638 | Kate Jones - Vaginal water birth, Gosford Hospital, fertility tracking, short cord

Today I chat to Kate Jones about becoming a mum for the first time to her daughter Lila. Kate takes us through months of frustrating fertility tracking, a tricky local hospital landscape after her area's only private birthing suite closed, and the vaginal water birth she had hoped for from the very beginning. She's honest and funny throughout, especially when describing labouring at home, the mental shift of transitioning to hospital, and the moment her umbilical cord snapped after her daughter was born. To see Kate's birth video head to @australianbirthstories on Instagram. ________________ OUR PROUD SPONSOR: Meet Lola — the newest chair from iL Tutto, where comfort is beautifully considered. Part of the iL Tutto Trend Collection, Lola brings together the comfort and support you expect from iL Tutto with the refined details of a modern statement chair. Settle into a wider, generously cushioned seat, with a soft, supportive backrest and stylish curved armrests, complete with coordinating cushions for extra support while feeding, holding and comforting your baby. Wrapped in soft, plush corduroy, with exceptional detailed stitching and a warm timber base, every element of Lola has been thoughtfully considered, creating a beautiful piece of furniture designed to live well beyond the nursery. Smooth electric recline lets you find your perfect position and pause exactly where it feels right, while the gentle glide and 180-degree swivel make everyday movement effortless. And with electric controls to bring you easily back upright, Lola offers welcome support during the third trimester, after a caesarean birth, and through those long days and nights with your baby. Available in four beautiful corduroy colours: Mocha, Green Olive, Taupe and Coconut. And exclusively for Australian Birth Stories listeners, enjoy 20% off with code ABS20 at iltutto.com.au. Hurry, ABS20 ends 31 October 2026 and cannot be used with any other offer, only available at iltutto.com.au. Lola by iL Tutto. Made for the moments that matter now, and designed to be loved long after. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.