The VBAC Junkie Podcast

This conversation with Misty Rauscher was

I have the pleasure of welcoming the International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN) to share the incredible work they do for VBAC hopefuls and cesarean awareness.Highlights from this episode:

Have you ever felt like staying quiet was easier? That if you just “went with the flow,” everything would work out? I used to believe that too. From my childhood to my first three births, I stayed small, trusting others over myself. But when I found my voice, everything changed—especially in my VBA3C journey.In this episode, I'm sharing a deeply personal speech I gave in person about my journey from silence to self-advocacy. ‼️ Fair warning—the audio isn't the best! The event was outside, in the middle of a storm, with people moving around everywhere. But I feel the message is powerful, and if you'd rather watch it, you can check it out on YouTube. ⬇️✨ Want to feel more confident on your VBAC journey and have the support you've been looking for? Check out my VBAC community: The Journey to VBAC Membership

Highlights from this episode:

Have you ever felt like staying quiet was the easiest path? That if you just "went with the flow," things would work out? I totally get it—I used to think the same way. But what I've learned is this: doing nothing is still making a decision. And when it comes to birth, passive choices often default to the system's preferences—not yours.In this episode, we dive into:✅ Why "going with the flow" isn't always the best option.✅ How silence can lead to interventions you didn't plan for.✅ Simple ways to take an active role in your birth experience.

Owning your VBAC journey isn't just about physical preparation—it's about healing from the inside out. Trauma, anxiety, and even ADHD can shape how we experience pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, often in ways we don't even realize. If you've ever felt tension in your body, struggled with racing thoughts, or carried shame around your past birth experiences, this episode is for you.I'm joined by Joy Acaso, who breaks down how unresolved trauma manifests physically, why anxiety and ADHD feel louder in pregnancy and postpartum, and—most importantly—what you can do about it.Some highlights from the episode:

I know that's a bold statement, but it's true. It's science-backed!Some highlights from the episode:Episode Highlights:

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4 top mistakes and how to avoid them. Grab some paper or open your notes section in your phone so you can write these down! Some highlights from the episode:

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Get ready to hear Lizzy's transformative freebirth story! If you are not familiar with a freebirth, it is when you give birth typically at your own home without an OB or Midwife. It could be just you and your partner or you and your partner or doula or whoever else you choose to be there. Some highlights from the episode:

Lizzy had planned a homebirth after her cesarean but plans quickly changed and she was left with more trauma than she arrived with. Understanding the hierarchal birth culture so you can give birth confidently is so key! Some highlights from the episode:

Sabina shares her freebirth after 2 cesarean story and she chats about why educating yourself is the key to an empowered birth experience and once a c-section does not mean always a c-section! Your intuition is THE MOST IMPORTANT tool you have and should always be listened to Some highlights from the episode:

In this short solo episode, I explain what intuition is, why it's important to hone it during your VBAC, and how you can easily do this. If you'd like to watch the video of this episode, head to my YouTube channel on Friday to watch it

In this shorty solo episode, I give you a quick guide to the most common acronyms you'll hear on your VBAC journey Connect with me, Petra ⤵️ Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@birthing_come_true⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Birthing Come True⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Birthingcometrue.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email: Petra@birthingcometrue.com The International Cesarean Awareness Network:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.ican-online.org/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ✨ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Free Fearless VBAC Workbook-⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ It's time to face your fears and grow through them! ----------------------------------------------------        Let's Connect! ✨ The Journey to VBAC Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.birthingcometrue.com/vbacpodcast⁠ ✨ Follow me on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@thejourneytovbac ⁠and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Birthing_Come_True⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ I'd so appreciate it if you'd rate and review this show wherever you're listening from. I'm grateful you've taken time out of your day to listen, thank you!

Brielle experienced sooo many barriers on her VBAC journey and she blasted through all of them! Some highlights from the episode:

Get out your tissues, this one gets emotional! Some highlights from the episode:

Preparing for your VBAC can go deeper than the physical and mental aspects, it can be rooted in your lineage, as far back as your mom, and your grandma or even further back than that. Take a listen to find out why having hard conversations can be absolutely essential to your VBAC journey. Some highlights from the episode:

Alyssa Frain is a licensed acupuncturist turned full-time stay-at-home mom. She had her first daughter in September 2020, a missed miscarriage in 2022, and a successful HBAC in January 2024. She enjoys helping women take their health back into their own hands by showing them how to tune into their bodies and support it with Chinese Herbal Medicine. Her goal is to empower women to reconnect with their bodies so they can live healthier, more fulfilling lives. Some highlights from the episode:

Breastfeeding is a learned skill, it's ok if it does not feel natural or easy. Feeding your baby is something you need to plan for but know that it's ok (and very likely) that it may look different in the first few weeks than you planned or expected. Alex, who is an IBCLC has so much incredible knowledge and amazing tips for you to navigate your journey. Some highlights from the episode:

Having a supportive team is more important than you may realize. When Jessica didn't have a supportive team she felt like she wasn't being heard or informed. But that all changed for her second and third birth. Some highlights from the episode:

Sometimes you have to put on your advocacy hat more times than you'd like. This definitely was the case for Carly who encountered a not-so-supportive OB while in labor. Some highlights from the episode:

Plans in birth can change and that's okay, knowing what to expect, realizing you have options, and feeling confident in whatever decision you make is of utmost importance. I chatted with HeHe about all of these and she gave us her best tips for making sure your birth unfolds in a way that feels good to you.Some highlights from the episode:

Can you imagine having a VBAC over 40 years ago?!Listen to this episode so you can hear Nancy's VBAC story and her experiences with grief and how she helps other's through it now!Some highlights from the episode:

Maternal mental health is a crucial issue that deserves more attention than it currently receives.Here are the main takeaways from this episode

Contemplating a homebirth after cesarean aka an HBAC? Check out this episode so you can get the perspective from a doula and HBAC mom herselfSome highlights from the episode:

Have you been curious whether you should see a Webster-certified plus perinatal-certified chiropractor?Listen to this episode so you can see how a Webster-certified chiropractor can absolutely help your planning experience as well as your birth and postpartum journey.Some highlights we discussed:

I think most of us think that if we plan for a homebirth we are free from experiencing coercion, free from feeling unheard, free from experiencing medical rape...It can absolutely be without all of these happening BUT making sure that you have hard conversations with your birth team and your partner about how exactly you want to be supported, what everyone's role is, and what is and isn't acceptable throughout your labor, birth, and postpartum experience can literally change the outcome of your birth experience.We also chatted about how childhood traumas can affect our pregnancy and birth choices. Maria also shares her top tips for planning a homebirth after cesarean (HBAC) and what she's doing differently for her next HBAC. Connect with, Doula Maria ⤵️Instagram: @nurturingmothers.doula @doulamommariajose@evolvingwomenofthekingdomTikTok: @evolvewomen YouTube: EvolvingwomenofthekingdomLearn your birth rights: https://birthmonopoly.com/Connect with me, Petra ⤵️Instagram:@birthing_come_trueFacebook: Birthing Come TrueWebsite: Birthingcometrue.comEmail: Petra@birthingcometrue.comInternational Cesarean Awareness Network: https://www.ican-online.org/ ✨  Free Fearless VBAC Workbook- It's time to face your fears and grow through them!Don't forget to subscribe to The VBAC Junkie Podcast for more empowering conversations and insights on all things birth-related.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------       Let's Connect!✨ The VBAC Junkie Website: www.birthingcometrue.com/thevbacjunkiepodcast✨ Follow me on Instagram: @thevbacjunkiepodcast and @Birthing_Come_TrueI'd so appreciate it if you'd rate and review this show wherever you're listening from. I'm grateful you've taken time out of your day to listen, thank you!

This episode is jam-packed with Cesarean and VBAC information.Here are the main takeaways from this episode

I think most of us waltz into postpartum without planning how we'll manage our emotions, how we'll stay connected to our partner, or building any type of consistent village to help us.I get it, it's hard to ask for help and also you're so busy planning for your birth experience but dare I say it's more important to plan for your postpartum season even more so than the birth...Have you thought about how you'll prepare your partner or anyone else who'll be helping you on what signs to look for when it comes to recognizing postpartum rage or depression?In this episode, I chatted with Dr. Toya who is a seasoned OBGYN and mother of two who did not expect her postpartum to unfold the way that it did, how she remedied it, and how she helps moms like you prepare for their postpartum journey.Let me know how this episode has helped you once you're done listening

Placenta Previa is a subject that is close to my heart because I had it with my second pregnancy.I was never told any information about it other than I needed a cesarean because I could hemorrhage,.I now know that about 90% of placenta previas are resolved by 28-35 weeks!Listen to this episode to get some insight and information you may not have known yet

A planned homebirth transfer can happen for various reasons, you'll get to hear Fatima's story of her homebirth transfer and then her 3 homebirth stories after that!We also chatted about mineral depletion and how it can affect your pregnancy and postpartum experience.Fatima is an Integrative Health Practitioner focused on mineral balancing after learning minerals are key to optimal health and deep healing. She has been a toxic-free advocate since 2010 after she was able to get off her antidepressants and anti-anxiety meds and sleeping pills. After adding mineral balancing into her life, she's had more energy than ever and a more positive outlook in life.Locations Fatima had her homebirths after cesarean:La Crescenta,  CAVancouver, WAMokelumne Hill, CAConnect with, Fatima ⤵️Instagram: @fatimapagtakhanWebsite: www.kindheartlifestyle.comEmail: kindheartlifestyle@gmail.comToxin-free recommendationshttps://www.kindheartlifestyle.com/safeswaps  12 Toxins Fatima Removed From her Life to End her Long Term Depression, Anxiety, and Insomniahttps://www.kindheartlifestyle.com/guideConnect with me, Petra ⤵️Instagram:@birthing_come_trueFacebook: Birthing Come TrueWebsite: Birthingcometrue.comEmail: Petra@birthingcometrue.comInternational Cesarean Awareness Network: https://www.ican-online.org/ ✨  Free Fearless VBAC Workbook- It's time to face your fears and grow through them!Don't forget to subscribe to The VBAC Junkie Podcast for more empowering conversations and insights on all things birth-related.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------       Let's Connect!✨ The VBAC Junkie Website: www.birthingcometrue.com/thevbacjunkiepodcast✨ Follow me on Instagram: @thevbacjunkiepodcast and @Birthing_Come_TrueResources:✨  Free VBAC Success RoadmapI'd so appreciate it if you'd rate and review this show wherever you're listening from. I'm grateful you've taken time out of your day to listen, thank you!

You are more than what happened during your birth! In this episode, I got to chat with Kayla Nettleton who is a licensed therapist who helps women overcome fear, anxiety, and their people-pleasing tendencies.This incredible woman is a wealth of knowledge and I can't wait for you to hear her wisdom and steal her practical tips for releasing your fears and anxieties!Connect with, Kayla ⤵️Instagram: @kaylanettleton_lcswFacebook: kaylanettletonLCSWWebsite: www.kaylanettleton.comEmail: kayla@kaylanettleton.comAchieve Your Goals Like a Pro Masterclass: https://kaylanettleton.myflodesk.com/z7irwx0839Connect with me, Petra ⤵️Instagram:@birthing_come_trueFacebook: Birthing Come TrueWebsite: Birthingcometrue.comEmail: Petra@birthingcometrue.comInternational Cesarean Awareness Network: https://www.ican-online.org/ ✨  Free Fearless VBAC Workbook- It's time to face your fears and grow through them!Don't forget to subscribe to The VBAC Junkie Podcast for more empowering conversations and insights on all things birth-related.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------       Let's Connect!✨ The VBAC Junkie Website: www.birthingcometrue.com/thevbacjunkiepodcast✨ Follow me on Instagram: @thevbacjunkiepodcast and @Birthing_Come_TrueResources:✨  Free VBAC Success RoadmapI'd so appreciate it if you'd rate and review this show wherever you're listening from. I'm grateful you've taken time out of your day to listen, thank you!

Depending on your life experiences, perception of birth, or family history you might have had this decided before you ever got pregnant.This is such a deeply personal choice and there is no right or wrong answer. Wherever you feel comfortable is key.

This episode was truly special, I had been admiring all the amazing work Kaitlin has been doing from afar and hesitated to reach out to her (hello imposter syndrome) because she was "too big" and wouldn't want to be on my podcast... Well, she actually reached out to me and boy am I glad she did!!

I had a great chat with Ashley Winning who believes that women are born with the strength, wisdom, and courage to birth and be the mothers they want to be.She works intimately with pregnant women who plan to have vaginal births after c-section/ homebirth by working through fear and mindset challenges, while providing emotional support so that they feel heard, seen & validated while taking the steps to birth their baby their way.Ashley is a VBAC Homebirth Mentor & Guide, Podcaster, and Speaker. Ashley birthed her third baby at home unassisted after two surgical births.Some Resources mentioned:What is radical responsibility and how to cultivate itDr. Sarah BuckleyFree VBAC training with AshleyInternational Cesarean Awareness Network: https://www.ican-online.org/Step-by-step roadmap to help you plan for your VBAC:  Free VBAC Success RoadmapConnect with Ashley ⤵️Instagram:@ashleylwinningWebsite: www.ashleywinning.comEmail: hello@ashleywinning.comConnect with me, Petra ⤵️Instagram:@birthing_come_trueFacebook: Birthing Come TrueWebsite: Birthingcometrue.comEmail: Petra@birthingcometrue.comDon't forget to subscribe to The VBAC Junkie Podcast for more empowering conversations and insights on all things birth-related.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------       Let's Connect!✨ The VBAC Junkie Website: www.birthingcometrue.com/thebirthjunkiepodcast✨ Follow me on Instagram: @thevbacjunkiepodcast and @Birthing_Come_TrueI'd so appreciate it if you'd rate and review this show wherever you're listening from. I'm grateful you've taken time out of your day to listen, thank you!

Stuart J. Fischbein MD is a community-based practicing obstetrician and an Associate of the American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology, published author of the book “Fearless Pregnancy, Wisdom & Reassurance from a Doctor, A Midwife and A Mom” and peer-reviewed papers Homebirth with an Obstetrician, A Series of 135 Out of Hospital Births and Breech birth at home: outcomes of 60 breech and 109 cephalic planned home and birth center births. After completing his residency at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, CA, Dr. Stu spent 24 years assisting women with hospital birthing and, for the last 13 years, has been a homebirth obstetrician who works directly with midwives. Dr. Stu travels around the world as a lecturer and advocates for reteaching breech & twin birth skills, respect for the normalcy of birth, and honoring informed consent.Follow him on Instagram @birthinginstincts and at The Birthing Instincts Podcast with midwife Blyss Young as he offers hope, reassurance, and safe, honest evidence-supported choices for those women who understand pregnancy is a normal bodily function not to be feared. His website is www.birthinginstincts.comSome Resources mentioned:Moth in the Iron LungCrooked: Man-Made Disease Explained:International Cesarean Awareness Network: https://www.ican-online.org/Step-by-step roadmap to help you plan for your VBAC:  Free VBAC Success RoadmapConnect with me, Petra ⤵️Instagram:@birthing_come_trueFacebook: Birthing Come TrueWebsite: Birthingcometrue.comEmail: Petra@birthingcometrue.comDon't forget to subscribe to The VBAC Junkie Podcast for more empowering conversations and insights on all things birth-related.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------       Let's Connect!✨ The VBAC Junkie Website: www.birthingcometrue.com/thebirthjunkiepodcast✨ Follow me on Instagram: @thevbacjunkiepodcast and @Birthing_Come_TrueI'd so appreciate it if you'd rate and review this show wherever you're listening from. I'm grateful you've taken time out of your day to listen, thank you!

In this episode, I reflect on my VBA3C journey. I got soooo much more emotional in this episode than I realized I would. I'm typically not that emotional so get ready for some happy tears

I had the pleasure of talking to Sarah about her VBA2C story which I was also so honored to be a part of. ❤️ Sarah is a mom of 3 plus 2 stepchildren. She is a placenta encapsulation specialist in Fresno, California with a passion for offering support to other moms on their postpartum journey.Even though Sarah didn't have her baby at home like she planned, she still felt supported and happy with her experience.✨ Download this  Free VBAC Success Roadmap NOW! ✨  Connect with Sarah ⤵️Instagram: @blissfulencapsulationWebsite: www.blissfulencapsulation.comConnect with me, Petra ⤵️Instagram:@birthing_come_trueFacebook: Birthing Come TrueWebsite: Birthingcometrue.comEmail: Petra@birthingcometrue.com Don't forget to subscribe to The VBAC Junkie Podcast for more empowering conversations and insights on all things birth-related.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------       Let's Connect!✨ The VBAC Junkie Website: www.birthingcometrue.com/vbacpodcast✨ Follow me on Instagram: @thevbacjunkiepodcast and @Birthing_Come_TrueI'd so appreciate it if you'd rate and review this show wherever you're listening from. I'm grateful you've taken time out of your day to listen, thank you!

In this episode, I dive into how you might choose to have a VBAC or a repeat cesarean.Things gone over in this episode:-Your why for wanting VBAC -Risks and benefits of VBAC and cesarean-Things that could help you prepare for a successful VBACCan't wait for you to dive into this episode!

In the first episode of The VBAC Junkie Podcast, I chatted with my good friend and fellow VBAC mom Hannah Gill who is a wife, mother of two, doula and birth educator, and owner of Ebb and Flow Birth Co. She has a passion for VBAC and helping families and doulas navigate VBAC with confidence. Hannah believes women deserve to be respected and supported in their pregnancy, birth, and parenting choicesDoula Tips for VBAC Support: www.ebbandflowbirthco.com/newdoulatipsWebinar: 3 steps to avoid as a Doula supporting a VBAC client Connect with Hannah ⤵️Instagram: @ebbandflowbirthcoWebsite: www.ebbandflowbirthco.comConnect with me, Petra ⤵️Instagram:@birthing_come_trueFacebook: Birthing Come TrueWebsite: Birthingcometrue.comEmail: Petra@birthingcometrue.comDon't forget to subscribe to The VBAC Junkie Podcast for more empowering conversations and insights on all things birth-related.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------       Let's Connect!✨ The VBAC Junkie Website: www.birthingcometrue.com/thebirthjunkiepodcast✨ Follow me on Instagram: @thevbacjunkiepodcast and @Birthing_Come_TrueResources:✨  Free VBAC Success RoadmapI'd so appreciate it if you'd rate and review this show wherever you're listening from. I'm grateful you've taken time out of your day to listen, thank you!

Lots of changes coming but I wanted to give you a teaser of what's to come starting January 10, 2024!If you follow me on Instagram you already knew this change was coming though

I had such a great conversation with Sarah, she shared her 2 very different birth stories and her extensive knowledge and recommendations on the pushing stage of labor.You won't want to miss this episode, it's jam packed with helpful tips for your pelvic floor health before and after you give birth! Dr. Sarah Tillay is a board certified physical therapist who is specialized in pelvic health. She is the founder of Floored Pelvic Health & Wellness, LLC. She is passionate about educating women as a way to empower them in making health decisions.  Connect with Sarah ⤵️Instagram: @flooredpelvichealthWebsite: www.flooredpelvichealth.comDon't forget to subscribe to the Birth Junkie Podcast for more empowering conversations and insights on all things birth-related.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------       Let's Connect!✨ The Birth Junkie Website: www.birthingcometrue.com/thebirthjunkiepodcast✨ Follow me on Instagram: @thebirthjunkiepodcast and @Birthing_Come_True✨  Free Discovery Call: Book Now!  ✨  Birth Education Course: The Sacred Birth AcademyResources:

Before you dive in, I want to let you know that you are NOT failing, you are doing incredible!!I had the honor to speak with Sarah L Smith, she is a mother of 2 girls (4 & 5.5yo) after suffering from PMAD (Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders) that started when she was pregnant with her second daughter, mental health became something very important to her.  In the middle of 2020 shortly after her, younger turned 2, she finally felt like she had climbed out from the shells of PMAD and is now a survivor!! Years of therapy helped but more than therapy her mom's community helped.  More than many of them she still knows today.  She also knows many moms either are not ready for therapy, don't have access to therapy, or just need another mom to support them.  After fighting within herself for almost a year she shifted gears in 2022 and launched a new program called Motherhood Imperfect.  At Motherhood Imperfect we are talking about all things motherhood-related and how to reclaim who you are outside of being a mom because motherhood is a verb. Outside of Sarah's mom community, learning to put herself first, journaling, affirmations, learning to forgive herself, routines, goal setting, and building her businesses were key to her being able to call herself a PMAD survivor and are all the things that are talked about inside Motherhood Imperfect.  Sarah wants you to remember that you don't have to be a perfect mom, but you are the perfect mom for your kids. Connect with Sarah ⤵️Instagram: @motherhood_imperfectPersonal Facebook: Sarah L SmithWebsite: www.Motherhoodimperfect.com Don't forget to subscribe to the Birth Junkie Podcast for more empowering conversations and insights on all things birth-related.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------       Let's Connect!✨ The Birth Junkie Website: www.birthingcometrue.com/thebirthjunkiepodcast✨ Follow me on Instagram: @thebirthjunkiepodcast and @Birthing_Come_True✨  Free Discovery Call: Book Now!  ✨  Birth Education Course: The Sacred Birth AcademyResources:

I had the pleasure of talking to Ashley Holmes, a holistic fertility coach.Overview of this episode:Ashley shares her own infertility and how she overcame that How you can approach infertility in a more holistic wayThe framework Ashley uses to help her own clients on their journey Connect with Ashley ⤵️Instagram: @ashley_holmes3202Personal Facebook: Ashley HolmesGroup Facebook: Holistic Fertility CoachWhat yoga Nidra isDon't forget to subscribe to the Birth Junkie Podcast for more empowering conversations and insights on all things birth-related.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------       Let's Connect!✨ The Birth Junkie Website: www.birthingcometrue.com/thebirthjunkiepodcast✨ Follow me on Instagram: @thebirthjunkiepodcast and @Birthing_Come_True✨  Free Discovery Call: Book Now!  ✨  Birth Education Course: The Sacred Birth AcademyResources:

This is the story you didn't realize you needed to hear!I chatted with Marlene who is a doula in Hanford, California. She shares her C-section stories and her awww inspiring VBA3C journey!Overview of this episode:How your birth outcome can be influenced on where you give birth and who's thereHow Marlene advocated for herself How Marlene will be serving the community of Hanford in a HUGE way Connect with Marlene ⤵️Instagram: @designed.to.birthWebsite:  https://designed-to-birth-cwugjv.mailerpage.io/ Email: gurulemarlene@yahoo.comDon't forget to subscribe to the Birth Junkie Podcast for more empowering conversations and insights on all things birth-related.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------       Let's Connect!✨ The Birth Junkie Website: www.birthingcometrue.com/thebirthjunkiepodcast✨ Follow me on Instagram: @thebirthjunkiepodcast and @Birthing_Come_True✨  Free Discovery Call: Book Now!  ✨  Birth Education Course: The Sacred Birth AcademyResources:

This is just a snippet into my teen pregnancy and postpartum journey, honestly 18 years ago feels like a lifetime ago and a lot of it is fuzzy or forgotten most likely due to me experiencing so many traumatic things during this time!  Here's an overview of this episode:Why it was so lonelyHow I felt like a disgraceThe way I felt so lost and confusedHow this journey has changed me