Sam + Otis: IVF, Pregnancy Complications and a Premature Birth at 29 Weeks

This episode of Kiwi Birth Tales is proudly sponsored by Woolworths NZ in support of the Little Miracles Trust. In this episode of Kiwi Birth Tales, I speak to Samantha - we focus on her second pregnancy, which she conceived through IVF. Her pregnancy was not without challenges and they spent a lot of time in NICU as Otis was born just before 30 weeks. Some of the topics we cover:IVF journey and embryo transferEarly pregnancy after IVFBleeding in early pregnancy (week 10)Subchorionic hematoma and pregnancy complicationsHeavy bleeding at 13 weeksIncreased risk factors identified during pregnancyAmniocentesis and genetic testingAnatomy scan and ongoing monitoringPregnancy anxiety after complicationsHospital stays during pregnancyPremature labour at 28 weeksEmergency response and hospital admissionBirth of a premature babyNeonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) experienceOxygen support and respiratory challenges in newbornsFeeding challenges and NICU careEmotional impact of NICU on parentsTransition from NICU to Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU)Preparing to take baby home after NICULife after NICU and early newborn periodLong-term development and health outcomesYour Birth Project Online Hypnobirthing Coursehttps://www.fertilityassociates.co.nz/book-a-free-nurse-consultPlease seek support for any mental health concerns. Some helpful links are below:Mental Health in PregnancyPerinatal Depression and Anxiety Aotearoa Plunket - Dads Mental HealthLittle Shadow - Private Counselling NZFind me @kiwibirthtales and @yourbirthproject Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pregnancy Diaries update week 34 and 35 - getting close to the end now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Did someone say numb flaps? Oh, it was me.... Week 31-33 and all the joys that come along with it that, in this pregnancy diaries episode. Carpal tunnelPregnancy insomniaSleeping arrangementsNesting (or lack of) Renal dilaiton scanGrowth scan + LGA babyGestational diabetes retest Numb pelvic area Franjos Kitchen Hydration Powder + Bhone Beauty drinkObstertric appointment next week 4 weeks left of work Breathlessness!!!! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of Kiwi Birth Tales is proudly sponsored by Your Birth Project. In this episode of Kiwi Birth Tales, I speak to Kobi about her experience navigating pregnancy as a single mum, induction of labour, postpartum recovery and mental health after birth. Some of the topics we cover:Single mum pregnancy journeyRelationship breakdown during pregnancyConsidering termination and unexpected pregnancy emotionsMoving cities while pregnant and rebuilding support networksGrowth concerns in pregnancy and SGA clinic careInduction birth story at 37 weeks (balloon induction and syntocin)Hospital birth experience in New ZealandThird-degree tear recovery and labial tearSignificant postpartum blood loss (1 litre)Early postpartum recovery and hospital stayBreastfeeding struggles and painful early feeding journeyPostpartum hormonal changes and emotional wellbeingDepression diagnosis and mental health supportThe importance of village support, nourishment and postpartum careHow motherhood changed her identity and perspectiveHealing after birth and finding strength in motherhoodYour Birth Project Online Hypnobirthing Coursehttps://www.fertilityassociates.co.nz/book-a-free-nurse-consultPlease seek support for any mental health concerns. Some helpful links are below:Mental Health in PregnancyPerinatal Depression and Anxiety Aotearoa Plunket - Dads Mental HealthLittle Shadow - Private Counselling NZFind me @kiwibirthtales and @yourbirthproject Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keeping you updated with all things pregnancy as I get closer to bringing our 3rd boy earthside!This update:body changes and updates pregnancy symptomsorganising and planningWE'VE PICKED A NAME Jai in hospitalThoughts about preparing for birth and breastfeeding Room set ups Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of Kiwi Birth Tales is proudly sponsored by Bhone BeautyIn this episode of Kiwi Birth Tales, I speak to Genevieve. Some of the topics we cover:Voices of Hope Eating disorder when youngerOBGYN careProtein in urine at 37 weeks Emergency Csection (had planned for an elective csection) Auckland Hospital Breastfeeding journey Postpartum support from family Prioritising restThings she loved - vital bits belly band and scar patches, carrier from the sleep store, breastfeeding pillow, baby lounger, wahakura, lanolin creamYour Birth Project Online Hypnobirthing Coursehttps://www.fertilityassociates.co.nz/book-a-free-nurse-consultPlease seek support for any mental health concerns, some helpful links are below:Mental Health in PregnancyPerinatal Depression and Anxiety Aotearoa Plunket - Dads Mental HealthLittle Shadow - Private Counselling NZFind me @kiwibirthtales and @yourbirthproject Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of Kiwi Birth Tales is proudly brought to you by Your Birth Project.In this episode of Kiwi Birth Tales, I speak to Jess. Some of the topics we cover:Heart shaped uterus (partial septate)Bleeds in early pregnancyCholestasis Polyhydramnious Preparing for hospital birthTransverse until 38 weeks Anxious at end of pregnancy Reduced movements Waters broke when in hospital Episiotomy and Kiwi Cup deliveryEpiduralBreastfeeding class @ Catherine Rietveld St George's Hospital Christchurch Your Birth Project Online Hypnobirthing Coursehttps://www.fertilityassociates.co.nz/book-a-free-nurse-consultPlease seek support for any mental health concerns, some helpful links are below:Mental Health in PregnancyPerinatal Depression and Anxiety Aotearoa Plunket - Dads Mental HealthLittle Shadow - Private Counselling NZFind me @kiwibirthtales and @yourbirthproject Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the first episode of Pregnancy Diaries, a bonus series running alongside the 2026 season of Kiwi Birth Tales.In this episode, I’m sharing a real-time update from my third pregnancy, how I’m feeling physically and mentally, what feels different this time around, and some of the early decisions I’m already thinking about as I prepare for birth again.These bonus episodes will sit alongside our weekly birth stories and give you a more personal look at what this chapter looks like for me.If you’re pregnant right now, I hope this feels relatable in some way! Topics for the week: Bountiful Pregnancy tracking appPelvic girdle pain Pregnancy Pillow (From Carry The Mums on @ MOM Store )Gestational Diabetes testHeartburn Low Iron (Ferritin) and B12 (symptoms) Emily from @nourisher_co support with Iron supplement Nipple pain Bhone Beauty Powder drink Pure Mama Body Scrub, Belly Oil + Magnesium body rubParental LeaveDulese Natural DeodorantFarmers Nursey Sale Elective Csection32 week scan coming up for check of Renal Dilation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of Kiwi Birth Tales is proudly brought to you by Your Birth Project.In this episode of Kiwi Birth Tales, I speak to Harriet. Some of the topics we cover:Fast first labour and birth Ventouse delivery Overdue Felt something wasn't right in second pregnancy towards end Self admitted to Hospital without Midwife CTG heartrate caused emergency reactionEmergency CsectionDelay in birth Lack of oxygen SCBU and NICU stay Care not of standard, caused further issues ACC Claim HDC Claim Advocating for yourself and trusting your gut Your Birth Project Online Hypnobirthing Coursehttps://www.fertilityassociates.co.nz/book-a-free-nurse-consultPlease seek support for any mental health concerns, some helpful links are below:Mental Health in PregnancyPerinatal Depression and Anxiety Aotearoa Plunket - Dads Mental HealthLittle Shadow - Private Counselling NZFind me @kiwibirthtales and @yourbirthproject Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of Kiwi Birth Tales is proudly brought to you by Your Birth Project.In this episode of Kiwi Birth Tales, I speak to Bonnie. Some of the topics we cover:Unplanned homebirthBirth Trauma + Empowering feelingsClose age gapPlanned homebirths Homebirth Canterbury organisationPreparing for birth at homeBreastfeeding journey and challengesLarge families and parents experience with birth Kids at birth VS not Your Birth Project Online Hypnobirthing Coursehttps://www.fertilityassociates.co.nz/book-a-free-nurse-consultPlease seek support for any mental health concerns, some helpful links are below:Mental Health in PregnancyPerinatal Depression and Anxiety Aotearoa Plunket - Dads Mental HealthLittle Shadow - Private Counselling NZFind me @kiwibirthtales and @yourbirthproject Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.