Born on the Rock: Gibraltar Birth Stories Podcast

08/09/2026

In the 1980's, prenatal screening on the Rock was not as advanced or commonplace as it is today. So it was only when Annette Zammit's fourth baby was born, that she learned he had Down's Syndrome 💜

She knew that her boy could lead a brighter life than doctors and books predicted... thanks to her completing an earlier study placement with a family of a child with Down's Syndrome in the UK.

Annette has spent decades raising awareness and promoting inclusion for those with the disability to lead enriched and more independent lives. She co-founded the Gibraltar Down's Syndrome Support Group (GDSSG), and her passion for positive change really shines through in this episode! 💪

🎧 Hear Annette's four Gibraltar Birth Stories from Thursday 10th September, on streaming platforms, or at www.gbc.gi/podcasts/bornontherock

03/09/2026

EPISODE 64: ‘Postpartum Cervical Cancer, with Sophie Clifton-Tucker Hedley,’ is available to listen now 💜

KEY TOPICS: 2 pregnancies, induction, assisted delivery, natural delivery, mastitis, post-pandemic, cervical cancer

It’s a powerful episode to start Season 6, with local journalist and co-founder of 'Little English' Language School, Sophie Clifton-Tucker Hedley. She and her husband travelled the world before establishing Little English – you could say it was their first baby! In 2022 they discussed starting a family, and were expecting soon after.

Sophie enjoyed her good pregnancy, but went past her due date. There are some candid moments of real humour as she describes the start of labour, and how birth plans can change! After an induction and lengthy labour, there were concerns over mother and baby’s heart rates, before their little boy was born safely by assisted delivery.

Sophie's very open about the emotional rollercoaster after having a baby, and the difficult process of establishing breastfeeding. She describes the invaluable support of her husband, and other mothers in guiding and building confidence as she recovered.

With her second pregnancy, Sophie experienced a much faster labour for the birth of her youngest son in 2025. We discuss growing confidence, plus what it’s like introducing a toddler to a new sibling. However, her recovery was overshadowed by painful recurring mastitis… and abnormal smear test results.

At just five months postpartum, the couple’s world came crashing down with Sophie’s diagnosis of stage 1 cervical cancer. She speaks honestly about the treatments, tests and procedures to reach an all-clear, just months before this recording.

We highlight the importance of early detection and attending smear tests – with tips to make it easier! I’m so grateful to Sophie for bravely sharing her two Gibraltar Birth Stories, and raising awareness of vital cervical cancer screening (Recorded June 2025) 💜

To book a smear test via the GHA,
call 5600 4698

www.gha.gi/public-health/cervical-screening/
Eve Appeal Charity: https://eveappeal.org.uk/

🎧 Listen on streaming platforms or at
www.gbc.gi/podcasts/bornontherock

01/09/2026

Imagine that your children are just babies... when you receive a shock cervical cancer diagnosis. You suddenly face the threat of not seeing them grow up... when you've only just become a mother 💜

That was the devastating reality for Sophie Clifton-Tucker Hedley, at just 5 months postpartum with her second son.

From juggling a busy career, to birth plans and breastfeeding - she bravely shares her experience this week, and puts the spotlight on women's health ♀️

🎧 Hear Sophie's powerful story from Thursday 3rd September on streaming platforms, or at www.gbc.gi/podcasts/bornontherock

01/09/2026

Thanks for voting for the podcast! 💜

☎️ 8672 is the number to call from Gibtelecom landlines and mobiles

26/08/2026

💬 What's it like to record your birth story?
💬 How does it feel to hear an episode?
💬 Why is the podcast so powerful?

Our feedback answers these questions! Messages refer to episodes recorded this year.

Thanks to our amazing guests and listeners 💜 If you've been considering sharing your story... this is your sign! Be part of something very special.

📩 Message Lucinda at: [email protected]

🎧 Find all episodes on streaming platforms and on the GBC website

18/08/2026

'Born on the Rock' podcast creates compassion and connection within our community. Storytelling is a powerful way to share across generations, and each birth experience is life-changing!

From the closed frontier times to the post-pandemic era, Gibraltar Birth Stories captures motherhood as you've never heard before - and yet, as it's always been 💜

What was it like for you?

📩 Share your story: [email protected]

🎧 Season 6 is coming soon. Hear all episodes on streaming platforms or at www.gbc.gi/podcasts/bornontherock

11/08/2026

We're so proud that the podcast has been shortlisted for 'Best Educational Project!' 💜

06/08/2026

📢 SEASON 5 of the podcast is complete! 🙌

No time to listen, but want to hear what the stories are about? Play the Season 5 trailer now!

These brave local mothers told their unique birth stories over:

💜 11 episodes (April to July 2026)
💜 15 hours of audio
💜 from the 1980's to last year
💜 22 babies born!

We love capturing these life-changing audio stories and building a powerful local library. 🇬🇮 GBC's 'Born on the Rock' podcast aims to provide a supportive resource for our community and beyond, normalising real conversations around parenthood.

Thanks for listening, and to our guests for sharing! Do you want to be part of Season 6? Email [email protected] or message us here 📩

🎧 Find all episodes (and the trailer) on your favourite streaming platform, or at
www.gbc.gi/podcasts/bornontherock

21/07/2026

How much parental leave did you take?

At present, Gibraltar offers 14 weeks statutory maternity leave, bu...

21/07/2026

How much parental leave did you take?

Three years after Parliament unanimously backed a motion calling for paid miscarriage leave before 24 weeks’ pregnancy, there is still no legislation in place.