
Born on The Rock: Gibraltar Birth Stories
Gibraltar Broadcasting Corporation
Welcome to Born on the Rock: Gibraltar Birth Stories podcast, with host and producer Lucinda Snape.
This weekly podcast is a collection of fascinating stories about what it's like to have a baby in Gibraltar - a small British Overseas Territory, with an average of one birth per day.
These are ordinary women telling extraordinary events in their own words, capturing the emotional highs and lows involved in starting a family. There's a huge range of topics covered including stories of twins, triplets, fast arrivals, and premature babies requiring care from outside Gibraltar... plus powerful taboos discussed, like postnatal depression, infertility and loss. Even 'textbook' experiences make for a fascinating listen, because becoming a mother is life-changing. We believe there's no such thing as a boring birth story!
Stories are welcomed from across all decades, allowing GBC as the National Broadcaster to present a rich social and cultural resource for our community. The podcast is unique to Gibraltar, but relatable to anyone with an interest in parenting. If you've had a baby on the Rock, we want to hear from you! To share your story or find out more, email: [email protected]
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Top 10 Born on The Rock: Gibraltar Birth Stories Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Born on The Rock: Gibraltar Birth Stories episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Born on The Rock: Gibraltar Birth Stories for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Born on The Rock: Gibraltar Birth Stories episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

Episode 20: From IVF to Fostering, with Megan Ballestero
Born on The Rock: Gibraltar Birth Stories
05/15/25 • 69 min
KEY TOPICS: 1 birth, miscarriages, hostile uterus, genetic mutation, clotting disorder, IVF, natural birth, fast delivery, depression, fostering
In this episode we meet Megan Ballestero, who describes her unexpected parenting journey to become a family of four!
Megan and her husband began trying for a baby soon after their wedding... but experienced recurring miscarriages over several years. Extensive tests revealed a 'medically complex' case: a genetic mutation (MTHFR gene), a blood clotting disorder (Factor V Leiden) and a uterus abnormality requiring surgery, which - all combined - made it almost impossible to get past the first trimester.
At significant financial cost, the couple began an IVF journey with a fertility clinic in Spain and were thrilled to experience a healthy full-term pregnancy. Deemed high-risk due to her medical issues, Megan was prepared for an elective caesarean... but her son had other ideas! She describes a very positive and smooth start to motherhood after his fast birth in December 2018.
When her son was a toddler, Megan attended a session run by the Care Agency seeking foster families. The realisation that there are local children in need was an eye-opening experience that Megan could not ignore. Her husband understood the compulsion to help, and eventually they welcomed a similar-aged little boy into their home! Proving that you don't have to give birth to be a loving parent, I'm very grateful to Megan for sharing her fascinating journey here (Recorded February 2025).
For information about the Care Agency: https://www.gibraltar.gov.gi/health/care-agency
More about becoming a Foster Carer: https://www.gbc.gi/news/care-agency-calling-out-foster-carers-their-social-media-campaign
For details about Care Link charity: https://carelink.gi/
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Episode 2: Secondary Infertility, with Tara Montegriffo
Born on The Rock: Gibraltar Birth Stories
01/10/25 • 31 min
KEY TOPICS: 3 pregnancies, hyperemesis gravidarum, miscarriage, Turner's syndrome, omphalocele, genetics, baby loss, secondary infertility, IVF
We're meeting Tara Montegriffo in this episode: a Gibraltarian wife and mother of one young daughter at the time of recording (November 2024). Please be aware that this is an emotional listen, involving discussion of baby loss.
Tara describes her three difficult pregnancy journeys, involving debilitating sickness until delivery. After the safe caesarean birth of her first daughter, she went on to suffer two devastating miscarriages... one in the second trimester, due to Turner's syndrome, omphalocele and cardiology complications. Tara speaks candidly about the trauma surrounding the loss of her second child, including weeks of travelling between Spain, Gibraltar and London for genetic testing and specialist care.
As Tara and her husband dream of growing their family, she describes the challenges in facing secondary infertility, including hidden costs and burdens involved in the IVF process. I'm very grateful to Tara for sharing her story, to help raise awareness and normalise conversations for others going through difficult pregnancy journeys. She feels strongly about women supporting one another, and during our discussion Tara spoke so eloquently and with composure about her experiences. I would love to welcome Tara back on the podcast in future, hopefully with happy news of a sibling for her daughter.
If you feel affected by details in this story, BabySTEPPS Gibraltar offer baby loss support through pregnancy and parenthood:
https://www.facebook.com/BABYSTEPPSGIB
Find more about Tara's story on Facebook and Instagram: born_on_the_rock
If you'd like to tell YOUR story, email: [email protected]
Find 'Born on the Rock: Gibraltar Birth Stories' on Facebook and Instagram for more
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Episode 17: A Miracle Boy, with Somaya Anakkar
Born on The Rock: Gibraltar Birth Stories
04/24/25 • 34 min
KEY TOPICS: 1 birth, endometriosis, genetics, Fragile X syndrome, advanced maternal age, hyperemesis gravidarum, fast labour, natural birth
We meet Somaya Anakkar in this story, who describes her son as a miracle! She wanted to be a mother for a very long time, but discovered that she is a carrier of the genetic disorder Fragile X syndrome, which - along with a diagnosis of painful endometriosis - vastly reduced her chances of natural fertility. Two decades passed without the right circumstances for conceiving, and she was acutely aware of the threat of menopause as she neared her late 30’s.
Somaya describes herself as a woman of faith, and placed trust in the concept of ‘what is meant for you will not pass you by.’ She met her husband when she least expected to, and after a pandemic wedding they began a fertility treatment journey... with unexpected results defying doctors! After a pregnancy involving hyperemesis gravidarium and then a fast labour, Somaya’s much-wanted little boy arrived safely. It’s a fascinating set of events, right down to the meaning behind her son’s beautiful name.
This is a story of faith, hope and love when the odds seem completely stacked against becoming a parent. Somaya’s gratitude at motherhood is so heartwarming to hear, and she tells her story in such an engaging way. Thanks to Somaya for sharing this wonderfully uplifting episode of Born on the Rock! (Recorded February 2025).
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Episode 9: Triplets & a Toddler, with Katrine Borge
Born on The Rock: Gibraltar Birth Stories
02/27/25 • 67 min
KEY TOPICS: 4 births, early miscarriage, triplets, hyperemis gravidarum, caesarean, cerebral-spinal fluid leak, postpartum haemorrhage, premature
In this episode we meet Katrine Borge, her husband and four sons. Kat had a tough start to motherhood with an early miscarriage, then difficult first pregnancy with hyperemisis gravidarum and an emergency caesarean. Her recovery was hindered by a complication from her spinal tap in labour... with an interesting (yet effective) cure!
Kat describes the moment two years later, that she discovered she’d naturally conceived triplets.. and the surprising initial medical advice she received. She recounts her husband’s reaction as they contemplated the logistics of a rapid family expansion, and the shock news that the babies needed to be born... in London. She describes the stress of sourcing accommodation, meals and travel that cost thousands of pounds. Kat experienced several touching moments of kindness from strangers, as London became her new temporary home.
Thankfully her mum was a huge source of support, as Kat's husband and son stayed in Gibraltar. She spontaneously went into labour at 30 weeks, and describes the frightening critical condition of each of the triplets in the early weeks, plus her own faltering postpartum health. Kat overcame several administration hurdles to finally bring the triplets home... with an emotional family reunion! She describes with humour the celebrity-like status the family attracted on the Rock, and the blur of caring for four very young children. Plus you'll hear a twist on how the boys were named. This is an incredible story of strength, love and support, and I’m so grateful to Kat for sharing her remarkable Gibraltar Birth Stories! (Recorded December 2024).
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Episode 7: Same-Sex Parenting, with Kadiuska Conway
Born on The Rock: Gibraltar Birth Stories
02/13/25 • 89 min
KEY TOPICS: 3 births, same-sex couple, IVF, twins, placenta previa, caesarean, Covid, postnatal depression, advanced maternal age
We’re meeting Kadiuska in this episode, a wife and mother of three. Kadi is one half of our first same-sex couple on the podcast, and she gave birth to their daughter in 2016 and boy/girl twins in 2022, with the assistance of a Spanish fertility clinic. She talks us through what it’s like to grow a family within a same-sex relationship and describes the many steps and tests involved, including selecting a sperm donor for the IVF process. Kadi speaks candidly about their very different experiences at the clinic pre- and post- pandemic, including her determination to maximise their chances of pregnancy once she was classed as a 'geriatric' mother, and the crushing disappointment of an unsuccessful cycle. She describes the huge support from her wife and family throughout the journeys.
Kadi had very different labours; her first baby was born naturally and quickly, while for the twins, placenta previa led to an elective caesarean at 36 weeks. She faced medical complications in the pregnancies (including being hospitalised with Covid), and describes the pressure she felt to breastfeed - which she believes contributed to postnatal depression after her first child. Kadi speaks with humour about the new life skill she learned while pregnant, how they unexpectedly discovered the gender of their first child... and her extreme squeamishness for some medical procedures! There's a lovely story about the children's names towards the end of this episode too.
This is a fascinating insight into the options and costs involved in the IVF journey for a same-sex couple, as well as what it's like to raise twins. I was struck by Kadi's determination and strong personality that shone through in this episode (recorded November 2024), and she hopes that sharing her experience may help other same-sex couples navigate the process. Thanks for sharing, Kadi!
Find more about Kadi's story on Facebook and Instagram: born_on_the_rock
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Episode 8: Cervical Cerclages, with Hetty Gibbard
Born on The Rock: Gibraltar Birth Stories
02/20/25 • 91 min
KEY TOPICS: 3 births, early miscarriages, stillbirth, incompetent cervix, assisted delivery, blood transfusion, retained placenta, postnatal depression, Christmas baby, expat
In today’s episode, Hetty describes her experience of starting a family with her ex-husband in the late 2000’s. As a trigger warning, please be aware that Hetty suffered miscarriages and tragically lost her daughter before viability at 22 weeks pregnant, due to her cervix shortening and spontaneous labour. There are some very upsetting and poignant descriptions about the events surrounding her little girls’ stillbirth, and listener discretion is advised for the first third of this episode. She speaks beautifully about the local support that she received, with physical mementos that she values to this day.
Hetty and her ex-partner went on to have two further children – boys this time – and she describes the fear and anxiety during those pregnancies of another loss. She was closely monitored, with a cervical cerclage procedure both times – a stitch to temporarily sew the cervix closed until the start of labour. She talks about unexpected postnatal depression after her first son, linked to breastfeeding struggles and unresolved trauma from her daughter’s arrival. Both births required assisted deliveries involving ventouse and episiotomy... yet somehow Hetty infuses very relatable and dry humour in her descriptions of invasive medical checks procedures! She also explains what it’s like to give birth - on Christmas Day! Find more on our Facebook and Instagram pages: born_on_the_rock
I’m so grateful to Hetty for speaking so candidly about her incredible journey, and in such an engaging way. You’ll be in tears one moment, yet smiling the next in this emotional rollercoaster episode (recorded November 2024). For support, Hetty references local baby loss charity: BABYSTEPPS, who can be found on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BABYSTEPPSGIB/ and UK baby loss charity SANDS: https://www.sands.org.uk/
Find 'Born on the Rock: Gibraltar Birth Stories' on Facebook and Instagram for more
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Episode 18: Ectopic Pregnancies, with Krisanne Orciel
Born on The Rock: Gibraltar Birth Stories
05/01/25 • 75 min
KEY TOPICS: 2 births, miscarriage, ectopic, salpingectomy, infertility, IVF, elective caesarean, thrombophilia, pandemic
We welcome our first pregnant guest onto the podcast in this episode! Meet Krisanne Orciel, full-term with her second baby at the time of recording (February 2025).
Krisanne describes her decade-long parenting journey, including an ectopic pregnancy loss at nine weeks. The procedure to remove the affected fallopian tube was followed by repeated, unexplained early miscarriages over several years. A second ectopic pregnancy and salpingectomy procedure left Krisanne unable to naturally conceive, and she describes the intense feelings of hopelessness, believing she might never become a mother.
Krisanne and her partner qualified for fertility treatment through the Gibraltar Health Authority using a clinic in Spain. She explains the many tests involved, and how they finally discovered the treatable reason for her previous losses. After an unsuccessful first IVF cycle, Krisanne speaks about her mindset change for their second attempt, and - despite an additional risk factor - the couple were able to enjoy a healthy pregnancy before the elective caesarean birth of their boy in 2022! They underwent another cycle of fertility treatment the following year at a different clinic, and were lucky to become pregnant again with their second son. She speaks about the contrasting experiences at the clinics, and feels grateful she's had these opportunities to grow her family.
This is a story with an over-riding message of positivity in the face of adversity. Krisanne tells her story in such an engaging way, you’ll be gripped from start to finish. We’ve popped a little update at the end too, with a surprising twist on her second caesarean as well as her recovery journey. Thank you Krisanne for sharing your Gibraltar Birth Stories so beautifully!
Take a look at our Facebook and Instagram pages for more.
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Episode 12: A Very Small Age-Gap, with Justine Fava-Cartwright
Born on The Rock: Gibraltar Birth Stories
03/20/25 • 73 min
KEY TOPICS: 2 births, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), infertility treatment, emergency & elective caesarean, 13-month age gap, suspected postnatal depression
In this episode we meet our first 1990's babies, born to Justine Fava-Cartwright and her ex-partner. They faced fertility struggles due to Justine's hormonal imbalances and erratic cycles... in later life she was diagnosed with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Justine highlights the emotions involved when facing challenges to become pregnant. Soon after starting Clomid treatment, she conceived! Justine had a good pregnancy, but a difficult and lengthy labour resulting in an emergency caesarean under general anaesthetic. She explains how the experience left her feeling 'robbed,' and impacted her initial bonding with her first son. Combined with the 90's stigma about being "too posh to push," it lead to suspected postnatal depression.
There's some humour as Justine describes the moment she discovered she was pregnant again... when her first baby was just 4 months old! This time the birth was a far more positive experience, as her second son arrived by elective caesarean. Justine talks about the tough juggling act of adjusting to life with twin-like toddlers, while also returning to work with limited childcare. She openly admits feeling pushed to her mental health limit during those early years, yet reflects on the positives of a small age gap and a supportive ex-partner.
This episode concludes with a discussion of what it's like to parent grown-ups and enter grandparent territory, plus the continued special bond between the two brothers. There's poignant, emotional moments and funny anecdotes throughout this chat, and I'm grateful to Justine for so honestly sharing her Gibraltar Birth Stories! Recorded January 2025
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Episode 11: One Twin, with Louise Busto
Born on The Rock: Gibraltar Birth Stories
03/13/25 • 71 min
KEY TOPICS: 3 births, miscarriage, twins, premature, baby loss, caesarean, VBAC, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
In this emotional episode, we meet Louise Busto and her partner: parents to twin boys born in 2010, and a third son born in 2014. As a trigger warning, please note that this episode is a very difficult listen as it involves discussion of baby loss.
Louise describes a generally good healthy pregnancy, before complications set in at 23 weeks requiring her transfer to Spain for specialist monitoring and facilities at 25 weeks pregnant. Poignantly, she describes her trust in the medical professionals, and how the gravity of her situation did not immediately seem apparent. The time spent delaying labour makes for tense listening, before the boys were born by caesarean section at 27 weeks. It’s hard to hear how helpless Louise and her husband felt in the following weeks, as the boys’ health took twists and turns... and when medical complications eventually led to the unbearable loss of one twin: Owen.
Louise had the support of family, but describes the difficult return to the Rock and the impact on her mental health. She channelled her grief into a positive force and with the help of other brave mothers, established the charity BabySTEPPs in 2012 to support other parents in their journeys through early parenthood and pregnancy. After two miscarriages, Louise became pregnant again with their third son Theo. She describes how it felt to carry to full-term this time (actually past the due date!), and what it was like to have a contrasting 'textbook' experience. There’s an interesting conversation about how the family keep Owen’s memory alive to their sons, particularly with surviving twin, Leon.
Louise speaks so eloquently about an experience that is every parent’s worst nightmare. Tragically baby loss does impact families, and Louise hopes that sharing her story provides some support for others to know: you are not alone. She also shares advice on what to say, and what *not* to say to grieving parents. I’m so grateful for this powerful addition to the podcast and want to thank Louise for her bravery and strength in sharing. Please visit BABYSTEPPS on Facebook for support, or UK charity SANDS.
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Episode 13: A Midwife Special, with Denise Camilleri
Born on The Rock: Gibraltar Birth Stories
03/27/25 • 98 min
KEY TOPICS: 1 birth, fast labour, natural birth, positive experience, midwife
To finish season 1, it’s wonderful to welcome local midwife Denise Camilleri with almost 20 years experience delivering babies on the Rock! This episode is in two halves – the first is an insight into the Maternity Unit at St Bernard’s Hospital and the workload of a midwife, as Denise gives a fascinating insight into trends over time and her many varied professional experiences.
The second half is her own positive story from naturally delivering her son in 2016... imagine giving birth in your workplace! She shares the techniques that she found to be successful, and gives advice to women preparing for pregnancy and labour (see the chapters below for topics covered). Huge thanks to Denise for this incredibly engaging and inspiring episode!
03:10 – Work of the Maternity Unit: Staff numbers, shifts and caseloads. What’s the most babies born in a 24hr period? Does a full moon really affect activity?
14:09 – Pandemic: How did restrictions impact midwives, mothers and birthing partners?
18:30 – The Waiting Room: Support versus pressure from family members, plus recent changes.
23:54 – Parental Education Classes: Teaching parents-to-be about labour, pain relief, coping mechanisms, infant feeding and newborn care.
27:37 – Birth Plans: Preferences versus reality, pressure of own expectations, impact of emotions such as guilt, fear and stress; benefits of staying open-minded
35:04 – Mindset Tools: Mantras, hypnobirthing & mindfulness, plus the negative impact of phones on the ward.
38:25 – Birthing Pool: Can women have a water birth in Gibraltar?
40:37 – Birthing Interventions: Have caesarean rates increased, and if so, why? How important is maternal self-care?
45:40 – The Hard Stuff: How do midwives cope when things go wrong? And when a baby dies?
51:15 – What Women Say: What are some of the strangest/funniest things labouring mothers say? How do you handle confrontation at work?
56:33 – Qualities to be a Midwife: Compassion, empathy, patience and communication to name but a few! What are the career path options into midwifery?
1:01:23 – Recognition of Maternity Unit Work: Do people on the outside realise the value of the Unit? What’s the community perception of midwifery work?
1:03:00 – Kids Grow Up: What’s it like to see the babies and mothers years later? How many babies have you delivered across your career?
1:05:40 – DENISE’S BIRTH STORY
Denise reflects on the questions: Can you be a good midwife if you’ve never had a baby? And does it help or hinder to have extensive maternity knowledge?
She describes a good pregnancy in her mid-30’s, with nutrition and self-care very important in helping her feel well. Denise went into labour spontaneously at 38 weeks, and explains how she juggled her professional training versus the uncertainty and pain of a new mother as contractions increased and a fast birth approached. Delivering her baby alongside colleagues, she describes a positive and instinctual experience, as well as her adjustment to feeding and parenthood. Thank you Denise for this amazing episode!
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FAQ
How many episodes does Born on The Rock: Gibraltar Birth Stories have?
Born on The Rock: Gibraltar Birth Stories currently has 24 episodes available.
What topics does Born on The Rock: Gibraltar Birth Stories cover?
The podcast is about Society & Culture, Parenting, Kids & Family, Baby, Maternity, Motherhood, Personal Journals, Community, Local, Pregnancy, Family, Midwife, Podcasts, Mother and Birth.
What is the most popular episode on Born on The Rock: Gibraltar Birth Stories?
The episode title 'Episode 5: A Difficult Time in 1979, with Priscilla Mañasco' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Born on The Rock: Gibraltar Birth Stories?
The average episode length on Born on The Rock: Gibraltar Birth Stories is 52 minutes.
How often are episodes of Born on The Rock: Gibraltar Birth Stories released?
Episodes of Born on The Rock: Gibraltar Birth Stories are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of Born on The Rock: Gibraltar Birth Stories?
The first episode of Born on The Rock: Gibraltar Birth Stories was released on Nov 26, 2024.
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