02/26/2026

079 - Monika | 2nd baby, homebirth, doula, gestational diabetes, physiological birth, birth pool In today’s episode I’m welcoming Monika back to the podcast to share the story of her youngest son’s birth. After a traumatic induction first time around, she didn’t engage with preparing for the birth until about 20 weeks, at which point Monika hired a doula and made the decision to birth her second baby at home. We talk in depth about how she juggled pregnancy sickness with caring for her toddler full time, managing a borderline gestational diabetes diagnosis and moving both house and hospital in the third trimester. It was so lovely to hear how the fear she had experienced during her first labour was replaced this time with a sense of calm, resulting in a birth which was (in her own words) “the most beautiful moment of my life”. Monika is always such a joy to chat to, so I know you’re going to gain so much from this episode. If you haven’t listened to her first birth yet and would like the back story before getting stuck into this one, that was episode 3 and I’ll link it in the show notes below. Cushy Puff - use code SERENAL20 for 20% off: Monika’s doula: Monika’s first birth: Monika’s IG: My website: My IG: Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or midwifery advice. It should not be used as a substitute for professional care or guidance. Always seek advice from your midwife, doctor, or other qualified health provider regarding your individual circumstances. The views and experiences shared in this podcast are those of the individuals involved and may not be suitable for everyone. Any opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcast host. While we aim to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no guarantees regarding completeness or accuracy, and information may change over time. We are not responsible for any outcomes resulting from the use of information discussed in this podcast. Use of this information is at your own discretion. /episode/index/show/0ade784d-a7f4-4273-bf98-42866755714d/id/40213045

078 - Eleanor | post dates induction, epidural, c-section, meconium aspiration, NICU, maternal sepsis 02/12/2026

078 - Eleanor | post dates induction, epidural, c-section, meconium aspiration, NICU, maternal sepsis In this episode we’re hearing from Eleanor about her first pregnancy and birth during lockdown. Having learned lots about birth from her midwife sister and planning for a homebirth, her estimated due date came and went with no sign of labour starting. At nearly 42 weeks she accepted an induction and was able to return home to wait for things to begin. When her contractions became regular, Eleanor and her husband went to the midwife-led unit where she laboured in the pool until concerns were raised about meconium in her waters. After an epidural, a period of rest and infection concerns for both mum and baby, a caesarean was recommended. Eleanor shares the challenges their family faced in the weeks that followed, including being separated from her baby after the birth, navigating visiting hours, pumping and breastfeeding in the NICU and Enid’s recovery at home on oxygen. This is a fascinating and really valuable episode about navigating the unexpected and staying strong and positive through it all. Eleanor's IG: My website: My IG: Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or midwifery advice. It should not be used as a substitute for professional care or guidance. Always seek advice from your midwife, doctor, or other qualified health provider regarding your individual circumstances. The views and experiences shared in this podcast are those of the individuals involved and may not be suitable for everyone. Any opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcast host. While we aim to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no guarantees regarding completeness or accuracy, and information may change over time. We are not responsible for any outcomes resulting from the use of information discussed in this podcast. Use of this information is at your own discretion. /episode/index/show/0ade784d-a7f4-4273-bf98-42866755714d/id/40057620

077 - Ella | fertility awareness method, mizan therapy, doula, biomechanics, homebirth transfer 01/29/2026

077 - Ella | fertility awareness method, mizan therapy, doula, biomechanics, homebirth transfer In today’s episode we’re hearing from Ella about her son’s birth. She explains how using the fertility awareness method helped her to conceive, how much she loved being pregnant and why she chose to plan a homebirth with the support of a doula. Ella talks honestly about finding it mentally challenging to go beyond 40 weeks and describes her long labour at home, including the coping techniques she leant on. After hours of pushing the decision was made to transfer, which was a scary experience for both Ella and her partner. Thankfully all was well with the baby and after the doctor assisted with a manual rotation, he was born soon after arriving at the hospital. Ella shares what it was like being taken into theatre postpartum to repair a severe tear and how she’s feeling as she prepares for her upcoming birth, making this a really interesting episode. Ella’s IG: Mama Mooney: My website: My IG: Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or midwifery advice. It should not be used as a substitute for professional care or guidance. Always seek advice from your midwife, doctor, or other qualified health provider regarding your individual circumstances. The views and experiences shared in this podcast are those of the individuals involved and may not be suitable for everyone. Any opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcast host. While we aim to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no guarantees regarding completeness or accuracy, and information may change over time. We are not responsible for any outcomes resulting from the use of information discussed in this podcast. Use of this information is at your own discretion. /episode/index/show/0ade784d-a7f4-4273-bf98-42866755714d/id/39876760

076 - Loren | ICSI, talipes, homebirth, BBA, physiological birth 01/15/2026

075 - Molly | positive induction, continuity of care, dilapan rods, ARM, failed epidural 12/18/2025

074 - Lara | precipitous birth, PCOS, membrane sweep, physiological birth, foetal ejection reflex, 2nd degree tear 12/11/2025

073 - Sarah | 2nd baby, doula, PGP, heart condition, polyhydramnios, unstable lie, planned c-section 12/04/2025

073 - Sarah | 2nd baby, doula, PGP, heart condition, polyhydramnios, unstable lie, planned c-section In today’s episode Sarah is back on the podcast to share her second birth story. Having had a difficult experience first time around, she knew what mattered most to her this time; to feel strong, to advocate for her wishes and to feel like she had more agency. She hired a doula, planned a VBAC, changed hospitals and got lots of independent support to help her prepare for the birth. Unfortunately she faced endless obstacles along the way, which resulted in her birthing her daughter via planned caesarean. Sarah talks us through the grieving process of letting go of the VBAC she had hoped for and how despite numerous challenges she still had a beautiful, calm birth. This is a super special episode because Sarah was the first ever guest on Birth Tales! So it is a joy to have her back on again and it is so lovely that we were joined by little Sadie who you can hear chatting away throughout. FREE hypnobirthing taster session: My website: My IG: Sarah’s IG: Sarah’s website: Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or midwifery advice. It should not be used as a substitute for professional care or guidance. Always seek advice from your midwife, doctor, or other qualified health provider regarding your individual circumstances. The views and experiences shared in this podcast are those of the individuals involved and may not be suitable for everyone. Any opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcast host. While we aim to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no guarantees regarding completeness or accuracy, and information may change over time. We are not responsible for any outcomes resulting from the use of information discussed in this podcast. Use of this information is at your own discretion. /episode/index/show/0ade784d-a7f4-4273-bf98-42866755714d/id/39242640