26 | The Motherwhelm with Grace | VBAC, Home Birth & Motherhood in Isolation

In this episode of The Motherwhelm, I sit down with Grace, a mum of two living in New Zealand, to talk about pregnancy and postpartum during COVID, VBAC, home birth, and finding her way through motherhood far from family.Grace shares her experience of becoming a mother during the COVID-19 pandemic, navigating pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period while living overseas without the support of family nearby. She reflects on the isolation of those early months, the emotional transition from one child to two, and the village she had to build from afar.Together, we explore Grace's VBAC and home birth journey, the invaluable support of a doula, and her belief that motherhood can be a quiet, counter-cultural act of rebellion. Her story is a beautiful reminder that even in seasons of uncertainty and isolation, connection, intuition, and community can help us find our way.If you've experienced pregnancy during COVID, motherhood in isolation, you're planning a VBAC or home birth, or you're navigating life away from your support network, I hope Grace's story leaves you feeling understood and encouraged.Topics discussed: COVID pregnancy, pandemic postpartum, motherhood in isolation, VBAC, vaginal birth after caesarean, home birth, doula support, postpartum support, motherhood identity, New Zealand, community, resilience.