We Are Mothers.

In this episode, Claire shares the full story of welcoming her daughter Ellie via emergency caesarean under general anaesthetic after a rapid and intense labour.After spending pregnancy preparing for a calm, physiological hospital birth, Claire went into labour gradually at home. She used movement, curb walking, affirmations, her TENS machine and music to manage contractions while spending the evening with her husband and mum in a relaxed environment.By the time she arrived at hospital late Friday night, she was already 5cm dilated and feeling positive about the progression of labour. Her birth space was calm and personalised with fairy lights, music, combs, movement and support from her midwife and partner.But labour intensified quickly. Claire began experiencing extremely strong back-to-back contractions with virtually no break between them, while Ellie’s heart rate became increasingly difficult to monitor.In this conversation, Claire speaks openly about:A HG pregnancyPreparing for a physiological birth in hospitalLabouring at home with a TENS machine, movement and musicArriving at hospital at 5cm dilatedExperiencing continuous contractions with no rest periodsFetal distress and monitoring challenges during labourHaving her waters broken and progressing rapidly to 8cmThe moment her maternal instinct told her something was wrongBeing rushed to theatre for an emergency caesareanUndergoing surgery under general anaestheticHer husband waiting outside theatre not knowing if she or Ellie were okayMeeting her daughter after waking from surgeryProcessing the emotional aftermath of an emergency birthClaire’s story is a powerful reminder that birth can shift unexpectedly, even when everything begins normally. It’s also a conversation about instinct, surrender, support, and navigating the emotional complexity of an emergency birth experience.Want more?You can find episode photos over at:⁠https://www.instagram.com/wearemotherspod/⁠You can find me at:⁠https://www.instagram.com/iamsarahcusack/⁠You can find Claire at:https://www.instagram.com/shortandsweetercollective/https://shortandsweetercollective.com/Claire is the founder of Short & Sweeter Collective. At Short & Sweeter Collective, we’re here to turn everyday moments into something a little more playful, a little more meaningful, and a lot more you.Founded by a proudly ADHD mind and created with all kinds of minds in mind, we design sensory-considerate clothing that feels like home. Made to spark connection, celebrate chaos, and champion the kind of honesty that makes life a little sweeter.From embroidered caps to collectible affirmations, our mission is to leave people better than we found them with softness, humor, and heart stitched into everything we make.Because around here, it’s all about embracing the mess, making space for magic, and saying it with love, always. (Love you, bye.)Go check them out! 

In this week’s episode, I sit down with Tara, content creator, actor, podcast host and mum of two, to hear the full story behind both of her births and the postpartum journeys that followed.Tara shares how she went from feeling unsure whether motherhood was for her, to becoming completely transformed by pregnancy, birth and raising her children.  After years of travelling and focusing on career goals, she decided to start trying for a baby in her mid-30s and quickly became immersed in learning about physiological birth and hypnobirthing.Tara takes us through her first pregnancy with Beau, including:Conceiving later in life and navigating anxiety after miscarriageWhy watching her sister birth changed her entire perspective on labourChoosing continuity of care through the Gold Coast MGP programPreparing for an unmedicated water birthGoing into labour at 41+5 during COVIDLabouring at home before arriving at hospital already 8.5cm dilatedUsing the shower and water as pain reliefThe intense transition phase and instinctual “deep growl” during labourWelcoming Beau in the birth pool in a fast, unmedicated water birthExperiencing a severe grade 3C tear and postpartum haemorrhageBeing taken to surgery shortly after birthThe emotional impact of separation from her newborn in those first hoursDifficult postpartum recovery, retained placenta and breastfeeding strugglesThe importance of trusting your instincts when something doesn’t feel rightTara also shares how her second birth with daughter Marlowe became deeply healing:Trying to conceive again while navigating age-related fertility pressureFalling pregnant naturally just before attending an IVF consultationApproaching birth with more confidence and trust in her bodyPreparing intentionally for postpartum the second time aroundExperiencing a calm, empowering and restorative birthThe emotional grief of transitioning from one child to twoHow healing it felt to finally experience the golden hour she had hoped forThroughout the episode, Tara speaks beautifully about empowerment in motherhood, learning to advocate for yourself, and why birth stories matter.A deeply honest conversation about strength, softness, recovery and trusting your body through every stage of motherhood.Want more?You can find episode photos over at:⁠https://www.instagram.com/wearemotherspod/⁠You can find me at:⁠https://www.instagram.com/iamsarahcusack/⁠You can find Tara at:https://www.instagram.com/thesocialmummagc/

In this episode, I sit down with private midwife Jacinta for a deep and honest conversation about modern maternity care, physiological birth, home birth, and what women actually need to feel safe, informed and supported throughout pregnancy and labour.Jacinta shares her experience working both within the hospital system and now in private midwifery care, explaining why continuity of care, relationship-based support and informed decision making can dramatically impact a woman’s birth experience.We unpack the common misconceptions around home birth and discuss what the research actually says about safety, outcomes and intervention rates. Jacinta explains why home birth is often misunderstood, and why many women experience better emotional and physical outcomes when birth unfolds undisturbed in a safe and supported environment.This episode also explores the pressure many women feel around “the clock” during labour, including timelines around contractions, waters breaking and cervical dilation. Jacinta shares why physiological birth rarely follows a predictable timeline and how different birth can look when women are supported rather than managed.We also discuss:What private midwifery care actually looks likeThe difference between hospital-based care and continuity modelsWhy many women don’t realise they have options during pregnancy and birthThe assumptions people make about home birthThe role of fear, nervous system safety and mindset in labourWhy informed consent and unbiased education mattersThe research around intervention rates and birth outcomesPreparing your body, environment and nervous system for birthWhy birth preparation should start early in pregnancyThe importance of advocacy and support during labourHow partners become empowered through education tooWhy no two labours look the sameThe problem with rigid contraction timelines and labour expectationsCreating a birth experience that aligns with your values and instinctsThis conversation is empowering, practical and deeply validating for any woman wanting to approach birth feeling more informed, confident and connected to herself.Want more?You can find episode photos over at:⁠https://www.instagram.com/wearemotherspod/⁠You can find me at:⁠https://www.instagram.com/iamsarahcusack/⁠You can find Jacinta at:https://www.instagram.com/intuitive_birth_collectivehttps://www.intuitivebirthcollective.com/Download her free labour toolkit here:https://intuitivebirthcollective.mykajabi.com/thelabourtoolkit?utm_id=97760_v0_s00_e0_tv3_a1denni6i48x9b

Nicole shares her birth stories, a journey that began with a clear vision for how things would unfold, but quickly shifted into something far more intense and unpredictable.In this episode, Nicole walks us through:What she expected birth to look and feel like going inHow her labour actually unfolded in real timeThe moment things began to shift and feel outside of her controlThe physical intensity of labour and how she navigated itThe emotional experience of letting go of the plan she had in mindHow she worked through those moments to stay present in her bodyThe role of her support system during labourWhat the birth felt like immediately after, both physically and emotionallyHow this experience reshaped her understanding of birth and motherhoodNicole also reflects on:The gap between what we’re told birth will be like vs the realityHow expectations can impact the way we experience labourWhat she would do differently with the knowledge she has nowHer advice for other women preparing for birthThis is a deeply honest conversation about what happens when birth doesn’t follow the plan and the strength that can come from navigating it anyway.A powerful listen for anyone preparing for birth, or processing a birth that didn’t go as expected.Want more?You can find episode photos over at:⁠https://www.instagram.com/wearemotherspod/⁠You can find me at:⁠https://www.instagram.com/iamsarahcusack/⁠You can find Nicole at:https://www.instagram.com/nicolemaryx/

In this episode, Maddy shares the raw and evolving story of her three births. Each one radically different, each one shaping her identity as a mother and ultimately leading her into the world of birth work.With no prior exposure to birth, Maddy entered her first experience trusting the system, only to be met with an intense, fast-paced augmented birth that left her shocked.Her second birth became a turning point - a deeply empowering, low-intervention experience that opened her eyes to what birth could feel like when supported and understood.By her third, Maddy chose a home birth, grounded in trust, education, and intuition,  navigating both the beauty and unexpected challenges, including a postpartum haemorrhage.This episode is a powerful reflection on how knowledge changes experience, how support shapes outcomes,and how birth can transform not just a moment… but an entire life path.In this episode we cover:​Falling pregnant young and navigating birth with little exposure​The intensity of induction and rapid labour​The difference between physiological labour and syntocinon-led birth​Feeling let down by lack of education and support​Discovering hypnobirthing and informed consent​A completely different second birth experience​The moment that led Maddie to become a doula​Choosing a home birth for baby number three​Navigating a postpartum haemorrhage at home​The importance of advocacy and support in birth​Preparing for postpartum with intention​How birth can reshape identity, career, and worldviewWant more?You can find episode photos over at:⁠https://www.instagram.com/wearemotherspod/⁠You can find me at:⁠https://www.instagram.com/iamsarahcusack/⁠You can find Maddy at:https://www.maddythedoula.com.au/https://www.instagram.com/maddy.thedoula/https://www.facebook.com/profile.php/?id=100075920515191Maddy is a mother of three and a birth and postpartum doula based in Hobart, Tasmania, who has spent nearly five years supporting women and their partners in the birth space. Her own births and experiences of maternity care are what led her into this work and continue to shape the way she cares for women and families. She shares openly about motherhood, birth, and the importance of birth partner support on her socials if you’d like to follow along. In this episode, Maddy opens up about her own three personal birth stories and how they shaped her understanding of birth and maternity care, ultimately leading her to the path of working with families as a doula. 

In this episode, Rikki shares her experience of becoming a mother for the first time and choosing a natural home birth with her daughter, Ruby.After initially following what felt like the “standard” path, Rikki began to explore her options more deeply during pregnancy — leading her to realise that there was more than one way to approach birth.With the support of a private midwife and a strong sense of alignment, she chose a home birth experience that felt intimate, calm, and true to her.In this conversation, we explore:Rikki’s journey into motherhood and deciding she wanted childrenConceiving naturally after coming off long-term contraceptionNavigating pregnancy as a first-time mumThe decision to choose a home birth and what led her thereMoving through external opinions, doubt, and social pressureThe role of a supportive midwife and partnerWhat labour looked like at home — from a slow start to active labourUnexpected moments during birth, including baby’s positioning and adapting in the momentThe experience of pushing and birthing her baby in her own spaceThe immediate postpartum bubble and early days at homeReflections on postpartum care and the importance of supporting yourself as well as your babyRikki shares honestly about the moments of doubt, the power of feeling supported, and the deep sense of trust she developed in her body throughout the process.Her story is a reminder that while birth can look different for everyone, feeling informed, supported, and aligned in your choices can shape the entire experience.Want more?You can find episode photos over at:⁠https://www.instagram.com/wearemotherspod/⁠You can find me at:⁠https://www.instagram.com/iamsarahcusack/⁠You can find Rikki at:https://www.instagram.com/rikkibwabe/Resources mentioned in this episode:Birthing Mum Midwiferyhttps://www.instagram.com/birthingmum/The Great Birth Rebellion Podcasthttps://open.spotify.com/show/3gQRikeOcaHkJjWTtcT1B1?si=52dca2d52298439f

In this episode, Ashleigh shares her journey through loss, IVF, and two very different birth experiences — and what changed the second time around.After a first birth that she reflects on as traumatic, but pivotal, Ashleigh went into her second pregnancy with one clear intention: she wanted it to be different.What unfolds is a powerful exploration of:Pregnancy after loss and the heightened fear that comes with itThe difference between standard hospital care and private midwifery supportThe reality that many choices in the system don’t always feel like true choicesHow seeking evidence, information, and continuity of care changed everythingThe emotional and physical shift from a medicalised birth to an empowering oneAshleigh speaks candidly about:Feeling like options in the system were presented in a way that made it hard to say no Wanting informed consent and autonomy the second time aroundChoosing a private midwife early in pregnancy and the impact of continuous, personalised careThe contrast between a birth she describes as “traumatic, but pivotal” and one that felt “empowering, incredible and magic” It’s a powerful episode that we hope you enjoy.Want more?You can find episode photos over at:⁠https://www.instagram.com/wearemotherspod/⁠You can find me at:⁠https://www.instagram.com/iamsarahcusack/⁠You can find Ashleigh at:https://www.instagram.com/ashleighburgis/Resources mentioned in this episode:Midwife / IBCLC:Tamika Newman⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/midwifetamika/⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tamikanewmanibclc.com/⁠

Alice’s birth story is a powerful reminder that birth doesn’t have to go according to plan to still be deeply empowering.During her pregnancy, Alice and her husband were navigating profound grief after losing two important people in their lives. At the same time, she was flagged as high-risk for preeclampsia, which ultimately led to a medically necessary induction.What followed was a 63-hour journey through cervical tape, a balloon catheter, hormone drip, and eventually theatre for delivery.On paper, it might sound like the kind of birth many women fear.But Alice’s experience tells a different story.Through hypnobirthing, intentional mindset work, and advocating for time and space within the hospital system, she was able to stay grounded and connected to the process.In this episode we talk about:• Navigating grief while pregnant• Being flagged as high-risk for preeclampsia• Preparing mentally for birth• The full reality of induction (cervical tape, balloon, hormone drip)• Labouring for 12 hours and pushing for two• A theatre birth with episiotomy and suction• The power of slowing down hospital decisions• Why mindset preparation matters just as much as physical preparation• What empowerment in motherhood means after birthWant more?You can find episode photos over at:⁠https://www.instagram.com/wearemotherspod/⁠You can find me at:⁠https://www.instagram.com/iamsarahcusack/⁠You can find Alice at:https://www.instagram.com/__alicehillhouse/

In this episode, Kirsten shares the story of her two very different births.Her first birth with her son Ernest unfolded in the public hospital system, marked by rising blood pressure, repeated interventions, and an induction she initially resisted. After a long labour, Kirsten experienced a caesarean birth that left her physically safe but emotionally disappointed, followed by a challenging postpartum period with little support.   For her second pregnancy, Kirsten chose a completely different model of care. With continuity of care from a private midwife, she prepared for a homebirth VBAC. Surrounded by trusted support, she birthed her daughter Odette in water at home in a powerful, calm, and deeply healing experience.This episode explores the impact of the medical system on birth, the importance of informed choice and continuity of care, postpartum mental health, and the transformative difference feeling safe and supported can make.Topics covered:Induction and cascade of interventionsEmergency caesarean birthPostpartum anxiety and recoveryContinuity of careVBAC preparationHomebirth with endorsed midwivesTrusting your body and intuitionWant more?You can find episode photos over at:⁠https://www.instagram.com/wearemotherspod/⁠You can find me at:⁠https://www.instagram.com/iamsarahcusack/⁠You can find Kirsten at:https://www.instagram.com/vector_coffee/https://www.instagram.com/horizoncoffeehouse/You can catch Kirsten slinging coffees across both her venue’s if you’re in the Gold Coast--Resources mentioned in this episode:Midwife / IBCLC:Taanhttps://www.instagram.com/taanmw/

In this episode of We Are Mothers, Mikayla shares the full spectrum of her motherhood journey, from a traumatic first birth to a deeply healing VBAC.We explore Mikayla’s first pregnancy and emergency C-section, including gestational diabetes, induction, infection, and the emotional impact of feeling isolated and unprepared. She opens up about how that experience shaped her postpartum period and her determination to do things differently the second time around.Mikayla also shares her journey through secondary infertility, IUI, and IVF, shedding light on how previous C-section scar tissue may have played a role. She speaks honestly about the emotional toll of trying to conceive, advocating for herself within the medical system, and finally receiving her long-awaited positive pregnancy test.Her second birth story is a powerful account of preparation, trust, and self-advocacy. Mikayla takes us through her VBAC experience, the moment she realised her body was capable, and how that birth became profoundly healing. She also reflects on the unexpected challenges that followed, including her baby’s time in special care, and how motherhood continues to stretch and strengthen her.This episode is a reminder that birth experiences matter, healing is possible, and women are capable of doing hard things.Want more?You can find episode photos over at:⁠https://www.instagram.com/wearemotherspod/⁠You can find me at:⁠https://www.instagram.com/iamsarahcusack/⁠You can find Mikayla at:https://www.instagram.com/mikaylanewport_/https://www.tiktok.com/@mikaylanewport_?_t=8daz7f9vmMU&_r=1--Resources mentioned in this episode:Podcasts:The Great Birth Rebellion https://open.spotify.com/show/3gQRikeOcaHkJjWTtcT1B1?si=fec790acad964fafThe Midwives’ CauldronGestational diabetes: the pregnancy perspectivehttps://open.spotify.com/episode/0uFokd2PlitplZUdHRZ5Ts?si=e7bbe1c877c64266Gestational diabetes: the baby’s perspectivehttps://open.spotify.com/episode/4s2vnvz6ZUtxoZXZ6Mj58p?si=f1660b3fc0954c93

In this episode of We Are Mothers, Taylor shares her birth story, one shaped by education, intuition, and the environment she chose to give birth in.We talk about how learning more about physiological birth influenced her decisions, why safety and support were central to her choices, and how letting go of expectations allowed her to meet birth with calm and trust.Taylor reflects on navigating doubt and exhaustion during labour, the importance of having plans in place if circumstances change, and how her relationship with birth evolved as the experience unfolded.This episode explores:A home birth transfer after 26 hours of labourHow environment impacts birth hormonesMaking informed decisions about where to give birthTrusting yourself while still planning for safetyNavigating exhaustion and uncertainty in labourMeeting birth as it is, not how you imaginedA grounded listen for anyone preparing for birth or wanting to understand how information, support, and intuition can coexist.Want more?You can find episode photos over at:⁠https://www.instagram.com/wearemotherspod/⁠You can find me at:⁠https://www.instagram.com/iamsarahcusack/⁠You can find Taylor at:https://www.instagram.com/sweetnampsychology/www.sweetnampsychology.com.au She offers in home perinatal/postpartum psychology services across Gold Coast and Tweed Coast, alongside in person services both doing walk and talks and at my clinic space in Miami, plus Telehealth. --Resources mentioned in this episode:Midwife / IBCLC:Tamika Newman⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/midwifetamika/⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tamikanewmanibclc.com/⁠ 

In this episode of We Are Mothers, Jaime shares the story of welcoming her daughter, Lilith, through a planned home birth, including navigating pregnancy after miscarriage and discovering her baby was breech late in pregnancy.We talk about conception after loss, trusting the body through uncertainty, choosing private midwifery care, and how education and support shaped Jaime's confidence leading into birth. Jaime reflects on protecting her mindset, letting go of fear, and trusting that birth can unfold safely in many different ways - including breech.This episode explores:Pregnancy after miscarriagePlanning a home birth with a private midwifeVaginal breech birth as a variation of normalTrusting intuition and protecting your birth spaceLetting go of the plan and surrendering to the processA grounding listen for anyone preparing for birth, navigating fear, or wanting to understand what supportive, continuity of care birth can look like.Want more?You can find episode photos over at:⁠https://www.instagram.com/wearemotherspod/⁠You can find me at:⁠https://www.instagram.com/iamsarahcusack/⁠You can find Jaime at:https://www.instagram.com/simplehealth_withjaime/https://www.simplehealthwithjaime.com/Resources mentioned in this episode:Midwife:Jacinta Reid - Private Midwife ⁠⁠https://www.intuitivebirthcollective.com/about⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/intuitive_birth_collective/⁠⁠Book:Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering - Sarah Buckleyhttps://gentlenaturalbirth.com/product/gentle-birth-gentle-mothering-2nd-ed-australia-only/

In this episode of We Are Mothers, Sarah is joined by her husband, Brett, as he shares a dad’s perspective on pregnancy, birth, and becoming a parent.Brett reflects on supporting his partner through miscarriage, IVF, pregnancy after loss, and labour -  including what it was like to witness a fast birth and be present through moments of uncertainty.This conversation offers an honest look at how partners support birth, navigate fear quietly, and show up in ways that matter even when they don’t have control.An episode for dads, partners, and mothers who want to understand what birth can look like from the other side of the room.--Want more?You can find episode photos over at:⁠https://www.instagram.com/wearemotherspod/⁠You can find me at:⁠https://www.instagram.com/iamsarahcusack/⁠You can find Brett at:https://www.instagram.com/iambrettcusack/Resources mentioned in this episode:Midwife:Jacinta Reid - Private Midwife ⁠⁠https://www.intuitivebirthcollective.com/about⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/intuitive_birth_collective/⁠⁠Midwife / IBCLC:Tamika Newman⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/midwifetamika/⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tamikanewmanibclc.com/⁠

In this episode of We Are Mothers, Sarah shares her full birth story.This conversation includes experiences of miscarriage, pregnancy loss, silent endometriosis, IVF, and pregnancy after loss. Sarah reflects on navigating fertility challenges, discovering stage three endometriosis without symptoms, and conceiving through IVF.She also shares her experience of a planned home birth at 40+, a rapid precipitous labour, and an unexpected hospital transfer postpartum.This episode explores trust, preparation, informed choice, and the power of hearing real birth stories to help women process their own experiences and feel more prepared for what birth can hold.Want more?You can find episode photos over at:⁠https://www.instagram.com/wearemotherspod/⁠You can find me at:⁠https://www.instagram.com/iamsarahcusack/⁠--Resources mentioned in this episode:Midwife:Jacinta Reid - Private Midwife ⁠https://www.intuitivebirthcollective.com/about⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/intuitive_birth_collective/⁠Midwife / IBCLC:Tamika Newman⁠https://www.instagram.com/midwifetamika/⁠⁠https://tamikanewmanibclc.com/⁠Book:Reclaiming Childbirth as a Rite of Passage: Weaving ancient wisdom with modern knowledge⁠https://www.amazon.com.au/Reclaiming-Childbirth-Rite-Passage-knowledge/dp/064500250X

Welcome to We Are Mothers.In this opening episode, host Sarah shares how her own birth experience and a deep love of listening to birth stories led to the creation of this podcast.We explore why storytelling can be healing, how hearing all kinds of births can help women process, learn, and prepare, and why every experience deserves space to be shared without judgement.This episode is an invitation into a safe space for real stories, honest reflection, and the belief that every birth matters and every story belongs.Let's connect:https://www.instagram.com/wearemotherspod/https://www.instagram.com/iamsarahcusack/