In this episode, we hear from Victoria, a determined and inspiring mum who birthed on her own terms after a Caesarean. Living in Broome rural Western Australia, Victoria planned for a healing and autonomous birth, engaging deeply in birth education, self-care, and intuitive preparation.

Her journey started with a planned Homebirth and the support of a birthkeeper who was set to fly in from Perth. The birthkeeper was meant to stay with Victoria in the week leading up to her due date—offering support, massage, and even filling her postpartum freezer with nourishing meals.

But when the time came, fate had other plans. The birthkeeper was attending another labour and couldn’t make it. Victoria suddenly had to pivot, embracing the reality of a freebirth—trusting herself completely.

At around 40 weeks, labour began. Victoria moved instinctively through her contractions, spending time walking her large property, connecting with nature on the beach, and holding onto the balustrade of her balcony. She rested on bean bags outside and eventually moved inside, finding relief on the toilet.

Throughout labour, her mind presented challenges—waves of self-doubt and fleeting thoughts of transferring to the hospital. But with deep awareness, she continually redirected her mindset, embracing the power of birth and her body’s innate wisdom.

In the end, Victoria’s birth unfolded beautifully. She emerged from the experience feeling strong, empowered, and deeply grateful for the way it all transpired.

In This Episode, Victoria Shares:

• How she navigated her VBAC journey after a long, hospital birth ending in a c-section. 

• The challenges of planning a rural homebirth with limited birth support.

• How she prepared mentally and physically—including birth books, podcasts, and breathwork.

• The unexpected turn of events when her birthkeeper couldn’t attend.

• The inner mindset battle of self-doubt vs. trust during labour.

• The power of birthing in tune with her body, instincts, and environment.

🎧 Tune in now for a raw, inspiring, and deeply moving birth story.

More from Ashley:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The VBAC Village⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Insta: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@ashleylwinning⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.ashleywinning.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Join our⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ VBAC Homebirth Support ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Group here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Love the podcast? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy me a⁠⁠⁠ coffee

Disclaimer: The VBAC Homebirth Stories Podcast is for educational and inspirational purposes only. The stories and opinions shared are personal experiences and should not be considered medical advice. Every birth journey is unique, and we encourage you to research, trust your intuition, and consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care.

The host and guests of this podcast are not liable for any outcomes resulting from the information shared. By listening, you acknowledge that you take full responsibility for your own health and birth choices.