Birthing a Nation

Birthing a Nation: Pregnancy & The Pandemic is a 10 part series that explores the human stories behind the extraordinary impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on maternity care in Ireland. Each and every woman who has given birth in this period has been affected – from those who have suffered alone when losing a baby to those who had a so-called “normal” delivery but without the advocacy and support of their partner. Birthing A Nation: Pregnancy & The Pandemic will shine a spotlight on the challenges faced by expectant parents in Ireland today while also following Sue Murphy’s journey, as she brings us inside the system and opens up about her experience as her due date approaches. Each episode Sue and her co-hosts Suzanne Kane and Alison Curtis will hear from a different guest who has been impacted in some way by the maternity care restrictions. These contributors are real people from across Ireland and include women who have experienced a miscarriage, faced a challenging IVF process or a C-section. We'll also hear from the partners and healthcare workers who have fought the uphill battle of supporting women in the most vulnerable of circumstances at the most challenging time. Birthing A Nation launches 25th September on GoLoud.

Episodes

Pregnancy & The Pandemic: Caroline's Story

November 26, 2021 • 48 mins

Caroline Cumming joins us this week to tell us about her experience of a home birth, and what influenced her to reach the decision to follow that path. Caroline started the UplIft petition around maternity care in Ireland, in September of 2020, which would go on to have a major impact on the public debate.

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Pregnancy & The Pandemic: Clodagh's Story

November 12, 2021 • 56 mins

Clodagh talks to us about her experience of having baby Frank, as a planned solo parent. It is an inspiring, happy story as Clodagh talks about making the decision to become a parent, her journey and the support she received, in person and online, and how life as a parent without a partner can be.

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Pregnancy & The Pandemic: Annemarie's story

November 5, 2021 • 44 mins

In our seventh episode we hear from Annemarie, who got in touch with us over email having been inspired by the bravery of other contributors. Hers is a deeply personal and heartbreaking story in which she shares the loss of her baby Spencer and the impact this, coupled with ongoing restrictions, had on her along with her husband Brian and their son Louis. We would urge listener discretion for this episode as the content will be tri...

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Pregnancy & The Pandemic: Sandy's Story

October 29, 2021 • 65 mins

This week we hear from Sandy Connolly, of the Doula Association of Ireland, who tells us about her work supporting expecting and new mothers, and also how the pandemic has impacted on that work and the women she works with. We also have a wonderful update from our own Sue Murphy!

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Pregnancy & The Pandemic: Natalie's Story

October 22, 2021 • 51 mins

Our guest today is actor and activist Natalie Britton. Natalie shares her experience within the maternal healthcare system in 2020, why she became involved in the better maternity care movement and her hopes for a better future for Irish women.UPDATE: In light of developments this week, this episode includes a brief intro from Linda Kelly detailing the new visitor guidelines for all hospitals.

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Pregnancy & The Pandemic: Amy's Story

October 15, 2021 • 60 mins

Our 4th guest in the series is actually the first we recorded and the very woman who first inspired us to make the podcast. Amy De Bhrún is an actor, writer and now an accidental activist. In this episode we speak to her both before and after the birth of her second child.

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Pregnancy & The Pandemic: James's Story

October 8, 2021 • 47 mins

Our guest for episode 3 is James Keating, who tells us about his experience of the birth of his first child during the pandemic, and the strain he and his wife were under as they were kept apart for much of the journey, which at times became very tough for both.Host Sue Murphy also talks to Linda Kelly of Women Ascend about this week's March for Maternity.

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Pregnancy & The Pandemic: Maura's Story

October 1, 2021 • 53 mins

Our guest for episode 2 is Maura McElhone (@maurawrites). The author welcomed her first child during lockdown and she shares the loneliness, isolation and fear that she suffered. She also highlights what couples lose out on by not being allowed go through this process together. Hosts Sue Murphy, Alison Curtis and Suzanne Kane discuss. With expert feedback provided by Linda Kelly of Women Ascend.

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Pregnancy & The Pandemic: Emma’s Story

September 24, 2021 • 50 mins

Our guest for this episode is Emma Carroll [@emmabeecee] who is one of the people behind InOurShoes_CovidPregnancy. Emma lost her baby only 3 weeks ago and despite it being such a recent loss she came on to speak about it with us.For parts of this episode listener discretion is advised - do consider whether discussion of miscarriage, baby loss or traumatic delivery might be upsetting to you. If you’d like to stay with us but feel t...

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Pregnancy & The Pandemic: Trailer

September 17, 2021 • 5 mins

Coming soon to GoLoud: This 10 part series explores the human stories behind the extraordinary impact that the COVID 19 pandemic has had on maternity care in Ireland. Each week, Alison Curtis and Suzanne Kane will join Sue Murphy as she brings us inside the system and shares her journey as her due date approaches in real time.

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