Published by Serena Louth
Welcome to Birth Tales. Conception, pregnancy, birth and those first hazy postpartum days are a physical and emotional whirlwind. My hope is that by sharing these unique experiences we can support, educate and inspire others on their journeys to becoming parents.
Listen on Apple Podcasts50 min
In this episode Sam shares the story of her son Max's birth. She began her conception journey with very little trust in her body, but her confidence grew rapidly once she fell pregnant and, aside from an ECV to turn her breech baby, she went on to have a very straightforward pregnancy. As Sam learned more about birth she transferred to the homebirth team to give herself the best chance of achieving the spontaneous physiological birth she hoped for. When her labour began, it quickly became far more intense than she had anticipated and she made the decision to transfer into hospital for anti-sickness medication. Sam reflects on what an incredible advocate and cheerleader her partner was, the fantastic support she received from her homebirth midwives and the elements that made her birth feel so positive despite the change in location. This is such a lovely conversation about learning to trust your body, adapting when birth takes an unexpected turn and recognising that a positive birth isn't defined by where it happens. Sam's IG: https://www.instagram.com/scroge The Birth Prep Bundle: https://sincere-union-68693.myflodesk.com/zkj6c4q686 My website: www.serenalouth.com My IG: https://www.instagram.com/serenalouth/
1 hr 4 min
In today's episode Helena shares the stories of her two pregnancies and births, which unfolded in surprisingly similar ways. She had planned to welcome her babies at home, but as both labours began earlier than expected, she ended up giving birth in the hospital twice instead. Helena talks us through her two physiological births, the coping techniques she leant on to get her through and the extra care her pre-term babies needed in the early days postpartum. This was a particularly special episode to record because lovely Helena was my first proper doula client - I was actually at her daughter's birth! So it was a joy to reflect on her baby's birthday together and I know you're going to love hearing her story too. Helena's IG: https://www.instagram.com/helenacolv/ The Birth Prep Bundle: https://sincere-union-68693.myflodesk.com/zkj6c4q686 My website: www.serenalouth.com My IG: https://www.instagram.com/serenalouth/
58 min
In today's episode Rosie shares her journey into motherhood, which very sadly began with the loss of a twin pregnancy. She talks candidly about her miscarriage, finding solace in the stories of women who had been through similar experiences, and how grief, anxiety, joy and gratitude all had to coexist when she conceived again. Rosie always knew she wanted to birth her baby at home and she talks us through her long labour, including the mental challenge of navigating the early stages when progress felt slow. She was incredibly well supported throughout by her husband, doula and acupuncturist and when her baby was born into her arms in her own bedroom, Rosie describes feeling like an absolute queen. This is the most beautiful example of a mother's determination, strength and stamina and a wonderful reminder of just how empowering and positive birth has the potential to be. Rosie's doula: https://www.sarahmkerridge.com Rosie's acupuncturist: https://www.claremossacupuncture.com Rosie's IG: https://www.instagram.com/rosiegordonlennox Rosie's website: https://www.rosiewildgoose.co.uk My website: www.serenalouth.com My IG: https://www.instagram.com/serenalouth/
1 hr 5 min
In this episode Lily shares the story of her second daughter's birth — a freebirth at home in the water. Between her two pregnancies she sadly experienced a loss and she talks openly about the complex emotions she felt when she conceived again soon afterwards. Lily shares how she prepared for this experience by unlearning much of the information she had absorbed the first time around leaning into instinct, intuition, osteopathy and a deeper connection with herself. She also chose to invest in a postpartum doula and describes the incredible support she received after her daughter arrived, from nourishing meals and feeding guidance to nurturing touch and warm companionship. Her story beautifully highlights the power of trusting your instincts, feeling deeply supported and reconnecting with your body's innate wisdom. Lily's first birth: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/002-lily-long-labour-hospital-birth-doula-mobile-epidural/id1703057905?i=1000627019373 Lily's IG: https://www.instagram.com/lilycanettyclarke/ The Birth Prep Bundle: https://sincere-union-68693.myflodesk.com/zkj6c4q686 My website: www.serenalouth.com My IG: https://www.instagram.com/serenalouth/
56 min
In today's episode Rebecca shares her two pregnancy and birth experiences. Her first was complicated by obstetric cholestasis, which impacted her options when it came to where to give birth, but amazingly her contractions started spontaneously before she even got to booking the induction she was being recommended. She talks us through her two straightforward vaginal births and ensuing postpartum haemorrhages, and candidly shares her experience of postnatal depression in the months following her first baby's arrival. We discuss the value of birth debriefing, having a strong support system postpartum and the transformative impact of excellent midwifery care. Rebecca also reflects on the power of independent research, tuning into what feels right for you as an individual and being brave enough to advocate for yourself. Her story is such a beautiful reminder that birth can still feel positive and empowering, even when things don't unfold quite as hoped. This is a unique and thoughtful episode about positivity, gratitude and trauma all existing alongside one another. Dr Jenna Brough: https://www.instagram.com/dr.jenna.psychologist/ Rebecca's IG: https://www.instagram.com/rebeccaleecommunications/ My website: www.serenalouth.com My IG: https://www.instagram.com/serenalouth/
55 min
In today's episode Ellie shares her extraordinary journey into motherhood. Everything seemed to be going smoothly until a few high blood pressure readings in her second trimester, so Ellie was taken by surprise when she was suddenly told she needed to remain in hospital until her baby's birth. She shares the debilitating anxiety she experienced whilst being monitored and waiting day by day to hear when her son would need to be born. At 31 weeks the decision was made for him to arrive by caesarean. Ellie reflects on how grateful she feels for the care they received and how well the team managed the situation, helping to make the experience a positive one despite the circumstances. She also shares about their five weeks in the NICU and the incredible support they had as they learned how to feed and care for their premature baby. Ellie's story is an amazing example of a mother's resilience and strength in the face of uncertainty. Ellie's IG: https://www.instagram.com/ellieaustinwilliams/ The Birth Prep Bundle: https://sincere-union-68693.myflodesk.com/zkj6c4q686 My website: www.serenalouth.com My IG: https://www.instagram.com/serenalouth/
53 min
In today's episode we're hearing from Lou about her precipitous birth. She loved being pregnant and really embraced educating herself and preparing for labour. Lou shares her experience of white coat hypertension and how she managed it with the support of her midwife during pregnancy, so her story beautifully highlights the value of continuity of care. We also talk about how she navigated an unexpectedly fast labour and how the final 40 minutes ended up being some of the best moments of her life. My website: www.serenalouth.com My IG: https://www.instagram.com/serenalouth/
1 hr 3 min
Following on from Tania's first birth story in episode 6, today she returns to share her second pregnancy and birth with her daughter, Juniper. Much like the first time around, Tania struggled in the first trimester but she was lucky to have a fairly smooth pregnancy after that. She planned to birth her baby at home with the support of her local homebirth midwives and went on to have a truly joyful and healing experience. We talk about adjusting to life as a family of four, how much more she trusted her intuition and her body this time around, the simple pleasure of having access to your own shower and bed immediately postpartum and the power of feeling deeply supported by the people you invite into your birth space. Tania's first birth: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/birth-tales/id1703057905?i=1000630265413 Tania's IG: https://www.instagram.com/taniajoyfjane/ Tania's birth story Substack https://taniajoys.substack.com/p/junipers-pregnancy-and-birth-story?r=11s4h0&utm_medium=ios&utm_id=97760_v0_s00_e0_tv4&fbclid=PAVERFWARTXp1leHRuA2FlbQIxMABzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xMjQwMjQ1NzQyODc0MTQAAad0gaymQU-In995tC-2uAvkGDV7BBePihyuuYnHDP-Svu9HS2lkO_w_woh5Tg_aem_-ObDqES82S94o1UAc-Z8LA&triedRedirect=true My website: www.serenalouth.com My IG: https://www.instagram.com/serenalouth/
42 min
In this episode Rhian shares her two very different experiences of pregnancy and birth. Her first was marked by hyperemesis gravidarum, an emergency caesarean at 32 weeks and a NICU stay during a COVID lockdown, all of which brought immense physical and emotional challenges. Her second pregnancy, however, was a much more positive experience. Rhian talks about how different it felt to approach a planned caesarean this time around and how her recovery felt more intentional and supported. Rhian also candidly shares her experiences of recurrent loss, IUI and placenta previa. This is a really honest and reassuring episode that will offer so much validation to anyone navigating similar challenges. Rhian's IG: https://www.instagram.com/rhianstephenson/ The Birth Prep Bundle: https://sincere-union-68693.myflodesk.com/zkj6c4q686 My website: www.serenalouth.com My IG: https://www.instagram.com/serenalouth/ Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It should not be used as a substitute for professional care or guidance. Always seek advice from your midwife, doctor or other qualified health provider regarding your individual circumstances. The views and experiences shared in this podcast are those of the individuals involved and may not be suitable for everyone. Any opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcast host. While we aim to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no guarantees regarding completeness or accuracy and information may change over time. We are not responsible for any outcomes resulting from the use of information discussed in this podcast. Use of this information is at your own discretion.
56 min
In this episode Jess shares her experience of birthing her third baby. As a midwife and a mum who had previously had two uncomplicated births, her plan was always to have a homebirth. Unfortunately her third trimester threw some unexpected curveballs and Jess ended up being induced at 39 weeks. We talk about midwives' intuition, how incredible intervention can be when it's truly needed and how her induced labour compared to her previous physiological births. This is such a beautiful example of how birth can still be an incredibly positive experience, even when plans change. Jess's passion for birth is totally contagious and I know you're going to love this episode. Jess's first birth: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/birth-tales/id1703057905?i=1000647490787 Jess's IG: https://www.instagram.com/__jessica__rose__/ My website: www.serenalouth.com My IG: https://www.instagram.com/serenalouth/ Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or midwifery advice. It should not be used as a substitute for professional care or guidance. Always seek advice from your midwife, doctor, or other qualified health provider regarding your individual circumstances. The views and experiences shared in this podcast are those of the individuals involved and may not be suitable for everyone. Any opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcast host. While we aim to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no guarantees regarding completeness or accuracy, and information may change over time. We are not responsible for any outcomes resulting from the use of information discussed in this podcast. Use of this information is at your own discretion.
54 min
In this episode Lydia shares her journey into motherhood. After a difficult start conceiving, she very sadly miscarried her first pregnancy and talks about how that loss affected her emotionally when she became pregnant again. Lydia shares the many ways she prepared for birth, including how valuable she found listening to a wide variety of birth stories, and describes her experience of consultant-lead care within a private hospital. After a few sweeps and a very special reflexology treatment, Lydia's labour began at nearly 41 weeks and she gave birth to her baby with the wonderful support of her husband and sister, who was also heavily pregnant at the time. This is such an empowering birth story, so if you're in need of a little encouragement and positivity ahead of your own birth, you're going to love this episode. The Birth Prep Bundle: https://sincere-union-68693.myflodesk.com/zkj6c4q686 FREE Birth Prep Session: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/free-introduction-to-hypnobirthing-online-event-tickets-1983947889544?aff=oddtdtcreator Lydia's IG: https://www.instagram.com/_lydslife/ My website: www.serenalouth.com My IG: https://www.instagram.com/serenalouth/ Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or midwifery advice. It should not be used as a substitute for professional care or guidance. Always seek advice from your midwife, doctor, or other qualified health provider regarding your individual circumstances. The views and experiences shared in this podcast are those of the individuals involved and may not be suitable for everyone. Any opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcast host. While we aim to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no guarantees regarding completeness or accuracy, and information may change over time. We are not responsible for any outcomes resulting from the use of information discussed in this podcast. Use of this information is at your own discretion.
1 hr 11 min
In today's episode I'm welcoming Monika back to the podcast to share the story of her youngest son's birth. After a traumatic induction first time around, she didn't engage with preparing for the birth until about 20 weeks, at which point Monika hired a doula and made the decision to birth her second baby at home. We talk in depth about how she juggled pregnancy sickness with caring for her toddler full time, managing a borderline gestational diabetes diagnosis and moving both house and hospital in the third trimester. It was so lovely to hear how the fear she had experienced during her first labour was replaced this time with a sense of calm, resulting in a birth which was (in her own words) "the most beautiful moment of my life". Monika is always such a joy to chat to, so I know you're going to gain so much from this episode. If you haven't listened to her first birth yet and would like the back story before getting stuck into this one, that was episode 3 and I'll link it in the show notes below. Cushy Puff - use code SERENAL20 for 20% off: http://cushypuff.com/ Monika's doula: https://www.jessicaslender.co.uk/ Monika's first birth: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/003-monika-morning-sickness-hospital-birth-induction/id1703057905?i=1000627819214 Monika's IG: https://www.instagram.com/monika_chatterton/ My website: www.serenalouth.com My IG: https://www.instagram.com/serenalouth/ Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or midwifery advice. It should not be used as a substitute for professional care or guidance. Always seek advice from your midwife, doctor, or other qualified health provider regarding your individual circumstances. The views and experiences shared in this podcast are those of the individuals involved and may not be suitable for everyone. Any opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcast host. While we aim to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no guarantees regarding completeness or accuracy, and information may change over time. We are not responsible for any outcomes resulting from the use of information discussed in this podcast. Use of this information is at your own discretion.
45 min
In this episode we're hearing from Eleanor about her first pregnancy and birth during lockdown. Having learned lots about birth from her midwife sister and planning for a homebirth, her estimated due date came and went with no sign of labour starting. At nearly 42 weeks she accepted an induction and was able to return home to wait for things to begin. When her contractions became regular, Eleanor and her husband went to the midwife-led unit where she laboured in the pool until concerns were raised about meconium in her waters. After an epidural, a period of rest and infection concerns for both mum and baby, a caesarean was recommended. Eleanor shares the challenges their family faced in the weeks that followed, including being separated from her baby after the birth, navigating visiting hours, pumping and breastfeeding in the NICU and Enid's recovery at home on oxygen. This is a fascinating and really valuable episode about navigating the unexpected and staying strong and positive through it all. Eleanor's IG: https://www.instagram.com/elebusing/ My website: www.serenalouth.com My IG: https://www.instagram.com/serenalouth/ Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or midwifery advice. It should not be used as a substitute for professional care or guidance. Always seek advice from your midwife, doctor, or other qualified health provider regarding your individual circumstances. The views and experiences shared in this podcast are those of the individuals involved and may not be suitable for everyone. Any opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcast host. While we aim to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no guarantees regarding completeness or accuracy, and information may change over time. We are not responsible for any outcomes resulting from the use of information discussed in this podcast. Use of this information is at your own discretion.
52 min
In today's episode we're hearing from Ella about her son's birth. She explains how using the fertility awareness method helped her to conceive, how much she loved being pregnant and why she chose to plan a homebirth with the support of a doula. Ella talks honestly about finding it mentally challenging to go beyond 40 weeks and describes her long labour at home, including the coping techniques she leant on. After hours of pushing the decision was made to transfer, which was a scary experience for both Ella and her partner. Thankfully all was well with the baby and after the doctor assisted with a manual rotation, he was born soon after arriving at the hospital. Ella shares what it was like being taken into theatre postpartum to repair a severe tear and how she's feeling as she prepares for her upcoming birth, making this a really interesting episode. Ella's IG: https://www.instagram.com/ellamooneywellness/ Mama Mooney: https://www.instagram.com/mama_mooney_/ My website: www.serenalouth.com My IG: https://www.instagram.com/serenalouth/ Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or midwifery advice. It should not be used as a substitute for professional care or guidance. Always seek advice from your midwife, doctor, or other qualified health provider regarding your individual circumstances. The views and experiences shared in this podcast are those of the individuals involved and may not be suitable for everyone. Any opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcast host. While we aim to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no guarantees regarding completeness or accuracy, and information may change over time. We are not responsible for any outcomes resulting from the use of information discussed in this podcast. Use of this information is at your own discretion.
50 min
In today's episode we're hearing from Loren, who reflects on her homebirth at just 9 weeks postpartum. She generously shares the challenges she faced conceiving, how she processed her son's talipes diagnosis and how she and her partner are navigating his ongoing treatment. Loren talks us through her labour, which was surprisingly quick, with the midwives arriving just after her baby was born. Despite the unexpected twists along the way, she reflects on the birth as a positive experience and talks about how incredibly well supported she felt throughout. I'm so grateful to Loren for sharing so openly and I know you're going to learn so much from this episode. Upcoming Hypnobirthing Course Dates: https://serenalouth.com/hypnobirthing Loren's IG: https://www.instagram.com/_coach.loz_/ My website: www.serenalouth.com My IG: https://www.instagram.com/serenalouth/ Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or midwifery advice. It should not be used as a substitute for professional care or guidance. Always seek advice from your midwife, doctor, or other qualified health provider regarding your individual circumstances. The views and experiences shared in this podcast are those of the individuals involved and may not be suitable for everyone. Any opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcast host. While we aim to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no guarantees regarding completeness or accuracy, and information may change over time. We are not responsible for any outcomes resulting from the use of information discussed in this podcast. Use of this information is at your own discretion.
56 min
In today's episode we're hearing from Molly about her daughter's birth. Having loved being pregnant, the biggest challenge she faced was deciding whether or not to accept an induction. Molly talks us through her decision-making process and shares her experience of the different stages of her labour in the hospital. She reflects on the importance of feeling well supported, the brilliant care she received throughout and how that helped her come away from the experience feeling really positive, even with a failed epidural along the way. It's so lovely to be able to share a genuinely positive induction story and I know this will be a reassuring listen for anyone facing similar choices. We recorded this episode on Nora's first birthday which makes it feel extra special, so I really hope you enjoy listening. Molly's IG: https://www.instagram.com/moll.nicholson/ My website: www.serenalouth.com My IG: https://www.instagram.com/serenalouth/ Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or midwifery advice. It should not be used as a substitute for professional care or guidance. Always seek advice from your midwife, doctor, or other qualified health provider regarding your individual circumstances. The views and experiences shared in this podcast are those of the individuals involved and may not be suitable for everyone. Any opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcast host. While we aim to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no guarantees regarding completeness or accuracy, and information may change over time. We are not responsible for any outcomes resulting from the use of information discussed in this podcast. Use of this information is at your own discretion.
53 min
In today's episode we're hearing from Lara about her precipitous birth. When she found out she was pregnant she threw herself into reading, researching and preparing for labour. She hoped to give birth in the midwife lead unit, but when her contractions started it became clear her baby was coming very quickly. Lara and her partner called the paramedics who managed to get her to the hospital and her baby was born after just 95 minutes of labour. Lara talks about the mental challenge of convincing herself the baby was coming early, the intensity of such a short labour and her plans for her imminent second birth. My website: www.serenalouth.com My IG: https://www.instagram.com/serenalouth/ Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or midwifery advice. It should not be used as a substitute for professional care or guidance. Always seek advice from your midwife, doctor, or other qualified health provider regarding your individual circumstances. The views and experiences shared in this podcast are those of the individuals involved and may not be suitable for everyone. Any opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcast host. While we aim to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no guarantees regarding completeness or accuracy, and information may change over time. We are not responsible for any outcomes resulting from the use of information discussed in this podcast. Use of this information is at your own discretion.
55 min
In today's episode Sarah is back on the podcast to share her second birth story. Having had a difficult experience first time around, she knew what mattered most to her this time; to feel strong, to advocate for her wishes and to feel like she had more agency. She hired a doula, planned a VBAC, changed hospitals and got lots of independent support to help her prepare for the birth. Unfortunately she faced endless obstacles along the way, which resulted in her birthing her daughter via planned caesarean. Sarah talks us through the grieving process of letting go of the VBAC she had hoped for and how despite numerous challenges she still had a beautiful, calm birth. This is a super special episode because Sarah was the first ever guest on Birth Tales! So it is a joy to have her back on again and it is so lovely that we were joined by little Sadie who you can hear chatting away throughout. FREE hypnobirthing taster session: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/free-introduction-to-hypnobirthing-online-event-tickets-1970359050962?aff=oddtdtcreator My website: www.serenalouth.com My IG: https://www.instagram.com/serenalouth/ Sarah's IG: https://www.instagram.com/sarahmalcs/ Sarah's website: https://sarahmalcolm.co.uk Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or midwifery advice. It should not be used as a substitute for professional care or guidance. Always seek advice from your midwife, doctor, or other qualified health provider regarding your individual circumstances. The views and experiences shared in this podcast are those of the individuals involved and may not be suitable for everyone. Any opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcast host. While we aim to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no guarantees regarding completeness or accuracy, and information may change over time. We are not responsible for any outcomes resulting from the use of information discussed in this podcast. Use of this information is at your own discretion.
52 min
In today's episode we're hearing from Anna who freebirthed her son with the support of her partner and doula. Having always felt trusting of the birthing process, Anna knew she wanted to have her baby at home. She shares how amazing it was to have the reassuring presence of a doula through her pregnancy and labour, about the pressure she felt to comply with maternity care that didn't feel right for her and why she ultimately chose to give birth without any midwives present. 9th December FREE hypnobirthing session: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/free-introduction-to-hypnobirthing-online-event-tickets-1970359050962?aff=oddtdtcreator Anna's IG: https://www.instagram.com/annawilliamson09/ My website: www.serenalouth.com My IG: https://www.instagram.com/serenalouth/
51 min
In today's episode I'm chatting to Maria about her two pregnancies. Her first was very sadly an ectopic pregnancy and she shares her journey of expectant management, which left her feeling very lonely and anxious. When she conceived again and got through the first trimester, Maria loved her second pregnancy. She planned to birth her baby at home but ended up accepting an induction at 42+2. She talks about her experience of a 3rd degree tear, the amazing postnatal care she received and how healing her birth felt following her loss. I'm so grateful to Maria for sharing so honestly about her ectopic pregnancy and just want to flag to you listening that thats what we speak about for the first few minutes of our conversation in case you'd prefer to save this episode for another day. My website: www.serenalouth.com My IG: https://www.instagram.com/serenalouth/ Maria's IG: https://www.instagram.com/maria.iggy/ Maria's story: https://ectopic.org.uk/stories/an-expectant-management-experience