Cara’s story: pregnancy after loss, induction and maternal intuition
Cara's story is an uplifting and powerful story of her journey to a healing birth experience.
Buckle up - this is a longer, deeply emotional episode that will stay with you.
Cara and Sean’s story is one that has had a lasting impact on me as a doula. It’s a powerful example of navigating pregnancy after loss, holding space for grief, and moving towards a birth experience that feels healing and empowering.
Cara shares her first pregnancy in 2013, which was highly complex and led to the premature birth and heartbreaking loss of their daughter, Alessa, at 29 weeks. The pregnancy we explore in this episode - with baby Ezra - was deeply longed for and shaped by that previous experience.
What This Episode Covers
Navigating pregnancy after loss and high-risk factors
Previous caesarean birth, advanced maternal age, and pre-eclampsia considerations
Making informed decisions, including choosing induction
Working as a team with your birth partner during labour
Early breastfeeding challenges and postpartum recovery
How hypnobirthing can support a positive and healing birth experience
Cara approached this pregnancy with a clear intention: to have a healing birth experience where she felt in control, informed, and empowered. Her story highlights how it’s possible to honour past trauma while still creating space for a different, more positive experience.
This episode is a reminder of the strength people carry through their journey to parenthood. Experiences of loss, trauma, and uncertainty don’t disappear—but they can be acknowledged, honoured, and gently healed.
If any part of this story resonates with you, please know you’re not alone, and support is available. Drop into my DMs on Instagram, and let’s chat. Be sure to also subscribe to The Journey Ahead Podcast on your favourite podcast platform so that you don’t miss out on any episodes!
