Hashini beautifully articulates the stark contrast between her first birth – where everything changed in a matter of minutes – to her planned caesarean with her second son, where she felt informed and empowered despite the medical complexities ahead. She shares the delicate balance of navigating her son’s ongoing kidney condition of hydronephrosis while trying to stay present in motherhood, and speaks candidly about the emotional toll of having a baby who needed surgery in those precious early weeks.

During her first birth, Hashini managed early labour at home using a TENS machine. She and felt confident in her body’s ability to birth. Hashini describes the emotional sudden shift in the birthing suite when her baby’s heart rate dropped, and the whirlwind six minutes that followed as she was rushed to theatre. Her vivid recollection of the midwife who stayed by her ear, keeping her grounded through the emergency, highlights the profound impact care providers can have in intense moments of birth.

When it came to her second pregnancy, Hashini shares the careful navigation of specialist appointments and the emotional weight of preparing for a baby who would need surgery. She speaks honestly about the relief of having her trusted obstetrician, Jackie, interpret medical information in a way that felt manageable rather than overwhelming. The planned caesarean birth allowed for a completely different experience – one where she could be present and connected to the moment, despite knowing the medical journey that lay ahead.

Hashini’s postpartum experience with Mackenzie brought unique challenges as they managed his kidney condition. She takes us through the heart-stopping moment at five weeks when her maternal instincts told her something wasn’t right, leading to their first hospital admission for a UTI. She describes the emotional complexity of preparing for his surgery at eight weeks old, and the ongoing journey of monitoring his progress through multiple procedures and hospital stays.

Her breastfeeding journey evolved significantly between her two sons. After exclusively pumping for twelve months with her first baby, she found a more sustainable path with Mackenzie, despite the added complications of hospital stays and medical procedures. Her story highlights how each feeding journey can be different, and the importance of finding what works for each baby and situation.

Throughout this episode, Hashini reflects on the strength she found in both herself and her support system. From her husband Matthew’s steady presence to the exceptional medical team who guided them through Mackenzie’s ongoing care, she emphasises how crucial it is to have the right people around you when navigating unexpected challenges in motherhood.

As Mackenzie continues to show improvement, Hashini shares how they’ve learned to balance vigilance with joy, maintaining careful monitoring while also celebrating the vibrant, energetic toddler he’s become. Hashini’s story is a powerful reminder that while birth and early parenthood don’t always follow our expected path, with the right support and understanding, we can navigate even the most challenging journeys.