Kids & FamilyParentingHealth & Fitness

Ireland's Birth Stories

Corah Gernon | She Talks Productions

A platform for women to share their experiences with pregnancy and birth without feeling shy about the detail

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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22 episodes
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Avg 1 hr 17 min
English

Episodes 22

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#227
August 30 · 1 hr 43 min
EP227 Siofra, Two Births, Birth at 33 WKS, Breech Vaginal Birth, Full-term Birth, Unmedicated Vaginal Birth (Second Baby), Pierre Robin Sequence, Postpartum Depression
This week I share my chat with Siofra who shares each of her two birth stories. Siofra was breech born vaginally at 33 weeks and spent some time in the NICU. She then talks me through her second pregnancy and the relief she felt as she got past the 33 week mark to full term. Siofra went into labour spontaneously and did want an epidural but her baby was very much on her way so there was no time to administer it. When Lucy, Siofra's daughter was born her husband could sense a change in the room. It was discovered that Lucy had a cleft pallet. Later after further investigation Lucy was diagnosed with Pierre Robin Sequence at only a few days old. A tough road lay ahead as Siofra felt unheard throughout the weeks that followed. Finally at four weeks old a PHN listened which finally helped provide the care and services Lucy needed. Siofra also shares her experience with PPD which is such a tough listen, thankfully she is in a much better place now. Thanks Siofra Booking Platform Get in touch E: irelandsbirthstories@gmail.com IG: Irelands Stories Birth Podcast IG Produced & edited by Corah Gernon at She Talks Productions Show Your Support Buy Me A Coffee Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#226
August 23 · 1 hr 4 min
EP226 Lucy, Two Births, Premature Birth at 32 Wks, NICU, Didelphic Uterus, Multiple Early Pregnancy Losses, Positive C-section
This week, I share my chat with Lucy, who talks me through her two very different birth stories. Lucy’s first baby, her son, was born at 32 weeks via emergency C-section. After three weeks in NICU, he was finally discharged, and Lucy and her husband walked out of the hospital for the first time together as a family of three. When they decided the time was right to start trying for their second baby, this time TTC looked very different. After three pregnancy losses and IVF treatment that didn’t give them the results they had hoped for, they were left wondering what options remained. Lucy has a didelphic uterus, she has two uteruses, two cervix and two vaginas. Following further investigations, Lucy opted to undergo treatment in her left uterus, while her son had been conceived in her right uterus. Not only did Lucy see a positive pregnancy test but 9 months later she gave birth to her daughter. This time, Lucy’s C-section experience was completely different from her first. There was no emergency and, instead, everything felt calm, controlled and positive. Thank you so much Lucy Booking Platform - Click Here Get in touch E: irelandsbirthstories@gmail.com IG: Irelands Stories Birth Podcast IG Produced & edited by Corah Gernon at She Talks Productions Show Your Support Buy Me A Coffee Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#225
August 2 · 1 hr 9 min
EP225 Kitty, One Pregnancy & Birth, Spontaneous Labour, Epidural, Postpartum Haemorrhage
This week I share my chat with Kitty, who talks me through her first pregnancy and the birth of her daughter. Kitty shares how she felt seeing a positive pregnancy test when starting a family wasn't part of her immediate plan. After taking time to process the news and sharing it with her loved ones, her mindset began to shift and started preparing for birth. She revisits going into labour spontaneously and reflects on her experience of having an epidural that wasn't as effective as she had hoped. Shortly after welcoming her daughter into the world, Kitty experienced a postpartum haemorrhage (PPH). Although she lost a lot of blood, she didn't receive a blood transfusion as her blood levels were just above the threshold required for one. Kitty is in a great place now, but she shares how the postpartum haemorrhage and the care she received afterwards weren't what she had hoped for. Thank you Kitty Want to share your Birth Story on the podcast or avail of the Private My Birth package? Click Here Get in touch E: irelandsbirthstories@gmail.com IG: Irelands Stories Birth Podcast IG Produced & edited by Corah Gernon at She Talks Productions Show Your Support Buy Me A Coffee Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#224
July 26 · 1 hr 28 min
EP224 Aoife, Endometriosis, Two Pregancies & Positive Births, Induction, Spontaneous Labour
This week I share my chat with Aoife. She talks me through her diagnosis of endometriosis in her 20s and the concerns she had about the impact it might have on trying to conceive. Thankfully, she conceived without delay and shares the story of her first pregnancy and the birth of her daughter. Aoife was induced just shy of 42 weeks and fully expected a long labour. Much to her surprise, her daughter arrived the very same day. We also talk about the transition to motherhood without the physical presence of her mum, who sadly passed away a short time before Aoife got married. It's an incredibly moving part of her story that I know many of you will, sadly, relate to. We then revisit the birth of her second baby, her son. This time, Aoife was really hoping to go into labour spontaneously, and after a couple of tiring days of contractions starting and stopping, that's exactly what happened. Just like his big sister, her son made a speedy arrival, with Aoife going from 2 cm to fully dilated in a remarkably short space of time. I absolutely loved listening to Aoife share her journey with such honesty and warmth, and I know you will too. Get in touch E: irelandsbirthstories@gmail.com IG: Irelands Stories Birth Podcast IG Produced & edited by Corah Gernon at She Talks Productions Show Your Support Buy Me A Coffee Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#223
July 19 · 1 hr 31 min
EP223 Róisin, Low Lying Placenta, Hyperemesis, Emergency C-section, Birth at 31 WKS, NICU/SCBU
This week I share my chat with Róisin, who talks me through her pregnancy and the birth of her son. Throughout her pregnancy, Róisin was told she had a low-lying placenta, but the hope was that it would move as her pregnancy progressed. However, at 31 weeks, she suffered a severe haemorrhage and was admitted to hospital. Things changed suddenly, and the decision was made to bring her baby into the world immediately via an emergency caesarean section. Her son was born and taken straight to the NICU, where Róisin and her husband began an unexpected journey through early parenthood. She shares what life was like recovering from major surgery while navigating the emotional challenges of having a baby in special care. Together, they also faced some incredibly difficult conversations with the team of consultants overseeing their son's care. Today, Róisin, her husband, and their little boy are a gorgeous, happy, healthy family of three. Thank you so much, Get in touch E: irelandsbirthstories@gmail.com IG: Irelands Stories Birth Podcast IG Produced & edited by Corah Gernon at She Talks Productions Show Your Support Buy Me A Coffee Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#222
July 12 · 59 min
EP222 Chiara, Four Pregnancies, Early Pregnancy Loss, Three Homebirths
This week I share my chat with Chiara, who talks me through her four pregnancies and three home births. Chiara experienced an early pregnancy loss with her first pregnancy, which was incredibly difficult but ultimately strengthened her decision to start a family. Chiara chose to give birth to each of her babies at home, supported by two midwives and a doula. As a midwife herself, she understands just how powerful birth can be when you're surrounded by the right support. Throughout each of her births, she felt loved, held, and deeply supported not only physically, but emotionally and within the space she created to welcome her babies.Her third birth challenged her in ways she hadn't expected. She dug deep, leaned into the support of the women around her, and worked through an incredibly intense transition. We also chat about the transition into motherhood and everything that comes that. Thanks so much Chiara Get in touch E: irelandsbirthstories@gmail.com IG: Irelands Stories Birth Podcast IG Produced & edited by Corah Gernon at She Talks Productions Show Your Support Buy Me A Coffee Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#221
July 5 · 44 min
EP221 Laura, One Pregnancy & Birth, MLU, Hospital Waterbirth
This week, I share my chat with Laura, who talks me through the birth of her daughter, Saoirse. Laura is so honest at the beginning of our conversation, sharing how she felt when she saw the positive pregnancy test. Her pregnancy was unplanned, which brought a huge shock and a mix of emotions. She changed her mindset and started putting a lot of time into educating herself and preparing for the months ahead. Laura opted for a home birth, but after it was discovered that she had a fibroid, the decision was made at 38 weeks' gestation that she would give birth in a Midwife-Led Unit (MLU). Looking back, she tells us she is happy with her decision. The level of support she received from the midwives was just incredible not only throughout labour, but also during her antenatal care and in the days following her discharge. We also talk about breastfeeding and her transition to motherhood. Thanks so much Laura Get in touch E: irelandsbirthstories@gmail.com IG: Irelands Stories Birth Podcast IG Produced & edited by Corah Gernon at She Talks Productions Show Your Support Buy Me A Coffee Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#220
June 29 · 1 hr 6 min
EP220 Silvija, Fertility Treatment (IUI, IVF, Double Reciprocal), Multiple Pregnancy Losses, C-section
This week, I share my chat with Silvija. Together with her wife, she went through a long journey to bring their baby girl into the world. After nine fertility treatments and four pregnancy losses, they finally saw that positive pregnancy test with no fading lines. Silvija shares everything about their fertility experiences, including the decision to try double reciprocal IVF. We talk through her pregnancy and the anxiety that came with it as a result of her previous experiences. She also shares the story of her baby girl being brought into the world via an emergency C-section. Silvija also shares the medical emergency that followed as her own body reacted while she was being prepped for surgery. Now, they are happy, healthy family of three. Thanks so much Silvija Get in touch E: irelandsbirthstories@gmail.com IG: Irelands Stories Birth Podcast IG Produced & edited by Corah Gernon at She Talks Productions Show Your Support Buy Me A Coffee Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#219
June 21 · 41 min
EP219 Paige (Previous Guest), Fourth Birth Story, Private Care, Positive Induction
This week, I share my chat with Paige, who I'm sure many of you will recognise. In this episode, Paige shares the birth of her fourth baby. During her pregnancy, Paige experienced sickness and quickly realised that medication would be necessary this time around. Later, in her third trimester, she noticed reduced fetal movements on a number of occasions. During a routine appointment with her consultant, these concerns were discussed further, and at 37 weeks the decision was made to proceed with an induction. Throughout her induction, Paige was supported by an incredible team of midwives who helped her feel safe, heard, and comfortable every step of the way. Everything was put in place for the epidural Paige had chosen, but once labour progressed and baby was ready to make their way into the world, there was no time for anything else but to let Paige's body work its magic. Thanks so much Paige https://open.spotify.com/episode/5xWE8ztPjawTr4TRrIYENw?si=qVzHAM8HTsG3v6WdsfGZFQ https://open.spotify.com/episode/33jYdgZivoSIhEjqpIGM83?si=985e012c6f324175 Get in touch E: irelandsbirthstories@gmail.com IG: Irelands Stories Birth Podcast IG Produced & edited by Corah Gernon at She Talks Productions Show Your Support Buy Me A Coffee Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#218
June 14 · 1 hr 19 min
EP218 Úna, Three Births, IUGR, C-section, VBAC, Positive Birth Story
This week, I’m sharing my chat with Úna, who talks me through her three very different birth experiences. During her first pregnancy, Úna was closely monitored after her baby was diagnosed with IUGR (intrauterine growth restriction). As concerns grew, she was admitted to hospital for more intensive monitoring, and her baby was born by c-section at just 29 weeks. Úna shares her experience of navigating life with a premature baby in the NICU. We then revisit her second pregnancy and the VBAC she had hoped for. While the birth itself was a positive experience, Úna reflects on how the everything connected with her first experienced surface as she welcomed her second child. Finally, we discuss her third pregnancy and another VBAC. Supported by her husband and midwives who wholeheartedly believed in her, Úna describes a birth experience that left her feeling empowered and supported. Thanks Úna Get in touch E: irelandsbirthstories@gmail.com IG: Irelands Stories Birth Podcast IG Produced & edited by Corah Gernon at She Talks Productions Show Your Support Buy Me A Coffee Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#217
June 7 · 1 hr 43 min
EP217 Alana, Two Pregnancies and Births, Two Unmedicated Vaginal Births, Hospital Birth, Planned Homebirth, Preeclampsia, Grief & Joy
This week I share my chat with Alana, who talks me through each of her two birth experiences. Alana dedicated a lot of time and effort to preparing for birth, making sure she stayed fit and strong throughout both of her pregnancies. With her first baby, she laboured at home for as long as possible before heading to the hospital, arriving just in time. Her baby was born shortly after, with the support of her husband and the amazing midwives she speaks so fondly of. Alana experienced profound loss with the passing of her much loved father and later mother-in-law in a very short space of time. Throughout this time she discovered she was pregnant with their second baby which leads us to chatting through the juxtaposition of coping with raw grief and the joy of pregnancy. For her second birth, Alana planned a home birth with the support of her midwife. However, late in her pregnancy, she was diagnosed with pre-eclampsia so home birth was no longer an option. As labour began naturally, Alana was keen to avoid an induction and asked the hospital to give her more time. Trusting her instincts, she continued to labour and was able to stay on that path without intervention. She welcomed her baby boy into the world exactly as she had hoped vaginally and without intervention supported once again by the midwives she has nothing but positive things to say about. Thanks so much Alana Get in touch E: irelandsbirthstories@gmail.com IG: Irelands Stories Birth Podcast IG Produced & edited by Corah Gernon at She Talks Productions Show Your Support Buy Me A Coffee Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#216
June 1 · 1 hr
EP216 Shauna, Two Pregnancies & Births, Induction (No epidural), Spontaneous Birth, Unmedicated Birth
This week, I share my chat with Shauna who talks me through each of her birth stories. Shauna absolutely loved being pregnant and really thrived in the lead-up to welcoming her first baby. At 42 weeks pregnant, she was induced, and what followed were two long and intense days of labour. Shauna credits hypnobirthing with helping her stay grounded and focused throughout the experience. At 42 weeks + 2 days, she welcomed her little boy and felt incredibly proud to have achieved the birth she wanted, without the epidural she knew she didn’t want. Then, at six months postpartum, Shauna discovered she was pregnant again. This time around, she hoped for a homebirth, but unfortunately it wasn’t signed off, meaning she had to come to terms with birthing in hospital once more. When it was least expected, Shauna went into spontaneous labour and welcomed her second little boy in a beautiful, calm birth, surrounded by her husband and supportive midwives. Thanks Shauna Get in touch E: irelandsbirthstories@gmail.com IG: Irelands Stories Birth Podcast IG Produced & edited by Corah Gernon at She Talks Productions Show Your Support Buy Me A Coffee Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#215
May 24 · 1 hr 5 min
EP215 Sarah, TTC, Three Positive Births, Intervention, Power of Hypnobirthing, Advocacy
This week, I’m sharing my chat with Sarah as she talks through each of her three birth experiences. After spending a year trying to conceive, Sarah discovered she was pregnant just before making the final decision to move forward with fertility treatment.She reflects on the birth of her first daughter, a birth she still looks back on fondly, despite some difficult moments surrounding intervention and an unwanted episiotomy. We also chat through her two subsequent births, both of which were positive vaginal birth experiences.Sarah shares how powerful hypnobirthing was for her throughout second but mostly third pregnancies, and even more so with the birth of her third baby. There’s also a moment in her story where she felt strongly that she needed to say “no,” highlighting the importance of self-advocacy and trusting your instincts when something doesn’t feel necessary. Thanks so much, Sarah Get in touch E: irelandsbirthstories@gmail.com IG: Irelands Stories Birth Podcast IG Produced & edited by Corah Gernon at She Talks Productions Show Your Support Buy Me A Coffee Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#214
May 17 · 1 hr 23 min
EP214 Gráinne, Three Positive Hospital Births, (Homebirth Care) One Hospital Waterbirth, Mastitis, Grief
This week I share my chat with Gráinne who talks me through her three positive hospital births. Gráinne gave birth to her first baby in hospital which was a positive experience once she got settled into the delivery suite. Following her first experience she decided to opt for home birth with her second baby. Although she didn't end up giving birth to her baby at home she did have the continued support of her amazing home birth midwife. When Gráinne discovered she was pregnant with her third baby, she again opted for home birth but her son was born in hospital. Her little man came into the world in the birth pool with Gráinne surround by so much love and support. She shares having mastitis seven times after her first baby came into the world. Gráinne also touches on her experience with profound grief after losing both of her parents in the space of 10 months. To hear Gráinne tell me "I felt like a queen" brought me so much joy. Enjoy and thank you Gráinne Get in touch E: irelandsbirthstories@gmail.com IG: Irelands Stories Birth Podcast IG Produced & edited by Corah Gernon at She Talks Productions Show Your Support Buy Me A Coffee Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#213
May 11 · 1 hr 47 min
EP213 Stephanie, TTC, 3 Positive Vaginal Hospital Births, Early Pregnancy Losses, Expecting 4th Baby
This week, I share my chat with Stephanie, who talks me through each of her three positive hospital births. Stephanie first shares her TTC journey and everything that surrounded it, from visiting multiple HCPs for advice and support to reading a book recommended to her that changed everything. After welcoming her first baby, Stephanie experienced multiple pregnancy losses, which we discuss in detail. With further support, Stephanie went on to give birth to two gorgeous babies again in a hospital setting. As we get ready to wrap up our chat, Stephanie shares some exciting news with me, she is expecting her fourth baby in a matter of weeks. Thanks Stephanie. Get in touch E: irelandsbirthstories@gmail.com IG: Irelands Stories Birth Podcast IG Produced & edited by Corah Gernon at She Talks Productions Show Your Support Buy Me A Coffee Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#212
May 4 · 48 min
EP212 Leah, One Pregnancy and Birth, Planned Homebirth, Postpartum
This week I share my chat with Leah who revisits her pregnancy and the birth of her daughter. Leah discovered she was pregnant shortly after a move to New Zealand. Together Leah and her partner decided being closer to home was the best choice for them when raising a family. The made their way back to Ireland and immediately got in touch with a home birth midwife. Leah chats through labour which she found tough in parts and the moment she met her baby. She felt that immediate high and recalls saying "I need to do that again" moments after she gave birth. A gorgeous positive birth story. Thanks Leah Get in touch E: irelandsbirthstories@gmail.com IG: Irelands Stories Birth Podcast IG Produced & edited by Corah Gernon at She Talks Productions Show Your Support Buy Me A Coffee Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#211
April 26 · 52 min
EP211 Susan, One Pregnancy and Birth, Waiting for Baby to Arrive, C-section, Breastfeeding
This week, I share my chat with Susan, who talks me through the birth of her son. Susan enjoyed her pregnancy but found the last few weeks waiting for baby to arrive really tough. She was ready to meet her baby, but each day that came and went felt so long. She shares just how tough she found waiting for signs of labour and for her baby to come into the world. Susan went into labour spontaneously, which led to great excitement, and she made her way to the hospital with all the bits and pieces in tow, ready to give birth . However, her experience in the hospital was difficult. The unit was busy and she felt overwhelmed for a number of reasons. The decision was made to bring her son into the world via caesarean section, which at the time felt like the right choice, but Susan shared that she experienced a sense of “failure.” We then talk through her breastfeeding journey, which lasted 16 months. Susan told me, “I didn’t know breastfeeding was so important to me until I started.” which was so nice to hear. Through breastfeeding, she found healing from her birth experience and also created a whole new world of friendships. Thanks Susan Get in touch E: irelandsbirthstories@gmail.com IG: Irelands Stories Birth Podcast IG Produced & edited by Corah Gernon at She Talks Productions Show Your Support Buy Me A Coffee Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#210
April 19 · 1 hr 36 min
EP210 Lyndsey, Twin Pregnancy (Fertility Treatment), C-Section, Post Birth Williams Syndrome Diagnosis, Pre Eclampsia, VBAC, Chemical Pregnancy
This week, I share my chat with Lyndsey, who talks through each of her pregnancy and birth experiences. With the support of fertility treatment, Lyndsey became pregnant with twins, she was over the moon. Throughout her pregnancy, one of the twins was measuring small, so she was closely monitored. Lyndsey shares the story of the twins’ birth by caesarean section, along with everything that followed including her interactions with various healthcare professionals, her daughter’s NICU stay, and much more. At three months old Lauren, Lyndsey daughter, was diagnosed with Williams Syndrome. After an incredibly tough start to parenthood, Lynsdey and her partner Niall finally got some answers. We then chat about her second pregnancy and the birth of their third child. Lynsdey was admitted to hospital with preeclampsia but she determined to have a VBAC. She was supported in her decision as much as possible given the circumstances, and she ultimately achieved the VBAC she very much wanted. We also touch on Lyndsey very recent experience with a Chemical pregnancy. Thanks so much Lynsey Get in touch E: irelandsbirthstories@gmail.com IG: Irelands Stories Birth Podcast IG Produced & edited by Corah Gernon at She Talks Productions Show Your Support Buy Me A Coffee Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#209
April 12 · 1 hr 51 min
EP209 Nancy, 4 Pregnancies, 2 Miscarriages, C-section, Down syndrome Diagnosis, Leukemia, Induction, VBAC
This week, I share my chat with Nancy, who shares each of her experiences through pregnancy, loss, and motherhood. Nancy suffered two early pregnancy losses, including a missed miscarriage and a chemical pregnancy. Her first birth brought her daughter into the world by c-section. Shortly after her daughter’s arrival, Nancy and her partner, Niall, were told that their baby had Down syndrome. She reflects on how they navigated this diagnosis. In the months that followed, their lives changed dramatically when their daughter was diagnosed with Leukemia following a routine blood test. This devastating news obviously completely changed how life looked ensuring their daughter underwent regular intensive treatment. Nancy, unknown to her at time was carrying her daughters sibling. This news came as a shock, given the circumstances, yet she continued to navigate her pregnancy alongside the challenges of her daughter’s illness. Nancy was determined to have a VBAC second time round which is exactly how her son was born. Today, her family are thriving and healthy. Thanks Nancy Get in touch E: irelandsbirthstories@gmail.com IG: Irelands Stories Birth Podcast IG Produced & edited by Corah Gernon at She Talks Productions Show Your Support Buy Me A Coffee Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#208
April 7 · 1 hr 44 min
EP208 Julia (Austria), 4 Pregnancies, C-section, Loss at 20 WKS, VBAC Homebirth, Recent Ectopic Pregnancy
This week, I share my chat with Julia, who lives in Austria .Julia talks us through four pregnancies, each very different experiences. She begins by sharing on the birth of her first daughter, which took place in a hospital via caesarean section. Julia describes feeling unheard and unsupported throughout the process, noting that it was not the birth experience she had hoped for. This experience influenced her decisions in her subsequent pregnancy, where she felt strongly that a home birth was the right choice for her. She was able to find a supportive midwife and consultant who encouraged her plan for a vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC). However, at her 20-week routine scan, Julia was given the devastating news that her baby’s heartbeat had stopped. She shares the emotional impact of this moment and the difficult decisions that followed. Julia chose to give birth to her son at home, supported by her midwife and doula, describing the experience as one surrounded by care, compassion, and love. Julia then speaks about her third pregnancy and the the birth of her second daughter at home. Once again, she was supported by midwives and other women, creating a nurturing and empowering birth environment. Most recently, Julia experienced an ectopic pregnancy. She reflects on this experience with honesty, sharing how she is feeling in the immediate aftermath and the emotional impact of facing another unexpected loss. Thanks so much Julia Get in touch E: irelandsbirthstories@gmail.com IG: Irelands Stories Birth Podcast IG Produced & edited by Corah Gernon at She Talks Productions Show Your Support Buy Me A Coffee Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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