The Birth You Deserve: Pregnancy, Pain & Postpartum Truths Empowering insights with midwife Deyana

Every woman deserves to feel empowered, respected, and truly seen throughout her pregnancy, labour, and postpartum journey. Yet for many, this season can feel rushed, overwhelming, and medicalised — rather than deeply supported.

In this powerful episode of Thriving Parenting, we sit down with Deyana, a community midwife, mother of four, and founder of Pregnancy Practice Perth. She shares real, raw truths about pregnancy, pain, birth, and postpartum — and what it truly means to receive the birth support you deserve.

From Nursing to Midwifery: A Calling, Not Just a Career

Deyana’s journey into midwifery didn’t begin in a birthing suite — it began in a restaurant. While working as a waitress, two midwives sat in her section and spoke with such joy about their work that she felt an instant spark. That conversation launched a new purpose: to walk beside women through one of the most transformative seasons of their lives.

After a decade in a tertiary hospital, Deyana recognised a gap: Women in the community needed more time, more presence, more continuity. That’s where Pregnancy Practice Perth was born — to deliver personalised, culturally sensitive, community-based care from the very first pregnancy test through to postpartum healing.

Pregnancy is More Than Check-ups — It’s a Relationship

“From the moment a woman wees on the stick, we’re here,” says Deyana.

This continuity of care — seeing the same trusted team through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum — is what helps build confidence, emotional safety, and informed decision-making.

Pregnancy brings so many questions:

• What do these blood tests mean?

• Is this feeling normal?

• How do I prepare for labour?

Deyana’s answer: No two journeys are the same, and that’s exactly why women need personalised care. Her practice provides clinical support and emotional reassurance, guiding women through each step with clarity and compassion.

The Truth About Pain, Labour, and Power

Let’s be honest — we don’t talk about birth pain enough. Or when we do, we frame it as something to fear. Deyana flips that narrative on its head.

“Labour is not something to dread. It’s a powerful moment of surrender,” she shares. “It’s not about controlling the experience — it’s about preparing your mind, your body, and your heart for what’s to come.”

She likens labour to a marathon: you wouldn’t just show up and hope for the best. Her advice?

✅ Educate yourself through birth classes
✅ Listen to positive birth stories and podcasts
✅ Stay physically active
✅ Surround yourself with the right support
✅ Prepare to surrender — not just push

Fear, she says, can stall progress. But confidence? That moves you forward.

Postpartum: The Quiet Struggle No One Prepares You For

While birth is often the main event, postpartum can feel like an emotional minefield — especially for mums who didn’t get the birth they hoped for.

Deyana highlights the emotional importance of a birth debrief — a space to unpack what happened, understand the decisions that were made, and begin to heal. Too often, women are left with lingering questions and feelings of failure.

Her message is clear:

“No matter how your baby arrived, you deserve space to process it. You did your best. Let’s talk about it, let’s heal, and let’s help you reclaim that part of your story.”

Her team also supports women through breastfeeding, adjusting to newborn life, and navigating the emotional changes of matrescence — the transformation of becoming a mother.

When Pregnancy Isn’t All Joy: Holding Space for the Hard Moments

Pregnancy isn’t always celebration and ultrasound photos. Sometimes, it’s loss. Sometimes, it’s fear. And sometimes, it’s unplanned.

With honesty and compassion, Deyana talks about miscarriage and the silent grief many women carry. “One in three women experience miscarriage,” she says. “It’s heartbreaking — but it’s not the end of the story.”

Her clinic also supports women navigating unplanned pregnancies, providing non-judgemental care and practical support.

“We meet you where you are,” she says. “Whether you’re celebrating, grieving, or scared — we’re here.”

Final Words of Wisdom from Deyana

“Pregnancy is sacred. Labour is powerful. Postpartum is tender.

You are not alone — and you are doing an amazing job.”

She reminds all women that their body is wise, their feelings are valid, and their journey matters. Whether your birth was calm or chaotic, vaginal or caesarean, joyful or heartbreaking — you deserve to be supported through every part of it.