KEY TOPICS: 1 birth, pre-eclampsia, assisted delivery, birth trauma, suspected embolism, blood transfusion, postnatal depression

We're heading back to 1979 for this episode, as Priscilla Mañasco tells us about having her only child - a daughter - at the old St Bernard's hospital.

Antenatal care has certainly changed since those days: Priscilla describes the many different practices surrounding health check-ups, feeding advice, visiting rules at the hospital and washing cloth nappies, plus how she felt old as a first-time mother... at 26!

Priscilla suffered pre-eclampsia in the later stages of pregnancy and endured a lengthy labour in distressing conditions: she describes a violent forceps delivery, a very hostile consultant and intimidated nurses. It's a difficult listen as dramatic events unfolded when her daughter was born. Her recovery included a suspected postnatal embolism, a blood transfusion and undiagnosed postnatal depression. Priscilla's late husband was very supportive, but she reflects on her mental health toll from the traumatic birth experience... including how it influenced the decision not to further grow their family.

Her description of adjusting to early motherhood while returning to full-time work is a fascinating snapshot of life on the Rock in the late seventies and early eighties. This episode (recorded November 2024) makes for a compelling listen, and I'd like to thank Priscilla so much for sharing her difficult experience.

Find more about Priscilla's story and the podcast on Instagram: born_on_the_rock

If you'd like to tell your story, email: bornontherock@gbc.gi

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

KEY TOPICS: 2 births, fibroids, endometriosis, large babies, caesareans, hysterectomy, post-natal depression

In this episode we’re meeting Michelle Rugeroni (known as Rouge) whose two adult kids were born in 2004 and 2006. This is a fast paced chat covering a range of topics. Rouge was told to expect difficulty conceiving due to fibroids and endometriosis… yet fell pregnant very quickly after trying! She describes how large fibroid tumours on her ovaries grew during pregnancy, leading doctors to recommend caesarean sections for both of her large babies.

Rouge had good pregnancy experiences but developed post-natal depression after the birth of her first baby, which she directly attributes to the difficulty of breastfeeding and implied pressure. She speaks very candidly about that difficult time and feeling unable to care for her baby – the support from her own mother proved invaluable, and she describes how hard the issue is for fathers too. Hear how she moved past the PND, and how her mindset was very different after the birth of her second child. She encourages mothers to speak up and ask for help, and to prioritise their own mental health and wellbeing.

Rouge had five abdominal surgeries in the space of just a few years, and describes the two hysterectomy procedures she went through.. plus the symptoms of menopause hitting as the children left the nest! She's incredibly proud of her son and daughter, and has such a positive energy that really comes across in this episode. You can find her own podcast online: ‘On the Sofa with Rouge.’

Find more about Michelle's story and the podcast on Instagram: born_on_the_rock

If you'd like to tell your story, email: bornontherock@gbc.gi

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

KEY TOPICS: 7 births, twins, hyperemesis, umbilical cord prolapse, 2 emergency caesareans, 1 miscarriage

Get ready to meet our biggest family so far! In this episode, Kathy Feetham talks about giving birth seven times over an 18 year period... to all girls! She describes how each of the pregnancies compared, with a mix of 'easy' textbook journeys, alongside more complicated deliveries. There is one mention of early miscarriage towards the very end of this episode.

Kathy's stories have amazing twists and turns, as you might expect. Did she find out the gender each time? Did she breastfeed all seven? Why does she describe her last child as a miracle baby? You’ll hear how she naturally delivered twins... with different birth dates. About the incredible power of intuition, how one baby arrived during a family event, and how she responds to the many questions and comments from strangers.

I loved recording this episode - Kathy describes herself as a calm person and exudes gentle warmth and humour in this episode. It’s lovely hearing about the supportive role of her husband throughout too. Kathy has a way of making remarkable events sound quite straightforward, and her obvious love of motherhood just shines through from start to finish. I hope you'll find as much pleasure in hearing her stories, as I did recording them! (November 2024).

Find more about Kathy's story and the podcast on Instagram: born_on_the_rock

If you'd like to tell your story, email: bornontherock@gbc.gi

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