VBAC Babes

“I think your pelvis is too small. I could give you another hour, or we could just go do a c-section now” -Midwife to Hannah during her first birth After a C-section with her first, Hannah went on to have a successful VBAC, even though she faced a few challenges including getting COVID at 37 weeks pregnant, and being in the beginning stages of preeclampsia. Hannah shares her story with warmth and an incredible amount of encouragement for the woman on her VBAC journey! You don't want to miss this one! Covered in the show:  Medical anxiety Modified bed rest before C-section due to Hypertension Preeclampsia Testing positive for covid at 37 weeks pregnant Induced VBAC Managing an induction for a successful VBAC Connect with Hannah on Instagram here! Join the VBAC Babes newsletter here! Follow VBAC Babes on Instagram Grab your VBAC Mama shirt here!  

Today 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 fears in your VBAC journey VBAC rate in Australia vs USA Choose your golden birth team Birth plans Connect with Hazel on instagram here! Grab Hazel's book on Amazon here! Join the VBAC Babes newsletter here! Follow VBAC Babes on Instagram Grab your VBAC Mama shirt here!

On this week's episode, we have Raquel who had a FAST breech HBA3C, assisted by Dr. Stu of the Birthing Instincts podcast! Raquel was planning her fourth birth and knew she did not want another c-section. She found an OB who would support her, but he told her she would have to lie in order to birth at the hospital. FInally, she found a homebirth OB to attend her, and had an amazing, empowering HBA3C. Raquel shares her advice for other VBA3C mamas, and how her team addressed her fear of uterine rupture in the middle of labor. A must listen! This episode covers: Breech birth Heart shaped uterus Fear of rupture during labor How to address fear of rupture   What it was like working with Dr. Stu Advice for VBA3C mamas Connect with Raquel here!  Join the VBAC Babes newsletter here! Follow VBAC Babes on Instagram Grab your VBAC Mama shirt here!

THE PODCAST IS BAAACK!! On this episode, Bethany shares why she took a step away from the podcast, and what you can expect in the coming months! Bethany also shares an update on her fourth pregnancy, answers listener questions, and shares her hopes for her 3VBAC. My other birth stories:  Join the VBAC Babes newsletter here! Follow VBAC Babes on Instagram Grab your VBAC Mama shirt here!

After a less-than ideal first vaginal birth Alysa wanted a different experience for next time. But she was diagnosed with placenta previa and had a C-section with her second. For her third baby, Alysa finally got the unmedicated birth of her dreams! -Induced vaginal birth  -Normalizing struggling bonding with baby at first -History of placenta previa -Fetal ejection reflex -Intermittent futile monitoring   -unmedicated VBAC in a birth center “I have friends who say I could never do what you did. And I'm like: no that's not true. I'm not special or extra strong. I would never say I have a high pain tolerance or anything like that. It's deciding that you want that and doing things that help you prepare. I truly believe that pain fear cycle and so if you can get your head around that, it changes everything. That's not to say that everyone should want a birth like this. But if it's something that you do want? Then  go for it, and go for it all the way.“ -Alysa, PA and VBAC mom Connect with Alysa on instagram here! Join the VBAC Babes newsletter here! Follow VBAC Babes on Instagram Grab your VBAC Mama shirt here!

With Veronica's first two C-sections, she pushed for hours and ended up with C-sections. Then she had a repeat C-section with her third baby. When she got pregnant with baby number four she decided to go for a VBAC. She shares her faith journey, and how she prayed for clarity in deciding what to do. Even after she decided to VBAC, her provider scheduled her for a repeat C-section, which she found out about only days before. She got sick with COVID, and canceled her C-section. A few days later she went into spontaneous labor! The hospital wouldn't let her husband in to the hospital because she was positive for COVID. Listen to the show to hear the end of this exciting VBA3C story!   -Bladder injury after C-section  -Faith -Cancelling a scheduled C-section -Hearing about other vaginal births and feeling like it's “not fair” -Husband not allowed in hospital during labor because of COVID -Using punching the wall as a coping mechanism during labor  Veronica's mantra: “It's impossible said pride, it's risky said experience, it's pointless said reason, give it a try said the heart” Join the VBAC Babes newsletter here! Follow VBAC Babes on Instagram Grab your VBAC Mama shirt here!

Is it possible to have a VBAC 14 months after your C-section? YES! Is it possible to have a breech VBAC 14 months after your C-section? YES  YES! Today, Catie joins us on the show to tell us how she did it, and how you can too! Topics covered in this episode: Cascade of interventions 14 months between csection and vbac Growth scans Scar checks Breech birth  “The birth (her breech VBAC) was so smooth. The smoothest of all three of them. This is odd, but it was actually the least painful, and my quickest labor. I said after my last 2VBAC maybe I'll have the next one breech, because it hurt a little less.” -Catie   Connect with Catie here! Join the VBAC Babes newsletter here! Follow VBAC Babes on Instagram Grab your VBAC Mama shirt here!

Is it possible to have a VBA3C in the hospital?? YES! Nicholette is on the show today sharing her VBA3C hospital birth story as well as her 2VBA3C birth at home. This is a must listen! Topics covered in this show: Traumatic postpartum VBA3C in the hospital  Hospital VBAC vs HBAC NICU baby “I hope I can empower whoever wants to have a VBAC to do that, and take their birth into their own hands.” -Nicholette, VBA3C mama Connect with Nicholette here! Join the VBAC Babes newsletter here! Follow VBAC Babes on Instagram Grab your VBAC Mama shirt here!  

Crystalee, the creator of the Mama Ladder, is on the show today sharing her four birth stories! Crystalee said: “It took me four tries to get that natural, unmedicated birth I wanted from the start.” She compares epidural VBACs to med-free VBACs. She has a lot of insight! Topics covered in the show today: Frank breech C-section 18 Months between C-section and VBAC Third degree tear Doesn't feel contractions until in active labor Pregnancy during the pandemic What she learned from her C-section Links mentioned: Mama Natural Birth Course The Mama Ladder Connect with Crystalee on Instagram here! Join the VBAC Babes newsletter here! Follow VBAC Babes on Instagram Grab your VBAC Mama shirt here!

Wow, do I have a couple amazing stories for you! Nichole is on the show today sharing her three C-section stories, as well as her induced VBA2C, spontaneous VBA2C born accidentally at home, and then her VBA3C born in the hospital! Nichole believes if she can VBAC then any mama can, because she has a complicated medical history. A must listen! Topics Covered in this Episode: NICU baby Placenta Previa Induced VBA2C Spontaneous 2VBA2C born accidentally at home The VBAC King in Las Vegas S Protein Deficiency Preeclampsia Brewer diet Nuchal hand VBA3C in the hospital Connect with Nichole on Instagram here.  Join the VBAC Babes newsletter here! Follow VBAC Babes on Instagram Grab your VBAC Mama shirt here!

On the show today we have Brenda Stearns from the Instagram account @she_plusfive. I first discovered Brenda on Insta when a picture was circulating of her family with all her kiddos lined up in a row. She had put a caption above each kiddo based on how they were delivered. Her first was an emergency cesarean, second was a scheduled cesaerean and then she has gone on to have four vbacs. I've been dying to get her on the show to share her story with you, and today is the day! Topics covered in today's episode: Being told your baby is too big, or you are too small. Fast VBACs How to find a supportive provider High blood pressure/being induced Connect with Brenda on Instagram here.  Join the VBAC Babes newsletter here! Follow VBAC Babes on Instagram Grab your VBAC Mama shirt here!

Ashley Winning is on the show today sharing her intuitive, healing freebirth VBA2C. Topics covered in this show: What is a freebirth? Going through labor as a highly sensitive and intuitive woman What planning a VBAC is like in Australia Almost 10 lb baby with no tearing Plus size birth VBA2C with a special scar How COVID changed the birth world Mentioned on this show: Check out Ashley's podcast here! Connect with Ashley on Instagram. Join the VBAC Babes newsletter here! Follow VBAC Babes on Instagram Grab your VBAC Mama shirt here!

Lo, the RN and content creator behind the popular Instagram account, The Labor Mama, is on the show today answering all your VBAC questions! Questions answered in this episode: How to choose between a C-section and a VBAC What are the signs of a uterine rupture How to feel safe in a hospital setting How long you should wait until getting pregnant to have a VBAC. What you can do to avoid tearing How to prioritize your birth plan Research Lo mentioned in this episode: Intervals between pregnancies:  This study + this one.  Research about preventing tearing: Study 1, 2, and 3.  Connect with Lo on Instagram here or on her website here! Join the VBAC Babes newsletter here! Find the show notes on our website here! Follow VBAC Babes on Instagram Grab your VBAC Mama shirt here!

Kristy had a C-section due to placenta previa and breech positioning. It was a planned C-section, but she suddenly developed preeclampsia so it was at an unplanned time. She started prepping for her VBAC the moment they told her she needed a C-section. Her VBAC was incredibly redemptive and empowering despite a postpartum hemorrhage and a third degree tear. She did a ton of research, did a lot to prepare, and got almost everything she wanted on her birth plan. Kristy explores the topics of:  Where to find research about VBACs. What she did to try to avoid a breech baby the second time around. Her research about placenta previa. What it's like to navigate the healthcare system in Canada. Why you need a plan A, B, and C. Why she loved her doula Resources Kristy recommended: Three Sisters Balances (spinning babies) Evidenced Based Birth (a starting point for research) Ina May's Guide to Childbirth  (for building confidence in the physiological abilities of their bodies) If you love this podcast, please like, review and subscribe! Reach out to Kristy on Instagram here! Join the VBAC Babes newsletter here! Find the show notes on our website here! Follow VBAC Babes on Instagram Grab your VBAC Mama shirt here!

Actor Jennifer Blair-Bianco joins me on the show today to share her three birth stories: a homebirth to hospital transfer that resulted in a C-section in the Philipinnes, and then two HBACs in the Chicago area. Jennifer also extends a special invitation, specific to other pregnant mamas in her area! If you love this podcast, please like, review and subscribe! Reach out to Jen on Instagram here.  Join the VBAC Babes newsletter here! Find the show notes on our website here! Follow VBAC Babes on Instagram Grab your VBAC Mama shirt here!

In today's solo episode, I am sharing 17 postpartum essentials that you should have ready and waiting as soon as you have your baby. These items will make your life SO much easier in those early days. Take care of yourself, mama, you are worth it! Expecting and Empowered Haakah Nursing bra  Nursing Tank Tops Adult Diapers Water bottle with a straw Nursing cover rigid neckline Moby wrap Lillebaby carrier  Kindle Touch Lamp Bamboobies Nursing Pads Silverettes The Honey Pot Postpartum Pad Earth Mama's Perineal Spray Sign up for a Baby Registry on Amazon here! If you love this podcast, please like, review and subscribe! Join the VBAC Babes newsletter here! Find the show notes on our website here! Follow VBAC Babes on Instagram

Alondra is on the show today to share her HBAC story after her miscarriage. Alondra dives into her traumatic c-section story, her miscarriage, and her homebirth stories. She shares the things that surprised her the most about having a homebirth. You will hear a lot of baby noises on the audio today, because Alondra had her sweet six-week-old with her while she recorded.  If you love this podcast, please like, review and subscribe! Join the VBAC Babes newsletter here! Find the show notes on our website here! Connect with Alondra on Instagram here.  Follow VBAC Babes on Instagram

This is one of the craziest birth stories I've ever heard! Jonelle dropped her OBGYN mid-pregnancy, switched to a homebirth midwife, and then had a breech twin VBA3C at home. And--this is amazing--her twins have two different birthdays, because after she birthed her first twin, the second one took 21 hours to arrive.  Join the VBAC Babes newsletter here! Find the show notes on our website here! Connect with Jonelle on Instagram here.  Follow VBAC Babes on Instagram

Midwife, speaker, app creator, doula and birth enthusiast Tracy Donegan joins us on the show today to share her research about neuroscience during pregnancy, and how it led her to create an app just for pregnant mamas. This episode is PACKED with info on preparing your mind for labor, and how to avoid another traumatic birth through meditation. This is a must listen! You've GOT to try this app for your pregnancy, and birth! Join the VBAC Babes newsletter here! Listen to my first two birth stories in this episode. Connect with Tracy on Instagram here. Check out the Gentle Birth blog here. Try the Gentle Birth App here. Find the show notes on our website here! Follow VBAC Babes on Instagram

Today, I am sharing my 2VBAC birth story! Six months ago, I had my third baby, and the birth was not quite what I expected. I share all of the details as I relaunch the podcast today. Tune in every Monday to hear new episodes! Join the VBAC Babes newsletter here! Listen to my first two birth stories in this episode. Find the show notes on our website here! Follow VBAC Babes on Instagram

What do you wish you knew as a first time mom? Bethany and her mom, Amy, share the things that shocked them about becoming a mom for the first time, and what they wish they would have known before having their first child. MEET AMY HERE: on her blog, on Instagram, or Facebook. MEET BETHANY HERE: on her blog, on Instagram or Facebook. LISTEN TO THE SWEET AS LOVE PODCAST HERE Find the VBAC Babes show notes on our website here! Follow VBAC Babes on Instagram  

In today's episode, Emily Geller is on the show telling her birth story that took place in a moving car! Emily's story has gone viral, and has been featured on many major news outlets in the past year. In this episode, she reveals several pieces of the story that she hasn't shared anywhere else. This is a must listen! Find the show notes on our website here! Connect with Emily on Instagram here. Follow VBAC Babes on Instagram  

In today's episode, Krystle Howald (the co-owner of Expecting and Empowered) is on the show sharing her tips for healing from a C-section, preparing your body for a VBAC, and her best advice for VBAC mamas.  Find the show notes on our website here! Connect with Krystle on Instagram here. Follow VBAC Babes on Instagram  

Teara is on the show today sharing her VBAC birth story! In this episode, Teara shares her experience fighting for, and getting, her VBAC, and explores the topics of uterine fibroids, race, and BMI in pregnancy. Find Teara on Instagram here! Follow VBAC Babes on Instagram or join our private Facebook group! Edited and produced by Bethany Lotulelei

Today I am going to share with you my favorite and least favorite books to read to prepare for your VBAC! The Healthy Pregnancy Book The Mama Natural Week-by-Week Guide to Pregnancy and Childbirth Birth Without Fear: The Judgment-Free Guide to Taking Charge of Your Pregnancy, Birth, and Postpartum Ina May's Guide to Childbirth Birthing from Within: An Extra-Ordinary Guide to Childbirth Preparation Follow VBAC Babes on Instagram or join our private Facebook group! Edited and produced by Bethany Lotulelei  

Hey VBAC Babes, exciting news: I'm pregnant! In this episode, I share what I am planning to do the same, and what I'm planning on doing differently for this second VBAC journey. I am also sharing my hopes and dreams for how this second VBAC will go as well as my prediction for whether this baby is a boy or a girl.  Listen to my first VBAC story here! Follow VBAC Babes on Instagram or join our private Facebook group! Edited and produced by Bethany Lotulelei

Today we have Daphne Couri on the show, sharing her home birth VBAC from Brazil! Daphne had a C-section with her first, and that spurred her on to become a doula. After becoming a doula, she still longed to experience a natural birth. With her second baby, she was able to do just that, and enjoy the benefits of birthing at home. Listen in as Daphne explains how home birth is viewed in Brazil, the specific team that helped her succeed, and the advice she has for other VBAC mamas. Connect with Daphne on Instagram. Follow VBAC Babes on Instagram or join our private Facebook group! Edited and produced by Bethany Lotulelei

After her C-section, Anna was told by her doctor that she had an android pelvis, and it would be impossible for her to ever have a vaginal delivery. This didn't sit right with Anna, and led her to research and interview several midwives. About halfway through her second pregnancy, she left her OB, and transferred her care to a midwife. Listen in on her victorious VBAC birth story! Brave Beautiful Birth: Trusting God Through VBAC by Jamie Schrock GentleBirth App Three Sisters Spinning Babies Technique Connect with Anna on Instagram Follow VBAC Babes on Instagram or join our private Facebook group! Edited and produced by Bethany Lotulelei

Adrianne Thompson is on the show today telling her two VBAC birth stories. Adrianne, also, shares what it was like being pregnant during the pandemic, and about her postpartum journey. Connect with Adrianne on her page, Excruciatingly Beautiful on Facebook or Instagram.  Follow VBAC Babes on Instagram or join our private Facebook group! Edited and produced by Bethany Lotulelei

Leslie Froelich is on the show today to share her story of being on bedrest for months leading up to her twin C-section, losing her daughter, her struggle with postpartum depression, and her VBAC birth story. She also shares how women can identify that they, too, are struggling with postpartum depression or anxiety, and where they can find help and support. POEM-Mental Health for Moms Find your local ICAN chapter here. The C-section Strong blog Follow VBAC Babes on Instagram or join our private Facebook group! Edited and produced by Bethany Lotulelei

In this episode, Brittany shares her four birth stories including her twin breech C-section, her 60 hour epidural VBAC, her 11 hour natural VBAC, and then her elective C-section after a stalled labor.  Brittany also shares her advice for other VBAC mamas, and why she thinks doulas are so incredibly important! Find Brittany on Facebook, or on her blog! Follow VBAC Babes on Instagram or join our private Facebook group!

After having two C-sections, Kara was determined to have a VBA2C with her third baby. But there wasn't a doctor in the Des Moines area who would to support her. She ended up having to drive four hours, round trip, for her prenatal appointments and birth. But in the end, she got her victorious VBA2C! Connect with Kara on Instagram or on her website. Follow VBAC Babes on Instagram or join our private Facebook group!

Today I am sharing my successful VBAC induction birth story! In this episode, you'll learn why I had to have a c-section with my first baby, why I was so desperate to have a VBAC, and what I did to prepare for a successful VBAC. Follow the VBAC Babes Instagram account for daily encouragement. Join our private Facebook group! Join the VBAC Babes Community here to meet other VBAC mamas!

Was your first birth traumatic, and overwhelming. Do you sometimes wonder if you have what it takes to have a VBAC? This podcast was created to provide a community to cheer you on in your journey from VBAC hopeful to VBAC success.  We are going to debunk the myths, quiet the naysayers, and equip you with everything you need for a healing, empowering birth. In this episode, I share why I am starting this podcast, what types of episodes to expect in the future, and invite you to join our private VBAC Babes community. Follow the VBAC Babes Instagram account for daily encouragement. Join the VBAC Babes Community here to meet other VBAC mamas!