11 Peta

In this week's episode we are joined by the divine Peta. Peta shares her parenthood journey, and adventures with her husband Sam and their three gorgeous children Kiasi, Eva and Mika.

Peta and Sam had had many conversations about their dreams of starting a family. Following a a dinner with friends where they announced their pregnancy, Peta and Sam decided to take the leap and try to fall pregnant at the same time. They were both completely ecstatic to discover they were pregnant the next month. Peta reflects on her pregnancy, and the wonder of watching her bump grow.

Peta's first labour began whilst out at a family dinner. Peta speaks so openly and honestly about her first birth day, sharing that it was both magical and traumatic.  She reflects on the power of having her trusted support team surrounding her, drawing strength from her mother's encouragement, and the wonder of those first few moments with Kiasi.

Peta reflects on the power of conversations and story telling. Following the her first birth Peta was experiencing a dragging feeling that she assumed was a part of recovering from birth. Upon talking to her support network she decided to seek professional support, and discovered that she had a prolapse. Peta shares that her healing journey is ongoing, and hopes that by sharing her experience, others will feel safe to seek support as well. If you would like more information and support about prolapse please reach out to your GP, or a women's health physio. In episode 4 the amazing Bernadette from coreandfloorrestore shares her journey. B is a wealth of knowledge and a must follow on instagram.

Peta and Sam have a huge support network that they drew strength from in their transition to parenthood. Peta reflects on the first few weeks of newborn haze, and the rollercoaster of emotions she felt in those first few weeks. Peta approached postpartum adamant that she wanted to breastfeed. Peta speaks so openly about trying to get breastfeeding to work for her and Kiasi, the power of language, and tuning in to your intuition and out from the noise. It is a beautiful reminder that no one will ever know you or your baby as well as you do.

Peta and Sam had dreamed about having three children. When Kiasi was 14 months Peta and Sam decided to extend their family whilst on holiday in Europe, and assumed that they would fall pregnant again quickly. After six months, Peta decided to check in with her GP. This marked the beginning of a journey that Peta describes as a really challenging period. Peta and Sam made the decision to try IVF. Peta speaks so openly and honestly about their journey - the challenges, the power of a support network that knows just what to say at the right time, and the sheer joy she felt when she saw the two lines on the test after their first round.

Peta also shares Eva and Mika's birth days. Peta's three very different birth experiences will each leave you with prickly eyes. Peta reflects on feeling more empowered to advocate for her wishes with confidence after each birth. Peta shares the joys and adventures of life as a family of five, finding the space to refill her cup, and the privilege of watching her babes grow and mature.

This is such a gorgeous episode! If you would like to see some photos of Peta and her family head on over to kinbycharlotte I would love to hear about your kinship network, and what support looks like for you x