S3 EP: 5 Cally - Two Births, OB, Hospital Birth, Homebirth, PROM, Epidural, PPH, Breastfeeding Challenges, Medically Managed Miscarriage, Resuscitation, Managed Third Stage

Today we interviewed Cally, who shared her experiences across two very different births. Her first pregnancy took place during COVID, where limited access to care led her to an OB by default. Red flags emerged throughout the pregnancy, but she continued with the same provider. After a long posterior labour that ended in an epidural and Syntocinon, she began to reflect more deeply on her birth choices.

We also spoke about her breastfeeding journey—navigating early challenges, pumping and bottle-feeding for nearly two years—and her experience with a medically managed miscarriage, which she approached with intention and care.

In her third pregnancy, Cally initially returned to her OB but switched to a private midwife at 26 weeks after feeling unsupported in her birth preferences. She went on to plan a homebirth that honoured her values and autonomy. When a postpartum hemorrhage occurred, it was swiftly and effectively managed by her midwifery team at home—including resuscitation—demonstrating the high level of skill and preparedness within well-supported homebirth care.

Links:

• Mama Midwives 
• Core & Floor Restore Free Antenatal Classes
• The Pink Elephant Support Network 
• Red Nose  
• Info on APGAR Score 
• Ten years of publicly funded homebirth services in Victoria 
• Mothers & Babies Report - APGAR data
• National Core Maternity Indicators - APGAR
• What is Medical management of miscarriage