In this week’s episode, I chat to Bella about her journey to motherhood with her wife Moana Hope. After choosing a sperm donor and attempting a few rounds of IUI, Bella started IVF and fell pregnant on her first attempt. She takes us through the elation, nausea and worry of her pregnancy, most of which she spent in Melbourne’s long winter lockdown. Baby Svea was born after a beautiful natural birth and while the postpartum period was relatively smooth for Bella, she grew concerned when she started bleeding heavily at six weeks. An ultrasound confirmed her OB’s suspicions; she had retained 5cm of placenta and needed to have it removed. Despite the shock of having to go into hospital and be separated from Svea, Bella has recovered well and is determined to share her story to encourage other new mums to listen intently to their postpartum body and speak up if something doesn’t feel right.