7. Fiona : five miscarriages, three births

Fiona’s journey through five miscarriages and three successful births is a magnificent story of growth, of overcoming fears and demonstrates the power of your own voice even when medical emergencies arise. There are times when experts know best and there are times when mum’s conviction is strong and as Fiona grew into motherhood and grew in confidence, she felt more empowered to speak up and follow her own instincts in ways that were right for her and her babies.

Fiona struggled to bond with her first baby because of a fear that it could all be taken away from her at any moment, especially when she was diagnosed with obstetric cholestasis in the final few weeks before her first child’s birth. By her third baby, Fiona had turned away from the reams of maternity literature, parenting and weaning books that had shaped her first two pregnancies and instead tuned into her own body and mother’s instinct, allowing her to discover new levels of enjoyment and connection with her children.