Health & FitnessSexualityKids & FamilyParenting

Birth Stories Mzansi

drclare

Creating positive birthing experiences in South Africa through story sharing and collective wisdom. Prepare, heal, share, or learn, this collection of honest, unfiltered birthing stories will have something for everyone going through preparing to conceive, pregnancy, breastfeeding and the post-partum. Hosted by Dr CC Verster, each episode takes us through one woman's journey to motherhood.

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16 episodes
Avg 1 hr
English

Episodes 16

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#16
September 23 · 57 min
Bianca Part 2: Home water birth, learning to trust your body after loss, healing birth anxiety, TFMR and advocacy, incompatible with life diagnosis
Bianca completes her beautiful story in Part 2. Her reflection includes the healing process of having a home water birth and comparing this experience to her previous vaginal delivery in hospital. We talk about how good birth can be, and how healing it can be for previous birth trauma. Bianca also talks us through dealing with pregnancy loss whilst parenting, and her final pregnancy - dealing with the nonchalantly made diagnosis of 'incompatible with life' and the journey it created for her and her partner. She closes the episode with how they reached the decision that their family was complete, despite pregnancy loss. Bianca shares knowledge with the wisdom of having lived it. That alone is something rare and beautiful. Find Bianca: https://biancajohnson.me/ Hypnobirthing course: https://birthstoriesmzansi.base44.app Share this to support motherhood in South Africa
#15
September 10 · 49 min
Bianca Part 1: termination of pregnancy, miscarriage, unmedicated vaginal birth, rainbow baby.
"Parenting after loss comes with anxiety I didn't ask for and joy I didn't know I'd get to have." -Bianca Johnson In today's episode I sit down with Bianca Johnson; pregnancy loss coach, author of "All these lines", and mother to two living children. Over two episodes she takes us through her journey to motherhood (which spans 8 pregnancies, one elective termination, four miscarriages, one termination for medical reasons, and two vaginal births). We discuss joy, grief and anxiety. Bianca's open, genuine and positive tone in reflection is truly a rare and precious resource for parents dealing with loss and hope. We end this episode in the early post-partum after her first vaginal birth. In her next episode we use the story of her home birth to discuss the true healing that autonomy in labour can achieve after loss and birth trauma. Bianca is also the founder of the Baby Bryce foundation, and an online community for loss moms in South Africa ☎️ Get in touch with Bianca at: https://biancajohnson.me/bianca-johnson-pregnancy-loss-coach-south-africa/ Or on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/i.am.biancajohnson?stkn=MXdwdWV3MnRzcGk2Mg== 🔊 Birthing course and Birth Stories Mzansi platform: https://birthstoriesmzansi.base44.app Like and follow for part 2 of Bianca's story
#14
August 27 · 1 hr 2 min
Amy Glynn part 2: Spontaneous conception during IVF, Difficult breastfeeding, mastitis, C/S, NICU, GBS infection, Blood transfusion, Cardiac arrest, Adjusting to Mom life
This is part 2 of Amy’s story. In this honest, thrilling account of unexpected turns on her road to becoming a mother again, Amy lays out what it took. After a cardiac arrest during fertility treatment she decided to take a break from her IVF journey before finding out she was pregnant. She went from an unexpected, miraculous and uncomplicated pregnancy, to an unexpectedly complicated birth and an NICU stay. Amy takes us through the tension of struggling to breastfeed, and how she finally let go without judging herself. Amy is passionate, engaging, and opens her heart to moms in this season. If you missed part 1 you can find it here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0ijqZK3bMRSopwWS7JIrgC?si=myUAqY45SFa2SugX-P8crg Birth Stories Mzansi platform and Birth counselling: https://birthstoriesmzansi.base44.app Follow along for more: https://www.instagram.com/birthstoriesmzansi?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsi=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
#13
August 5 · 1 hr 9 min
Amy Glynn Part 1: IVF step by step, Miscarriage, Loss of Twin in Utero, CPAM lung growth, Grief-joy tension, Induction, Bonding after birth trauma
Amy shares her journey to motherhood through her first pregnancy and caesarian section after induction at 38 weeks. This story is deep, honest and contains a wealth of wisdom. Amy shares her journey through IVF after having a miscarriage She outlines step by step her process as well as the emotions throughout. She also tells us about losing one of her twins in her pregnancy and the grief - joy conundrum that ensues. She details the process of finding out her baby had a lung growth during her pregnancy, and preparing for the birth. She then had an induction which lead to caesarian section, however in her operation she nearly died. She takes us through each heartfelt and intense moment, and we can use this incredible story to laugh, grow and celebrate the wonder of life and motherhood. Part 2 coming soon! Follow along on instagram @BirthStoriesMzansi Birth Course and Birth Counselling: https://birthstoriesmzansi.base44.app
#12
July 29 · 46 min
Matrescence: what EVERY mother should know
You weren't just having a baby. You were becoming someone new. What if the hardest part of motherhood isn't the sleepless nights... but the fact that no one tells you that **you are changing too**? We prepare women for pregnancy. We prepare them for birth. We even talk about postpartum. But almost no one talks about matrescence. Matrescence is the profound physical, emotional, psychological, social and identity transformation of becoming a mother. It's as significant as adolescence—yet most women have never even heard the word. Maybe that's why motherhood can feel so confusing. One moment you're overflowing with love. The next you're grieving your old life. You feel stronger than ever, yet strangely unfamiliar to yourself. You're not doing motherhood wrong. You're experiencing one of the biggest human transitions there is. When mothers understand matrescence, they stop asking, "What's wrong with me?" And start asking, "Who am I becoming?" That shift changes everything. In this episode, we unpack what matrescence really is, why every mother deserves to know about it, and how understanding this hidden transition can replace guilt with self-compassion. Because motherhood isn't just about raising a child. It's also about the birth of a new version of you. Follow along on Instagram @BirthStoriesMzansi Find outlr platform here: https://birthstoriesmzansi.base44.app
#11
July 27 · 1 hr 9 min
Anea: working mother, 2 caesarians, pregnancy weight gain,Infant epilepsy, west syndrome, Service dog, Positivity in adversity
Anea shares her journey to motherhood, and the process of finding out that her second child has West Sydrome (a rare form of infantile epilepsy). She talks through the balance of working through pregnancy, as well as working full time with a child who has unconventional needs. She details the highs and lows and what has kept her mind, and her marriage strong through it all. This story is honest, inspirational, and well worth the listen. Birthing course: https://birthstoriesmzansi.base44.app/audiostore Follow on Instagram: @birthstoriesmzansi Check out our other podcast: https://90310-wellness-cast.base44.app See you next week
#10
July 19 · 59 min
Anne: Pregnancy termination for medical reasons, PCOS, grief, miscarriage, healing after loss, caesarian section, Vacterl syndrome
Anne's story shares the depth of a lived experience through pregnancy loss that you may never before have heard so openly shared. Anne takes us through her turbulent journey to motherhood: after planning a pregnancy through PCOS, she takes us through the decision to terminate the pregnancy due to extreme fetal anomaly. Being in faith based circles, she highlights the tensions and conflicts in this process as well as her subsequent miscarriage. She then describes her turning point to healing before two spontaneous pregnancies and caesarian sections. Her summary, and the healing experience of C-sections after two deliveries of miscarried babies in hospital, is truly worth the listen. Let her story bring you to your own turning point of healing, and find common ground when it feels like no one knows what to say. Get in touch: Community support groups: https://birthstoriesmzansi.base44.app Birth Cards — evidence-based birth prep: https://birth-cards.base44.app Want to share your own birth story with us? You can submit it directly through the app above.
#9
July 13 · 1 hr 6 min
Ilse: IVF, Age disparity in parents, Gestational diabetes, caesarian section and setting family boundaries
Ilse takes us through discovering that they would need an assisted fertility route, the route itself, and deciding to stop trying. She then takes us through her spontaneous and unexpected pregnancies, and her two caesarian sections. Her open discussion on the emotional journey of IVF and the joy of being pregnant, is truly a precious resource worth listening to. Links from this episode: Birth Cards — evidence-based birth prep: https://birth-cards.base44.app Community support groups (Twins, Breastfeeding, NICU, and more): https://birthstoriesmzansi.base44.app Got a birth story of your own? Submit it directly through the app above. Thank you, Ilse, for trusting us with this one.
#8
July 8 · 1 hr 6 min
Sam: miscarriage, waterbirth, vaginal birth, Midwife care, positive birth
In this beautiful story Sam shares her journey to motherhood. She takes us through an unexpected pregnancy loss, and her subsequent pregnancy. Sam elected to birth in a Midwife unit and she details this process with care. Join us as we follow along on this uplifting and encouraging story. For episodes by topic, as well as birth counselling bookings, or to share your story seee the whole Birth Stories Mzansi platform: https://birthstoriesmzansi.base44.app Go to BirthCards app directly: https://birth-cards.base44.app Or follow along on Instagram @birthstoriesmzansi
#7
April 13 · 47 min
Nomzamo: Unplanned pregnancy, single parenting, breech, VBAC, state care
Nomzamo is a mom of two. In this episode she opens up to us about her journey to motherhood and raising two children as a single mom. She walks us though her two pregnancies and deliveries, including a planned caesarian section for breech at term, and an unintentional VBAC. We discuss stigma and challenges facing single moms, as well as the importance of self advocacy. Her story also touches on many of the difficulties that we face in obstetric care in the public system, and the healing power of story telling.
#6
February 23 · 47 min
Jess: un-medicated vaginal delivery, private care with Doula, extended delay in cord clamping
In today's episode Jess takes us through waiting to fall pregnant, battling pregnancy symptoms, and mapping out her birth plan for an un-medicated vaginal delivery in private care. We talk through the importance of self advocacy and holding the space during labour, and the fine line between advocacy and responding to the moment during labour. In this honest account, Jess shares her journey to motherhood. If you would like to contact myself or today's guest, whatsapp 0713582169 or look out for BirthStoriesMzansi on Facebook or Instagram
#5
Dec 25, 2025 · 55 min
Danelle: Unplanned caesarian section, Sensitive Caesarian section,Pre-eclampsia, Prematurity, NICU, reframing birth trauma
This episode is a must! Danelle is a Midwife and nursing educator. She takes us through her birthing experiences; where book knowledge became wisdom through her lived experience of birth. Danelle had two caesarian sections despite planning otherwise for both births. She shares with us the emotional journey of learning to go with the flow when pregnancy and birth just doesn't conform to what you expected or dreamed of. Her story includes her experience of pre-eclampsia, Unexpected C-section, NICU, and adjusting to motherhood. Please like and share this episode. If you would like to get in touch with Danelle you can find her via Estherea Women's wellness clinic: 083 728 7103 or via Birth Stories Mzansi: 0713582169 Get in touch to share your story
#4
Dec 22, 2025 · 1 hr 32 min
Elbé: 3 Vaginal Births, Faith Journey, ECV, Trisomy 21, Water Birth
Elbé passionately takes us through her experience of three vaginal births. One in Australia, one in a private hospital in South Africa, and the third - the redemptive experience of a water birth, lotus delivery in Midwife care. Her story is firmly grounded in her faith, and includes her reasoning behind desiring vaginal deliveries and advocating for a birth plan. She also takes us through her experience of deciding not to test for chromosomal abnormalities in pregnancy, being a parent in Neonatal ICU and the open heart surgery of her son. Although a bit longer, this episode is jam packed with experience and food for thought Remember to like, rate, review and share. If you would like to get in touch with today's guest, or to share your story, whatsapp +27 713582169 or find Dr Clare on Instagram @Birthstoriesmzansi
#3
Dec 8, 2025 · 59 min
Marie: Fertility treatment, three vaginal births in hospital, forceps, epidural
In this honest account, Marie takes us through waiting to conceive and her three subsequent pregnancies and deliveries. We touch on her experience with epidurals and delve deeper into her stories of delivering three vaginal births in private care; the expectations, her highs and lows. Please like, share, rate and review this episode. Contact CC or today's guest on whatsapp on +27 713582169 If you would like to share your birth story, send us a whatsapp or reach us on Instagram or Facebook @birthstoriesmzansi
#2
Dec 4, 2025 · 59 min
Queen 2 natural births, state care, amniocentesis, cleft palate
In this episode I chat with Queen, a medical doctor and Mom of three. She takes us through her first two pregnancies and natural births while still a medical student. She also shares the experience of having had a baby with a cleft palate, the journey to diagnosis, repair and the support which got her through such an intense year of her life. Queen runs Minority Doctors Forum South Africa, you can find her on tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@minority.doctors.f?_r=1&_t=ZS-91w5tkggTFi to hear more about her ventures as a working mother in medicine. Remember to like, rate, review and recommend this episode. If you would like to share your story or contact CC, please whatsapp us on +27 713582169 or contact us via Instagram or Facebook @birthstoriesmzansi
#1
Dec 1, 2025 · 59 min
Amy: Planned caesarian, baby blues, Mom life balance
In this episode, I chat with Dr Amy Berlyn. She takes us through her pregnancy and planned caesarian section at term. We delve deeper into the emotions surrounding amniocentesis and the fine line between baby blues and full Postpartum depression. We also talk through the adjustment from high paced workspace to becoming a mother and how to make the call to scale down at work. Amy is a GP working in functional and aesthetic medicine, you can contact Amy @dr.amyberlyn on Instagram. If you liked this episode, be sure to follow, like, rate, review and recommend. If you'd like to share your story or to get in touch with CC, whatsapp us on +27 713582169

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