473 | Ash, three babies, induction, vaginal birth, homebirth, waterbirth, microcephaly,

Australian Birth Stories

Ash has been listening to the podcast since episode 40 so I’ve been in her ears every week for six years. Today she takes us through her three pregnancies and births, nodding to the importance of being prepared - listening to all kinds of births - and also accepting intervention when necessary. She navigated postnatal depression in her first postpartum but reconnected with her psychologist and went into her second pregnancy feeling grounded. She planned a homebirth and embraced spontaneous contractions, leaning into the pain. Her birth was straightforward but she immediately noticed that baby Oliver’s head was a bit small and 12 weeks later they began a long series of tests and medical appointments that eventually led to the diagnosis of a rare variant of microcephaly. Ash details her grief and shock, her self-blame and the eventual acceptance that life would look very different for the whole family. Her third birth was an incredibly healing experience and as she gets into the groove of raising three boys, she admits that social media has been such a blessing as she’s connected with parents of children with disabilities, helping her feel less alone and emotionally supported.

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What makes The Birth Class so unique?

Instead of learning from one person with one perspective, we’ve gathered nine perinatal health specialists to take you through everything you need to know about labour and birth.

Evidence based information is key to thorough preparation. In The Birth Class you’ll learn from:
5 midwives and an obstetrician, a women’s health physiotherapist, yoga teacher and birth doula.
Listen in your own time and as many times as you like so you understand:

• the process of labour and the hormones involved
• the benefits and risks of interventions
• your pain-relief options
• what happens in an emergency caesarean
• what to expect in the hours after birth
• active preparation for a VBAC

Plus, you’ll be taught practical birth skills that will help you navigate the twists and turns of labour.

The Birth Class is accessible birth education that’s both conversational and wise. Best of all, it will start a conversation with you and your support person so you can both feel prepared and confident to make informed choices; the foundation of a positive birth experience.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.