Positive Birth Australia

On today’s episode, we dive into Shontelle’s journey through her three hospital births. Her first experience followed the common medical path - an induction, and a postpartum haemorrhage that ended in a trip to the theatre. Despite this, Shontelle holds this birth with deep reverence as the beginning of her motherhood journey. For her second birth, everything shifted. Inspired by Ina May’s iconic book, Shontelle discovered the power of informed, instinctive birthing. This newfound mindset became invaluable when her baby boy made a swift and surprising entrance at just 37+ weeks.   By her third pregnancy, Shontelle was deeply equipped with knowledge, tools, and confidence. She shares how she worked within the system to create a birth experience that felt truly transformative.   Join us as we delve into the lessons she’s learnt along the way, and how preparation and mindset became her greatest allies in birthing her babies. Show Notes: Instagram: @shontelle.mcfarlane Resources: @thegreatbirthrebellion @coreandfloorrestore

Today, I sit down with Georgia, who shares her two deeply personal and positive birth stories - each unique, yet equally transformative. Like so many women, Georgia carried fear around birth. But a seed planted by her grandmother, shifted her perspective and opened her to the possibility that not all birth has to be traumatic. Determined to rewrite the narrative, Georgia turned to a Calm Birth course for guidance and education. This became her anchor, providing her and her husband with the confidence and tools they needed to navigate the hospital system with clarity and intention.  For her second pregnancy, the restrictions of the Covid era led Georgia to seek an entirely different path - one rooted in the safety and comfort of her own home. With the  support of a midwife who truly saw and honoured her, Georgia experienced the beauty of individualised care. When labour began, it mirrored her first, but this time she didn’t need to leave her sacred space. Surrounded by love and grounded in her power, Georgia birthed her baby at home, with her family by her side.   In today’s episode, Georgia reflects on these two positive yet contrasting, journeys. She opens up about her battle with HG (hyperemesis gravidarum) in both pregnancies, the lessons she learnt, and how preparation, self-belief, and standing firm in your choices can create an empowering birth, no matter the setting. Show Notes: Instagram: @georgiahaig Calm Birth Course: @birth_confidante Midwife: @louisedavidmidwifelc

Today’s episode features the powerful and contrasting birth stories of Nathalie. After receiving a gestational diabetes (GDM) diagnosis, she was placed in the high-risk category, resulting in a cascade of interventions and care that felt disconnected from her unique needs and true health picture. That experience lit a spark within Nathalie, igniting a desire to rewrite her birth story the next time around. Guided by an inner knowing, she approached her next birth with intention and trust. Hiring a doula became a pivotal moment, introducing her to the possibility of homebirth and connecting her with a midwife who provided care tailored to her individual circumstances. This birth unfolded so quickly that her midwife and doula barely arrived in time, a beautiful reminder that Nathalie had everything she needed within herself all along.Today, Nathalie also unpacks a moment of profound emotional release after her son was born. The weight of her journey—the struggles, the growth, and the transformation—came rushing to the surface. Overwhelmed by the enormity of it all, she froze, unable to immediately reach for her baby. This powerful moment, though unexpected, reflects how birth has the ability to uncover and heal emotional blockages, offering deep transformation. Nathalie’s story is a beautiful testament to the sacredness of birth and the profound shifts that occur when we are supported, seen, and trust ourselves in the birthing space.Show Notes: Instagram: @grateful_mammaDoula: @eleanor.lambert.doulaMidwife: @nurturingbirthhunterKinesiology: @erin.dube.kinesiologyJoin the Newcastle Homebirth Community HERE.Mentioned in this episode:Positive Birth Australia Birth Affirmations Tracks Available Now!Did you know that studies have shown affirmations can significantly boost self-esteem and reduce stress? Here at Positive Birth Australia, we’ve crafted a 20-minute affirmation to guide you to deeply remember the power you hold within. And to my fellow Belly Birth mothers, we’ve created a track specifically for you, to honour that all birth is sacred. For only $5, you can download at www.positivebirthaustralia.com and immerse yourself in our affirmations track to transform your mindset. Positive Birth AustraliaPBA Surrender Birth Pool HirePositive Birth Australia's Surrender birth pools, available for hire Australia-wide at just $250. Each hire includes a disposable liner, birth comb for acupressure, and a detailed checklist of items you'll need. With a 6-week hire period, no deposit or bonds required, and 24/7 comprehensive customer support, we've made it easy to get your dream birth pool. Use Code: REBIRTH at checkout to receive a FREE 20-minute birth affirmation track of your choosing. Surrender Birth Pool Hire

On today’s episode, first-time mother Emily takes us on a deeply personal journey through her rite of passage in a hospital birth. Having carried a lifelong fear of childbirth, Emily found a new perspective when she started hearing positive birth stories within her community. These stories sparked a curiosity in her, showing her that birth could look and feel different from what she had always feared.When she became pregnant, Emily initially felt unsure of her next steps. After exploring different care providers and navigating a relocation to the coast during her third trimester, she finally settled on a hospital that not only aligned with her vision for birth but also felt like the safest choice, offering her the peace of mind she needed for this transformative experience.In today’s episode, Emily shares the techniques that kept her grounded and in the zone, along with the education that gave her the confidence and awareness to achieve the unmedicated birth she had always dreamed of.Show Notes:Instagram: @statuettestudioEducation Resources: @calmbirth @belly2birthUltrasound: @bellyview_ultrasoundBooks: The First Six Weeks, After the First Six WeeksPodcasts: Is This Normal? The Pregnancy PodcastFREE Birth Affirmations Download HEREMentioned in this episode:Positive Birth Australia Birth Affirmations Tracks Available Now!Did you know that studies have shown affirmations can significantly boost self-esteem and reduce stress? Here at Positive Birth Australia, we’ve crafted a 20-minute affirmation to guide you to deeply remember the power you hold within. And to my fellow Belly Birth mothers, we’ve created a track specifically for you, to honour that all birth is sacred. For only $5, you can download at www.positivebirthaustralia.com and immerse yourself in our affirmations track to transform your mindset. Positive Birth AustraliaPBA Surrender Birth Pool HirePositive Birth Australia's Surrender birth pools, available for hire Australia-wide at just $250. Each hire includes a disposable liner, birth comb for acupressure, and a detailed checklist of items you'll need. With a 6-week hire period, no deposit or bonds required, and 24/7 comprehensive customer support, we've made it easy to get your dream birth pool. Use Code: REBIRTH at checkout to receive a FREE 20-minute birth affirmation track of your choosing. Surrender Birth Pool Hire