Welcome to Born on the Rock: Gibraltar Birth Stories podcast, with host and producer Lucinda Snape.
This weekly podcast is a collection of fascinating stories about what it's like to have a baby in Gibraltar - a small British Overseas Territory, with an average of one birth per day.
These are ordinary women telling extraordinary events in their own words, capturing the emotional highs and lows involved in starting a family. There's a huge range of topics covered including stories of twins, triplets, fast arrivals, and premature babies requiring care from outside Gibraltar... plus powerful taboos discussed, like postnatal depression, infertility and loss. Even 'textbook' experiences make for a fascinating listen, because becoming a mother is life-changing. We believe there's no such thing as a boring birth story!
Stories are welcomed from across all decades, allowing GBC as the National Broadcaster to present a rich social and cultural resource for our community. The podcast is unique to Gibraltar, but relatable to anyone with an interest in parenting. If you've had a baby on the Rock, we want to hear from you! To share your story or find out more, email: bornontherock@gbc.gi
Find 'Born on the Rock: Gibraltar Birth Stories' on Facebook and Instagram for more.
Disclaimer: Views expressed in episodes are those of guests and do not reflect the views of GBC.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Welcome to Born on the Rock: Gibraltar Birth Stories podcast, with host and producer Lucinda Snape.
This weekly podcast is a collection of fascinating stories about what it's like to have a baby in Gibraltar - a small British Overseas Territory, with an average of one birth per day.
These are ordinary women telling extraordinary events in their own words, capturing the emotional highs and lows involved in starting a family. There's a huge range of topics covered including stories of twins, triplets, fast arrivals, and premature babies requiring care from outside Gibraltar... plus powerful taboos discussed, like postnatal depression, infertility and loss. Even 'textbook' experiences make for a fascinating listen, because becoming a mother is life-changing. We believe there's no such thing as a boring birth story!
Stories are welcomed from across all decades, allowing GBC as the National Broadcaster to present a rich social and cultural resource for our community. The podcast is unique to Gibraltar, but relatable to anyone with an interest in parenting. If you've had a baby on the Rock, we want to hear from you! To share your story or find out more, email: bornontherock@gbc.gi
Find 'Born on the Rock: Gibraltar Birth Stories' on Facebook and Instagram for more.
Disclaimer: Views expressed in episodes are those of guests and do not reflect the views of GBC.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
KEY TOPICS: 1 birth, infertility, natural delivery, postpartum haemorrhage (PPH), blood transfusion, short age-gap
Welcome to part 2 of Chloe's journey - a diary special to end Season 3 of the podcast! We track Chloe's pregnancy with their surprise baby that she and her husband conceived naturally... just months after welcoming their little girl born via IVF.
Episode 39 (part one) was recorded when Chloe was 19 weeks pregnant. This episode begins at 29+2 weeks, as Chloe recaps her second trimester– with a flight to America, plus discovering an unusual gynae issue. Going into trimester 3, she’s uncertain whether to have an elective caesarean or natural labour.
At our full term update (38+1), Chloe is more confident about her birth plan, and speaks so highly of her supportive husband. She outlines the physical and emotional strains of being heavily pregnant in August with a toddler, but shares a great beach tip and some funny anecdotes about how people respond to her bump! She speculates (incorrectly!) about when her daughter might be born. Another update (39+1) sees more discomfort kick in.
Short voice notes at 40 weeks, 40+2 and 40+3 capture progress of appointments...and Chloe’s emotions! Remarkably, she recorded an update on the ACTUAL day her daughter was born, and the very next day too... but from the Critical Care Unit, due to another postpartum haemorrhage. Thankfully her daughter was well, and Chloe tracks her recovery with voice notes 2 & 5 days postpartum.
Two weeks after the birth, Chloe gives a more detailed account of events. Despite another traumatic experience requiring a blood transfusion, she’s full of praise for the medical team and feels she had a better physical recovery this time. We have final catch-ups at 1 and almost 2 months postpartum, where Chloe discusses her daughter’s emerging personality, reflects on self-care and shares her hopes for the future.
I’m so grateful to Chloe for recording this very special episode over half a year! :)
Season 4 begins in January 2026,
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KEY TOPICS: 1 birth, infertility, IVF, assisted natural delivery, retained placenta, dilation & evacuation (D&E), postpartum haemorrhage (PPH)
Welcome to the first of a two-part special, to end Season 3 of the podcast! Chloe Loddo and her husband had been trying to start their family for over 2 years, before receiving a diagnosis of infertility. She speaks poignantly about the increasing impact on her mental health at that time, before the couple began their IVF journey at a Spanish private clinic in 2023.
Chloe had a successful first treatment cycle - and she describes her 'cautiously optimistic' mindset throughout a good pregnancy journey. There's some humour in how she describes labour starting, before her daughter was born via an assisted natural delivery (kiwi vacuum) in the Spring of 2024.
However she sustained significant blood loss, and in the following days Chloe became even more poorly with a dangerous complication. She was admitted to hospital for an emergency procedure to remove retained placenta… and some weeks later, a second postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) led to another hospital admission. Chloe explains how her difficult start to motherhood was a blur, of feeling very unwell and being separated from her little girl.
She praises her husband and mum for their support during her recovery, and happily they settled well into family life together. Chloe shares some great positive advice to others trying to conceive or facing infertility, and speaks about wishing she’d opened up to close family and friends sooner for support. And then! A HUGE surprise that Chloe simply describes as 'wild.' You'll be smiling so much by the end of this episode! We'll continue Chloe's story in part two, Episode 40.
If you found this episode particularly interesting, check out episode 29 too.
For more episodes about IVF, find episodes 2, 7, 17, 18, 20, 22 and 25.
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KEY TOPICS: 3 births, chicken pox, natural deliveries, fast labour, premature, caesarean, grandmother
We're heading back to 1985, 1987 and 1991 today with Jackie Catania and her three children. This is a great episode for hearing about very smooth pregnancies... although she describes medical factors after each birth.
Jackie was 23-years old and full-term with her first child... when she got chicken pox! She was very uncomfortable, and it presented the maternity ward with a delivery challenge. A fast natural labour followed and thankfully her daughter was unaffected, but Jackie was advised not to hold or feed her daughter until the pox had gone... a full week later. She speaks about feeling overwhelmed when she finally brought her daughter home, although speaks fondly about support from her mother and sister.
Two years later Jackie experienced another smooth pregnancy, fast labour and natural delivery with her son. However he had breathing difficulties as a baby and child, and she describes a trip to the UK for investigations. Doctors discovered the root of his manageable condition, and Jackie explains her concern and care throughout his childhood.
A last textbook pregnancy followed, but with a spontaneous labour six weeks early. Jackie describes how her waters broke in a very public place, and how medical professionals deemed a caesarean delivery best... against her wishes. Jackie describes painful healing while travelling to hospital in London post-partum, for her daughter to be monitored. Happily she was well, and Jackie was able to breastfeed for the first time, before returning to the Rock.
We have an interesting discussion about the benefits of hindsight, and what it's like to be a grandparent. I’m so grateful to Jackie for sharing her three Gibraltar Birth Stories (Recorded August 2025).
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KEY TOPICS: 2 births, endometriosis, laparoscopy, infertility, natural delivery, placenta previa, caesarean, haemorrhage, blood transfusion, birth trauma
⚠️Trigger warning: Discussion of birth trauma in the second half of this episode.
We're meeting Tina Reyes and her husband in this episode, whose two boys were born in 2012 and 2015. Tina underwent gynae investigations and treatments for suspected infertility, before falling pregnant with her first son. She had a textbook pregnancy before a lengthy labour and natural delivery. Tina gives a great description of her breastfeeding journey with local support.
She had a positive second pregnancy... until a hospital admission at 17 weeks due to placenta previa. It's a serious complication with a high risk of bleeding, commonly requiring caesarean delivery. Tina describes how online groups helped yet hindered: she learned alot but felt intense anxiety into her third trimester. She was hospitalisied again at 32 weeks.
A full-term caesarean delivery followed, but with a sudden medical emergency. Tina cites instances that she feels impacted events surrounding the birth - with some details she only learned months later. It's an emotional listen as Tina speculates whether outcomes may have been avoided or managed differently. Thankfully her son was well after a delayed blood transfusion, although her own recovery understandably took longer.
Family support has been a major factor in Tina's journey, and we chat about raising boys as the teenage years approach. She's passionate about self advocacy, and I'm very grateful to Tina for bravely sharing her two contrasting Gibraltar birth stories (Recorded August 2025).
If you have been affected by any of the topics in this episode, GibSams offer a listening service on free phone number 113 123, or find support online at: https://gibsams.gi/
Disclaimer: views expressed in this article are those of Tina Reyes and do not reflect the views of GBC.
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KEY TOPICS: 2 births, natural deliveries, premature, jaundice, gastroesophageal reflux, great-grandmother
We’re meeting 68-year old Anne Martinez in this episode who takes us back to the 1970’s for a UK birth, and the 1980’s for a birth on the Rock. Unusually, both of Anne’s babies were born prematurely and - more unusually - required minimal intervention!
Anne describes a good healthy pregnancy in 1975, and what it was like to go into spontaneous labour as a married 19 year old far away from family. Her daughter arrived by natural delivery at a healthy weight after a straightforward and quick labour – she had no complications and avoided a stay in an incubator. Anne recovered well, but alludes to a serious incident that led to her returning to the Rock with her daughter.
Some years later a second pregnancy followed with her new husband. Anne was well, but again went into spontaneous labour at 7 months, while watching a popular 80’s TV drama! Her son arrived by natural delivery – the same week that Anne was due to use the first ultrasound scanner that had arrived in Gibraltar. She describes him born at a good weight, but experiencing jaundice. She also sought a second opinion and medical treatment across the (recently re-opened) border, for her son's gastrointestinal issues.
We chat about what it’s like to be a great-grandmother, as well as something very important to Anne: her faith. There’s family links to a guest from episode 25 on the podcast too! I’m so grateful to Anne for sharing her premature birth stories from over 40 years ago (Recorded August 2025).
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KEY TOPICS: 3 births, PCOS, infertility, obesity, gestational diabetes, induction, assisted delivery, natural deliveries, short age-gap, Rh-negative blood, jaundice
Laura Bradshaw and her military husband found themselves posted to Gibraltar in 2010, at a stage where they'd already been trying to start a family for a few years - unsuccessfully. Laura describes irregular cycles, polycystic ovaries and her weight as issues in not receiving more timely help with fertility treatment... but when this was finally prescribed, it proved very effective!
Laura had a good pregnancy and felt well, but describes rising anxiety in her second trimester as she was repeatedly warned by military medical staff that she would have to return to the UK to give birth alone. Unhappy with this plan, she switched her care to the GHA and was instantly happier with a more attentive and caring approach, plus regular monitoring for her gestational diabetes. She describes a lengthy labour, induction and tricky assisted delivery as they welcomed their little boy, before spending a very happy year on the Rock as a family of three.
Laura explains what it was like to discover a surprise second pregnancy soon afterwards, and to move from Gibraltar for their next posting while expecting! This time it was textbook pregnancy with a faster, spontaneous labour and natural delivery of their second son. Some years later (and while living in yet another location!) Laura became pregnant again with their daughter. But this journey was trickier due to nausea, gestational diabetes, a longer induced labour and a jaundice scare requiring specialist treatment.
We chat about juggling care for three young children while far away from family, the military way of life, and the things Laura misses about Gibraltar (especially one detail about St Bernard's hospital!)... as well as the power of advocating for yourself and seeking support. This story was so interesting to record and I'm very grateful to Laura for adding a fascinating insight to the podcast, about giving birth on the Rock when it's not your permanent home! (Recorded August 2025).
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KEY TOPICS: 2 births, early miscarriages, subchorionic hematoma, hyperemesis, placental abruption, prematurity, emergency caesarean, pandemic, short age-gap, elective caesarean, blood transfusion, autism
We're squeezing a huge range of topics into this fascinating episode, with Lesley Anne Viñales and her husband. This couple married young and took a relaxed approach to starting their family, but as the years passed with two sad early miscarriages, they began to think parenthood could be out of reach. Happily, they became pregnant... but as the pandemic hit! Lesley speaks about the challenges of being an expectant mother when the whole world locked down.
At 33 weeks while in Spain, she felt increasing pain... followed by a sudden, heavy bleed. A frightening rush followed to get to Gibraltar, and thanks to the actions of a quick-thinking border officer, the couple reached St Bernard's quickly. It's an emotional listen as Lesley describes the blur of an emergency caesarean - her doctor detected life-threatening placental abruption, and safely delivered their daughter. Unusually for a premature baby, she didn't have to leave the Rock for specialist care. Lesley reflects on how different the outcome could have been. She healed well and they settled into family life in the summer of 2020.
Then along came a second, unexpected pregnancy! Lesley explains the irony of the new baby's due date, and speaks about navigating gallbladder issues, another haematoma and more hyperemesis. She was monitored closely, and an elective caesarean was deemed the safest option. Their second daughter arrived healthy at full-term, and Lesley reflects on the two contrasting birth experiences, describing them as like 'night and day.'
There's an interesting discussion about autism towards the end of this episode, and the parenting challenges that presents. She has been supported by family and Early Bird's nursery, and speaks so fondly about both her girls - their personalities really shine through! It's clear she and her husband are an incredibly strong team together, and I'm so grateful to Lesley for sharing her - remarkably different - birth stories (Recorded July 2025).
Early Bird's Nursery information: https://www.stmartinsschoolgibraltar.com/our-school/early-birds-nursery
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KEY TOPICS: 1 birth, PCOS, adenomyosis/endometriosis, natural delivery, sciatica, miscarriage, multilingualism, advanced maternal age
Benvenuti to an international episode of the podcast! We’re jetting between Gibraltar and Rome in this story, with local mum Rochelle Ferreri and her Italian husband.
Rochelle sets the scene describing gynaecological issues from her from teenage years, with PCOS and debilitating painful periods. This was medically managed through her adult life, until the couple decided to start trying for a baby. Rochelle fell pregnant quickly in 2014, and found comfort spending time at the beach. Despite sickness and sciatica, she had a generally good pregnancy and a straightforward natural delivery on the Rock. Rochelle was supported by her mum and husband – who thankfully made it back in time from Italy for his son’s birth!
She explains what it was like to travel with a newborn, highlighting both the exciting opportunities and challenges of bringing up a baby over a thousand miles away from family. Rochelle found a support network of other ex-pat parents, and emphasises the importance of creating connection in early parenthood.
There's mention of a sad miscarriage in this episode, as Rochelle navigated medical investigations for her returning heavy periods approaching her forties. She shares the fertility information she wishes she’d known years ago, and we discuss the importance of listening to your body. There's an interesting chat about raising a child in a trilingual household, and her hopes for her son in the future. This was a really thought-provoking episode, and I’m very grateful to Rochelle - grazie! - for sharing her Gibraltar Birth Story (Recorded July 2025).
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KEY TOPICS: 2 births, teenage mother, short age gap, cryptic pregnancies, natural deliveries
We're heading back to the late 1990's in this episode, to meet teenage sweethearts Claire Ellul and her then partner. Claire experienced very erratic periods, and on advice from her doctor she began medication to regulate her cycles. Some time later, she discovered she was pregnant... and already entering her third trimester! 😮 Claire describes the shock of this news and the absence of traditional early pregnancy symptoms. There's some humour with her mother-in-law's novel suggestion to confirm the pregnancy!
Claire tried old wives' tales to facilitate the labour and had a good experience with a natural birth. She safely delivered her son in the summer of 1998, and got married (very!) soon afterwards. Claire describes money as tight, with the couple having made financial commitments before learning about their son.
After returning to work, she discovered ANOTHER cryptic pregnancy late in her second trimester! Claire speaks about adjusting to welcoming a second baby, with cravings and a bump appearing as she neared her due date. Another good natural delivery followed in the summer of 1999, and the couple settled into life as a family of four... all this before Claire reached her 20th birthday!
Her two sons share the same age for part of each year - we reflect on the realities of parenting a small age gap, and her whirlwind start to motherhood. Claire shares the advice she would give herself as a new mum, and reflects on what it's like to parent young adults now. I really enjoyed hearing this remarkable story, and I'm so grateful to Claire for sharing her two 'cryptic' birth stories! (Recorded July 2025).
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KEY TOPICS: 2 births, large age gap, nuchal cord, placenta banking, natural deliveries, post-natal anxiety, silent reflux, nut & egg allergies, advanced maternal age, gestational diabetes, placenta previa, breech, pandemic
We’re meeting qualified nurse Nicole Pizarro in this episode, a mum who’s two daughters were born 10 years apart. She describes a good first pregnancy, with parentcraft classes helping her feel more prepared for her daughter’s arrival in 2012… a rare example of a baby born on their actual due date!
Nicole describes a natural delivery, the process of placenta stem cell retrieval, and then the difficult months that followed as she adjusted to a breastfeeding journey alongside silent reflux. She’s open about anxiety she experienced, and we discuss her daughter’s diagnosis of nut and egg allergies. It’s an educational listen as Nicole outlines many challenges across the years in keeping her little girl safe, and how it's changed her as a parent. She speaks fondly of the bond with her daughter, as well as navigating the pandemic and a wedding to her new partner.
A much-wanted second pregnancy came along in 2023 with a fun gender reveal, and Nicole describes issues faced as an older mother approaching 40. There are positives though – her gestational diabetes was controlled, placenta previa resolved, and the baby turned from breech position before birth. A fast natural delivery followed, and Nicole speaks about what it’s like adjusting to a larger age gap, and the importance of support for mothers. I’m so grateful to Nicole for sharing her birth stories! (Recorded June 2025).
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KEY TOPICS: 1 birth, unexplained infertility, advanced maternal age, miscarriage, fibroids, endometriosis, polyhydramnios, elective caesarean, anemia, blood transfusion, hysterectomy, sciatica, pandemic
In this episode we meet serving police officer Patricia Gonzalez, who sets the scene with a history of gynaecological issues over many years, and a diagnosis of unexplained infertility. She accepted that she’d always be the ‘fun aunt’ and not a mother... until her late 30’s when she naturally conceived!
After a sad miscarriage, Patricia speaks about feeling more ready for motherhood… and then becoming pregnant again in 2016. She describes feeling uncomfortably large due to fluid retention, and her pregnancy was classed as high-risk as she approached her 40th birthday. Patricia had an elective caesarean, with a less-common vertical incision to remove a large fibroid. She required a blood transfusion during recovery, due to anemia. Patricia speaks very openly about her anxiety at being a good mum, and about bonding with her little girl.
This episode highlights an older mother’s physical journey after birth – Patricia describes painful gynae issues, sciatica and peri-menopause symptoms. Tests indicated her at heightened risk of ovarian cancer, requiring an urgent hysterectomy. She shares her experience of navigating this difficult stage with fluctuating hormone levels, a toddler and working full-time… through the pandemic! Despite these big topics, there’s lots of laughs and candid honesty in this episode, and it's lovely to hear about the relationship she has with her daughter. I’m so grateful to Patricia for sharing her birth story (Recorded June 2025).
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KEY TOPICS: 2 births, advanced maternal age, infertility, genetics, thalassemia, IVF, haematoma, hyperemesis, induction, natural delivery, hypoxia, placenta previa, pre-septic, emergency caesarean, small age-gap, pandemic
Get ready for a rollercoaster episode with Bryony Rovegno and her family! In just a few short years, this local Mum experienced an incredible journey with a range of unexpected complications. Bryony and her partner were told that their chances of natural conception were very low from medical tests, so they began a fertility journey with a Spanish clinic. Three rounds of IVF later, the couple became pregnant with their daughter. Bryony had a haematoma and was severely sick until labour, when she had an assisted natural delivery… but things quickly took a turn for the worse, as her baby stopped breathing.
It's an emotional listen as Bryony describes the frightening medical emergency, with her little girl needing CPR and intubation plus a trip to Malaga. Staff battled to treat her daughter’s unexplained hypoxia and tried unconventional methods in a desperate bid to save her… against the odds she recovered, as the very rare (and usually fatal) cause was finally discovered. Bryony believes her daughter’s survival chances were a one in a billion.
Adjusting to their baby’s dramatic arrival, she describes the complete shock of then becoming pregnant again – naturally this time. Another haematoma and sickness followed, before placenta previa and an infection led to an emergency caesarean delivery of their son in early 2024. Bryony and her son recovered well, and the couple adapted to life as a family of four. She speaks openly about the challenges of colic, parenting a very small age-gap and working full-time.
Bryony hopes her episode offers support to anybody going through any similar issues, and highlights positive moments throughout her journey. I’m very grateful to Bryony for sharing her amazing birth stories (Recorded June 2025).
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KEY TOPICS: 3 births, measuring small, precipitous labours, frank breech, unplanned home birth, natural deliveries, developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH)
We're meeting Natalie Baitson in this episode: a mother whose labours got progressively faster - from 6 hours, to 1 hour... to just 17 minutes!
Natalie and her partner were teenage sweethearts before starting their family in their early twenties, with baby Kaila in 2013. There's an unusual twist about about how the couple discovered they were expecting, but the pregnancy was straightforward and Natalie had a good natural delivery at hospital. The only concern was that she measured small for all three pregnancies - although her babies were all around 6lbs born, and she herself has a slight frame.
In 2017 Natalie experienced her only pregnancy that involved sickness, before Baby Kleo was born unexpectedly quickly at home. It was a high-risk situation due to breech position, with Natalie's partner delivering the baby as the ambulance was delayed. She believes they were able to manage the situation as it was their second birth. Natalie describes a complication affecting baby Kleo's hip, that required months of monitoring and trips to the Evelina hospital in London. Natalie tried an unusual treatment technique that proved successful, and happily Kleo now has a full range of movement with no lasting effects.
Her third birth in 2022 is described as Natalie's most traumatic, due to the sheer speed of events. This time her husband insisted on taking her to hospital when he recognised the first sign of labour... Natalie describes a race against time, and another dramatic birth at the entrance of the Maternity ward! She has time stamps on her phone messages that prove just how rapidly the labour progressed - something she points out can be very difficult to adjust to physically and emotionally. I'm very grateful to her for sharing her very fast birth stories! (Recorded June 2025).
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KEY TOPICS: 1 birth, gender reveal, spina bifida (myelomeningocele), frank breech, caesarean, disability, positivity
We're meeting Lucy Ware in this episode, mother to little ray of sunshine toddler Lottie! This is the most impressive gender reveal story so far, at the concert of a famous pop star in 2017 (that even made the news!) A few weeks later however, Lucy and her partner Jake were told that anomalies seen at the 20 week scan showed their little girl had spina bifida. This lead them on a journey away from the Rock for stressful scans and medical consultations... Lucy describes those weeks as being the worst of her life, as the couple grappled with questions and uncertainty.
A naturally positive couple, they decided to continue with the pregnancy and learn how best to support their daughter. They discovered that her bowel, bladder, ankles and feet would be most affected, and that her birth was too high-risk for Gibraltar. Lucy describes how in her third trimester, she and Jake undertook a roadtrip, relocating to London for the caesarean birth and specialist care. Lottie was born safely but then underwent major surgery within hours, spending weeks in hospital before the family could travel back to the Rock.
Lucy speaks so eloquently about Lottie's journey, and what it's like learning to care for a child with a physical disability. Lottie is developing into a bright and happy little girl, handling her physiotherapy and follow-up appointments well and settling into nursery. This is a proud loving family raising awareness and promoting inclusivity within the community, with a message of hope and positivity in the face of a difficult diagnosis. It's been a real privilege to capture this story (recorded May 2025), and I'm so grateful to Lucy for sharing.
For support, UK Charity Shine: https://www.shinecharity.org.uk/
Local charity PossAbilities: https://possabilities-gib.com/
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KEY TOPICS: 2 births, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), gestational diabetes, induction, weight, natural deliveries, anxiety, pandemic, autism parent, positivity, general practitioner
This special episode is in two parts, with General Practitioner Dr Olivia Gonzalez. In the first half she gives an overview of her professional background, and the services at the GHA Well Woman clinic where she's worked since 2020. Olivia explains how to book an appointment, what to expect on attendance, and gives great advice on discussing sensitive topics such as menopause, periods, fertility, contraception and postnatal care. She mentions some useful resources, outlined in the notes below.
In the second half, Olivia shares the two birth stories of her boys. She experienced a good first pregnancy and natural delivery, before settling into family life... just as the pandemic hit. Olivia speaks very openly about the challenges of managing anxiety and adjusting to her son's autism diagnosis.
Her second pregnancy followed a diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) with gestational diabetes, requiring dietary management. Deemed high risk, Olivia was encouraged to have a caesarean - but her son had other ideas! Immediately after both births Olivia felt physically well, and she speaks so fondly about the support from her husband and family.
There's lots of sensible advice and positivity in this episode, with a real emphasis on self-kindness. I'm very grateful to Olivia for sharing her valuable professional experience and honest birth stories here. (Recorded May 2025).
______________________________________
To contact the GHA Well Woman clinic, call 2000 7842 or use the egov.gi portal
The National Autistic Society Early Bird Parenting https://www.autism.org.uk
Local charity PossAbilities: https://possabilities-gib.com
NHS health advice: https://patient.info
Tommys pregnancy & baby charity: https://www.tommys.org
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Season 2 of the podcast is complete! Thank you to our 12 wonderful guests for sharing their Gibraltar Birth Stories across episodes 14 to 25.
Season 3 coming soon! If you'd like to get involved, email: bornontherock@gbc.gi
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KEY TOPICS: 1 birth, MRKH syndrome, genetics, infertility, IVF, surrogacy, pandemic
To complete season 2, it’s a privilege to capture the very special story of a Llanita baby born *off* the Rock, to Gibraltarian mother Stephanie Galea via a surrogate. This is a powerful and fascinating listen to a complex five-year journey, for Stephanie and her husband to become parents to their daughter.
Our story begins in the year 2000, when as a teenager Stephanie received a very rare medical diagnosis… confirming she would never naturally conceive or carry a baby. When she met her husband in her 30’s, the couple explored surrogacy options and underwent medical tests and a successful first round of IVF in 2017. However, they discovered that Gibraltarians were not eligible for surrogacy in the UK at that time, which came as a devastating blow. With few other options available to them in Europe, the couple made huge financial sacrifices to seek a surrogate in America where the process is well-established. They somehow fit in a wedding in 2019!
Stephanie is so composed as she explains complicated legal processes, logistical challenges and costs involved in working with a surrogacy agency. Due to the pandemic, Stephanie and her husband met their chosen surrogate couple online… and she describes how they ‘just clicked.’ What followed was nerve-wracking journey into 2021, as the pregnancy successfully progressed. Stephanie speaks about key dates etched in her mind, and how their daughter’s arrival three weeks early led to a race across the Atlantic to meet her! The moment she finally held her longed-for baby makes for a very emotional listen.
There was further paperwork to complete as the couple navigated their way back home to the Rock, but they settled into family life and their daughter is now starting school locally. Stephanie and her husband have remained in contact with their surrogate couple, and she speaks about her huge gratitude to the surrogate mother, as well as to her family for their support. Her motto is very much “Anything is Possible,” and I’m so grateful to Stephanie for sharing this remarkable birth story. (Recorded May 2025).
https://www.gbc.gi/news/surrogacy-bill-finally-published
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KEY TOPICS: 2 births, miscarriages, pre-eclampsia, caesareans, prolapsed bladder, pandemic, autism parent, expat
We meet Charlotte today, a mother of two boys born through the pandemic. This is a very insightful episode for anybody wondering what its like to parent a child with special needs, as her eldest child has a diagnosis of nonverbal autism. Charlotte highlights some beautiful positives in her journey.
After early miscarriages, she and her ex-husband were thrilled to experience a good healthy pregnancy, and prepared for a peaceful natural birth... but due to pre-eclampsia concerns her son arrived by emergency caesarean. She speaks about her recovery and the challenges of being a new parent while the world locked down in 2020. Charlotte's unexpected second pregnancy came along... just in time for the second lockdown! She had severe sickness this time - while working from home with a toddler. She speaks about a better birth experience via elective caesarean in 2021, with a positive breastfeeding journey too. Charlotte describes the early signs of autism in her eldest son, the fast referral process with the GHA, as well as communication techniques and the special bond between her sons.
A particularly disastrous fitness incident (!) prompted Charlotte to became passionate about promoting gentle postpartum exercise and body positivity, challenging societal expectations. She's a qualified Pilates instructor and works to empower new mothers on their health journeys, pre and postnatally. She tells her story so calmly and with humour and warmth; I'm very grateful to Charlotte for sharing her two Gibraltar Birth Stories! (Recorded April 2025).
Core Life by Charlotte: www.corelifebyc.com
Instagram: corelife_bycharlotte
Email: charlotte@corelifebyc.com
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KEY TOPICS: 2 births, natural deliveries, miscarriage, induction, nuchal cord, positivity
In this episode we're meeting babies born to Claire Hernandez and her husband, in the noughties: 2004 & 2009. This is a very strong, loving family unit!
Claire was fortunate to become pregnant soon after the couple began trying to start their family, and had what she describes as a 'textbook' pregnancy. Her morning sickness eased off in the second trimester, and Claire spontaneously went into labour before her due date. Their son arrived quite quickly with a natural delivery, and she speaks movingly about how it felt to hold her baby for the first time. Claire describes her feeding journey transitioning from breast to bottle, and a straightforward start to parenting. Sadly a few years later, the couple experienced a miscarriage in the first trimester, which came as a complete shock after their previous successful pregnancy. She speaks eloquently about the mix of emotions involved, and the support of family and friends.
The following year Claire experienced another textbook pregnancy, and speaks about her positive mindset throughout. This time the baby was induced, and Claire remembers a longer, more intense labour with her daughter's cord wrapped around her neck. She was delivered safely, and Claire was able to go home the same day and settle into life as a family of four. She describes her toddler son responding well to his new sibling.
We chat about family dynamics and efforts to keep things fair when parenting two, as well as the impact of the pandemic when her kids were just starting and finishing secondary school. This episode concludes with a reflection on the positives of her parenting journey and Claire's hopes for her children's futures. She's very proud of her family, and I'm very grateful to Claire for sharing her Gibraltar Birth Stories (Recorded May 2025).
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KEY TOPICS: 1 birth, infertility, advanced maternal age, IVF, hyperemesis gravidarum, placenta previa, haemorrhage & blood transfusion, emergency CS, premature, postnatal depression, expat
Hold tight for a dramatic story in this episode, as we meet Louise Ann - who arrived pregnant on the Rock in 2007! Louise and her partner began trying for a baby in the early 2000's in the UK, but were met with unexplained infertility. She describes the toll of three unsuccessful IVF cycles and exploratory surgery, before eventually falling pregnant. However, she suffered severe sickness and further complications in her second trimester... discovered once she relocated to the Rock with her partner's job at 31 weeks pregnant.
Louise was admitted to St. Bernard's hospital on arrival, then put on bedrest for several weeks as placenta previa and associated bleeding deemed her high risk. She used her time to learn about newborn care, and describes a steep learning curve while forming good connections with medical staff. She recalls the details surrounding the frighteningly fast arrival of her daughter by emergency caesarean at 34 weeks. Louise required a blood transfusion, but was lucky to avoid transfer of care to Spain.
Mother and baby recovered well, and Louise speaks about her determination to overcome postnatal depression. She describes the surprising power of instinct and positive mindset, and speaks fondly about staff at the GHA supporting her. Louise is certain she would not have received the same care in England, and remains forever grateful to local staff for saving their lives. We conclude our chat discussing what it's like to go from proudly parenting a tiny preemie to a young adult. I'm very grateful to Louise for sharing her dramatic Gibraltar Birth Story!
Find 'Born on the Rock: Gibraltar Birth Stories' on Facebook and Instagram for more
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.