The VBAC Homebirth Stories Podcast

EP168 | Long Labours: How to Prepare Your Mind for the Marathon of Birth


Listen Later

In this solo episode, I’m diving into a topic that rarely gets the airtime it deserves—long labours. As a doula and homebirth mentor, I’ve witnessed first-hand how a mismatch between expectation and reality can quickly spiral into fear and self-doubt. That’s why today I’m sharing what you really need to know to prepare for the marathon, not the sprint.

Whether you're planning a VBAC, homebirth, or your first vaginal birth, this episode will help you get your mind as ready as your body. Because birth isn’t just physical—it’s deeply emotional, spiritual, and mental too.

Inside this episode:

  • Why setting realistic expectations for the length of your labour is vital

  • How personal and cultural stories shape our beliefs around how birth should unfold

  • Why long labour doesn’t mean something is “wrong”

  • How to manage your mindset when labour takes longer than expected

  • The practical tools you need to stay grounded and in your body: breathwork, movement, heat, sound, water and more

  • How to manage a crisis of confidence and make empowered decisions—even when things feel hard

I share stories from my own births, stories from the women I’ve supported, and the mindset tools that will help you stay centred—no matter how long labour lasts. You’ll hear about the importance of rest, staying in your own lane, and the truth that labour can be long, intense and still perfectly normal.

Long doesn’t mean broken. Birth doesn’t follow a clock. You don’t need to perform—you need to surrender.

This episode is essential listening for anyone wanting to prepare holistically for birth, especially those planning a physiological birth outside of the system.

Want to share your story?

If you've experienced a long labour and would love to share your story on the podcast, please get in touch. Every story matters—and your insight might be the very thing another woman needs to hear.


Enjoy this episode.

Ashley x 

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.

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

The VBAC Homebirth Stories PodcastBy Ashley Winning

  • 4.5
  • 4.5
  • 4.5
  • 4.5
  • 4.5

4.5

11 ratings


More shows like The VBAC Homebirth Stories Podcast

View all
Free Birth Society by Emilee Saldaya

Free Birth Society

1,206 Listeners

Australian Birth Stories by Sophie Walker

Australian Birth Stories

179 Listeners

The VBAC Link by Meagan Heaton

The VBAC Link

473 Listeners

KICPOD by LiSTNR

KICPOD

170 Listeners

Beyond the Bump by Sophie Pearce & Jayde Couldwell

Beyond the Bump

91 Listeners

It's A Lot with Abbie Chatfield by LiSTNR

It's A Lot with Abbie Chatfield

175 Listeners

Culture Apothecary with Alex Clark by Turning Point USA

Culture Apothecary with Alex Clark

12,915 Listeners

The Hypnobirthing Podcast by The Nurture Nest

The Hypnobirthing Podcast

172 Listeners

The Midwives' Cauldron by Katie James and Dr Rachel Reed

The Midwives' Cauldron

148 Listeners

Birthing Instincts by Dr. Stuart Fischbein + Midwife Blyss Young

Birthing Instincts

632 Listeners

Homebirth Stories Australia by Aimee & Laura

Homebirth Stories Australia

2 Listeners

The Great Birth Rebellion by Dr Melanie Jackson

The Great Birth Rebellion

73 Listeners

Pain Free Birth by Karen Welton

Pain Free Birth

135 Listeners

Australian VBAC Stories by Australian VBAC Stories

Australian VBAC Stories

0 Listeners

Diary Of A Birth by Mamamia Podcasts

Diary Of A Birth

6 Listeners