Birth Story with Kristen (vaginal birth, forceps, breastfeeding, perinatal anxiety)

Send us a textA raw birth story, an unexpected complication, and a powerful reminder that recovery takes time. In this episode, Kristen shares her honest journey through induction, a forceps-assisted birth, emergency surgery, and the emotional rollercoaster of early motherhood – followed by a grounded update at four months postpartum.In This Episode We Discuss:Pregnancy & PreparationFalling pregnant sooner than expectedThird-trimester challenges: heaviness, nerve pain, indigestionBeing diagnosed with gestational diabetesUsing FitNest Mama to prepare for birthInduction & LabourWhy her obstetrician recommended inductionEarly labour signs and rapid progressionUsing a TENS machine, gas and movement to manage painReceiving an epidural at 7 cmA Birth Story With ForcepsWhen pushing stalled and intervention became necessaryEpisiotomy and forceps deliveryMeeting baby Kiera for the first timeUnexpected ComplicationsInternal vaginal tear and excessive bleedingEmergency surgery shortly after birth12-hour immobility and the initial days of recoveryBreastfeeding & Early PostpartumLow supply, latching difficulty and slow weight gainTriple feeding and emotional overwhelmBottle top-ups, pumping and learning to let go of guiltFour Months Later: The Follow-UpImproving feeding rhythm with combination feedingPelvic floor physiotherapy and physical recovery progressManaging anxiety and seeking mental health supportHow her expectations of motherhood changedHer best advice for mothers-to-beLINKS: Preparing for birth Pelvic health checklist Free 7 Day Trial Pregnancy Workouts Free 7 Day Trial Postnatal Workouts FitNest Mama Website Instagram @kathbaquie.physio 1:1 Consultation with Physio Kath at Hatched House ** This podcast has general information only. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health or medical condition.

Send us a textBabywearing isn’t just practical — it can transform your early weeks and months with a newborn. In this episode, I’m joined by Ann Whitney, physiotherapist and lactation consultant, to unpack the real benefits of babywearing, how to choose the right carrier, and what most parents get wrong (without even realising).Whether you’re pregnant, preparing your registry, or in the thick of newborn life, this episode will help you feel more confident, supported, and empowered.In This Episode We Discuss:Ann’s journey into babywearing as a mum of fourThe surprising developmental benefits of babywearingHow babywearing supports bonding, breastfeeding, and parental confidenceWhy upright positioning matters for safetyWhen babies should face inward vs outwardHow babywearing can support postpartum recoveryTips for safe newborn babywearing from day oneBuckle carriers vs slings vs wraps — what’s right for you?The most common babywearing mistakes (and simple fixes)When to transition to back carryingAnn’s favourite carrier styles and what to look for when buyingIf your baby dislikes the pram, you want more freedom in your day, or you're simply curious about babywearing, this episode is full of practical insights to help you get started with confidence.Connect with Ann Whitney:WebsiteLINKS: Preparing for birth Pelvic health checklist Free 7 Day Trial Pregnancy Workouts Free 7 Day Trial Postnatal Workouts FitNest Mama Website Instagram @kathbaquie.physio 1:1 Consultation with Physio Kath at Hatched House ** This podcast has general information only. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health or medical condition.

Send us a textIf you’re pregnant and wondering whether your pelvic floor needs more strengthening or more relaxation, this episode will give you the clarity you’ve been searching for. More women than ever are dealing with an overactive pelvic floor without realising it – and doing more Kegels may not be the answer.In this episode, I break down the signs, the myths, and what you actually need to know to support your pelvic health during pregnancy and postpartum.What We Cover in This EpisodeWhat an overactive pelvic floor actually is and why it’s becoming more commonKey symptoms that may indicate pelvic floor tightnessWhy some women leak during pregnancy even if their muscles aren’t weakHow stress, posture, social media trends and constant tummy-sucking can contributeThe difference between pelvic floor exercises and KegelsWhy not all pregnant women should automatically start strengtheningWhy relaxation is just as important as lifting and squeezingHow general movement during pregnancy supports postpartum recoveryWhen to begin pelvic floor exercises after birth and what “tightening” really meansThe importance of an individual pelvic floor assessment to guide your recoveryLINKS: Preparing for birth Pelvic health checklist Free 7 Day Trial Pregnancy Workouts Free 7 Day Trial Postnatal Workouts FitNest Mama Website Instagram @kathbaquie.physio 1:1 Consultation with Physio Kath at Hatched House ** This podcast has general information only. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health or medical condition.

Send us a textIn this episode, I talk with Tenae, a mum of three, who opens up about her powerful VBAC birth story — from an unexpected emergency caesarean to two empowering vaginal births after caesarean. Her story is honest, emotional, and full of insights for anyone navigating pregnancy, birth choices, and recovery.In this episode, we discuss:Tenae’s experience of her first emergency caesarean just before the pandemicHow feelings of failure and isolation led her to seek an empowered VBACThe decision-making process behind choosing a VBAC — and the importance of informed consentOvercoming hospital pressure and learning to trust her instinctsThe difference between her two VBAC births — one induced, one spontaneousNavigating fear, medical intervention, and unexpected challenges during labourPostnatal recovery: managing prolapse symptoms and rebuilding strengthHow gentle, physio-led exercises through FitNest Mama supported her healing journeyWhy every woman deserves to feel informed, supported, and confident — no matter how she gives birthConnect with Tenae: @tenaeadamcicLINKS: Preparing for birth Pelvic health checklist Free 7 Day Trial Pregnancy Workouts Free 7 Day Trial Postnatal Workouts FitNest Mama Website Instagram @kathbaquie.physio 1:1 Consultation with Physio Kath at Hatched House ** This podcast has general information only. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health or medical condition.

Send us a textAre you worried about your baby’s position before birth? In this episode, midwife and birth educator Lauretta Hamilton joins host Kath Baquie to break down what optimal fetal positioning really means — and why you don’t need to stress if your baby isn’t in the “perfect” spot. You’ll learn practical tips to support your body during pregnancy and labour, plus strategies to stay calm and confident no matter how your baby decides to arrive.In this episode, we cover:What “optimal fetal positioning” means and why it mattersThe truth about research and common myths around baby positioningSimple pregnancy exercises and daily habits to create space for babyPractical strategies if your baby is posteriorHow partners can support movement and comfort during labourActive birth positions to encourage rotation and descentWhy variations in baby position are often normal, not complicationsConnect with Lauretta Hamilton:WebsiteInstagramLINKS: Preparing for birth Pelvic health checklist Free 7 Day Trial Pregnancy Workouts Free 7 Day Trial Postnatal Workouts FitNest Mama Website Instagram @kathbaquie.physio 1:1 Consultation with Physio Kath at Hatched House ** This podcast has general information only. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health or medical condition.

Send us a textIn this episode, I’m diving into one of the most common questions I’m asked — how long does recovery take after giving birth? Whether you’ve had a vaginal or caesarean birth, I’ll walk you through what those early weeks really look like, what your body needs most, and how to safely support your healing.I share my top physio-led tips on rest, gentle movement, and pelvic floor recovery, plus practical guidance on easing back into exercise. This one’s all about taking the pressure off, listening to your body, and feeling confident in your recovery journey.In this episode, I cover:How long recovery can take after giving birth — and why it’s different for every mumThe importance of rest and how “horizontal rest” helps your body healHow to safely build up your walking and gentle exercise routinePelvic floor tips and why your 6-week physio check is so valuableWhat to do if recovery feels slower than expectedWhen to seek professional support and how a pessary can helpBabywearing tips — and what to consider if you have prolapse symptomsLINKS: Preparing for birth Pelvic health checklist Free 7 Day Trial Pregnancy Workouts Free 7 Day Trial Postnatal Workouts FitNest Mama Website Instagram @kathbaquie.physio 1:1 Consultation with Physio Kath at Hatched House ** This podcast has general information only. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health or medical condition.

Send us a textIn this episode of the Pregnancy, Birth and Recovery podcast, I chat with Ashley, a beautiful member of the FitNest Mama community, who shares her heartfelt induction birth story. From the challenges of IVF and pregnancy loss to navigating hyperemesis and recovery after birth, Ashley’s honesty and strength shine through.Whether you’re preparing for birth, exploring induction options, or simply love real and raw birth stories, this episode will both inspire and reassure you.In this episode, we discuss:Ashley’s journey through IUI, IVF, and pregnancy loss before conceiving her daughter, EdenWhat it’s like to experience hyperemesis gravidarum throughout pregnancyThe decision-making process around having an induction after IVFHow Ashley’s induction birth unfolded – from balloon catheter to epidural and episiotomyNICU days, early breastfeeding challenges, and seeking lactation supportHer postnatal recovery, including wound healing and pelvic floor awarenessHow FitNest Mama helped her feel confident and supported throughout pregnancy and beyondAshley’s advice for new mums on reducing information overwhelm and trusting your bodyEpisode mentioned:Induction of birth, with Dr Shavi FernandoLINKS: Preparing for birth Pelvic health checklist Free 7 Day Trial Pregnancy Workouts Free 7 Day Trial Postnatal Workouts FitNest Mama Website Instagram @kathbaquie.physio 1:1 Consultation with Physio Kath at Hatched House ** This podcast has general information only. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health or medical condition.

Send us a textStarting solids with your baby can feel exciting — and scary. I’ll never forget the nerves I had watching my own little ones gag for the first time. In this episode, I sit down with paramedic and Baby Safe Basics founder Eliza Leslie to talk about the difference between choking versus gagging, and how to approach mealtimes with more confidence and less fear.Here’s what we cover:Why choking is the No. 1 concern for parents starting solidsChoking versus gagging — how to tell them apartWhat to do (and what not to do) if your baby is gaggingThe simple, effective first aid steps for chokingWhen it’s time to call emergency servicesPractical tips to help you start solids safely and calmlyWhy preparation and knowledge make all the differenceConnect with Eliza:WebsiteInstagramLINKS: Preparing for birth Pelvic health checklist Free 7 Day Trial Pregnancy Workouts Free 7 Day Trial Postnatal Workouts FitNest Mama Website Instagram @kathbaquie.physio 1:1 Consultation with Physio Kath at Hatched House ** This podcast has general information only. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health or medical condition.

Send us a textStill noticing tummy weakness months (or even years) after having your baby? You’re not alone. In this episode, I answer a member’s question about ab separation — and share why it’s never too late to feel strong again.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:What ab separation (diastasis recti) really is — and why the term “separation” can be misleading.What counts as normal postpartum abdominal changes (hint: a mild gap is not a problem).Why the “missed window” for recovery is a myth.Safe, functional exercises to begin rebuilding your core.When a gap might need professional assessment — and why fear, not the separation itself, often holds women back.How to reframe the question from “How do I close the gap?” to “How strong can I get today?”LINKS: Preparing for birth Pelvic health checklist Free 7 Day Trial Pregnancy Workouts Free 7 Day Trial Postnatal Workouts FitNest Mama Website Instagram @kathbaquie.physio 1:1 Consultation with Physio Kath at Hatched House ** This podcast has general information only. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health or medical condition.

Send us a textThird-time mum Emma joins me to share her honest, inspiring story of birth, recovery, and returning to the sport she loves. From induction and epidural challenges to tackling breastfeeding pain and setting her sights on the Berlin Marathon, Emma’s journey is one many mums will relate to.In this episode we cover:Emma’s experience of three inductions and how her third birth unfoldedWhat happened when her epidural only worked on one sideHow she managed the transition and quick five-minute pushThe early struggles of breastfeeding and the turning point with a GP–Lactation ConsultantDifferences in postnatal recovery between her first, second, and third birthsWhy she prioritised a pelvic floor assessment before returning to runningHow the FitNest Mama return-to-running program helped her rebuild safelyEmma’s advice to her younger, first-time-mum selfLINKS: Preparing for birth Pelvic health checklist Free 7 Day Trial Pregnancy Workouts Free 7 Day Trial Postnatal Workouts FitNest Mama Website Instagram @kathbaquie.physio 1:1 Consultation with Physio Kath at Hatched House ** This podcast has general information only. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health or medical condition.