Regional Birth Stories.

Steph's Birth Stories: IVF, VBAC and Preparing for Postpartum.

Content note: this episode discusses miscarriage, fertility treatment, caesarean birth and postpartum mental health.

Steph, a regional mum of two with a background in finance, shares her path through endometriosis, fertility treatment, an unplanned caesarean, Doula support and a fast VBAC. Her story explores how education and support shaped her births and why preparing for postpartum matters just as much as preparing for labour.

In this episode:

• How endometriosis, Hashimoto's and long gaps between periods shaped Steph's fertility journey, including IVF through a public clinic in Melbourne.

• Her first birth: a long labour, induction, epidural and caesarean after her baby was found to be posterior and deflexed and how feeling respected by her care team helped her process it.

• Approaching her next pregnancy differently after a miscarriage and learning about her options through books, podcasts and birth stories.

• Why she wanted a VBAC, and how a supportive midwife and doula helped her feel prepared while making peace with the possibility that birth might not go to plan.

• A fast second labour that began around 11 p.m., arriving at hospital in advanced labour and the value of sharing her birth plan in advance.

• A harder-than-expected second postpartum with an unsettled baby, a toddler and little sleep.

• Steph's key advice: plan for postpartum as well as birth. Prepare meals, accept practical help, ask for emotional support and consider doula support.

Timestamps (Aprox)

00:00 Intro. Meet Steph: regional mum, finance leader and women's advocate

03:00 Endometriosis, stress and efforts to restore her periods

06:00 IVF, medical hurdles and the emotional toll of treatment

09:00 The birth plan that left too few options

12:00 Early labour, hospital monitoring and gaps in preparation

15:00 Induction, epidural and a long first labour

18:00 Why Steph's first birth ended in a caesarean

21:00 Miscarriage, grief and a new approach to pregnancy

24:00 Learning about VBAC and finding supportive care

27:00 Considering a home birth and deciding to seek doula support

30:00 Choosing a doula despite the due-date scheduling conflict

33:00 Making an informed decision about VBAC

36:00 Waiting for labour, then a sudden change

39:00 A fast labour at home and the rush to hospital

42:00 Arriving at the hospital ready to give birth

45:00 Steph's VBAC and the support in the birth room

48:00 Recovery after a vaginal birth and coming home to a toddler

51:00 The unexpected challenges of second-time postpartum

54:00 Sleep deprivation, mental health and asking for help

57:00 Practical postpartum preparation and the value of doula support

1:00:00 Reflecting on the challenge Steph set herself and achieved

A huge thank you to Tawhiti Pahina for the beautiful music, composed especially for Regional Birth Stories.

🎵 tawhiti.com

📷 Instagram: @tawhitipahina

Regional Birth Stories is hosted by and brought to you by Doula Lou.

🌐 www.doulalou.com.au

📷 Instagram: @doula_lou

If this episode resonated with you, please follow, share it with someone who's preparing for birth, or get in touch if you'd like to share your own regional birth story. Subscribe for more stories!

If anything in this episode has brought up difficult feelings, PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia) offers support on 1300 726 306.

Disclaimer

Regional Birth Stories is a podcast sharing personal experiences and stories of pregnancy, birth and early parenthood. The views and experiences expressed by the host and guests are their own and are shared for entertainment and general information purposes only. They do not constitute medical advice or professional guidance. The podcast is not intended to diagnose, treat or replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional. Every pregnancy and birth is different. Always consult your doctor or midwife for advice relating to your individual circumstances.