On today’s show we hear the three contrasting birth experiences of mindset coach, podcaster and birth advocate, Ashley.

Ashley went into her first pregnancy and birth handing over complete control to the healthcare professionals supporting her. She held projected shame over being plus-size which left her feeling disempowered, alone and intimidated. Her first birth ended in a cesarean.

Diving deeper into education for her second pregnancy gave her the tools she knew were necessary to advocate for the VBAC she desired, but the constant fight to uphold her birth preferences wore her down, leading her to another cesarean feeling defeated and empty.

During the three year break she took before calling in her third baby, she immersed herself in the wisdom of birth leaders and worked on her past traumas. This significant growth and education helped her to regain confidence and trust in herself to stand fully in her power for the journey ahead. Finally, after two caesareans, a special scar and feeling like a failure, she achieved what she always knew was possible; freebirthing her 4.5kg baby at home .

Show Links:

Instagram: @ashleylwinning

Website: www.themotherhoodcircle.com.au

Podcast: The VBAC Homebirth Stories Podcast

Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts