Shows
Australian VBAC StoriesEP40 - Josi's VBA2C (breech, positive elective caesarean, feeding difficulties, twins, short birth interval, repeat elective caesarean, SCN, public hospital, private midwife, ECV, VBA2C)In this episode, we speak with Josi, who shares her experiences across four pregnancies from a breech caesarean, to an unexpected twin pregnancy complicated by HELLP syndrome, to finally planning and achieving a VBA2C.Josi walks us through her first birth after moving from Germany, navigating an unfamiliar maternity system, an unsuccessful and painful ECV, and an overall positive planned caesarean, somewhat initially complicated by a botched spinal. She then describes falling pregnant with twins while breastfeeding her first baby, shifting into high-risk care, and the rapid chain of events that led to their early arrival...
2025-12-071h 16Australian VBAC StoriesEP39 - Courtney's VBAC (premature labour, birth trauma, education, reclaiming power, MGP, continuity of care)In this episode, we speak with Courtney about how she reclaimed/found her power with her powerful VBAC after a previously traumatic, preterm birth experience.Courtney shares openly about the emotional aftermath of her first birth, which involved a preterm labour and eventually a caesarean, leaving her feeling overwhelmed and disconnected. Determined to approach her next pregnancy differently, she immersed herself in learning, sought out supportive care, and began rebuilding trust in her body and its ability to birth.Through her story, Courtney reflects on the importance of being informed, asking questions, and surrounding yourself...
2025-11-091h 13Australian VBAC StoriesEP38 - Tori's VBAC (premature labour, PPROM, face presentation, emergency caesarean, anaesthetic awareness, VBAC prep, student midwife, doula, breech, ECV, spontaneous labour)In this episode, we speak with Tori about how a broken leg at 32 weeks changed the course of her first birth, and shaped the way she approached her VBAC.Tori had hoped for a straightforward first birth, but a series of cascading events starting with breaking her leg and ending with a premature, face presenting baby at full dilation saw to it that she had anything but. After a traumatic caesarean and being labelled 'not suitable for VBAC' Tori explains how she wasn't sure she could go back to have more children...
2025-10-261h 04Australian VBAC StoriesEP37 - Ashleigh’s 2VBACs after prior vaginal birth (young mum, big baby, postdates, severe tear, PPH, elective caesarean, rural birth, induced VBAC, post 41 weeks, NICU, laryngomalacia, advocacy)In this episode of Australian VBAC Stories, we meet Ashleigh Rajan, a registered nurse, mother of four, and passionate advocate for informed birth choices. Ashleigh’s path to VBAC was shaped by four very different birth experiences – from her first birth as a young mother navigating the unknown, to her second birth via an elective caesarean, and finally to her empowering VBACs with her third and fourth children.Ashleigh shares how her first birth experience, involving birthing a big baby after a stretch and sweep and eventuating in a severe perineal tear and postpartum haemorrhage, shaped her decision for her...
2025-10-121h 24
The VBAC Facts® Podcast with Jen KamelE21 A Personal Update & AnnouncementIn this episode, Jen shares a personal update and announces that the podcast will be on hiatus.Have a comment or question for the podcast? Want to suggest a guest we should interview or a topic we should discuss? Go to https://vbacfacts.com/podcast to give us your feedback!Downloadable Handout: 3 Surprising Things US National Guidelines Say About VBAC | VBAC Facts®Downloadable Checklist: The 5 Simple Steps to Planning a VBAC | VBAC Facts®Downloadable Report: Top 5 Uterine Rupture Myths Debunked Once and For All | VBAC Facts®Professional Speaking & Continuing Education Training with Jen Kamel- VBAC Fac...
2025-10-0303 minAustralian VBAC StoriesEP36 - Imogen’s VBAC (hospital birth, private midwife, cascade of intervention, hospital MGP, COVID, special care nursery, vaginal hematoma, feeding difficulties, advocacy, support)In this inspiring episode of Australian VBAC Stories we chat with Imogen, a mum of two, currently expecting her third baby, who shares the journey of her beautifully redemptive VBAC birth. After a difficult first birth that started with an induction at 41+6, Imogen found herself overwhelmed by an intense labour. Despite planning for a natural, hospital birth with the support of a private midwife, she was unprepared for how quickly things escalated once the Syntocinon drip was started, leaving her feeling disempowered and disconnected from the process and heading down the cascade of intervention, leading eventually to a caesarean.
2025-09-281h 01The VBAC Facts® Podcast with Jen KamelE20 Hospital VBA2C with a Curved Tailbone After Two FTP Cesareans at 10 Centimeters with Licia PopernackLicia Popernack was told that she had a curved tailbone and would never give birth vaginally. And after two cesareans, both after reaching 10 centimeters and pushing for hours, could that be true? Plus, she was only five feet and one inch tall...Licia shares with us the challenges she faced on her journey to a victorious hospital VBA2C from friends and family who wondered why this was so important to her to skepticism from healthcare providers and her own fears. She reflects upon her choices during her first and second pregnancies and...
2025-09-191h 03Australian VBAC StoriesEP35 - Jessica’s VBAC (hospital birth, big baby, PROM, augmentation, meconium liquor, homebirth, private midwife, postpartum transfer, NICU, birth with COVID)In this powerful episode we hear from Jessica Tabb, a mum of two boys from the Hawkesbury, who shares a deeply reflective and empowering journey to her vaginal birth after caesarean. Jessica’s story is one of navigating uncertainty, learning to trust her body, and overcoming the emotional residue of a first birth that didn’t go to plan.Jessica’s first birth started with her waters breaking, resulted in an augmentation with Syntocinon and involved fears around a 'big baby'. After a long labour and reaching fully dilated Jessica was encouraged to consider an instrumental birth or hav...
2025-09-141h 34The VBAC Facts® Podcast with Jen KamelE19 Surviving Placenta Percreta After Three Cesareans with Dawn Baranski93% of women pregnant after one or more cesareans are not informed about the risk of placenta accreta spectrum that rises with each subsequent cesarean. Instead, they are assured that a repeat cesarean is safe and a planned VBAC is risky and, as a result, they schedule another cesarean. Dawn Baranski was one of those women. After enduring the bait and switch after her first cesarean, she had one more cesarean with her OB's assurance that placenta issues are a "one in a million chance." When she got pregnant again after three cesareans, she...
2025-09-051h 16Australian VBAC StoriesEP34 - Kira’s VBAC (hospital birth, big baby, doula, induction, induced VBAC, epidural, autonomy, empowerment)In this episode we hear from Kira, a thoughtful and articulate mum who shares her powerful VBAC journey after a previous caesarean. Kira’s story is a beautiful reminder that an empowering vaginal birth after caesarean is possible, even when it involves induction and an epidural.She speaks candidly about her first birth which resulted in a caesarean and left her feeling disempowered and unheard. Determined to approach her second birth differently, Kira committed herself to learning, advocating for her preferences and creating a care team, including a doula, who respected her autonomy throughout her experience. ...
2025-08-311h 01Australian VBAC StoriesEP33 - Emily’s VBAC (gestational diabetes, BSLs, prodromal labour, posterior, hospital MGP, homebirth transfer, advocacy, debriefing, responsibility, intuition, support)In this episode, Georgia speaks with Emily, who shares her two contrasting birth stories with honesty, insight, and strength. Emily’s first birth, a planned hospital birth during COVID, took an unexpected turn following a gestational diabetes diagnosis, loss of continuity of care (MGP) in the last weeks of pregnancy, and a challenging, prodromal labour with posterior baby that ended in a caesarean section. She candidly reflects on the emotional aftermath and her path toward healing.Determined to reclaim her birth experience, Emily shares the work she did—physically, emotionally, and mentally—to prepare for her VBAC. From d...
2025-08-171h 39Australian VBAC StoriesEP32 - Laura’s 2VBAC births after prior vaginal birth (prodromal labour, hospital transition to homebirth, HBAC, self-advocacy, birth in time of COVID, tandem breastfeeding, vasospasm, candida)In this heartfelt and deeply insightful episode, Laura shares the stories of her four very different births — unfolding under different models of care and each offering her profound lessons in motherhood, birth and self-trust.Laura’s journey begins in the public hospital system, where despite a positive first birth experience with her son Harry, she reflects on the loss of her mother during this pivotal time and how little guidance she felt she had as a new parent throughout pregnancy and postpartum. Her second birth with Arthur ended in a caesarean that she still questions the necessity of...
2025-08-031h 34Australian VBAC StoriesEP31 - Tina’s VBAC of MCDA twins (empowerment, self-advocacy, midwife, NICU, preterm birth, COVID, general anaesthetic caesarean, vacuum birth, breastfeeding establishment in NICU)In this moving episode, we follow Tina’s powerful VBAC journey — from becoming a young mum at 21 and experiencing a caesarean under general anaesthetic, to reclaiming her birthing power with the vaginal birth of her MCDA twins.Tina opens up about the heartbreak of missing her son’s first moments, the emotional toll of separation and how that experience shaped her path to becoming a midwife. She takes us through her next pregnancy — the shock of conceiving twins, the challenges of preterm labour and navigating birth during the height of COVID.Against the odds, Tina chose a...
2025-07-201h 42Australian VBAC StoriesEP30 - Angela's 2VBACs (preterm labour, APH, infant loss, birth after loss, NICU, induction, artificial rupture of membranes, hypertension, reduced movements autonomy, advocacy, midwife)It is with deep reverence and gratitude that we share Angela's birth stories with you. Midwife Angela shares her powerful journey through three profoundly different births. Her story begins with the premature birth of her first son, Colton, at just 26 weeks following an antepartum haemorrhage and preterm premature rupture of membranes. Angela recounts the emotional and clinical intensity of undergoing a caesarean, navigating the heartbreak of NICU life and the following devastating decision to say goodbye to her baby boy after 22 days on life support. She shares how her midwifery brain helped her to slow down, appreciate the birth...
2025-07-031h 07The VBAC Facts® Podcast with Jen KamelE18 "I Never Thought a 20-Week Abortion Ban Would Impact Me" with Megan KlingNever thought you would have an abortion? That's exactly what Wisconsin mom and maternal health advocate Megan Kling believed until she became pregnant with her third much wanted and planned child.Megan courageously shares her deeply personal story of terminating two pregnancies for medical reasons. She discusses the profound impact of abortion restrictions, the challenges of navigating medical insurance, and the importance of advocating for safer maternal healthcare. Megan's story highlights the complexities behind abortion legislation, its real-life effects on everyday moms, the inadequacy of exceptions for the life of the mother, and how, if you can...
2025-06-271h 27Australian VBAC StoriesEP29 - Jen's 2VBACs (caesarean post vaginal birth, missed miscarriage, retained placenta, instrumental birth, shoulder dystocia, COVID, homebirth transfer, hyperfertility, intuition, healing)In this deeply moving and multifaceted episode, we sit down with Jen to explore her extraordinary journey through six births and five miscarriages, with a diagnosis of hyperfertility. Jen shares openly and honestly about her experiences, the medical complexities and the fierce resilience that led to her reclaiming her birth and deeply trusting her intuition, shaping her motherhood story. Jen leads us through her first two births, both vaginal births with doula support, and includes a run over of some of the complexities she experienced (retained placenta in her first birth and a snapped cord in her...
2025-06-262h 16The VBAC Facts® Podcast with Jen KamelE17 An Attorney's Fight to Challenge Rights Violations & Illegal Maternal Care Practices with Hermine Hayes-KleinConfusion and fear over lawsuits drives health care in the US and even more so within obstetrics and midwifery. In the midst of defensive medicine as default, many clinicians miss the one decision that provides ultimate litigation protection. Hermine Hayes-Klein is single handedly changing the landscape relative to litigation within maternal health care. An informed consent expert and international civil and human rights attorney, she specializes in the abuse of women and birthing people by the maternal health system. We will discuss:the cognitive disconnect among healthcare providers regarding informed consent during pregnancy and...
2025-06-131h 02Australian VBAC StoriesEP28 - Freyja's VBAC (insulin dependent gestational diabetes, induction, big baby VBAC, macrosomia, birth during COVID, tongue tie, autonomy, empowerment, self-advocacy)In this beautiful episode we get the opportunity to listen to Freyja's 2 incredible birth stories! Listen in to hear a beautiful recount and reflection around the births of her two gorgeous, big baby boys!Her first birth was a difficult one, occurring amongst floods and during COVID and involving an induction due to insulin dependent gestational diabetes and suspected big baby. Ultimately Freyjas' first birth resulted in a caesarean due to 'failure to progress' at 7cm dilation. Freyja recounts her feelings surrounding her birth and all of the hardship in her community at the time of her...
2025-06-081h 29The VBAC Facts® Podcast with Jen KamelE16 "Hospitals Cannot Legally Enforce VBAC Bans" and Other Juicy Advocacy Tidbits with Barbara Stratton plus Next VBAC Facts® Training, Reader Stories, & TikTok TrapsWant to change hospital policy, VBAC ban, placenta policy, or otherwise? Barbara Stratton is your gal. In this interview, Barbara reflects back on over 20 years of activism and shares her biggest tips to changing hospital policy as well as what first time parents wish they knew. She shares insights on speaking to the media, planning a rally, searching for the perfect VBAC plaintiff as well as the secret to activism. The discussion also includes: how Medicare/Medicaid said hospitals cannot enforce VBAC bans, caution for hospital based childbirth classes as well as...
2025-05-302h 15Australian VBAC StoriesEP27 - Aimee's 2VBACs (planned homebirth, private midwife, doula, placental abruption, miscarriage, HBAC, waterbirth, cervical lip, surrender)In this very special episode, we hear from our beloved co-host Aimee as she steps into the storyteller's seat to share the deeply personal journeys of her three births - a path woven with loss, healing, and profound transformation.Aimee begins with the unexpected birth of her first baby, Willow - a planned homebirth that turned into an emergency caesarean at 36 weeks due to a placental abruption. She speaks candidly about the grief of losing her envisioned birth, the joy and relief of her daughter’s safe arrival, and her conviction to follow her intuition wh...
2025-05-272h 36The VBAC Facts® Podcast with Jen KamelE15 A Psychologist's Journey Navigating a Hospital VBAC Ban with Dr. Denise Jaimes-Villanueva PsyDWhat do you do when you are pregnant after a cesarean and the only hospital in your community has a VBAC ban? Come hear the story of Dr. Denise Jaimes-Villanueva PsyD of Santa Barbara, California as she shares everything she endured to avoid compulsory surgery. From the challenges around finding a provider in a community where the influence of the hostile VBAC climate permeated to the financial and emotional factors that influenced her decisions, she discusses the journey of processing the grief of her births, what she would do differently, and the lessons she learned along the...
2025-05-161h 04The VBAC Facts® Podcast with Jen KamelE14 An OB Scientist's Caution on the VBAC Calculator and Informed Consent with Dr. Nicholas Rubashkin MD PhDEver use the VBAC calculator? Then you will want to listen to physician scientist and VBAC calculator researcher Dr. Nicholas Rubashkin, MD, PhD, an Associate Professor at UC San Francisco, as he reviews the historical and cultural implications of the VBAC calculator, a tool used to predict vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) odds. The conversation uncovers how the calculator has propagated racist assumptions that Black and Hispanic bodies are less capable of vaginal birth, the consequences of those assumptions on maternal care, and the problematic "60% threshold." They explore how to shift the conversation from risk-based...
2025-05-021h 14The VBAC Facts® Podcast with Jen KamelE13 Why This OB/GYN Passionately Supports VBAC Access (And You Should Too) with Dr. Chris StroudHeard no one supports VBAC? Simply not true. Join Dr. Chris Stroud OB/GYN of Fort Wayne, Indiana has he considers his 30 year career and shares why offering VBAC is so important to him, including his reasoning for supporting community midwives who attend home and birth center VBAC. We discuss the concept of "acceptable complications," which may provide some insight as to why many OBs in the United States recommend repeat cesareans for everyone regardless of their medical history, their current clinical scenario, or VBAC candidacy. He also shares his vulnerable and authentic reflections on...
2025-04-181h 16The VBAC Facts® Podcast with Jen KamelE12 Jen Kamel's interview on All Things Women's Health with Dr. Chris StroudWhy does VBAC access matter and how does the concept of "acceptable risk" influence how some physicians view cesarean versus VBAC complications? Learn that and more when VBAC Facts® Founder Jen Kamel is interviewed on "All Things Women's Health" with Dr. Chris Stroud. She will share the impact of her births on her life, what it was like to experience a contraction for the first time, why it is so important for people to have access to VBAC after one cesarean, and her favorite VBAC myth. They also discuss recovery from a cesarean v...
2025-04-041h 16
True BirthAttempting a VBAC after two Cesarean Births: Episode #173 A short story on a woman contemplating a VBAC after two Cesarean Deliveries. Vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) after two cesarean deliveries (VBAC-2) is considered a viable option for many women, though it carries certain risks. The success rate for VBAC-2 is approximately 71.1%, which is slightly lower than the success rate for VBAC after one cesarean (VBAC-1). The risk of uterine rupture in VBAC-2 is 1.36%, which is higher compared to VBAC-1 (0.72%). Additionally, the hysterectomy rate for VBAC-2 is 0.55%, compared to 0.19% for VBAC-1. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) supports offering VBAC-2 to women who are appropriate candidates, emphasizing the i...
2025-03-2429 minThe VBAC Facts® Podcast with Jen KamelE11 A Community’s 10 Year Fight Against a Hospital VBAC Ban with Anastasia StoneWhat do you do when your local hospital bans vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) and leads people to believe that their only option there is a repeat cesarean? What about when they start to withhold pain relief to anyone who "insists" on laboring after a cesarean? When this happened in Santa Barbara, California, local activists and mothers took action. Come learn what is possible when you know the facts, know your rights, don't comply and be persistent. It's a lesson from a small beachy town that can be applied to so many other social issues. Sit down with VBAC...
2025-03-211h 00The VBAC Facts® Podcast with Jen KamelE10 A Midwife Attended Hospital VBA2C with Gestational Diabetes and Suspected Big Baby with Laura StimsonLess than 3% of people labor after two cesareans in the US. Laura Stimson was one of those people. After having her first cesarean for twins and an elective repeat cesarean during COVID, she really wanted to experience a vaginal birth after two cesareans (VBA2C). A chance conversation with a midwife at a dinner party opened her eyes to what was possible. She learned that hospital midwives in her area of Downriver Detroit, Michigan attended VBA2C and made her plan. Laura shares with us what she learned along the way as she navigated gestational diabetes and a suspected...
2025-03-0743 min
studio VBAC29. Chantal | Wens voor HBAC wordt VBAC in het ziekenhuisIn dit ervaringsverhaal hoor je hoe een oh zo gewenste HBAC een VBAC in het ziekenhuis wordt. Chantal deelt haar ervaring waar ze de regie behoudt over elk keuzemoment gedurende zowel de lange aanloop thuis, als de laatste uren van de bevalling die in het ziekenhuis plaatsvinden. Een ervaring waar ze enorm goed op terugkijkt, met hervonden vertrouwen in een ziekenhuisbevalling door de fijne ondersteuning van het tweedelijns team zorgverleners.
Chantal woont met haar gezin in Friesland maar komt oorspronkelijk uit Zuid Afrika. Om deze mooie ervaring zo goed mogelijk te kunnen verwoorden is dit ervaringsverhaal in het Engels.
Volg...
2025-02-231h 18The VBAC Facts® Podcast with Jen KamelE9 Navigating Medical Mistrust with Amber Vayo PhD + Alberta, Canada Hospital VBA2C After CPDWhat causes someone to distrust the medical system? What impact does that have on public health? Join Dr. Amber Vayo PhD, a maternal health and politics researcher, as she answers those questions and so much more. Dr. Vayo shares insights on the role of trust, the impact of institutional betrayal, and the significance of listening to women's experiences. The discussion highlights various facets of medical mistrust, the importance of soft skills for clinicians, and how the healthcare system can improve by better addressing grievances. Plus Jen shares a victorious hospital VBA2C story after CPD from Emilie in Alberta...
2025-02-2145 min
Made For Birth; The VBAC Podcast For Birth After Cesarean35- The VBAC Divide: The Truth About Why Some Providers Say Yes and Others Say NoIn today’s episode, we’re diving into the big question: Why do some doctors “allow” VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) and others don’t? It’s a topic that can be frustrating and confusing for many expecting moms. While some doctors are fully supportive, others can be downright dismissive of VBAC, and the reasons behind this divide are more complex than you might think.We’ll explore:•How insurance companies, hospital policies, and even the healthcare system impact your ability to access VBAC care.•The truth about how OBs are trained to foc...
2025-02-1424 minThe VBAC Facts® Podcast with Jen KamelE8 Vaginal Birth After Two Cesareans (VBA2C): Stories, Evidence, and InsightsIf you think VBA2C is dangerous or no one "allows" them, you would be wrong. Join VBAC Facts® Founder Jen Kamel in this discussion of the feasibility and evidence surrounding VBA2C. Drawing from real-life birth stories, Jen emphasizes the importance of informed decision-making and patient autonomy, psychological implications, and the risks associated with multiple repeat cesareans. The episode also reviews recent studies (including twins after two cesareans!), ethical considerations, and the challenges faced by those seeking VBA2C. Whether you are a parent or a birth professional, this comprehensive discussion offers valuable insights and resources to support i...
2025-02-071h 09The VBAC Facts® Podcast with Jen Kamel40+ VBAC Myths Busted! Plus Hospital VBA2C after Uterine DefectIn this episode of The VBAC Facts® Podcast, host Jen Kamel busts over 40 myths surrounding vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). Jen highlights critical information about VBAC safety, risks, and the support provided by national health organizations. She addresses common misconceptions about uterine rupture, perinatal and maternal mortality, midwives, and the risks associated with repeat cesareans. The episode features emails from listeners sharing their experiences including a reader who had a hospital vaginal birth after two cesareans and a uterine defect discovered during her first cesarean. Jen emphasizes the importance of informed decision-making, patient autonomy, and the role of evidence-based p...
2025-01-2457 minThe VBAC Facts® Podcast with Jen KamelE7 40+ VBAC Myths Busted! Plus Hospital VBA2C After Uterine DefectThere are too many myths about VBAC to count. Good thing we give the top 40 a quick smashing in this episode. VBAC Facts® Founder Jen Kamel highlights critical information about VBAC safety, risks, and the support provided by national health organizations. She addresses common misconceptions about uterine rupture, perinatal and maternal mortality, midwives, and the risks associated with repeat cesareans. The episode features emails from listeners sharing their experiences including a reader who had a hospital vaginal birth after two cesareans and a uterine defect discovered during her first cesarean. Jen emphasizes the importance of informed decision-making, patient autonomy, a...
2025-01-2457 minThe VBAC Facts® Podcast with Jen KamelE6 Decoding the VBAC Calculator: Science, Bias, and Decision MakingThink the VBAC calculator is rooted in solid medical evidence? This episode with VBAC Facts® Founder Jen Kamel dives into the accuracy and impact of VBAC calculators. Jen discusses a variety of factors influencing predicted VBAC odds as well as actual VBAC rates, including race, BMI, reason for prior cesarean, bias, provider preference, and VBAC bans. Key research, such as Harris 2019, Nguyen 2020, and most recently Ledbetter 2024, reveal that VBAC calculators often underpredict VBAC odds. Hear lived experiences from readers and the challenges they face with the application of these calculators. Learn more about the strengths and limitations of VBAC c...
2025-01-1047 min
The VBAC LinkEpisode 367 Katie's Unmedicated Breech VBACKatie has had a Cesarean (failure to progress), a VBAC, and most recently, an unmedicated breech VBAC!She talks about the power of mom and baby working together during labor. She is 4’10” and attributes so much of her first successful VBAC to movement. Katie’s most recent baby was frank breech throughout her entire pregnancy. After multiple ECV attempts, she exhausted all options to seek out a vaginal breech provider. She was able to work with providers while still advocating for what felt right to her. Tho...
2025-01-0639 minThe VBAC Facts® Podcast with Jen KamelE5 Autonomy, Authority, Coercion & Consent: Who Decides in Maternity Care?People are shocked when they learn that the American College of OB/GYN (ACOG) says that women and pregnant people have the final say in medical decision making. Jen Kamel, founder of VBAC Facts®, discusses the principles of informed decision making in the context of vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) versus repeat cesarean. Emphasizing the ethical obligations in healthcare, Jen explores ACOG's Committee Opinion on respecting a pregnant woman's autonomy and decision-making rights. Real-life testimonials from petite readers who had successful VBACs highlight the possibilities and challenge common misconceptions. The episode also addresses ethical dilemmas, coercion, and the importance o...
2024-12-271h 11Australian VBAC StoriesEP26 - Caitlyn's planned VBAC, repeat caesarean experience (induction, COVID pregnancy, lockdown, NICU, PPA, PPD, Postpartum Rage, short pregnancy interval, cord prolapse, CAT1 emergency caesarean)We’re so excited to bring you this episode with the wonderful Caitlyn, who shares her incredible birth journey and the lessons she's learned along the way. Her story begins with the traumatic birth of her eldest daughter in 2020 during lockdown, which set her on the path to pursue a VBAC with her son.
Despite her hopes for a more straightforward, peaceful experience, her son’s birth did not go as planned, as she faced a cord prolapse after her membranes were ruptured, which ultimately resulted in a CAT1 emergency cesarean. While the outcome could have been far m...
2024-12-231h 09
The VBAC LinkEpisode 361 VBAC Prep with Meagan & Julie + What do the Facts Say?In this episode, Meagan and Julie tackle hot topics like the VBAC calculator, epidurals, and uterine rupture. What does the evidence actually say? And why do providers give such drastically different statistics from one practice to the next? When you know the facts, you are equipped to take charge of your VBAC journey!VBAC CalculatorACOG: Deciding Between a VBAC and a Repeat CesareanVBAC Calculator Online LibraryEpidural Side EffectsVBA2C PubMed ArticleEvidence Based BirthⓇ: The Evi...
2024-12-1643 minThe VBAC Facts® Podcast with Jen KamelE4 The Rules About VBAC (Part 2): A Deep Dive into US VBAC Guidelines with Jen KamelYou might be surprised to read what the US national guidelines actually say about VBAC. Join Jen Kamel, founder & CEO of VBAC Facts®, as she delves deep into the American College of OB/GYN's VBAC guidelines. The episode covers a range of topics including external cephalic version, epidurals, VBAC in rural hospitals, and who makes the ultimate decision regarding mode of birth. Jen provides a detailed analysis of the guidelines and emphasizes informed decision-making, patient autonomy, and the importance of ethical practices in maternal care. She also highlights the role of continuous fetal monitoring, managing complications, and the significance o...
2024-12-1346 minThe VBAC Facts® Podcast with Jen KamelE3 The Rules About VBAC (Part 1): A Deep Dive into US VBAC Guidelines with Jen KamelHeard national guidelines don't support VBAC? Well you heard wrong. Join us for a deep dive into the American College of OBGYN's VBAC guidelines. Join VBAC Facts® Founder Jen Kamel as she explains the significance of these guidelines for anyone birthing in the U.S. or working in healthcare. Jen clears up common misconceptions, highlights the difference between uterine rupture and dehiscence, and stresses the importance of informed decision-making. Tune in to learn more about VBAC's risks, benefits, and the role of different factors, such as BMI and induction, in VBAC outcomes.If you have a question o...
2024-11-2954 minThe VBAC Facts® Podcast with Jen KamelE1 Coerced Cesareans Struck Down Part 1: The Woman and Attorney Behind Israel’s Landmark Ruling Speaks Out with "Esther" & Tamir TurgalWhat would it feel like to be hunted by the police and social services over your birth choices? "Esther" found out. Join our gripping discussion with Esther and her experience with the Israeli Supreme Court ruling favoring her choice against a compelled repeat cesarean. The conversation with Esther and her attorney Tamir explores deep-seated issues of medical coercion, informed consent, and the ethical dilemmas within the healthcare system. Esther shares her personal journey through multiple pregnancies, miscarriages, and her fight for autonomy over her birthing choices. She recounts her traumatic experiences and the impact they had on her approach...
2024-11-1356 minThe VBAC Facts® Podcast with Jen KamelE2 Coerced Cesareans Struck Down Part 2: The Woman Behind Israel’s Landmark Ruling Speaks Out: "Esther" & Tamir TurgalWe continue "Esther's" harrowing story of avoiding a court ordered cesarean. "Esther" navigates an unassisted birth after four prior cesareans amidst intense scrutiny from social and emergency services. Follow her journey through legal battles, hiding from authorities, and ultimately obtaining a landmark ruling from the Israeli Supreme Court that upholds the right to decline a cesarean. Discover the intricate ethical and legal dilemmas surrounding birth autonomy and the resilience required to make one's own medical decisions.00:00 Welcome Back for Part 200:56 Seeking Refuge and Medical Concerns02:04 Engaging with Social Services02:42 "They Are...
2024-11-1352 min
VBAC BabesHow to Prepare for a VBAC: with VBAC researcher, author (and VBAC mom) Dr. Hazel KeedleToday we have Dr. Hazel Keedle--VBAC researcher, author, and VBAC mom-- on the show. Hazel had a VBAC with only 13 months since her C-section, and the experience lead her to become a Midwifery researcher and complete a PhD on women's experiences of planning a VBAC in Australia. You are not going to want to miss all of her practical advice on how to advocate for and get your VBAC! This episode covers: Hazel's VBAC journey Short interpregnancy interval Discussion of risks of having a VBAC shortly after having a C-section Working through...
2024-11-0650 min
The VBAC LinkEpisode 348 Rebekah's Birth Center VBAC After an Unexpected Breech CesareanRebekah’s first Cesarean was a birth center transfer after her baby boy unexpectedly flipped breech during labor. Though she was confident in her decision to consent to a Cesarean, she was devastated and left with a lot to process. Right away, Rebekah’s midwives instilled confidence that she was a great VBAC candidate and introduced her to The VBAC Link. Rebekah thoroughly researched and prepped for her VBAC knowing it was the path she wanted to take. She decided to stay with the same birth center as she felt so loved and supported by th...
2024-10-301h 03
Ask the Doulas PodcastAll about Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) with Meagan Heaton, CEO of The VBAC Link.Send us a textKristin Revere and Meagan Heaton discuss VBAC preparation for families and tips for doulas supporting VBACs in this informative episode of Ask the Doulas. Meagan is the CEO of VBAC Link. Subscribe to our newsletter, check out Kristin’s birth and baby book, and see more about our Doula services & online courses below:https://linktr.ee/goldcoastdoulasKeywords:VBAC | Vaginal Birth After Cesarean | Meagan Heaton | Kristin Revere | The VBAC Link | VBAC Preparation | Doula Support for VBAC | Birth After Cesarean | Birt...
2024-10-2931 minstudio VBAC26. Lieke | VBAC in bad na lange latente faseWaar een lange latente fase je zou kunnen demotiveren, vond Lieke juist rust in deze eerste, langere fase, van haar bevalling. Niet dat er geen momenten van twijfel, onzekerheid en frustratie waren maar ze kon zich elke keer herpakken en met vertrouwen in haarzelf, haar kindje en in haar geboorteteam (waar ik het geluk had onderdeel van te zijn) de volgende wee omarmen.
In dit ervaringsverhaal hoor je hoe Lieke zich, na een ongeplande keizersnede geboorte van haar zoontje, voorbereidde op een VBAC. Hoe de gewenste VBAC uiteindelijk verliep hoor je in de podcast.
Foto's van de VBAC van Lieke...
2024-10-151h 01
The VBAC LinkEpisode 343 Melanie's VBAC With a Big Baby + Ways to Avoid PROM“Inhale peace, exhale tension.”Did you know that the cascade of interventions can not only contribute to a Cesarean but may cause one? Melanie believes that was the case with her first birth. Her difficult recovery included going to EMDR therapy to help with her PTSD. Her OB/GYN did mention that she would be a great VBAC candidate. Not knowing VBAC was a thing, Melanie’s research began. Cue The VBAC Link!Melanie vigorously dove into VBAC prep before she was pregnant again. Her jou...
2024-10-1453 minAustralian VBAC StoriesEP25 - Cara's 2VBACs (public hospital, fragmented care, PROM, augmentation, emergency caesarean, 'failure to thrive', VBAC, instrumental birth, third degree tear, PPH, 2VBAC, doula, supportive care)We are so thrilled to bring you this episode with the wonderful Cara who shares her three very different birth experiences with us.
During her first birth, Cara had done independent birth education and felt able to say no to some things that didn't feel right to her, but found herself in a difficult situation with prelabour rupture of membranes and a slow early labour that eventually led her to being induced/augmented and put on the cascade towards an emergency caesarean.
A very difficult postpartum period followed, where...
2024-10-061h 36Australian VBAC StoriesEP24 - Carissa’s FBA2C (private OB, fibroid, special scar, planned caesarean, breastfeeding difficulties, PND, MGP, public hospital, doula, PROM, emergency caesarean, posterior baby, waterbirth)We’re overjoyed to bring you the incredible story of Carissa’s three births. She takes us deep into her journey from a planned caesarean with a private obstetrician, to her emergency caesarean in hospital, to her powerful and joyous freebirth with her third son.
Carissa hired a private obstetrician in her first pregnancy and was devastated to learn that the myomectomy, that she had previously undergone, led to being recommended a planned caesarean at 39 weeks. This was a very difficult experience and ultimately led to a disconnect in bonding with her son, that resulted in a very...
2024-09-191h 49
The VBAC LinkEpisode 332 What The VBAC Link Offers & What is Important to Know with Meagan Heaton, VBAC Link OwnerWomen of Strength, so many things are important to know during your VBAC. Meagan Heaton is flying solo today telling you how to get the most out of what The VBAC Link offers. She goes through all of the resources from the Parents’ Course to the Doula Training to The VBAC Link Community and CBAC Community Facebook groups to blogs, newsletter emails, Instagram Q&As, and more. What do you need to know to have a better birth after an unexpected or difficult Cesarean? What is included in The VBAC...
2024-09-0420 min
The Best Birth Podcast10 - Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) Insights: Navigating the Paths of Birth with Doula Meagan Heaton from the VBAC LinkMegan Heaton, founder of the VBAC Link, shares her personal journey of having two cesarean sections and her desire for a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). She emphasizes the importance of education and finding a supportive provider when considering a VBAC. Megan also discusses the misconceptions and risks associated with VBAC, as well as the need for a backup plan when planning an out-of-hospital birth. Her story highlights the empowerment and healing that can come from advocating for one's birth preferences. In this conversation, Meagan shares her personal experience with VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) and provides valuable insights...
2024-09-0152 min
The Best Birth Podcast10 - Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) Insights: Navigating the Paths of Birth with Doula Meagan Heaton from the VBAC LinkMegan Heaton, founder of the VBAC Link, shares her personal journey of having two cesarean sections and her desire for a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). She emphasizes the importance of education and finding a supportive provider when considering a VBAC. Megan also discusses the misconceptions and risks associated with VBAC, as well as the need for a backup plan when planning an out-of-hospital birth. Her story highlights the empowerment and healing that can come from advocating for one's birth preferences. In this conversation, Meagan shares her personal experience with VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) and provides valuable insights...
2024-08-3052 min
The VBAC LinkEpisode 330 Grace's VBAC With the Odds Stacked Against HerGrace found The VBAC Link Podcast while still in the hospital after her first unexpected C-section. Her recovery was brutal and she knew she never wanted to experience that again. Grace is a labor and delivery nurse located on the Wisconsin/Illinois border. She shares what it was like preparing for her VBAC while working at a hospital that didn’t support VBAC. Though she found a supportive practice, Grace faced unexpected pressure for interventions at the end of her pregnancy. Ultimately, she advocated her VBAC wishes and they cont...
2024-08-2835 minAustralian VBAC StoriesEP23 - Emma's planned VBAC, repeat caesarean experience (induction, pre-eclampsia, posterior, deflexed head, general anaesthetic caesarean, full dilation, repeat caesarean, short pregnancy interval)Today we are excited to share Emma’s beautiful birth stories, her first baby boy, Eric, born via caesarean after an induction, and her second baby girl, Chloe, born via a repeat caesarean after reaching full dilation during a spontaneous labour.
Her first pregnancy resulted in a pre-eclampsia diagnosis
which led to an induction. Emma beautifully describes this birth journey of labouring with a posterior baby with a deflexed head, her experience of having an epidural and then eventual decision to have a caesarean section at 7cm dilation. While Emma’s caesarean section was done via general anaes...
2024-07-281h 21Australian VBAC StoriesEP22 - Zelda's VBA3C (young mum, unplanned pregnancy, gestational hypertension, emergency caesarean, planned VBAC, repeat emergency caesarean, planned elective repeat caesarean, private midwife, vbac)We are so excited to bring you the incredible Zelda's four epic birth stories for our 22nd episode!
First things first: We had a few technical struggles recording this episode, so please forgive the occasional glitchiness of the audio quality and consistency. We hope you will still experience the richness of Zelda's experiences as she shares them
It's not often we get to hear about VBA3C stories, and we are so grateful to bring you the second of these stories to the podcast with the incredible Zelda, who...
2024-07-1755 minAustralian VBAC StoriesEP21 - Claire's VBAC (breech, ECV, postpartum haemmorhage, postpartum depletion, miscarriage, conception journey, student midwife, doula, symphysis pubis, physiological birth in hospital)In this episode, we are so incredibly fortunate to have the beautiful Claire share her birth stories with us. Claire is an absolute wealth of wisdom, and the beautifully articulate and insightful way she shares her journey with us opens up some gorgeous, deep conversations with our co-hosts Katelyn and Aimee that you won't want to miss.
Claire takes us through her first pregnancy, where it was flagged that her baby may not have been growing as they should, and the growth scans she underwent, along with a diagnosed breech position and an unsuccessful ECV, led to b...
2024-07-011h 43Australian VBAC StoriesEP20 - Anushka's HBAC (public hospital, team midwifery, posterior, OP, unconsented syntocinon, epidural, fetal distress, emergency caesarean, PPM, private midwife, homebirth, sleep deprivation)Today, we are so pleased to be bringing you the beautiful Anushka's incredible birth stories.
Anushka walks us through her journey to her caesarean birth with her first son and explains how a posterior baby and long labour contributed to a cascade of interventions, including receiving syntocinon that she had not consented to, that ultimately ended with her meeting her baby via caesarean. She powerfully describes how she refused to let this birth be anything other than beautiful and sacred, and it was only much further down the track that she really accepted the...
2024-06-161h 50Australian VBAC StoriesEP19 - Jo's 2 VBA2Cs (public hospital, induction, labour dystocia, emergency caesarean, postpartum & feeding challenges, planned vbac, infection, repeat csection, vba2c, forceps, episiotomy, 2vba2c)Welcome to Episode 19 of Australian VBAC Stories, and today we’re thrilled to be hearing from Jo who shares her journey to her 2VBA2Cs! That’s two vaginal births after two caesareans. You already know this is going to be a good one.
Jo experienced the very classic cascade of intervention in her first pregnancy and birth journey, and found herself with a caesarean that was unexpected and traumatic. While she scrambled to figure out how to take care of her baby and what she was meant to do with her, she was told off by staff...
2024-06-021h 12Australian VBAC StoriesEP18 - Imogen's VBAC (miscarriage, planned homebirth, private midwife, transfer, augmentation, epidural, failure to progress, emergency caesarean, public hospital, supportive team & midwives)Welcome to Episode 18 of the Australian VBAC Stories Podcast!
Today we are delighted to have Imogen on the podcast sharing her somewhat unusual journey to VBAC with us.
Imogen's first pregnancy was a beautiful surprise, but before she could really come to terms with it, sadly, she lost that baby at 7 weeks. However, this experienced had opened up her heart to the idea of having a baby, and her and her partner Courtney started trying to fall pregnant again.
Imogen was very motivated to have a natural birth, and ended up at a private midwife information night where she was...
2024-05-191h 02Australian VBAC StoriesEP17 - Nadia's VBAC (Private Obstetric care, birth doula support, breastfeeding experience, intrauterine growth restriction, IUGR, induction, perinatal anxiety)In this episode we have Nadia, an incredible mama of two, sharing her caesarean and VBAC journeys. Her stories are rich with reflection, exploring her first birth journey involving a baby with Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) and sudden induction leading to a caesarean, and her following, empowering VBAC with the support of her husband, doula and a private OB.
Nadia beautifully shares her thought processes and reasoning throughout these journeys with such wisdom, including her struggles with breastfeeding and perinatal anxiety and how she worked through these experiences. We are sure you will love...
2024-05-051h 06Australian VBAC StoriesEP16 - Kim's VBA3C (private midwife, twisted ovary, hospital birth, private OB, breech, 16 month age gap, no prior labour, breastfeeding struggles, postnatal depletion, core and pelvic floor rehab)Welcome to Episode 16 of the Australian VBAC Stories Podcast!
Today, on the International Day of the Midwife (5th May), we are so excited to be sharing Kim's incredible birth stories! Kim shares her inspiring and awesome journey to a VBA3C, including 3 public hospital caesarean births and then a VBA3C with a private midwife.
Kim's first pregnancy resulted in a little girl born via caesarean due to high blood pressure and breech positioning at her local, low-risk public hospital. While Kim wasn't thrilled at the prospect of birthing via caesarean she describes that she had a positive caesarean experience...
2024-05-041h 05
Orgasmic BirthVBAC Facts: Demystifying Common Misconceptions with Decades of Evidence with Jen KamelEp 98 Description: "Once you have the facts, once you have confidence in your information, you have confidence in your decision. You don't need to justify that to anyone. It's not your job to educate the world unless you decide it is." —Jen Kamel VBAC— Vaginal Birth After Cesarean is a common yet controversial choice that many birthing people face. While the evidence has long supported VBAC as a safe option for most, widespread myths and misinformation continue to obscure the facts. In this episode, leading VBAC advocate Jen Kamel sets out to separate myth...
2024-04-2430 minAustralian VBAC StoriesEP15 - Emma's HBAC Transfer, 42w+ Induction, Repeat Caesarean (Twin birth, postnatal depletion, special care, private midwife, birth doula, breastfeeding, failed induction, homebirth transfer)In honour of Caesarean Awareness Month this April, we are bringing you some incredible stories from women whose VBAC journeys resulted in repeat caesarean sections.
Today, on her birthing day, we are so excited to share Emma's incredible birth stories! Emma journeyed through a planned caesarean for her twin babies' births, where the presenting twin was breech, through the public hospital system. During this pregnancy, birth and postnatal journey she experienced fragmented care, a term pregnancy with twins, a planned caesarean, the special care nursery, breastfeeding difficulties and postnatal depletion.
2024-04-191h 23Australian VBAC StoriesEP14 - Helen's HBAC Transfer, Repeat Caesarean (fragmented care, preeclampsia, induction, breastfeeding grief, private midwife, HBAC, homebirth transfer, uterine rupture, repeat emergency caesarean)In honour of Caesarean Awareness Month this April, we are bringing you some incredible stories from women whose VBAC journeys resulted in repeat caesarean sections.
Today, we are thrilled to share Helen's incredible journey from a failed induction after suspected preeclampsia under fragmented care in the public hospital system where she was bounced around between a couple of hospitals and really suffered from a lack of continuity and of not being known at all to any care provider she met along the way.
Her first caesarean also meant a...
2024-04-071h 14Australian VBAC StoriesEP13 - Tegan's VBAC (public hospital, pregnancy loss, ectopic pregnancies, IVF, vasa praevia, bed rest, elective caesarean, birth doula support, VBAC, precipitous labour)In today's episode, we are thrilled to have Tegan share her journey to motherhood including beginning with back-to-back ectopic pregnancies, followed by IVF conception and a rare diagnosis of Vasa Praevia which saw her on bed rest in hospital for weeks leading up to her first birth, a very necessary planned caesarean.
She knew she wanted to pursue a VBAC with her next baby, and after another IVF journey to conceive, she sought the care of a doula (our lovely Aimee!) and enjoyed an uneventful pregnancy this time around, preparing herself mental and physically...
2024-03-241h 10Australian VBAC StoriesEP12 - Olivia's HBAC (public hospital, induction, emergency caesarean, T-incision, special scar, PTSD, homebirth, private midwife, PROM, BBA)In this episode, we invite you to listen to Olivia’s powerful story of her two very different births.
Olivia is from a large family, and was introduced to birth from a young age when she attended her mother’s homebirth of her younger sibling at 10 years of age.
Olivia was diagnosed with oligohydramnios (low amniotic fluid) at a routine scan at 41 weeks and was recommended an induction. After being told her baby was in distress, Olivia ultimately had an emergency caesarean, despite feeling a very strong urge to push...
2024-03-141h 22Australian VBAC StoriesEP11 - Tiarny’s VBAC (homebirth transfer, private midwife, post-dates, asynclitism, PPH, T-incision, special scar, freebirth transfer, pre-term labour, premmie, NICU, hospital injury, breastfeeding)In this episode of Australian VBAC Stories, Tiarny very openly and generously shares the story of her two births.
With her first baby, Tiarny planned a homebirth with a private midwife. She went into spontaneous labour at 42+5, and ultimately transfered to hospital due to a prolonged second stage, where her baby was discovered to be presenting asynclitically. She ended up birthing via emergency caesarean, and had a postpartum haemorrhage and inverted T-incision. Tiarny describes her first birth as being the source of a significant amount of trauma for her, predominantly due to the high level of coercion...
2024-02-251h 34Australian VBAC StoriesEP10 - Emily's HBAC (PPROM, NICU, premie baby, public hospital, fragmented care, postnatal anxiety, HBAC, homebirth after caesarean, private midwife, doula)On today's episode of Australian VBAC Stories, we are thrilled to bring you Emily's incredible birth stories.
Emily's first birth unfolds a bit differently to many of us. For a first time Mum, Emily was very prepared and very educated on the system and physiological birth, and knew exactly how she wanted to approach getting the birth she envisioned.
However, that vision shifted drastically when her waters broke unexpectedly at 34 weeks pregnant, and needed to be transferred to a large tertiary hospital further from home and eventually accept a...
2024-02-111h 34studio VBAC25. Mieke | VBAC met 42+ weken zwangerschapNa een geplande keizersnede (vanwege een stuitligging) gaat Mieke bij haar volgende zwangerschap voor een VBAC. Wanneer ze voorbij de 42 weken zwangerschap gaat wordt ze uitgedaagd dicht bij haar gevoel te blijven.
De mooie foto's van de VBAC van Mieke vind je op www.studiovbac.nl.
Volg Studio VBAC op instagram om verder te praten over deze aflevering en andere keizersnede en VBAC gerelateerde onderwerpen.
www.instagram.com/studiovbac/
studio VBAC is een platform van Ietske Bierema. Voor medisch advies raad ik je aan contact op te nemen met je zorgverlener.
2024-01-3143 minAustralian VBAC StoriesEP9 - Olivia's Breech VBAC (private obstetrician, private hospital, emergency caesarean, breech baby, short birth interval, covid, lockdown, mindset preparation)In today's Australian VBAC Stories episode, Olivia shares her incredible birth stories with us including her first caesarean with a baby discovered breech in labour, followed by a breech VBAC with the same Private Obstetrician.
Olivia shares of the complexities of breech birth, including breech VBAC with births less than 18 months apart, and also birthing during COVID lockdowns. She provides many beautiful insights in how to navigate the VBAC process, including with the complexities of breech birth, and also beautifully explains her views on VBAC ‘failure’, what this means and why to her, every woma...
2024-01-281h 07True BirthHow to Choose a VBAC Friendly Provider: Episode #147Navigating the Path toward a Successful VBAC: Essential Questions for Your Healthcare Provider As strong advocates for informed and empowered childbirth, this episdoe addresses a topic close to the hearts of many expectant parents: Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC). Choosing a VBAC-friendly provider is a critical step in this journey, not just for the success of the procedure, but for the overall experience of childbirth. Here are key aspects to consider and questions to ask your healthcare provider: Understanding VBAC Success Rates: The first and perhaps most crucial question to ask is about the provider's...
2024-01-2219 minAustralian VBAC StoriesEP8 - Rachel's VBAC (special scar, coercive language, fragmented care, doula support, student midwife, hospital VBAC)In this episode, we are joined by Rachel, who shares her triumphant journey of achieving a physiological VBAC against challenging odds. Having undergone a caesarean almost three years prior, she discovered at 37 weeks into her second pregnancy that her medical notes deemed her "not suitable for VBAC." Undeterred, Rachel changed hospitals at 38 weeks, advocating for herself throughout her pregnancy.
Rachel's first birth was marked by a cascade of interventions and coercive measures by medical professionals designed to instil fear and doubt in the birthing process. In contrast, her VBAC journey emphasises the transformative power of informed decision-making...
2024-01-151h 53Australian VBAC StoriesEP7 - Anna's VBAC & HBAC (private obstetrician, elective caesarean, pregnancy loss, VBAC, 2VBAC, HBAC, private midwife, homebirth, BBA)In this episode, we bring you the story of Anna's three births. Anna shares her experience from a scheduled caesarean for elevated blood pressure with a private OB, through an extremely difficult miscarriage to two empowered, informed and supported VBACs with a private midwife, first in the hospital and then, with her third baby, at home.
This episode is an absolute goldmine of information and explores the topics of prodromal labour, care provider impact on birth options, informed decision making, self advocacy, birth support, empowerment, the journey to homebirth, children in the birthspace and the transformational powers...
2023-12-3155 minAustralian VBAC StoriesEP6 - Jess's VBACs (fragmented care, emergency caesarean, postpartum preeclampsia, MGP, long labour, epidural, PPH, doula support, BBA, freebirth, roadside birth, calm and peaceful 2VBAC, 3a tear,)Today's episode brings you the stories of three births told by Jess. Her first baby was born via emergency caesarean under a fragmented care model, and she was especially unfortunate to develop postpartum preeclampsia afterwards which added to the struggles of that postpartum.
After a journey of self-education, Jess went on to seek out care under the MGP at her local hospital for her VBAC. She powered through a long and challenging labour, and was facing an instrumental birth after an epidural when she pushed her baby out in theatre before instruments could be...
2023-12-171h 07