The VBAC Circle

Chelsea's journey through a twin VBAC is a testament to advocacy and resilience. Discover how she navigated low fetal weight, induction, emergency caesarean, and then how she went on to have a twin pregnancy and VBAC. Her story highlights the importance of trusting your body, working with supportive medical teams, and the emotional journey of postpartum recovery. This episode is essential for anyone facing complex pregnancies or seeking empowerment through authentic birth stories.If you enjoy this episode, please support the podcast by following the show, rating 5 stars, sharing it with a friend, and following along on instagram at @VBACCircle.

In this episode, Taylor shares her journey through a challenging pregnancy marked by a fetal kidney disease diagnosis and a "big baby". After an induction and emergency caesarean with her first baby, she went on to experience severe PNA and PND. In her second pregnancy, she went on to have a VBAC (with a 4.75kg bub) in the hospital with the support of a private midwife, transforming her experience into one of empowerment and recovery.Taylor discusses the importance of advocating for oneself in the maternity system, the value of mental health support, and the lessons learned from navigating hospital care. Her story offers practical insights for parents dealing with similar challenges, emphasizing the need for compassionate care and early mental health intervention. If you enjoy this episode, please support the podcast by following the show, providing a rating, and following along on instagram at @VBACCircle.

This bonus episode is a little bit different - join me as I take you on a journey through my own birth stories. From an unwanted induction that lead to the classic cascade of interventions, to planning a homebirth after caesarean, my birth stories cover a fair bit of ground. While I didn't get the VBAC I so desperately wanted, my second birth was still a positive, healing experience with many twists and turns along the way. My births taught me a lot about advocating for myself and trusting my body - I hope you're able to gain something from them too. Thank you for indulging me and allowing me to share these stories with you - I hope you enjoy. Follow @vbaccircle to stay up to date with the podcast. If you enjoy the stories I share on this podcast, please rate and review and share the podcast with a friend.

Join The Circle today as I chat with Sammy about her two births. At 36 weeks, Sammy found out her baby was breech. She tried all of the things to turn them, but to no avail, and she eventually agreed to a planned caesarean. For her second pregnancy, Sammy was determined to have a VBAC. She talks us through all of the things she did to prepare her mind and body for birth, and then details the extraordinary experience and the 'rockstar' reception the hospital staff gave them. It's a beautiful listen, so I hope you enjoy!Follow @vbaccircle to stay up to date on all episodes, and if you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review and share it with a friend.

In this episode, Kaitlin shares her empowering journey through multiple pregnancies and births, highlighting the importance of research, support, and listening to her body. Despite an emergency caesarean due to "failure to progress" and a planned caesarean due to carrying a "big baby", Katilin confidently pursued a VBAC with her third baby. Discover the pivotal role of continuous midwifery care and how trusting your instincts can help navigate complex decisions about labour and delivery.Kaitlin’s story is a testament to the power of informed choice and perseverance. Perfect for women considering or planning a VBAC, those navigating hospital systems, or anyone seeking authentic, uplifting birth stories. This episode offers hope, practical tips, and a reminder that your voice and intuition are your greatest tools. It’s a must-listen for anyone passionate about respectful, evidence-based maternity care and the undeniable strength of women in childbirth.Follow @vbaccircle to stay up to date with all episodes. And if you haven't already, please consider leaving a review to help others find the show.

In this episode Ellen takes us on a journey from her first hospital induction experience to her empowering home birth. Discover how she navigated early pregnancy, nevigated reduced movements, and embraced her instincts to achieve her dream VBAC. This episode offers practical insights on managing labour, trusting your body, and reclaiming agency in birth. Ellen's journey is a testament to the power of intuition and self-trust in childbirth.Ellen currently works in the perinatal space in birth preparation and processing. To connect with her, visit her instagram @morethatmatters_Follow @vbaccircle to keep up to date with all episodes and to share your story.

In this episode, Shay shares her honest stories—her unplanned pregnancy, the emotional roller coaster of her first birth which resulted in an unplanned caesarean after an elective induction, and how she navigated trauma to reclaim her confidence and have a VBAC. She dives into the nitty-gritty of her birth preferences, the decision-making process around private care and self-funding her hospital stays, and how her having a supportive care provider that she trusted was crucial to her experience.Follow @vbaccircle to stay up to date with all episodes.

Join us as Abbey shares her inspiring journey through three births. Her first was a planned caesarean due to breech presentation. Her second was an attempted VBAC, resulting in an unplanned caesarean due to 'failure to progress'. And finally, her third birth was a positive VBA2C. Abbey also generously shares her experience of birth trauma and how she managed this in the postnatal period.Follow the podcast and find us on instagram (@vbaccircle) to stay up to date on all episodes. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit 5 stars and leave a review - it helps others find the show.

In this conversation, Justine takes us back in time, 20 odd years, to the birth of her three (now adult) children. She shares her profound journey through motherhood, detailing her experiences with two caesarean sections, postpartum depression, and then her empowering VBAC. She discusses the challenges and isolation of postpartum depression, the importance of support systems, and her transformation into a postpartum and birth doula. To connect with Justine, visit her instagram @nurturingwaysFollow @vbaccircle to stay up to date on all episodes.

Tiahna shares her journey through two pregnancies and births. She details her experience with a breech baby and fears of inter-uterine growth restriction, leading to a caesarean birth. She then takes us through her second pregnancy and her empowering VBAC experience. While she had her dream birth, her second postpartum was a rollercoaster that began with a haemorrhage and manual removal of placenta in theatre. Her story is a beautiful demonstration that no two babies are the same, and no two births are the same. Follow @vbaccircle to stay up to date on all episodes.

In this conversation, Katrina shares her transformative journey through three birth experiences, focusing on her desire for a VBAC in her second and third pregnancies. She discusses the importance of finding supportive care and the empowering experience of her most recent birth, a VBA2C. Katrina emphasizes the significance of being informed and prepared for childbirth, as well as the lessons learned from each of her births, ultimately highlighting the strength gained from her experiences.

Welcome to the Circle. In this conversation, Britt shares her journey through IVF, pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. She details the challenges and triumphs of her experiences, from her decision to have a planned caesarean due to breech positioning, her challenges with breastfeeding, and pursuit of a VBAC. Britt reflects on the lessons learned and the importance of mental health in the postpartum period. Her story emphasises resilience, acceptance, and the beauty of motherhood, regardless of the path taken to bring a child into the world.Follow @vbaccircle to stay up to date on all episodes.

In this conversation, Symon shares her transformative journey through four pregnancies and three births, highlighting the emotional and physical challenges she faced. She discusses the importance of feeling safe and supported in the birthing process, the impact of hospital protocols on her experiences, and the lessons learned from each birth. Symon emphasises the significance of mental health and self-advocacy in navigating the complexities of maternal care, ultimately leading to a positive VBA2C experience that reshaped her understanding of motherhood.Symon is a perinatal and trauma therapist. To view her resources, visit: https://contigochildandfamily.com.au/resourcesFollow @vbacstories to stay up to date on all episodes.