Podcasts about vbac

For the first time EVER, all four of The VBAC Link hosts are together in one episode! Founders and original pod hosts Julie Francom and Meagan Heaton join current hosts Lily Wyn and Paige Lloyd to answer your live VBAC questions. With more than 15 years of combined doula experience and hundreds of births attended, this episode is full of wisdom, evidence-based tips, and so much love for our listeners who have been with us all of these years.  Topics include:How to decide between a VBAC and repeat cesareanPreventing PROM and chorioamnionitis 39-week induction recommendation early in pregnancyEngaging baby's head before laborHow to trust your intuition Coping with fearTips on practical birth prepMeagan's Website: Tiny Blessings Doula ServicesJulie Francom Birth StoriesLove Wyns Doula Services The Birth Narrative Doula ServicesThe Ultimate VBAC Prep Course for ParentsOnline VBAC Doula TrainingAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Today I'm talking to the amazing Alexis White from Canterbury, New Zealand, about feeding her son Flynn. Her older daughter, Norah's birth did not go to plan, but breastfeeding did, and Norah was breastfed until she weaned herself when Alexis was pregnant again. After a victorious home VBAC birth, early breastfeeding seemed normal, but by day six Flynn had lost 11.5% of his birth weight and then failed to gain despite frequent feeds. Alexis began pumping and syringe top-ups, and at three weeks a lactation consultant identified a hard-to-spot cleft palate. Flynn was later also diagnosed with craniosynostosis. The cleft team told Alexis nutritive breastfeeding wasn't possible, so she moved to a special cleft bottle while exclusively pumping for about a year, supported by a loaned pump, weigh-ins, and speech and hearing input, including grommets. After surgeries (craniosynostosis first, then cleft repair), Alexis slowly re-taught Flynn to breastfeed using babywearing, a nipple shield, and syringe/tube support. At 14 months he is fully breastfeeding, with ongoing monitoring of hearing and speech.My picture book on how breastfeeding journeys end, The Story of Jessie's Milkies, is available from Amazon here -  The Story of Jessie's Milkies. In the UK, you can also buy it from The Children's Bookshop in Muswell Hill, London. Other book shops and libraries can source a copy from Ingram Spark publishing.You can also get 10% off my books on supporting breastfeeding beyond six months and supporting the transition from breastfeeding at the Jessica Kingsley press website, by going to https://bit.ly/JKPbooks and using the code MMPE10 at checkout.Follow me on Instagram  @emmapickettibclc or find out more on my website www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.com Resources mentioned - UK Cleft Lip and Palate Breastfeeding Support Group on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CbAoTyibU/?mibextid=wwXIfr Cleft Lip and Palate Action (CLAPA) - For the UK cleft community https://clapa.com/ CleftNZ https://www.cleft.org.nz/ This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media.

Jen Kamel is the founder of VBAC facts, an organisation providing accurate information about vaginal birth after cesarean since 2007. In this episode, Jen shares the stories of her own birth, the births of her two children and what led her to become an advocate for all things VBAC. She shares tips on how to bring about political and legal change and what expecting parents can do to advocate for their right to VBAC. ***

Today we sit down with Alex, a nurse practitioner and mama of two, who shares her journey from a scheduled breech cesarean to a fast, spontaneous VBAC at a birth center. After two unsuccessful ECV attempts, Alex planned for a cesarean with her first baby. Along the way, she also experienced the heartbreak of miscarriage before welcoming her daughter. Alex opens up about navigating conflicting medical opinions (including being told by an MFM that her baby would die– not okay!!) and how her and her medical doctor husband's views on out-of-hospital birth evolved over time. Alex also shares why practicing for labor could only take her so far before surrender became the greatest lesson, the importance of surrounding yourself with more than just a supportive provider, and how having an encouraging birth team made all the difference. Alex especially talks about how her VBAC-certified doula was an invaluable part of that team. We also discuss some of the evidence behind using ultrasounds to measure scar thickness as a predictor of a VBAC outcome or uterine rupture, and why ACOG does NOT recommend it. The Ultimate VBAC Prep Course for ParentsOnline VBAC Doula TrainingAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

It's a solo one today!! Allison is 12 weeks postpartum and finally ready to tell her birth story from the top. This is part 1 of 2, covering the lead-up: prepping for a VBAC after her first C-section, membrane sweeps, prodromal labor scares, her water breaking, and getting checked into the hospital. Full TMI warning - nothing is off limits.Sponsors:Plan B: Find Plan B at a retailer near you or order online or through your delivery app today. Visit PlanBOneStep.com for more. Mabel's Labels: Visit mabelslabels.com and use code SUNDAY at checkout for 20% offSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  Links: The Birth Hour: Real Birth Stories to Inform, Inspire, and Empower (book available for preorder now!) Get your breast pump, lactation support, and maternity compression garments for free at aeroflowbreastpumps.com/birthhour and use promo code BIRTHHOUR15 at for 15% off supplies and accessories. Know Your Options Online Childbirth Course - use code 100OFF for $100 off Beyond the First Latch Course (comes free with KYO course) Support The Birth Hour via Patreon! 

Today's episode is a deep dive with just Paige and Lily all about LONG pregnancies and LONG labors. Are due dates expiration dates? Is it okay to go past 41 weeks with VBAC? How do you stay sane and steady when you are more than readyyyy for labor to start? And when it does and things take much, much longer than you hoped, (you're in good company because Lily knows all about this with her 66-hour VBAC) we've got you. How do you overcome a labor stall? How to reset on the morning of another full day of labor? When is it time to reassess? Lily and Paige share a peek into their doula brains with lots of tips, research, and stories as two gals who love birth and want you to know that you are stronger than you ever thought.

"Once a cesarean, always a cesarean." "Oh, you should just try naturally this time." If you've had a C-section and you're pregnant again, you've probably heard both — and this episode is about everything those slogans leave out. MamaDoc goes solo to walk you through VBAC — vaginal birth after cesarean — the way she would across the desk from one nervous patient. No fear-mongering, no cheerleading, just the real conversation. She breaks it into the three questions that actually matter: Can you try? (It comes down to the scar on your uterus — not the one on your skin.) Should you? (Because a repeat cesarean isn't "no risk" either — it's a trade-off between two paths.) And the one almost nobody talks about: Who actually decides? That last question is where MamaDoc pulls back the curtain on something rarely said out loud — how your options can be shaped less by your body than by your zip code, and what that means for women giving birth far from a big hospital. Along the way she takes on uterine rupture and the real numbers behind the fear, why you need to get your operative records, what raises your odds of success, and the myths worth spotting in the wild. Whether you're weighing your own next birth or you just want to understand the decision better, this one will leave you with the questions to ask — and the confidence to ask them early. Because you deserve real numbers, your actual records, and an honest conversation. Not a slogan.   

Signing the general consent form when you walk into the hospital does not mean you have agreed to everything that follows. Not the Pitocin. Not the vaginal exam. Not the electronic fetal monitor. Not the cesarean. Not the hospital policy. Every single one of those still requires your informed consent.I had the privlege of sitting down with Hermine Hayes-Klein, an attorney who has spent 25 years specializing in women's rights in pregnancy and childbirth. She moved to the Netherlands while pregnant with her first baby, watched a completely different birth system up close for five years, came home, and became a lawyer who takes the birth cases nobody else will touch. The ones where the baby is okay but the mama is not. She represents the women nobody is fighting for. And she wins.What Hermine shares about your actual rights in the birth room is the kind of information that changes how you walk into every single prenatal appointment and ultimately into your birth.  Here are some highlights from the episode:What informed consent actually means — and why signing a general consent when you walk into the hospital does not cover everything that followsThe real cases behind Hermine's work — and why she started taking them when nobody else wouldWhat hospital policies can and cannot do — and why they do not get to override your legal and constitutional rightsThe specific ACOG documents Hermine recommends having printed and highlighted in your hospital bag before labor startsThe five sets of risks every pregnant mama deserves to weigh when making birth decisions — and why providers are only ever talking about one of themInduction, breech birth, electronic fetal monitoring, AMA — what you actually need to know about each of theseThe exact language you can use to hold your ground in the birth room without being rudeConnect with Hermine:

Casey is a L&D nurse who had both of her babies at the same hospital where she works. Her first birth was an unexpected C-section, but thankfully not traumatic.. Casey brings up how working as a nurse can sometimes make birth harder from seeing the tough stuff, but how that can also actually be really helpful when things don't go to plan too. Casey knew she wanted a VBAC, but she didn't expect anger to show up the way it did during her pregnancy. She fielded a lot of insensitive comments at work but was able to tune out the noise and tune in to her spirituality and faith to keep her grounded. She was supposed to work L&D the night her baby was born! But instead of helping other moms welcome their babies, her nurse friends were there cheering for her. Casey's surprise gender VBAC was sweet, sacred, and empowering! We know you'll love Casey's beautiful personality as much as we do. Needed Website: Code TVL for 20% OffThe Ultimate VBAC Prep Course for ParentsOnline VBAC Doula TrainingAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

I'm back, and this is my first episode recording since going on maternity leave and welcoming my second daughter into the world. So many of you in The MSing Link and on social media have been asking about my birth story, and I wanted to share part of it with you. But this episode is about so much more than childbirth. It's about realizing how strong you already are… even if you've forgotten it. Especially if you don't feel it. In this episode, I share: → The arrival of Scarlett Townsend, and the special meaning behind her name (her middle name honors my husband's mom, who we lost this past November) → The decision that weighed on me my entire pregnancy: C-section or VBAC? And why I felt so much shame around the choice I ultimately made → Why staying local turned out to be exactly the right call, especially when my heart rate dropped into the 40s for nearly 24 hours after delivery → The chaos of those first weeks home: cluster feeding, two-kids-at-once mornings, a new puppy (ask me why… I honestly don't know), and my old friend, noise sensitivity → The ordinary moment on my couch (feeding Scarlett, singing "The Wheels on the Bus" into a toy microphone, and shooing the puppy away with one foot) when it hit me: Wait, I'm doing it. Look at me go. I want to be clear: I'm not comparing my experience to living with MS. But I think this is something universal. We don't always find out what we're capable of until something asks us to rise. Strength doesn't always look the way we imagine. Sometimes it looks like asking for help. Sometimes it looks like accepting the C-section instead of carrying shame about it. And sometimes it looks like getting out of bed, getting dressed, and walking around your home, all of which take real emotional and physical strength. So this is your reminder: you are so much stronger than you think. And so much stronger than you feel. More likely than not, you did something hard today and didn't even stop to notice. Your movement still counts. You've got this.

Send us Fan MailUnder the global model, labor management was absorbed into the delivery code. Two hours or twenty-two, same payment. Starting January 1, 2027, the AMA introduces 59080 through 59083, the first dedicated labor management codes in CPT history. The work was always there. Now it gets paid. Dr. Heather Signorelli and Amy Hicks, CPC, COBGC, our AVP of Operations, walk through the codes, the documentation, the corrected delivery code framing, the midnight-spanning labor rule, the multi-provider attribution problem, and the three actions every OB practice should take this quarter. Why labor management was invisible: Under the global model, the cognitive work of managing labor was absorbed into the delivery code. Practices managing complicated labors (preeclampsia, GDM, category two tracings) have been subsidizing simple deliveries for decades. The four new labor management codes: 59080 (initial day, straightforward) · 59081 (initial day, complex) · 59082 (subsequent day, straightforward) · 59083 (subsequent day, complex). Codes bill per calendar date. One code per date per patient. Straightforward vs complex: the six-criteria test: All six straightforward criteria must be met: singleton vertex, routine monitoring, no FHR intervention required on that date, normal progression or routine induction without complication, stable medical conditions, no prior cesarean. Any one criterion not met means the labor is complex. Duration of labor alone is NOT complexity unless prolonged labor is formally diagnosed. What the complex note has to say: Explicitly name the complicating condition. Not just “patient has GDM,” but what about the GDM you managed today. Document MDM across multiple data sources, labs reviewed, monitoring strip interpreted, imaging assessed. Document additional monitoring or intervention beyond standard, what you did and why. Document multi-provider coordination if applicable that date. For 59083 (subsequent day complex), complexity must be re-established for EACH subsequent day. A single admission note does not carry forward. Delivery codes (corrected framing): The 2027 delivery codes separate vaginal from cesarean, not vaginal from operative. 59431 (vaginal, no prior cesarean) · 59432 (VBAC vaginal) · 59502 (primary cesarean) · 59503 (repeat cesarean). Vacuum and forceps are separately billable add-on procedures. Included in the delivery code: placenta, first and second degree laceration repair, same-day postpartum care. Separately billable add-ons: 59433 (third degree lac), 59434 (fourth degree lac), 59623 (uterine tamponade, new 2027 code), 59504 (hysterectomy with cesarean). Midnight-spanning labor (correcting the record): A continuous labor encounter spanning midnight is reported as ONE labor management service on ONE of the two calendar dates. The practice decides which date. Inpatient E/M codes (99221 through 99236) do NOT stack with labor management codes. They replace each other. Inpatient E/M applies before labor begins. Once active labor management starts, switch to 59080 through 59083. Multi-provider attribution: Each provider bills the service they personally performed. The labor management code goes to the provider who managed labor on that calendar date. The delivery code goes to the provider who delivered. If the delivering provider also managed labor on the delivery date, they can bill both. Two failure modes: the miss (no one drops the charge), and the double-bill (both providers drop the same charge). The solution is a daily reconciliation, not monthly. Three actions this quarter: Map your call and cross-coverage. Find where charges go unbilled today and where two providers could overlap. Build a daily L and D reconciliation process. Assign ownership. Reconcile before shift end, not at month end. Update EHR labor management templates to prompt for the six criteria, complicating conditions, MDM elements, and same-day decisions.  RESOURCES BLOCK Save your seat: Live OB/GYN Global Codes Update Webinar (July 7, 2026, 4:00 PM ET) · eligibility.natrevmd.com/obgyn-global-updates-webinar Book a 1:1 with Dr. Signorelli · calendly.com/heather-natrevmd/ Practice Revenue Leak Scorecard · eligibility.natrevmd.com/nrm-revenue-scorecard-v3 Payment Posting Audit Checklist · eligibility.natrevmd.com/payment-posting-checklist RECOVER Diagnostic Quiz · natrevmd.com/quiz Series Part 2 (EP190): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/190-every-prenatal-visit-is-now-a-billable-event/id1624182351?i=1000774328121                                             

In today's episode we reference the following resources:Should I be induced? Evidence on the ARRIVE TrialPlanning Your Successful VBAC**********Welcome to the June Q&A! In today's episode, we begin with a listener who has some things to say about the term VBAC. Our questions begin with one from a new mother whose enthusiastic in-laws are eager to babysit her exclusively breastfed baby. The conversation is less about breastfeeding and more about expectations, trust and boundaries.Next, we answer one we've never been asked: "What do contractions actually feel like?" How's it possible this hasn't come up before?!Then, we discuss a common late-pregnancy scenario: a routine ultrasound that leads to concerns about a "big baby." When a healthy 38-week pregnant woman is told her baby's abdomen is measuring large, how much weight should she give to that information? As always, we finish with Quickies, covering cervical lips, high-lipase milk, pacifiers, coffee during pregnancy, milk blebs, antidepressants, swaddling, wake windows, dates, sex, retained placenta, induction, creatine, and a few personal questions about coffee preferences and family size.Have a question for a future Q&A? We'd love to hear from you. Leave us a voicemail and join the conversation! Call us 24/7 at 802-GET-DOWN! That's 802-438-3696.**********Choosing Induction: When it Might be NeededSend us Fan Mail Access our workshops: Have a Physiologic Birth in the Hospital and Ultrasound: The Research vs RhetoricNeeded

Willa joins the pod from San Francisco, CA to share her journey from a 41+5 spontaneous 30-hour labor with OP positioning and a cesarean with her 9lb, 6oz first baby to a VBAC with her 10lb, 3oz second baby. She talks about switching providers, using Dilapan rods for cervical ripening, being induced at 41 weeks, and navigating another OP baby. Willa shares the lessons she learned about preparing emotionally for birth, the nuances of birth language, trusting that each birth can be different, and surrounding yourself with people who will be your biggest VBAC champions. And stay until the end to hear the most beautiful poem about her VBAC journey! How Dilapan-S Rods WorkEBB Birth: Pros and Cons of Foley and Dilapan-S® for InductionThe Ultimate VBAC Prep Course for ParentsOnline VBAC Doula TrainingAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Links: The Birth Hour: Real Birth Stories to Inform, Inspire, and Empower (book available for preorder now!) Get your breast pump, lactation support, and maternity compression garments for free at aeroflowbreastpumps.com/birthhour and use promo code BIRTHHOUR15 at for 15% off supplies and accessories. Know Your Options Online Childbirth Course - use code 100OFF for $100 off Beyond the First Latch Course (comes free with KYO course) Support The Birth Hour via Patreon! 

Send us Fan MailShow notes On January 1, 2027, every global OB code your practice has billed for the last thirty years is being deleted. Seventeen CPT codes. Gone. Replaced with a completely new structure for how every dollar of maternity revenue is earned, attributed, and collected. And the real deadline for your practice is not January 1, 2027. The real deadline is right now. What is actually going away For over thirty years, OB practices have lived in a bundled global world: one patient, one pregnancy, one code. Effective January 1, 2027, 17 global obstetric CPT codes (including 59400 for a global vaginal delivery and 59510 for a global C-section) are being deleted entirely. The AMA and ACOG determined the global model no longer reflects modern OB standard of care, and so the structure is being fully replaced, not patched. The four new phases of maternity billing Phase 1, Antepartum care. All bundled antepartum codes deleted. Every prenatal visit billed as individual E/M with TH modifier (99202 through 99215). Phase 2, Labor management. New dedicated code category for the first time in CPT history. Reported per calendar day, with straightforward vs complex management distinction. Phase 3, Delivery. Vaginal vs cesarean restructured. VBAC coded differently than first-time vaginal. Add-on procedures (3rd/4th degree laceration repair, uterine tamponade) now separately billable. Phase 4, Postpartum care. All existing postpartum codes deleted. Hospital care codes for inpatient day-after-delivery. Office E/M for outpatient follow-up. Same-date postpartum bundled into delivery. Why the real deadline is Q3 and Q4 2026 Cash flow in January 2027 will be decided this Q3 and Q4. Payer contracts reference CPT codes by number, so contracts that reference deleted codes need renegotiation now. Documentation habits have to change before the new codes go live, because every prenatal visit now needs to support E/M level selection. A 200-patient OB practice undercoding prenatal visits by even $40 each is leaving close to $100,000 a year on the table from day one. The multi-provider attribution problem Under the global model, attribution was easy: one practice, one fee, regardless of which provider saw which visit. Under the new model, every encounter is attributed to the individual provider who performed it. Practices with midlevels, hospitalists, or shared call need a clear protocol for labor management billing, on-call coverage, and cross-coverage now, or they will either double-bill (compliance risk) or miss charges (phantom revenue) from day one. Three actions this week Pull a payer contract audit. List every commercial contract referencing global OB codes that needs renegotiation before January 1. Run a prenatal documentation review. Pull 10 recent prenatal charts per provider and assess them against current 99213 and 99214 E/M standards. The gap is your single biggest revenue risk. Map your provider attribution workflow. Write out exactly how labor management, on-call coverage, cross-coverage, and same-day postpartum care will be tracked when every encounter is attributed individually. Episode breakdown 1. The 17 deleted codes 2. The four new phases of maternity billing 3. Why Q3 and Q4 of this year is your real deadline 4. The multi-provider attribution gap 5. What patients will see on their EOBs 6. Your 90-day action plan 7. What is ahead in the rest of the OB Global Coding Series Resources → Live OB Global Updates Webinar (PRIMARY): eligibility.natrevmd.com/obgyn-global-updates-webinar → Book a call with Heather: calendly.com/heather-natrevmd → Payment Posting Audit Checklist: eligibility.natrevmd.com/payment-posting-checklist → Practice Revenue Leak Scorecard: eligibility.natrevmd.com/nrm-revenue-scorecard-v3 → Coming next in the series: EP189 — How to Bill Antepartum Care Under the New E/M Model 

Heute gibt es einen Replay von Folge 2, in der Anne Schmuck von den Geburten ihrer zwei Kinder erzählt. Ihre Tochter kam aufgrund von einem hohen Gradstand per sekundärer Sectio zur Welt, ihr Sohn, wie gewünscht per VBAC, dafür aber ein paar Wochen zu früh. Mehr zu Annes Arbeit findet du hier. Der nächste in Person Mama-Baby-Yogakurs findet ab dem 24.6.26 in 1080 Wien statt. Und am 17.7. findet der erste Embodied Cycles Cirlce in 1180 Wien statt. Mehr Infos und Anmeldung hier. Folge direkt herunterladen Den kostenlosen Guide zur nicht-medikamentösen Schmerzlinderung kannst du dir hier runterladen. Melde dich hier zum Geburtsgeschichten Newsletter an. Zur Schwangerschaftsyoga Online Videothek geht es hier entlang. Das Webinar zum Thema Kaiserschnittnarben & Narbengewebe gibt es hier. Hier kannst du eine Google Review für den Podcast schreiben und damit dazu beitragen, dass mehr Frauen authentische Geburtsgeschichten hören können. Zum MutterKultur Substack geht es hier entlang. Den Geburtsgeschichten Instagram Kanal findest du hier.

 Fertility Docs Uncensored Today's episode of Fertility Docs Uncensored is hosted by Dr. Carrie Bedient from the Fertility Center of Las Vegas, Dr. Susan Hudson from Texas Fertility Center, and Dr. Abby Eblen from Nashville Fertility Center. In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Amy Harris, reproductive endocrinologist at Shady Grove Fertility in Colorado Springs, for a listener-question episode focused on the uterus and endometrium. In this episode, we tackle some of the most common and challenging questions surrounding the uterine lining and embryo transfer. Dr. Amy Harris joins us to discuss what she would do for a patient with fluid in the endometrial cavity, including possible causes, recommended evaluation, and treatment options. We review why fluid often resolves after progesterone exposure, when aspiration before embryo transfer may be considered, and how different stimulation protocols can impact outcomes. We discuss recurrent implantation failure after the transfer of multiple euploid embryos in the setting of a thin endometrium. We discuss potential causes of a thinning uterine lining, including hormonal abnormalities, hypothalamic amenorrhea, and Asherman syndrome. Strategies such as changing endometrial preparation protocols, reassessing thyroid and prolactin levels, and allowing the uterus time to recover without medication exposure. We review treatment options for uterine scar tissue and discuss whether programmed or modified natural frozen embryo transfer cycles may offer advantages in specific situations. Finally, we address the question of transferring two embryos at once after a prior cesarean delivery. We discuss the risks of twins and higher-order multiple pregnancies, including prematurity, neonatal intensive care admissions, pregnancy complications, and the emotional and financial impact on families. We also explore whether vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) may be an option for some patients planning future pregnancies. Can fluid in the uterus prevent embryo implantation? What causes a thin endometrial lining? How is Asherman syndrome treated? Should patients choose a programmed or modified natural transfer cycle? Is transferring two embryos ever worth the risk? Join us as we answer these important listener questions. This podcast was sponsored by US Fertility. 

In this "Mailbag" edition of the Healthful Woman podcast, Dr. Nathan Fox answers listener questions covering a range of women's health and obstetric topics. He addresses questions about chorioamnionitis found on placental pathology, returning to fertility after long-term Mirena IUD use, the history and current practice of episiotomies, and NICU level considerations for a planned VBAC delivery. The episode wraps up with a thorough discussion of Asherman's syndrome, including its causes, diagnosis, treatment via hysteroscopy, and implications for future fertility.

Geburtscoach Dr. Lütje klärt in diesem Video über die Möglichkeiten und Risiken der vaginalen Geburt im Zustand nach Kaiserschnitt (vaginal birth after cesarean) anhand neuester Studien auf.

This episode is sponsored by Hiya Health, Factor Meals, Ladder, & ASPCA Pet Insurance. Hiya Health: Get 50% off your first order of Hiya's clean kids vitamins and new Kids Daily Growth + Protein at https://hiyahealth.com/UNPLANNED—this deal is not available on their regular website. Factor Meals: Head to https://factormeals.com/unplanned50off and use code UNPLANNED50OFF to get 50% off and free daily greens per box with new subscription only, while supplies last until 09/27/2026. Ladder: If you have an iPhone, go to https://ladder.fit/UNPLANNED to take a quick quiz and get a free 7-day trial with no credit card required, plus $10 off your first month if you join. ASPCA Pet Insurance: To explore coverage, visit https://www.aspcapetinsurance.com/UNPLANNED Today on Unplanned, we're sharing a huge update on our birth plan. Abby opens up about becoming a VBAC candidate, navigating the risks and emotions that come with it, and why reaching the third trimester feels especially meaningful after our loss. We also talk pregnancy hormones, strange sympathy symptoms, birth prep, AI robots (for some reason), and why we're trading a babymoon for a “nesting moon.” Plus, Matt and Abby take an ultimate pregnancy quiz. Follow The Unplanned Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/unplanned__podcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@unplanned_podcast Listen to the pod on Spotify/ Apple Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/1ToDA4ufQuWuEgMq07zN6t https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-unplanned-podcast/id1669604504 Follow Matt & Abby: Abby's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/abbyelizabethoward/ Matt's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/_matt_howard_/ TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@matt_and_abby Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/mattandabb YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@MattandAbby Chapters: 01:35 - Travel Diaries 10:33 - 3rd Trimester Struggles 22:28 - Nesting 25:59 - Ultimate Pregnancy Quiz 46:13 - Change in birth plan 01:00:54 - Hypno Birthing 01:04:32 - Pregnancy symptoms 01:08:26 - Sympathy Symptoms Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexis is a Type 1 diabetic mom of three boys from Nevada. Her first birth was a 37-week induction due to her diabetes that ended in a vaginal delivery. For her second birth, Alexis was told she needed a cesarean because her baby was expected to be "massive," but after birth, he was perfectly average-sized. In the OR, her providers admitted their prediction was wrong, and Alexis was devastated. Alexis was determined more than ever to educate herself and advocate hard for her next birth.During her third pregnancy, Alexis navigated polyhydramnios, multiple provider changes, and concerns about possible fetal heart abnormalities that ultimately turned out to be no issue after birth. But even with these challenges, still advocated and achieved her unmedicated VBAC. Her labor ended with a shoulder dystocia with her baby having a broken arm, but with a smooth recovery. Alexis shares how TVL, research, informed decision-making, educating her support team, and using the B.R.A.I.N. acronym helped her throughout her pregnancy and birth journey.Note from Alexis: “There was never a real explanation as to why they suspected he had ARSA, the increased velocity, or the small hole in utero. And as a tip for anyone in labor, honey is considered a clear liquid, and the cheap honey bears at Walmart are great during labor! I took swigs off of it during labor for energy and to keep my blood sugar up. The midwife came to check on me at one point mid-swig and said that was the first time she had seen that in her 25 years. I couldn't find honey sticks locally for a reasonable price, but I could find local honey bears.”Keywords: VBAC, Type 1 diabetes, juvenile diabetes, induction, 37-week induction, scheduled cesarean, suspected macrosomia, big baby, polyhydramnios, unmedicated VBAC, shoulder dystocia, broken humerus, birth injury, fetal heart concerns, ARSA, informed consent, B.R.A.I.N., VBAC prepNatural Birth for Type 1 Diabetics Facebook GroupT1D Pregnancy Course Needed Website: Code TVL for 20% OffThe Ultimate VBAC Prep Course for ParentsOnline VBAC Doula TrainingAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Holistic Fertility, “Unexplained Infertility,” and Mercier Therapy with Dr. Jen Mercier In this episode, HeHe sits down with fertility specialist, midwife, and creator of Mercier Therapy Dr. Jennifer Mercier for a powerful conversation about infertility, reproductive health, and why so many families are being told “everything looks normal” while still struggling to conceive. Together, they unpack the reality behind “unexplained infertility,” the labs and diagnostics that are often skipped in traditional fertility care, and why true fertility support has to look at the whole body—not just your ovaries. Dr. Mercier breaks down cycle-specific hormone testing, thyroid health, prolactin, semen analysis, endometriosis, C-section scar tissue, and the environmental factors impacting fertility rates today, from microplastics and endocrine disruptors to chronic stress and lifestyle exposures. HeHe and Dr. Mercier also dive into restorative reproductive medicine, NaPro approaches, and Mercier Therapy, Dr. Mercier's pelvic visceral manipulation technique designed to support reproductive function and improve pelvic mobility. This episode is packed with practical education, hope, and empowering reminders that infertility care should never be one-size-fits-all. If you've ever felt dismissed, rushed toward IVF without answers, or frustrated by “normal” labs that don't explain what's happening in your body, this conversation is for you. 00:00 Non Toxic Registry 04:48 Meet Dr Jen Mercier 11:09 What Traditional Care Misses 22:15 Fertility Crisis Causes 39:07 Unexplained Infertility Roots 45:09 Seven Pregnancies Later 45:48 Joy of Later Motherhood 47:27 VBAC and Hospital Pressure 48:15 Why Doulas Matter 49:07 Mercier Therapy Explained 50:04 Documentaries and Premiere 54:41 Finding a Practitioner 58:05 Phones, Nature, and Ions 59:50 NAPRO and Systemic Issues 01:02:35 Microplastics Practical Swaps 01:09:47 Hope and Final Takeaways   Guest Bio: Dr. Jennifer Mercier, ND, PhD, is a fertility specialist, midwife, and the creator of Mercier Therapy®, a pelvic visceral manipulation technique supporting reproductive health. With over 25 years of experience, she has helped hundreds of couples conceive naturally and has trained healthcare professionals worldwide. She is the author of Conceive and the filmmaker behind Fertility: The Shared Journey and Conceiving Miracles. Connect with Dr. Mercier:  www.ExpectAMiracle.life SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/  Connect with Dr. Mercier on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.jennifer.mercier   BIRTH EDUCATION: Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what's really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy And if you haven't grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/ Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app   LINKS MENTIONED: Check out the study by Shanna Swan here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9370524/

Allison Parker is a pelvic floor physical therapist and mom of two from South Carolina, joining us today to share her journey to an induced VBAC after a cesarean for breech presentation. She talks about navigating a failed ECV, postpartum hemorrhage, postpartum preeclampsia, and her tough second pregnancy which ultimately led to an induction at 37 weeks due to preeclampsia. Allison tells us what helped her feel prepared, including finding a supportive provider, hiring a doula, hearing other women's stories on The VBAC Link (!), and learning to pivot when things had to change.As both a VBAC mom and pelvic floor PT, Allison also shares practical advice for preparing for birth and recovering postpartum. We discuss perineal massage, C-section scar massage, open glottis pushing vs. when to use closed glottis pushing, pelvic floor recovery, healing after a 3rd degree tear, and why the mental and emotional preparation are just as important as the physical. Keywords: VBAC, induced VBAC, breech, ECV, preeclampsia, postpartum preeclampsia, postpartum hemorrhage, pelvic floor physical therapy, 3rd degree tear, pelvic floor recovery, vaginal recovery, C-section recovery, scar massage, perineal massage, epidural VBAC, supportive provider, doulaRome Physical TherapyNeeded Website: Code TVL for 20% OffThe Ultimate VBAC Prep Course for ParentsOnline VBAC Doula TrainingAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this MamasteFit Podcast: Birth Story, Hanna shares her home VBAC story after two C-sections, delivering a 9 lb 11 oz baby despite being told her pelvis was “too small” in previous births. She recounts a first pregnancy shaped by COVID stress, a long induction ending in C-section, and a discouraging postpartum comment about never birthing vaginally. Her second pregnancy included deep VBAC research, doula support, a 42-week induction attempt, painful positioning, a partial epidural, a repeat C-section, and alarming (later contradicted) claims of uterine rupture. After reviewing her op report with her provider, Hanna pursued a third pregnancy with improved nutrition, fitness using Training for Two, and spontaneous labor at 42 weeks; after 2.5 hours of pushing, an OB and midwife resolved a shoulder dystocia, and postpartum was physically tough but emotionally healing with smooth breastfeeding.Find Hanna here!: @hanna_elisabeth_turner  on Instagram@joysofbirth doula page on Instagram00:00 Welcome and Episode Preview00:48 Meet the Hosts and Mission01:35 Introducing Hanna's HBAC Story02:08 First Pregnancy During COVID03:54 Induction to First C-Section05:36 Pelvis Comment and Postpartum07:16 Second Pregnancy and TOLAC Plan10:12 Labor Struggles and Walchers13:07 Repeat C-Section Trauma16:03 Uterus Scare and Grief17:57 Second Opinion Changes Everything25:02 Choosing Home Birth Support27:20 Training for Two and Pain-Free Pregnancy32:41 Choosing Gentle Induction34:07 Pelvic Mobility Theory35:45 Membrane Sweep Plan38:17 Active Day Sparks Labor41:31 Early Labor and Support46:12 Water Breaks Intensity Hits48:20 Two Hour Push Marathon52:35 Shoulder Dystocia Emergency58:09 Big Baby Aftermath01:00:01 Postpartum Recovery Reality01:05:09 Advice After Two C Sections01:07:23 Final Thanks and Resources————

In this April/May recap episode, Sophia and Eva reflect on four unique home births, including a retained placenta transfer, a severe preeclampsia diagnosis discovered during labor, a successful VBAC after multiple uterine surgeries, and a surprise baby boy born into a family with two daughters.They also discuss neonatal resuscitation training, fetal heart tone reviews, newborn screening skills, postpartum recovery, and the lessons birth continues to teach them as midwives.If you are in the Sonoma County Ca area and interested in home birth support: www.bornwildmidwifery.com Some of Sophia's FAV products to support you through pregnancy and beyond: ▶︎Afterease Tincture by Wish Garden Herbs: ▶︎Sitz Bath Herbs by Motherlove Organics: ▶︎HIRO diapers: ▶︎Mioberry Organic Muslin Swaddle sets & more: Save 15% with code: Bornwild15This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only. The views and experiences shared by guests are their own and do not constitute medical, legal, or professional advice.We are not providing medical or legal guidance, nor are we encouraging listeners to engage in any practice that may be unsafe or unlawful in their jurisdiction. Birth choices, medical care decisions, and midwifery practices are highly regulated and vary by state and country.Listeners are encouraged to consult with qualified, licensed professionals and to research the laws applicable to their location before making any health or birth-related decisions.By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge that you are responsible for your own decisions and actions.The show notes may contain affiliate links. IF you click and purchase product or service I might be compensated. Thank you for your support. 

This week, Ivy Slater, host of Her Success Story, chats with her guest, Adrianne Nickerson. The two talk about the challenges women founders face in raising capital, the strategic formation of partnerships with major health systems, and how Oula is addressing both the medical and emotional needs of women before, during, and after pregnancy—all with the goal of transforming women's healthcare in the U.S. In this episode, we discuss: How Adrianne Nickerson identified the problems with traditional maternity care and designed Oula's innovative, team-based care model combining midwives, OB-GYNs, and care navigators to create a more personalized, supportive experience for women. What it took to develop partnerships with major institutions like Mount Sinai, Stanford, and a soon-to-be-announced Charlotte, NC location, and what shifting market trends made big institutions willing to consider new care models. When market conditions, such as changing consumer sentiment about over-medicalization and health workforce shortages, accelerated Oula's traction with health systems. Why the U.S. maternity care system was overdue for change, with poor outcomes, high costs, and a one-size-fits-all approach that left many women dissatisfied or even traumatized by their experiences. How constraints, obstacles, and even pandemic-era disruptions created unexpected opportunities to refine and scale the Oula business model. Adrianne Nickerson founded Oula in 2019, a collaborative maternity care practice that brings together midwives, OBGYNs, and care navigators to provide comprehensive care before, during, and after pregnancy. The practice delivers a full range of clinical services — preconception counseling, pregnancy care, hospital birth, postpartum support, and ongoing gynecology care — complemented by 24/7 care navigation, virtual support, educational resources, and expert-led workshops. Oula's team-based model emphasizes shared decision-making and personalized,whole-person care, consistently achieving outcomes that exceed national benchmarks: fewer cesarean births, lower preterm birth rates, higher VBAC success, and an average NPS of 90+. Oula accepts most major insurances, including Medicaid, and serves patients across New York and Connecticut, with continued expansion underway. Interested in learning more? Reach out to partners@oulahealth.com. Website: https://oulahealth.com/ Social Media Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriannenickerson/      

At just seventeen years old, Lexi found herself pregnant and facing pressure from her doctor to terminate her pregnancy after her baby was diagnosed with Spina Bifida. She was told her son would never live a normal life, but despite the fear and uncertainty, Lexi chose to continue her pregnancy and gave birth via cesarean section. Today, her son is fourteen years old, healthy, and thriving. Two years later, Lexi became pregnant again, but her second pregnancy ended in tragedy. Throughout her prenatal care, she repeatedly voiced concerns that something was wrong, yet her symptoms were dismissed by providers. Her baby was ultimately stillborn due to severe undiagnosed IUGR (intrauterine growth restriction). After these two birth experiences, Lexi lost trust in the mainstream maternity care system and turned to midwifery care for her future pregnancies. In this episode, she shares her journey through pregnancy after loss, cesarean birth, stillbirth, VBAC after two cesareans (VBA2C), and ultimately achieving a healing home birth with a 10-pound baby! If you love the show, I would greatly appreciate a review on  Spotify or Apple Podcasts!  Follow me on Instagram @healingbirth Do you have a birth story you'd like to share on the podcast, or would like to otherwise connect? I love to hear from you! Send me a note at contactus@healingbirth.net Intro / Outro music: Dreams by Markvard Podcast cover photo by Karina Jensen @karinajensenphoto

This week on the Birth Trauma Mama Podcast listener series, Kayleigh is joined by Kayelynn to share her powerful story of preeclampsia, birth trauma, repeat C-sections, and the complicated journey of pregnancy after trauma. In honor of Preeclampsia Awareness Month, this episode highlights the reality of living through severe preeclampsia, navigating emergency medical decisions, and coping with the emotional aftermath that can linger long after birth.Kayelynn vulnerably shares her experiences across three pregnancies and births, from a traumatic induction and emergency C-section at 35 weeks to pursuing a VBAC after trauma to ultimately finding empowerment in choice, healing, and reclaiming trust in herself. This conversation is an honest reminder that healing is not always linear, and that “redemption” after birth trauma can look very different from what we imagine.✨ In this episode, we discuss:

Happy Spring! And welcome to the May Q&A!We start with a listener email we loved, followed by a discussion on creativity and why it matters, especially in the early years of motherhood when it can feel completely out of reach.Then we get into your questions.We talk about postpartum hemorrhage and how it's defined, including whether 500 cc of blood loss is truly cause for concern, and the use of Pitocin and Cytotec in that context, particularly for VBAC mothers. We also revisit RhoGAM and walk through when it may or may not be necessary, especially if you're not planning future pregnancies.One listener asks how to handle being the only one in the family making different choices around birth and parenting. We share our thoughts on boundaries, restraint, and when saying less is often the stronger position.In quickies, we cover induction at 42 weeks, complete placenta previa, vitamin D for breastfed babies, pelvic floor therapy access, low libido in pregnancy, newborn weight checks, birth combs, and how to get through the third trimester in the summer.Finally, when one fan asked our opinion on which of us may be the better driver, one of us shares an old story of getting a reckless driving ticket!**********Send us Fan Mail Cozyearth: Use code DTB for 20% offNeeded

Celia is a mom of four, an Air Force Technical Sergeant, and a passionate advocate for evidence-based communication in birth. In this episode, she shares her four very different birth experiences: a 36-hour induction ending in a forceps delivery and severe tear, another induction that turned precipitous, a breech Cesarean that felt calm and healing, and ultimately a hospital water birth VBAC at a hospital that DIDN'T allow water births! Celia opens up about prenatal depression, birth trauma, knowing your worth, switching providers, and the reality that both cesareans and vaginal births can be traumatic, and both can also be healing.Celia also sheds light on the power dynamics with navigating military maternity care as an enlisted service member treated by officers within the system. She talks about healing from an abusive relationship, how she opened her heart to love and trust again, and the unique challenges that come with a blended family. We encourage all Women of Strength to give grace to the younger versions of yourself just as Celia so beautifully exemplifies!Keywords: VBAC, hospital water birth, birth trauma, military maternity care, MTF, active duty VBAC, switching providers, forceps delivery, breech cesarean, advocacy, prenatal depression, precipitous labor, healing, hospital policiesPostpartum Support International Provider DirectoryNeeded Website: Code TVL for 20% OffThe Ultimate VBAC Prep Course for ParentsOnline VBAC Doula TrainingAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Getting pregnant again after a C-section comes with unique physical, emotional, and hormonal considerations that many women are never told about. In this episode, we break down what to know about fertility after cesarean birth, scar tissue healing, adhesions, secondary infertility, VBAC considerations, pelvic floor recovery, and the emotional impact a C-section can leave on the body.We discuss how scar tissue and C-section healing may affect implantation, why some women experience difficulty conceiving after a cesarean, and the importance of supporting your core, pelvic floor, nervous system, and microbiome before trying for another baby. We also dive into placenta previa and accreta risks, uterine rupture statistics, spacing pregnancies after C-section, and how trauma can remain stored in the body long after birth.Whether you're preparing to conceive after a cesarean, considering a VBAC, healing from birth trauma, or simply wanting to better understand your body after a C-section, this episode offers both practical guidance and compassionate support.00:00 Trailer & Intro01:43 How C-Sections Can Affect Future Fertility03:52 Scar Tissue & Adhesions Explained05:25 Placenta Previa & Accreta Risks After Cesarean10:25 Antibiotics, Microbiome & Secondary Infertility11:41 Birth Trauma & Nervous System Healing15:25 Body Image, Desire & Emotional Recovery18:54 How Long Should You Wait Before Another Pregnancy?22:46 Pregnancy Spacing, Core Strength & Recovery24:29 Signs Your Scar May Need More Support26:15 Pelvic Floor Therapy & Core Healing29:19 Scar Massage, Gua Sha & Red Light Therapy32:18 Supplements & Nutrients for Scar Healing36:35 Preparing for a VBAC After C-Section38:38 Multiple C-Sections & Birth Decisions43:05 VBAC Statistics & Uterine Rupture Risks49:15 Why Birth Decisions Aren't One-Size-Fits-All50:25 Preconception Support After a C-Section51:30 Encouragement for Your Next Pregnancy JourneyResources From This Episode:Get $10 off Evvy Vaginal Test here!Bloom MethodThrive Physical Therapy (Dr. Lauren Mallari Snyder in San Diego)Restore PT - Sarah Grahm (local in Boise)Treasure Valley Pelvic Health Other Related Episodes:All About VBAC Part 1 EpisodeAll About VBAC Part 2 EpisodeVaginal Bugs and the Essential Role They Play Episode The Secret Fertility Factor No One Talks About EpisodeHome Birth Turned C-Section: Dr. Leah's Birth Story EpisodeDr Leah's Second Birth Story EpisodeDetoxing Before Pregnancy: What Actually Matters (And What Doesn't) EpisodeWhen Sex Hurts: The Root Cause No One Talks About EpisodePreconception: What It Is and Why It Matters EpisodeComing Off Birth Control: What Your Body Needs Before Pregnancy EpisodeBreastfeeding While Trying To Conceive EpisodeHealthy As A Mother Podcast | YouTubeHealthy As A Mother Podcast | InstagramHealthy As A Mother Podcast | TikTokHealthy As A Mother Podcast | Merch StoreFind more from Dr. Leah:Dr. Leah Gordon | InstagramDr. Leah Gordon | WebsiteWomanhood Wellness | WebsiteFind more from Dr. Morgan:Dr. Morgan MacDermott | InstagramDr. Morgan MacDermott | WebsiteUse code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 10% at EarthleyUse code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at RedmondFor 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHERSave $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHERUse code HAAM and save 10% at Fond

Inside The Birth Lounge Membership, HeHe recently taught a live deep dive on these exact topics—and new members get instant access to the replay library packed with evidence-based birth education and advocacy support. In this re-aired episode, HeHe breaks down one of the most common late-pregnancy questions: Should you get a membrane sweep? If you're approaching your due date, feeling pressure about induction, or wondering whether a sweep is actually “natural,” this episode gives you the evidence-based, no-fear explanation you've been looking for. HeHe walks through exactly what a membrane sweep is, how it works, what it feels like, and whether it technically counts as a form of induction. She explains what providers often don't tell parents about success rates, Bishop scores, VBAC safety, prodromal labor, and why going into labor isn't the only way a sweep can still “work.” You'll also learn the potential risks, what informed consent should sound like during prenatal visits, and how to advocate confidently if a provider is pushing interventions you're unsure about. This episode is packed with practical education and real-world advocacy tools to help you make a decision that feels aligned for your body, your birth, and your goals—not just the hospital's timeline.

May is Maternal Health Awareness Month, and at The VBAC Link, we deeply believe that maternal health is so much more than physical well being. We recognize the complexity of every birth experience, and for those struggling, we send our love, solidarity, and support. In this HIGHLY anticipated episode, Lily and Paige sit down with birth trauma therapist Ashley Ward, LPCC about what trauma is, the many different ways it can present itself, and where to find healing. They talk about the culture of “ranking” birth stories and normalize the experience of feeling icky about a birth story, even if everything seemed perfect on paper. Ashley also shares her personal experiences with birth trauma in her most traumatic birth that appeared to be picture-perfect at a birth center. Her perspective gives both clinical insight and validation for experiences that are often minimized or misunderstood.Ashley believes that sharing birth stories matters, and they deserve a witness. In a world where shame can become the loudest voice in the room and birth conversations can split into divisive binaries, she aims to bring nuance, compassion, and dignity-informed care into the perinatal space. Birth does not happen in a vacuum, and Ashley beautifully reminds us that every birth is part of a larger story, one that existed before labor began and continues long after delivery.Topics include:What a panic attack can feel likeThe definition of traumaBirth trauma vs. medical traumaRanking birth stories as “better” or “worse”Feeling unsettled by your birth storyRadical acceptanceGrieving things you may never experienceBody acceptancePostpartum mental healthBirth story processingShame Finding joy Signs that you need professional helpKeywords: birth trauma, healing, postpartum, VBAC, CBAC, birth after cesarean, cesarean, C-section, mental health, postpartum anxiety, postpartum depression, panic attacks, radical acceptance, birth story processing, motherhood, trauma-informed care, postpartum therapist, birth center, induction, maternal mental health, perinatal therapyPostpartum Support International Provider DirectoryAshley Ward TherapyNeeded Website: Code VBAC for 20% OffThe Ultimate VBAC Prep Course for ParentsOnline VBAC Doula TrainingAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In today's episode, Cynthia and Trisha are joined once again by Nancy Wainer, award-winning author, longtime home birth midwife, and the woman who coined the term VBAC in her 1980s book Silent Knife. With decades of experience supporting women through vaginal birth after cesarean, Nancy brings clarity to a conversation that is shaped by fear, false information, and shifting medical standards.This episode is part free-flowing conversation and part Q&A, where we take listener questions and explore them in depth. We cover topics including delayed postpartum hemorrhage after cesarean, uterine rupture, scar thickness, “uterine windows,” closely-spaced pregnancies, doulas in a home birth setting, and VBAC with twins or breech babies. We also look at the common reasons women are given for repeat C-sections and where those claims hold up and where they don't. We wrap with Quickies and a personal question Nancy's never been asked.#273 | Special Q&A Featuring Nancy Wainer on VBAC and More#272 | Nancy Wainer, CPM and Pioneer of the VBAC, Shares Her Journey from Mother to MidwifeSend us Fan Mail Needed

We are honored to have THE Jen Hamilton join us on the pod today! Jen Hamilton is a labor and delivery nurse, viral TikTok creator with over 6 million followers, and author of Birth Vibes: Stories and Strategies for an Empowered Birth (May 2026), a warm, clinically grounded guide to navigating childbirth with confidence and calm. She is the founder of Hot Mess Express, a nonprofit offering judgment-free house cleaning and organizing for women in need, and a passionate advocate for dismantling systemic racism and misogyny in obstetrical and gynecological care. A 2026 President's Award recipient from the American Nurses Association and a frequent presence in outlets including CNN, The New York Times, and The Huffington Post, Jen has become one of the most recognizable voices in modern nursing through her signature blend of clinical expertise, frank humor, and deep empathy. She is funny, kind, generous, gracious, and quickly becoming a household name!In today's episode, Jen sits down with Lily and Paige to chat all about creating the best vibes for your birth. They do a deep dive into VBAC, and ask questions that came directly from you all. This is an episode you DO NOT want to miss. Today's topics include: Using interventions as toolsWhy a provider may be the factor if someone will have a VBAC or notDirty secret of OBHow Jen feels about doulasHow to ask for a new nurseDebriefing your birth Preparing for a different birth experienceExpectations around coping techniquesGiving yourself graceBaton race of coping analogyFunny and memorable stories in L&DUnique VBAC circumstancesFailure to progressHow she would improve cesareans and humanize the experienceKeywords: Jen Hamilton, labor and delivery, L&D nurse, OBGYN, cesarean, vbac, birth after cesarean, cbac, doula, birth vibes, epidural, failure to progress, tolac, vbac consent, hospital vbacBirth Vibes: Stories and Strategies for an Empowered BirthJen's Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Substack, WebsiteNeeded Website: Code TVL for 20% OffThe Ultimate VBAC Prep Course for ParentsOnline VBAC Doula TrainingAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Tatiana is back with her second VBA2C story!! She first joined us on Episode 107 in 2020 where she dove into all the details around her first two C-sections and her first VBA2C. It was a planned HBAC turned hospital delivery with a supportive OB, but her heart still craved the home birth experience. In this episode, she returns with a full-circle update on the birth of her fourth sweet boy. Her fourth birth was the HBA2C she was hoping for, aka a hotel birth after two cesareans with a midwife she deeply trusted. If you're scratching your head wondering about these logistics, don't worry! Tatiana shares it ALL. We dive into a critical conversation around access. Many providers and hospitals still restrict VBA2C, and it is especially difficult to find support for an out-of-hospital VBA2C. Tatiana shares why expanding midwifery care matters, how pelvic floor therapy during pregnancy can support better outcomes, and why finding a provider you trust (no matter the distance) can make all the difference.Keywords: VBAC, VBA2C, HBA2C, hotel birth, out-of-hospital birth, cesarean, prior vaginal birth, VBAC after two cesareans, birth access, midwifery care, pelvic floor therapy, provider support, informed consentEpisode 107 Tatiana's VBA2C NYT Article on Continuous Fetal MonitoringThe VBAC Link Blog: The 5 Most Common Reasons for C-sectionThe VBAC Link Blog: How to Navigate VBAC Hospital PoliciesNeeded Website: Code VBAC for 20% OffThe Ultimate VBAC Prep Course for ParentsOnline VBAC Doula TrainingAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this deeply honest and powerful episode of Healing Trauma Mamas, we sit down with Lindsay to share her raw and transformative birth journey.After experiencing multiple miscarriages, an unplanned cesarean, and postpartum sepsis, Lindsay carried the weight of trauma, self-doubt, and fear into her next pregnancy. But through intentional healing, mindset work, and support, she chose to pursue a VBAC—and experienced a truly beautiful, redemptive birth.Her story doesn't end there.What followed was an unexpected postpartum complication that led to an emergency transfer, reminding us that birth can hold both beauty and challenge at the same time.This conversation is a powerful reminder that:Two things can be true at onceBirth is unpredictableAnd your story is still worthy, no matter how it unfoldsIf you've ever felt like your birth didn't go “as planned,” this episode is for you.

The evidence shows that vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) is a safe option for many families, but it's still frequently inaccessible to them. In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker and Dr. Nicholas Rubashkin discuss the systemic barriers that limit families' opportunities to choose a VBAC. They explore how hospital policies, outdated guidelines, and clinical tools like the VBAC calculator have shaped who's a "good candidate" and who is not.   Dr. Rubashkin also shares insights from his research on inequities in maternity care, including how race-adjusted algorithms reinforce disparities, why the "immediately available" standard still impacts hospital policies today, and how geography, provider practices, and induction policies can influence VBAC access. Plus, hear evidence-based strategies for advocating for a VBAC, including how to evaluate providers and interpret VBAC rates.   (01:36) Dr. Rubashkin's background and path into obstetrics (08:32) Major barriers to VBAC access in the U.S. (11:37) The "immediately available" standard explained (14:38) Misconceptions about emergency cesarean availability (16:58) Ethical and legal implications of VBAC restrictions (18:02) Institutional barriers (20:17) The VBAC calculator and how it influenced access (26:12) Racism, bias, and interpretation of VBAC data (30:02) Induction and VBAC: evidence vs. practice (36:17) What informed consent for VBAC should include (37:18) Identifying supportive vs. reluctant providers   Resources ACOG's VBAC guidelines and recommendations: acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/practice-bulletin/articles/2019/02/vaginal-birth-after-cesarean-delivery Human Rights in Childbirth: humanrightsinchildbirth.org/ UCSF's Better Birth Research Initiative: betterbirth.ucsf.edu/ International Cesarean Awareness Network: ican-online.org/   For more information about Evidence Based Birth® and a crash course on evidence based care, visit www.ebbirth.com. Follow us on Instagram and YouTube! Ready to learn more? Grab an EBB Podcast Listening Guide or read Dr. Dekker's book, "Babies Are Not Pizzas: They're Born, Not Delivered!" If you want to get involved at EBB, join our Professional membership (scholarship options available) and get on the wait list for our EBB Instructor program. Find an EBB Instructor here, and click here to learn more about the EBB Childbirth Class.

We are closing out our Cesarean Awareness Month series on the most common reasons for C-sections with a deep dive into all things fetal monitoring! CNM Paige Boran, who attended Lily's VBAC and who we deeply love and trust, answers every question you can imagine. This is definitely an episode you will want to save and listen back to often!Midwife Paige talks about:The history of continuous fetal monitoringThe differences between continuous, internal, and internal monitoringBradycardia and tachycardia readingsCFM and VBACWhen she recommends having CFMHow to advocate informed consent and declinationEarly, variable, and late decelerationsHead compression and cord compressionWhen fetal heart tracings become concerning & what empowered conversations look likeWays to help resolve decelsPlacental insufficiencyAll signs of uterine ruptureHow to make the decision of going for a C-section or continuing to labor Evidence on continuous fetal monitoringAnd more!! We are so grateful for providers like Midwife Paige who we have seen in action and are willing to take the time to help educate our community. For those who question if they made the right call to have a cesarean or continue to labor due to fetal heart readings, we send you love. It is so tough! Fetal heart tones are so nuanced. We hope that with this episode, you feel empowered with more knowledge to find a team that gives you the support and individualized care you deserve. Evidence Based Birth®: Evidence on Continuous Fetal MonitoringNYT Article on Continuous Fetal MonitoringThe VBAC Link Blog: The 5 Most Common Reasons for C-sectionThe VBAC Link Blog: How to Navigate VBAC Hospital PoliciesNeeded Website: Code TVL for 20% OffAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

As we continue our Cesarean Awareness Month series, CBAC and RCS moms, this one's for you. If your future birth looks like a subsequent cesarean, we want to make that cesarean the best, most peaceful, and empowering experience it can be. Better birth after cesarean means better options, and today's episode takes a deep dive into the option of Maternal Assisted Cesareans (MAC). We are joined today by Dr. Koen Deurloo from the Netherlands. Dr. Koen is a Dutch OB/GYN specializing in perinatology and family-centered cesarean birth. Since 2017, his team has performed more than 300 Maternal Assisted Cesareans, developing one of the most experience-based approaches to this technique. He is also the author of Door de ogen van een gynaecoloog and teaches widely on respectful, trauma-informed birth care. His work focuses on creating transparency and calm so parents feel genuinely involved and supported throughout the entire process, especially in the operating room. In this episode, Dr. Koen walks us through how he was first introduced to the MAC (spoiler: it was a mom and her doula!), how the procedure has evolved over time, what his patients have to say about it (another spoiler: 100% recommend it), and how to advocate for this kind of experience with your provider.Birth after cesarean deserves dignity. It deserves options, and it deserves finding a provider who holds your stories with care and who speaks about birth the way Dr. Koen does.We PROMISE this is an episode you will not want to miss!!!Women of strength, we know how difficult it can be to choose between going for a VBAC, pivoting to a CBAC, or scheduling a repeat cesarean. Whether for medical or personal reasons, your choice is valid and good. There are so many brave ways to birth. As always, our team here at The VBAC Link is here to give you options, stories, resources, love, and support!Through the Eyes of a Gynecologist by Dr. Koen DeurlooMACAZINEPaige's Maternal Assisted Cesarean StoryNeeded Website: Code VBAC for 20% OffThe Ultimate VBAC Prep Course for ParentsOnline VBAC Doula TrainingAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Sponsor: Use code BIRTHHOUR for 20% off your first order and up to 40% off monthly plans at thisisneeded.com. Needed Experts Podcast: Apple Podcasts and Spotify The Birth Hour Links: Know Your Options Online Childbirth Course (code 100OFF for $100 OFF!) Beyond the First Latch Course (comes free with KYO course) Access archived episodes and a private Facebook group via Patreon!   

Is it possible to have a VBAC with multiples? YES. In honor of Cesarean Awareness Month, Erin, a registered dietitian and mom of four (under 5!), shares her journey through cesarean, VBAC, miscarriage, and a twin VBAC. She opens up about navigating postpartum anxiety, benefiting from medication, and how her hard work and growth helped her have a different mindset when a lot of similar things happened in subsequent births. Erin's first birth was a cesarean during COVID due to fetal heart decels, her second was a healing VBAC and her third and fourth births were an induced twin VBAC for cholestasis. Her stories touch on miscarriage, close pregnancy intervals, di-di twin pregnancy, provider support, membrane sweeps, epidural and Pitocin. She also shares the realities of postpartum recovery, breastfeeding with a nipple shield, and facing a neonatal emergency when one of her twins required surgery at just three weeks old. Erin's big VBAC tips are to have birth preferences instead of rigid plans while holding strong to your boundaries, find care that is individualized to your unique circumstances, and lean into positive affirmations. Connect with her on Instagram @the.dietitian.mama or at morningbirdnutrition.com.VBAC Certified Doula FinderThe VBAC Link Supportive Provider ListThe Ultimate VBAC Prep Course for ParentsOnline VBAC Doula TrainingSubmit Your VBAC/CBAC StoryAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

At the 41-week mark in pregnancy, conversations and decisions about induction can start to feel more urgent and complex. In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker and Dr. Sara Ailshire share why the 41st week has become such a focus in maternity care and what the evidence actually says about induction at this milestone.   They discuss elective induction versus expectant management and key findings from major studies like the INDEX and SWEPIS trials. They also talk through potential benefits and risks, including changes in stillbirth risk, newborn outcomes, and maternal experiences.   Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of stillbirth. Please take care while listening.   (00:05:58) How common is labor induction? U.S. rates and challenges with data accuracy (00:09:25) Medically indicated vs. elective induction (00:15:24) The limits of research on induction vs. expectant management (00:20:18) The INDEX trial (00:28:36) Follow-up observational study to INDEX: preferences, Cesarean rates, and outcomes (00:32:51) The SWEPIS trial (00:41:59) Impact of SWEPIS on guidelines and outcomes in Sweden (00:44:40) Benefits of elective induction at 41 weeks (00:46:34) Risks and potential downsides of induction (00:49:18) FAQ: Induction and VBAC considerations   For a full list of resources and references, visit ebbirth.com/inducingduedates.   For more information about Evidence Based Birth® and a crash course on evidence based care, visit www.ebbirth.com. Follow us on Instagram and YouTube! Ready to learn more? Grab an EBB Podcast Listening Guide or read Dr. Dekker's book, "Babies Are Not Pizzas: They're Born, Not Delivered!" If you want to get involved at EBB, join our Professional membership (scholarship options available) and get on the wait list for our EBB Instructor program. Find an EBB Instructor here, and click here to learn more about the EBB Childbirth Class.

April is Cesarean Awareness Month and Women of Strength, we are aware of YOU. All month long, we are bringing you VBAC stories & discussions featuring these most common reasons for cesareans:• Big babies• Failure to progress• Twins• Breech• Fetal heart tonesAnd for our CBAC and RCS mamas, we've got a special episode all about maternal assisted cesareans, so stay tuned!! In today's episode, we talk with Katie, a Certified Professional Midwife from Oregon, whose journey into midwifery began after her own VBAC. Her first birth began spontaneously at the start of COVID and ended in a cesarean with an asynclitic, sunny side up baby. Her second birth was a healing VBAC at a freestanding birth center with midwives.Her third birth at home was longer than her previous VBAC and required her to let go of expectations and trust the process. This birth ended in a successful VBAC with a shoulder dystocia, postpartum hemorrhage, and a second degree tear. We'll let you listen to the episode to find out just how big her record-setting baby was!Katie talks about just how different births can be, what it takes to become a CPM, ways to manage postpartum hemorrhage, shoulder dystocia maneuvers, safe transfer from out-of-hospital to hospital care, and recent policies that impact midwives attending VBACs. Katie reminds us to choose your birth team wisely, the mind is a powerful thing, and sometimes letting go of expectations is the only way through.VBAC Certified Doula FinderThe VBAC Link Supportive Provider ListThe Ultimate VBAC Prep Course for ParentsOnline VBAC Doula TrainingSubmit Your VBAC/CBAC StoryAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Rachel, a VBAC mom, NICU nurse, researcher, and soon to be women's health NP, shares her healing VBAC journey with us today. Her first birth started as an induction and quickly turned into an urgent cesarean. She experienced a failed spinal, aggression from providers, and general anesthesia. Rachel talks about some tough things she's seen as a NICU nurse and how trauma can show up secondhand. She shares why it's so important to process those experiences, and how she uses them to be a more compassionate caregiver.We also talk about what it means to truly be informed during birth. It matters so much to be humanized in those moments, to be talked to and included in decisions as they're happening instead of being told after the fact.As she prepared for her VBAC, Rachel focused on evidence based care, setting clear boundaries, and building a supportive team around her. We talk about how physiological birth can still be supported in a hospital setting, practical prep like the role of Webster certified chiropractic care, and why partners need time and space to process birth too.Rachel also shares what it was like to have the same doula for both her cesarean and her VBAC and how that support made a difference, not just during birth but in processing everything afterward. Her story is such a good reminder that healing is possible, support matters, and you deserve to feel seen, heard, and respected every step of the way.Keywords: VBAC after traumatic C-section, NICU nurse VBAC story, informed consentVBAC Certified Doula FinderThe VBAC Link Supportive Provider ListThe Evidence on DatesThe Ultimate VBAC Prep Course for ParentsOnline VBAC Doula TrainingSubmit Your VBAC/CBAC StoryAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Electronic fetal monitoring is one of the most common interventions in hospital birth, but it's also one of the least understood. In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker talks with board-certified OB-GYN Dr. Jennifer Lincoln about what continuous electronic fetal monitoring actually does, what the research says, and why it became such a routine part of labor care in the first place. With recent media attention shining a spotlight on this technology, they break down the history, the evidence, and the real-world pressures that shape how it's used today. Learn why continuous monitoring can increase Cesarean rates in low-risk births, when it may be helpful in higher-risk situations, and how it can influence movement, comfort, and decision-making during labor. Dr. Lincoln also shares practical ways to ask questions, understand what terms like "reassuring" and "indeterminate" mean, and partner with your care team so you can make informed choices without feeling powerless or pressured. (02:26) Dr. Jennifer Lincoln's updates: doctors' strike, leadership, and writing The Birth Book (10:09) Why electronic fetal monitoring is in the spotlight and what it actually measures (13:40) The history of fetal monitoring and what it was designed to prevent (17:37) The biggest drawbacks: false positives, rising C-section rates, and medical-legal pressures (23:18) How continuous monitoring can affect movement, comfort, and labor experience (26:28) Artifact, wireless monitors, and challenges with accuracy (28:27) Intermittent monitoring: what it is and how it works (30:11) When continuous monitoring may be more beneficial in higher-risk situations (37:53) Understanding "reassuring," "indeterminate," and "non-reassuring" patterns (39:46) What care teams may try before recommending a cesarean (45:15) Questions parents can ask when concerns arise about the fetal heart rate (48:03) Continuous monitoring during VBAC and navigating autonomy and policy (51:01) Why these conversations should happen before labor and how to advocate collaboratively Resources Hear about the new research on home birth with Dr. Dekker on Dr. Lincoln's "Let's Talk about Birth" podcast: drjenniferlincoln.substack.com/p/announcing-my-new-podcast Get a copy of Dr. Lincoln's book, The Birth Book: An OB-GYN's Guide to Demystifying Labor and Delivery: penguinrandomhouse.com/books/785889/the-birth-book-by-dr-jennifer-lincoln/ Learn more about Three for Freedom: threeforfreedom.com/ For more information about Evidence Based Birth® and a crash course on evidence based care, visit www.ebbirth.com. Follow us on Instagram and YouTube! Ready to learn more? Grab an EBB Podcast Listening Guide or read Dr. Dekker's book, "Babies Are Not Pizzas: They're Born, Not Delivered!" If you want to get involved at EBB, join our Professional membership (scholarship options available) and get on the wait list for our EBB Instructor program. Find an EBB Instructor here, and click here to learn more about the EBB Childbirth Class.

In this episode, Abby shares her VBAC birth story following an emergency cesarean. Determined to experience a vaginal birth, she prepared carefully while navigating limited provider options in Alabama. What unfolded during labor and delivery underscores how provider behavior, rather than maternal physiology, often determines birth outcomes. Abby describes how a manual vaginal extraction caused a nearly catastrophic fourth-degree tear, requiring three subsequent surgeries in the months that followed and significantly disrupting her early postpartum period with her newborn.We ask Abby whether she has considered legal action against the doctor and hospital, and we explore how birth trauma shapes future decision-making. Abby explains why she is choosing a repeat cesarean for her third baby after this traumatic vaginal birth, and what autonomy and dignity can still look like within surgical birth.She also reflects on how faith, support, and intentional processing helped her move forward, and what she hopes other women will take from her story.Learn more about Abby here: http://www.abbyevelynphotography.com**********Send a text Needed

If you've been with us for a while, you've probably heard women say they did all the things to get their VBAC. But what actually are “all the things”? This episode covers it!As moms prepping for their own VBACs and now doulas helping others do the same, Paige (coming hot off a birth!) and Lily sit down to talk about everything you can do before conception and during pregnancy to prepare for an empowering VBAC or repeat cesarean. Scar mobilization, acupuncture, therapy, Webster-certified chiropractic care, what books to read, how to find the right doula, choosing your birth location & team, finances, nutrition, processing trauma, positioning, and so much more. Comment on this episode and let us know what you did to prepare that we missed! ALL THE LINKS: How to Find a Truly Supportive ProviderSigns It's Time to Switch Your ProviderDeciding Home vs Hospital BirthChoosing VBAC or Repeat C-sectionEpisode 119 Pelvic Movement in Pregnancy and Birth With Gina ConleyEpisode 160 Everything Left UnsaidEpisode 386 Dr. Stu Fischbein & Midwife Blyss YoungOur Favorite BooksVBAC Certified Doula FinderThe VBAC Link Supportive Provider ListThe Ultimate VBAC Prep Course for ParentsOnline VBAC Doula TrainingSubmit Your VBAC/CBAC StorySupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vbac-link/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Breastfeeding is natural, but that doesn't mean it always comes naturally. In this episode, we chat with Lily's personal boob fairy