Sophie Walker greeted me at the door of her family home, in a leafy Melbourne suburb, and her energy was just as warm as it feels when listening to her globally successful podcast, Australian Birth Stories. There’s no denying Sophie is doing exactly what she was put on the planet to do - educating women and parents to make informed decisions about their pregnancy and birth journey.
Her podcast, best-selling book ’The Complete Australian Guide to Pregnancy and Birth’, online courses and website are a goldmine of insightful information for those entering parenthood + expecting children. Not only is Soph running a wildly successful podcast and business, she’s also a Mum of three lively boys who are all at primary school. We couldn’t think of a more perfect person to chat to for our Heart-to-Heart this Mother's Day. We hope you enjoy this interview as much as we did!
And lastly, don’t forget to check in with those who find today extremely difficult... We are sending love to those who are feeling heavy today and thinking of you.
Who are you and what do you do?
I'm Sophie Walker, founder and host of Australian Birth Stories. Australian Birth Stories started as a podcast and over the last 8 years has grown to become an educational hub for pregnant women and their families. Through this work, I've developed a comprehensive maternal education ecosystem including online courses like The Birth Class, and two books: the number one bestseller The Complete Australian Guide to Pregnancy and Birth, and in July this year my second book The Complete Guide to Postpartum will be released. All our resources are designed to empower women through informed decision-making in the pregnancy and birth.
Purchase The Complete Australian Guide to Pregnancy and Birth book here.
Your podcast is adored by people all over the world and has over 18 million downloads… WOW! What first inspired this podcast?
In 2017, I shared my second birth story online after experiencing an empowering birth that was the complete opposite of my first traumatic experience. What began as a way to process my own journey unexpectedly grew into the Australian Birth Stories podcast, which has now become a trusted resource endorsed by the Australian College of Midwives with over 18 million downloads.
My interest in birth began during my first pregnancy with my son Niko. Despite extensive research and planning for a drug-free birth centre birth, I experienced 36 hours of labor and eventually an induction, epidural, episiotomy, and forceps. I suffered a postpartum haemorrhage and was left with significant physical and emotional trauma. When pregnant with my second son Louis, I realised I needed more than facts—I needed birth skills. His beautiful birth inspired me to create a platform where women could share their diverse experiences to educate and inspire others.
Since then, I've interviewed over 550 women who have generously shared their stories of challenge and pain, strength and knowledge, instinct and hope.
In your expert opinion and with SO many podcasts out there, what do you think the key ingredient is that drives people to keep listening and tuning in?
Authenticity is absolutely essential. Our listeners know they're getting unfiltered, honest accounts of birth that don't shy away from the difficult parts but also celebrate the transformative power of the experience. We've created a "virtual birthing village" where women can hear stories that reflect their own hopes, fears and circumstances.
The other crucial element is trust. Our listeners know we're not pushing any particular birth ideology—we're simply advocating for informed choice and respectful care, whatever path a birth takes. This balanced approach keeps people coming back week after week, especially during those vulnerable pregnancy months when reliable information is so vital.
If you had to pick one… what's been your most memorable podcast episode to date?
My sister Hilary's second birth experience (ep 267) which I was lucky enough to be present for. It's a unique episode in which Hilary shares her experience and I share what it was like to support her. I was in the birth centre from the moment her waters broke. It was the first birth I've ever attended (aside from my own of course) and such a precious experience. I had a few roles on the day: supportive sister, doula, and photographer. Needless to say, it was unforgettable. I was even able to catch my niece Rhoda as she was born.
Shop lounge here.
For someone embarking on their first pregnancy and their journey as a new parent, what is your best piece of wisdom? And what resources are a non-negotiable?
My best wisdom is to get educated. Research shows that a positive birth experience is dependent on two things: your ability to make informed choices and those choices being respected and supported by her care provider. A positive birth is not dependent on how or where you birth; it's dependent on your education, preparation and the support you receive in the throes of labour. Our book the Complete Australian Guide to pregnancy and Birth is a perfect place to start.
As for non-negotiable resources:
1. The Complete Australian Guide to Pregnancy and Birth (its like your birth bible)
2. A comprehensive birth preparation course that covers physiological birth, medical interventions, and postpartum preparation (The Birth Class)
3. The Australian Birth Stories Podcast for real, diverse birth experiences that help you prepare mentally and emotionally.
You've got three children of your own, how has motherhood changed you as a person?
I've always known I wanted to be a mother from a very young age. I don't feel like motherhood has changed me but has forced me to lower my expectations of how many things we can get done in a day. It's made me slow down and be more present and enjoy the smaller moments.
Now I understand that some of the most important work we do is invisible, unmeasurable, and happens in the quiet moments of connection with our children.
I feel like I've reached a new milestone this year having all three boys at school. I'm very much enjoying having the house quiet from 9-3pm.
Shop our dine range here.
Who has taught you the most about motherhood AND the kind of Mother you want to be? Write them a little love letter!
I am very lucky to have an incredible mother who I am very close to. She raised me and my sister as a single mother for a long time. She's incredibly supportive and was a wonderful role model. She was originally a nurse and studied to become a psychologist part-time while we were in primary school. She raised me and my sister in a way that we saw that anything was possible if you put your mind to it and worked slowly towards that goal.
She's also raised me to be empathetic and curious which I think is what people love most about the way i interview guests on the podcast.
We laugh regularly when she visits that my household looks nothing like the one I grew up in—my sister and I were quite sensible, and my three boys are wild and rambunctious. I hope they look back fondly on their childhood and my mothering in the same way I do of my own.
What has surprised you about parenthood?
The intensity of it all has been the biggest surprise—both the challenges and the joys are far more powerful than I could have imagined. I was unprepared for how physically demanding the early years would be, especially the sleep deprivation which affects everything from your mood to your cognitive function. I dont think anyone can prepare you for the deep love you feel for your children. It really is a love like no other.
I've been surprised by how parenthood constantly evolves just when you think you've mastered a phase. The moment you feel confident with a newborn, they become mobile toddlers. Once you navigate toddlerhood, school brings new challenges. It's a continuous process of adaptation and personal growth.
Juggling Motherhood, a business, marriage, family, friendships and life is hard. Do you have any tips for balancing it all?
I've learned that "balance" is somewhat mythical— I’m more about intentional imbalance and being at peace with that. Some weeks, the business needs more attention; other times, family takes priority. Rather than aiming for perfect equilibrium each day, I think about balance across seasons of life. I feel incredibly lucky running my own business from home allows me to be flexible. When the kids are sick or having a pupil-free day I can easily adapt around their care which is a unique privilege that is not lost on me. I also take time away from work on the school holidays which allows us to travel regularly which is my greatest hobby.
My practical tips:
1. **Embrace "good enough" rather than perfection.** This has been transformative for my mental health and productivity. Lowering your expectations is a necessary shift.
2. **Build a support network of other working mothers.** Having people who understand your specific challenges is invaluable.
3. **Practice self-compassion.** Some days, everything will fall apart despite your best efforts. That's not failure—it's just life with children and a business.
4. Comparison is the thief of joy. Do what's best for your family and don't worry how everyone else is doing it.
Got any great home organisation hacks or systems you couldn't live without?
There's a joke in my family that my elder sister took all the organising and cleaning genes and left me with none. I can't offer any great tips here. Thankfully, I have an office in the garden so I leave the calamity of the household and switch gears into work mode in my office amongst the trees.
Shop our kids + baby range here.
How would you describe your personal taste in interiors?
My interior style blends contemporary Australian design with warm, textural elements. I'm drawn to natural materials—timber, linen, and pastal tones, eucalyptus greens, and blues. I try to be more minimalist which I find very hard with small children. I want our home to feel welcoming and lived-in, with thoughtful touches that reflect our family's personality and travels.
What are the top things on your Sage x Clare wish-list right now?
-Give me all the robes. I love wearing robes at home.
-Brigitte Cotton Quilt Cover - Fuchsia. Pink is my favourite colour. I love how it pops on these sheets
-The Kilim Rugs – the textural element would add dimension to our neutral sofa.
-The Adelyn Linen Pillowcase Set - I love how they combine earthy tones with a subtle feminine pattern.
-Kokeshi Star Light Lamp – would bring a beautiful ambient light to the kids' room.
Shop our kids + baby collection here.
What is your favourite part of your home and why?
My favourite space is our bedroom. We have lovely plantation shutters that let in lots of light. I love reading on our bed or watching a good series. It's never long that I'm on my own in there—the kids tend to gravitate to wherever I am in the house. I'm trying to embrace this at the moment as I have a tween and I'm sure they won't want a bar of me soon enough.
Describe your perfect day off to us, detail by detail… GO!
Getting the boys off to school, getting a coffee, going to pilates, having lunch with a friend, heading to an infrared sauna, some time in my office to read or plan out some work ideas. I'm generally a bit of an introvert and my house is very loud and action-packed with the boys, so I always relish having quiet time when I can hear myself think.
Listen to the Australian Birth Stories podcast here.
Follow Australian Birth Stories on Instagram here.
Visit the Australian Birth Stories website here.
Buy The Complete Australian Guide to Pregnancy and Birth book here.
With a whole lotta xx