The Mama Village

Welcome back to The Mama Village! Today, I have the pleasure of introducing you to Bryanna, a remarkable woman who shares her deeply personal journey of two homebirth experiences that couldn’t be more different. Bryanna's story begins with her husband's initial hesitation about their first homebirth, shaped by the trauma of a previous birth experience. However, together, they worked as a strong team, navigating their fears and dreams for the kind of birth Bryanna envisioned. With a thoughtful approach, they blended care with private midwife and backup private obstetrician, ultimately creating a calm and beautiful first homebirth that Bryanna describes as pain-free, filled with love and connection. Yet, Bryanna's journey also includes profound heartache. She gets raw and real about the emotional impact of her two miscarriages between her children, sharing how those losses reshaped her understanding of motherhood and her body. Her candid reflections reveal the pain, grief, and vulnerability that often accompany the journey to motherhood, and how it can feel isolating in a society that often rushes past these stories. Bryanna emphasises the importance of individualised care and the support she found in her naturopath, illuminating the path through her fertility struggles. When it came time to birthing her son, her second birth was a whirlwind of pain and intensity, yet it brought her to a place of deep reflection and embracing the postpartum experience in ways she hadn't before. Bryanna's story is raw, real, and beautifully inspiring, reminding us of the complexities of motherhood. Before we dive in, I want to take a moment to share some bittersweet news. This episode marks the final chapter of The Mama Village podcast, as I take an indefinite break. Juggling moving house, the needs of my young family, my part-time job and the podcast has left me feeling burnt out, and I need this time to recharge. I am incredibly grateful to all the women and experts who have generously shared their stories and insights on this platform. My passion for women’s rights and autonomy in childbirth remains strong, and I’ll continue to advocate for this cause in new ways. Thank you for being part of this journey with me. Now, let’s dive into Bryanna’s inspiring story! For Music: https://soundcloud.com/emotionetoile/kevin-macleod-easy-day-no-copyright-music-103  Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional, and this is not medical advice. Any information discussed in this podcast should not replace the advice of your professional healthcare provider. This podcast is designed for general information only and is not specific to individual needs. Please seek advice from your professional health care provider if you have any concerns regarding your pregnancy, birth or postpartum.

Welcome back to another episode of The Mama Village! I’m your host, Ellen, and today we have a truly inspiring guest, Anna, who is not only a midwife but also a mother with powerful stories to share. Anna takes us on a journey through her two contrasting birth experiences that highlight the incredible strength and resilience of women. In her first story, Anna navigated a vaginal breech birth in the hospital, a situation that many might find daunting. Yet, she reflects on this experience as positive, emphasising the importance of being informed and feeling in control. With the support of trusted caregivers, Anna was empowered to make choices that honoured her autonomy, even when faced with the need for an episiotomy and forceps. Fast forward to her second pregnancy, where Anna embraced the transformative journey of a home birth. This time, she found comfort and trust in her body and her baby, discovering that her natural birthing position was lying down. But Anna's journey hasn't been without its struggles. She candidly shares her experience with hyperemesis, a condition that can be physically and emotionally debilitating. The second pregnancy was particularly tough, and Anna bravely discusses how she confronted the challenges that arose, showing us just how complex and beautiful the path to motherhood can be. Additionally, Anna opens up about her perineal trauma from her first birth, addressing the stigma and misconceptions surrounding such experiences. She advocates for using appropriate language around perineal trauma, reminding us that every woman's story is valid and that our experiences do not define our worth. Join us as we dive deep into Anna's stories of strength, empowerment, and the incredible journey of motherhood. Whether you’re a parent, planning to become one, or simply curious about the birthing experience, this episode is sure to resonate. Let’s jump in!   Resources Hypnobirthing Reclaiming Childbirth as a Rite of Passage by Rachel Reed   Don’t forget that if you like the podcast, please subscribe!   For Music: https://soundcloud.com/emotionetoile/kevin-macleod-easy-day-no-copyright-music-103  Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional, and this is not medical advice. Any information discussed in this podcast should not replace the advice of your professional healthcare provider. This podcast is designed for general information only and is not specific to individual needs. Please seek advice from your professional healthcare provider if you have any concerns regarding your pregnancy, birth or postpartum.

Welcome back to another episode of The Mama Village! Today, I’m thrilled to introduce you to our first international guest, Brittany, all the way from Southern California.  In today’s episode, Brittany shares her empowering journey through pregnancy and her beautiful hospital birth story. After feeling pressured by her OBGYN about her rapid weight gain that didn’t reflect her overall health, she made the brave decision to switch care providers and hire a private midwife and a doula. Brittany's experience highlights the importance of finding supportive care that truly understands and respects your body and your journey. Brittany will also take us through a touching moment in her postpartum journey—an intuitive ceremony in her first shower after giving birth, where she expressed gratitude to her incredible body for carrying her baby, giving birth and healing postpartum. Brittany also opens up about the challenges she faced in the postpartum period, and how she sought help through a postpartum doula, counselling, and lactation support. This episode is a heartfelt reminder of the strength we all possess, the importance of community, and the journey of motherhood. So, let’s dive into Brittany’s inspiring story! Resources Books: 1. The Birth Partner by Penny Simkin  2. Hypnobirthing: The Breakthrough to Safer, Easier, More Comfortable Childbirth by Marie Mongan 3. Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn by Penny Simkin    Courses:  1.        https://www.hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/birthbox   Don’t forget that if you like the podcast, please subscribe! If you would like to share your pregnancy, birth and postpartum story, or if you have education in the space to share, please send me a direct message on Instagram or email [email protected] For Music: https://soundcloud.com/emotionetoile/kevin-macleod-easy-day-no-copyright-music-103  Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional, and this is not medical advice. Any information discussed in this podcast should not replace the advice of your professional healthcare provider. This podcast is designed for general information only and is not specific to individual needs. Please seek advice from your professional health care provider if you have any concerns regarding your pregnancy, birth or postpartum.

Welcome to another episode of The Mama Village! I’m your host, Ellen, and today we have a truly inspiring story that I can’t wait to share with you. In this episode, I’m thrilled to introduce Hannah, who joins us to recount her incredible journey to a magical home birth after two very different hospital births. Hannah’s story is both heartfelt and enlightening. She’ll take us through her experience of a traumatic hospital birth, which involved a cascade of interventions, and how this contrasted with the empowering hospital birth and then home birth which followed.   Diagnosed with gestational diabetes in each of her pregnancies, Hannah dove deep into research and self-advocacy to challenge this label, ensuring her home birth was as positive as she envisioned.   We’ll explore the significance of finding a midwife or healthcare practitioner who truly aligns with your values and the birth you dream of. Hannah also shares her profound insights on the power of supportive language during labour, revealing how her midwife’s encouragement helped her through a big emotional release. Adding to the magic of her home birth, Hannah's other children were present, creating a deeply meaningful and family-centered experience. But her journey doesn’t end there; we’ll also dive into the realities of postpartum struggles and discuss the importance of preparing for a nourishing postpartum period.  Join us as we delve into Hannah’s story of transformation, empowerment, and the profound beauty of home birth. Whether you’re a mama-to-be or just looking for inspiration, this episode is sure to leave you feeling uplifted and informed. Resources mentioned in this episode: The Midwives Cauldron Podcast on gestational diabetes episodes: 1.        https://open.spotify.com/episode/4s2vnvz6ZUtxoZXZ6Mj58p?si=5dzuTTiDRZadKvCf7l5ytw 2.        https://open.spotify.com/episode/0uFokd2PlitplZUdHRZ5Ts?si=zJ0SXznYTK6DG_EjbJKR7g The Great Birth Rebellion episode on gestational diabetes: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3cnhNfsp4ZYmwiGJ86VxuU?si=MRoEiOX_QVi89zsvcONYXQ The Great Birth Rebellion episode on small/big babies including accuracy of scans in late pregnancy for estimating baby's size: 1.        https://open.spotify.com/episode/1S52SSNWKwdejR9T7Mdht4?si=x6h2uv97RjSfNqoXpxl45Q 2.        https://open.spotify.com/episode/7iAqN2NyhzWhmmQRwuIWFy?si=XxOcdMLmQq6XslUtHBmcqg Book: Real Food for Pregnancy by Lily Nichols Home Birth Australia & Home Birth Queensland, Home Birth Gympie Facebook pages   Don’t forget that if you like the podcast, please subscribe! If you would like to share your pregnancy, birth and postpartum story, or if you have education in the space to share, please send me a direct message on Instagram or email [email protected] For Music: https://soundcloud.com/emotionetoile/kevin-macleod-easy-day-no-copyright-music-103  Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional, and this is not medical advice. Any information discussed in this podcast should not replace the advice of your professional healthcare provider. This podcast is designed for general information only and is not specific to individual needs. Please seek advice from your professional healthcare provider if you have any concerns regarding your pregnancy, birth or postpartum.

Welcome back to another episode of The Mama Village. I’m your host, Ellen, and today, we’re diving into the world of osteopathy with two incredible experts, Mandy and Chelsea from Osteos of Noosa. In this episode, we’re going to unravel all things osteopathy, with a focus on the pregnancy, birth and postpartum space. Mandy and Chelsea will guide us through the principles of osteopathy, which takes a holistic, whole-body approach to healing and wellness. We’ll discuss how this integrative practice can help alleviate common pregnancy symptoms, create space in the pelvis for a smoother birth, and set the stage for optimal postpartum recovery. We’ll cover everything from when to seek out an osteopath, what to expect during a session, and the personalisation of treatments to fit individual needs. Mandy and Chelsea will share their expert insights on how osteopathy can support women immediately after birth, aligning the body for a quicker, more efficient recovery. They’ll also touch on specific issues like scoliosis during pregnancy, shortness of breath, lightning crotch and more, and how osteopathy can address such concerns. So, whether you're expecting, newly postpartum, or just curious about how to support your body through these transformative times, this episode is packed with valuable information and practical advice. Let’s dive in and discover how osteopathy can be a wonderful ally in your journey through pregnancy and beyond. Don’t forget that if you like the podcast, please subscribe and leave a review on your podcast platform.   If you would like to get in touch with Mandy or Chelsea at Osteos of Noosa: https://www.osteosofnoosa.com.au/ @osteosofnoosa Email: [email protected]   If you would like to share your pregnancy, birth and postpartum story, or if you have education in the space to share, please send me a direct message on Instagram or email [email protected]   For Music: https://soundcloud.com/emotionetoile/kevin-macleod-easy-day-no-copyright-music-103  Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional, and this is not medical advice. Any information discussed in this podcast should not replace the advice of your professional healthcare provider. This podcast is designed for general information only and is not specific to individual needs. Please seek advice from your professional health care provider if you have any concerns regarding your pregnancy, birth or postpartum.

Welcome back to another episode of The Mama Village! I’m your host, Ellen, and today we’re diving into a truly remarkable birth journey with Rhianon, a midwife whose story is as diverse as it is empowering. Rhianon’s path to motherhood is a tapestry of contrasts and growth. Her first two births were induced in hospital settings, and while they were medically managed, Rhianon reflects on these experiences with a sense of positivity and gratitude. But it’s Rhianon’s third birth that truly captures the beauty of how her journey evolves. This time, she welcomed her baby at home with the support of a private midwife, experiencing a birth that was both transformative and deeply fulfilling. Rhianon openly shares how this final birth fulfilled her longing for a more intuitive and personal birthing experience, and she even muses about having another baby just to relive that home birth magic. In addition to her birth stories, Rhianon highlights the crucial role of lactation support during the postpartum period, shedding light on an often-overlooked aspect of the birthing journey. Tune in to hear Rhianon’s heartfelt reflections, learn from her professional insights, and be inspired by her journey from a medicalised approach to a profound trust in the natural process of birth.   Watch the video interview with Rhianon on YouTube - @the.mamavillage Don’t forget that if you like the podcast, please subscribe and leave a review on your podcast platform. If you would like to share your pregnancy, birth and postpartum story, or if you have education in the space to share, please send me a direct message on Instagram or email [email protected] For Music: https://soundcloud.com/emotionetoile/kevin-macleod-easy-day-no-copyright-music-103  Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional, and this is not medical advice. Any information discussed in this podcast should not replace the advice of your professional healthcare provider. This podcast is designed for general information only and is not specific to individual needs. Please seek advice from your professional health care provider if you have any concerns regarding your pregnancy, birth or postpartum.

Welcome back to another episode of The Mama Village! Today we have a truly inspiring guest joining us—Sunni, a dedicated naturopath, nutritionist, and mum of two. Sunni specialises in working with women through fertility, preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum care, and she brings a wealth of knowledge to our conversation today. In this episode, we dive deep into the world of nutrition during pregnancy and postpartum. Sunni shares her insights on Ayurvedic and herbal remedies that can support both physical and mental well-being during this transformative time. We explore essential minerals that can alleviate common pregnancy-related symptoms and discuss the crucial role of mental health in overall pregnancy care. One of the highlights of our conversation is Sunni’s perspective on the often-overlooked aspects of women’s health in the medical system, including the need for more personalised approaches and emphasis on mental health. We also delve into the fascinating topic of the gut microbiome and its impact on both physical health and emotional balance. Whether you’re expecting, a new mom, or simply interested in holistic approaches to health, this episode is packed with valuable information and practical tips to support you on your journey. So, grab a comfy seat, and let’s get started with Sunni!   Don’t forget that if you like the show, please subscribe and leave a review on your podcast platform. If you would like to get in touch with Sunni: @the.sunni.naturopath Email: [email protected] Ritual Haus: www.ritualhaus.com.au   If you would like to share your positive pregnancy, birth, postpartum and motherhood story, or if you have education in the space to share, please send me a direct message on Instagram or email [email protected]   For Music: https://soundcloud.com/emotionetoile/kevin-macleod-easy-day-no-copyright-music-103 Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional, and this is not medical advice. Any information discussed in this podcast should not replace the advice of your professional healthcare provider. This podcast is designed for general information only and is not specific to individual needs. Please seek advice from your professional healthcare provider if you have any concerns regarding your pregnancy, birth or postpartum.

Welcome back to The Mama Village podcast! Today, I’m thrilled to introduce you to Cindy, a homeopath whose confidence in her body and intuitive approach to birth offer a truly captivating perspective. In this episode, Cindy will take us through her first home birth experience, a story marked by determination and unwavering confidence. Despite her husband’s initial reservations and the unsolicited opinions from family members, Cindy chose to embrace a home birth, guided by her trust in her two midwives and her own intuition. Her labour was swift, and her daughter’s birth was a striking moment of nature's artistry, with her daughter arriving en caul, wrapped in her amniotic sac. Cindy also reflects on the lessons she learned about control and surrender, and the bittersweet reality of her breastfeeding journey, where she encountered challenges that reshaped her understanding of receiving and acceptance.  Join us as Cindy delves into her powerful experiences, sharing insights about navigating personal choices, trusting one's instincts, and finding strength through the ups and downs of motherhood. Don’t forget that if you like the podcast, please subscribe! If you want to get in touch with Cindy: www.linktr.ee/flowcindy   Flowing Health with Cindy Lane Homeopathy & Yoga for your health   0407 682 046 www.linktr.ee/flowcindy *Homeopath BHSc, Australian Register of Homoeopaths, Australian Homoeopathic Association Former AHA Vic/Tas branch president, secretary & National Council Representative Current AHA Qld branch committee & National Council Representative *Yoga teacher Yoga Alliance accredited in hatha, hot, prenatal, postnatal, yoga with baby, kids yoga and yin yoga   For Music: https://soundcloud.com/emotionetoile/kevin-macleod-easy-day-no-copyright-music-103 Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional, and this is not medical advice. Any information discussed in this podcast should not replace the advice of your professional healthcare provider. This podcast is designed for general information only and is not specific to individual needs. Please seek advice from your professional healthcare provider if you have any concerns regarding your pregnancy, birth or postpartum.

Welcome back to The Mama Village podcast! I’m your host, Ellen, and joining us is Laura, whose journey through conception and motherhood is nothing short of extraordinary. Laura opens up about the challenges that she faced from the start, including a heart-wrenching ectopic pregnancy that led to the rupture of her right fallopian tube, and the complex layers of grief that followed. She sheds light on the crucial role language and medical attitudes play in a mother’s experience of loss and how these moments of grief are deeply personal. Laura’s story continues with her first full-term pregnancy, where she was faced with the unexpected diagnosis of gestational diabetes, just barely over the threshold. This label, though small in number, had a significant impact on her pregnancy and birth, turning her journey into a battleground where she fought to protect her space and her birth experience. Despite a long labour and a water birth that, on paper, looked perfect, Laura felt a deep internal struggle, questioning if she ever wanted to give birth again. But Laura’s story takes a beautiful turn with her second baby. This time, she chose a home birth with a private midwife, and the experience was a profound departure from her first. Laura describes her second birth as intense and empowering, a journey that unfolded with a sense of magic and pure wonder. The contrast between her first and second births highlights a powerful transformation, showing how deeply personal and extraordinary the experience of bringing a new life into the world can be. Join us as Laura shares her powerful journey, the lessons she’s learned, and how each experience has shaped her understanding of birth and motherhood. Don’t forget that if you like the podcast, please subscribe! For Music: https://soundcloud.com/emotionetoile/kevin-macleod-easy-day-no-copyright-music-103 Resources mentioned in this episode: The Midwives Cauldron Podcast on gestational diabetes episodes: 1.        https://open.spotify.com/episode/4s2vnvz6ZUtxoZXZ6Mj58p?si=5dzuTTiDRZadKvCf7l5ytw 2.        https://open.spotify.com/episode/0uFokd2PlitplZUdHRZ5Ts?si=zJ0SXznYTK6DG_EjbJKR7g The Great Birth Rebellion episode on gestational diabetes: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3cnhNfsp4ZYmwiGJ86VxuU?si=MRoEiOX_QVi89zsvcONYXQ The Great Birth Rebellion episode on small/big babies including accuracy of scans in late pregnancy for estimating baby's size: 1.        https://open.spotify.com/episode/1S52SSNWKwdejR9T7Mdht4?si=x6h2uv97RjSfNqoXpxl45Q 2.        https://open.spotify.com/episode/7iAqN2NyhzWhmmQRwuIWFy?si=XxOcdMLmQq6XslUtHBmcqg Dr Rachel Reed’s blog - Midwife Thinking Books: Reclaiming Childbirth as a Rite of Passage by Rachel Reed Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering by Sarah J. Buckley Ten Moons by Jane Hardwicke Collings Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional, and this is not medical advice. Any information discussed in this podcast should not replace the advice of your professional healthcare provider. This podcast is designed for general information only and is not specific to individual needs. Please seek advice from your professional healthcare provider if you have any concerns regarding your pregnancy, birth or postpartum.

Welcome back to another episode of The Mama Village! I'm your host, Ellen, and today, we have a deeply moving and enlightening episode that I’m excited to share with you. Our guest, Nina, opens up about her incredible journey through two very different pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experiences. In this episode, Nina takes us through her first birth, a hospital experience that left her feeling disempowered and disconnected from her own body. She gets real about the anxiety she faced during pregnancy and postpartum, and how these struggles were intertwined with a sense of not feeling safe from childhood. Nina describes how, in her first birth, she placed her trust in the hospital system rather than in herself, leading to a series of events that felt more like a breach of her personal space and autonomy. From the separation of her baby immediately after birth, lack of informed consent, and the lack of proper care during stitches, Nina’s story is a testament to the urgent need for respect and dignity in maternity care. Nina’s second birth was a complete turnaround—a beautiful, empowering home birth that completely transformed her experience. She describes how she embraced the trust in her body and her baby, creating a birth environment that honoured her wishes and her values. With her supportive midwives and the loving presence of her husband, Nina’s second birth was marked by a profound sense of respect and connection. Her baby was placed on her chest immediately, and she experienced birth without pain—a stark contrast to her first experience. This second birth was a moment of healing and empowerment for her entire family. Nina’s bravery in advocating for herself and her mental health is inspiring. Her journey through these two births highlights the importance of listening to our instincts, the power of self-advocacy, and the transformative nature of a birth experience that truly respects and honours a mother’s wishes. Join us as we dive into Nina’s heartfelt story, exploring the highs and lows, and discovering the incredible growth she experienced through her two very different births. Don’t forget that if you like the show, please subscribe and leave a review on your podcast platform. Thank you all for your continuing support! For Music: https://soundcloud.com/emotionetoile/kevin-macleod-easy-day-no-copyright-music-103 Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional, and this is not medical advice. Any information discussed in this podcast should not replace the advice of your professional healthcare provider. This podcast is designed for general information only and is not specific to individual needs. Please seek advice from your professional health care provider if you have any concerns regarding your pregnancy, birth or postpartum.