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In this episode, Ali and Rangi discuss birth plans — and more importantly, the value of having a flexible birth plan.

They cover the essentials of creating a birth plan, starting with the reminder that there’s no one right way to do it. Your birth plan can be as general or as detailed as you like — it’s entirely up to you.

Key points they explore include:

• Pain management options
• Labour and delivery environment (e.g. music, scents, lighting)
• Support people during labour
• Medical interventions - being informed and making choices
• Postpartum considerations, such as skin-to-skin contact
• Care for other children during birth

Above all, they emphasise that it's perfectly okay to deviate from your birth plan. Think of it as a guide, not a script.

Also mentioned in this episode is The Birth Book by Professor Stephen Tong — a helpful resource to prepare for the big day. You can find out more about it here.

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In this episode, Ali and Rangi discuss information overload during pregnancy.

They explore the benefits of social media, such as finding a sense of community, while also highlighting the dangers, including misinformation and misdiagnosis.

They also share tips on handling both solicited and unsolicited advice from well-meaning family members and provide guidance on where to find reliable information.

Most importantly, they’ll remind you why your healthcare provider should always be your go-to source for the real facts.

Here are the resources mentioned in the episode:

Mercy Perinatal

Raising Children Network

The Royal Women's Hospital: A-Z Fact Sheets

Red Nose: What is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)?

RANZCOG: Resource Hub

ACM: Australian College of Midwives

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In this episode, Ali is joined again by guest co-host, Professor Sue Walker AO, maternal fetal medicine sub-specialist at the Mercy Hospital for Women, and Co-Director of Mercy Perinatal.

Ali and Sue discuss Miscarriage and address key questions, such as:

• What is Miscarriage? Why do they occur?
• What is the treatment for a Miscarriage?
• What is involved in the recovery of a Miscarriage?
• What does this mean for future pregnancies?
• How can I support a loved one through a Miscarriage?
• Where can I seek support?

Please note that this episode discusses miscarriage/pregnancy loss, which can be distressing to some listeners. Resources are available including:

• Sands Australia via their webpage www.sands.org.au or their 24/7 phone support on 1300 308 307.
• Red Nose via their webpage www.rednose.org.au or their 24/7 support on 1300 308 307
• The Pink Elephants via their webpage www.pinkelephants.org.au
• Beyond Blue via their webpage www.beyondblue.org.au or 24/7 support on 13 11 14 via Lifeline