The VBAC Link

Schermisia has such an incredible story! She fought hard for her VBAC and made so many educated and intuitive decisions along the way. We have wanted to share a story from a woman of color for a while now. In this episode, we are going to share the specific challenges women of color face in the birth room and why they have to work so much harder for an empowered birth experience. As always, you can find the referenced information on our VBAC blog at thevbaclink.com/womenofcolor/.

The sponsor for this episode is Earth Mama Organics. We LOVE their safe and clean products for mama and baby and have both personally used and recommend their products to our clients. Bonus! You can get 20% off your Earth Mama organic purchase by entering promo code "VBAC" at checkout at earthmamaorganics.com.

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Please note, to get stories from all over the country and even other countries, we record using phone lines. For this reason, audio quality may vary between episodes and speakers.

Jeanine is such an inspiration and a beautiful example of a woman of strength. Her VBAC preparation was perfect. She took a VBAC prep class, hired a doula, switched providers (twice), and overcame a lot of fears. Her baby’s birth took an unexpected twist when Jeanine spiked a fever and determined a repeat Cesarean was necessary. Listen to her story and hear how many small victories she had as she prepared to birth and labor started. Jeanine is a prime example of being 100% in charge of what was happening at her birth. You can find more about coping through unexpected changes in birth plans and healing from the loss of vaginal delivery on our VBAC blog at thevbaclink.com/blog.

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Please note, to get stories from all over the country and even other countries, we record using phone lines. For this reason, audio quality may vary between episodes and speakers.

The most controversial and fear inducing issue surrounding VBAC is uterine rupture. Although uterine rupture is rare, it does happen. Today we are talking about how to process fear surrounding rupture, what the real facts are, how to recognize it if it happens, and that the real consequences of rupture truly are. This episode is jam packed with information and experiences that will leave you feeling even more ready to conquer your birth experience with confidence. 

• Download FREE VBAC birth affirmations for you birth space here!

Please note, in order to get stories from all over the country, and even other countries, we record using phone lines. For this reason, audio quality may vary between episodes and speakers.

Caitlin overcame some significant mental hurdles to prepare for her VBAC. She faced opposition from her provider, her family, and even some friends. She dug deep and surrounded herself with a doula and birth team that was incredibly supportive of her choices. She found our podcast, and binged listened to success stories through the end of her pregnancy. The affirmation "I am a Woman of Strength" was her mantra. You will love her inspiring story and will cheer her on right along with us as she shares her VBAC journey. Learn more about mental preparation for birth on our VBAC blog at thevbaclink.com/mental-prep/.

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Please note, to get stories from all over the country and even other countries, we record using phone lines. For this reason, audio quality may vary between episodes and speakers.

Taylor’s VBAC and HBAC journey is so inspiring. From C-section to difficult hospital VBAC to a VBAC at home (HBAC), her HBAC ended in a hospital transfer for her baby, due to a concern about blood sugar levels; however, they got sent home the same day after the all-clear from a pediatrician. Taylor is a doula and ICAN member in her community in New Hampshire. Find more about ICAN and how to find a great VBAC provider on our VBAC blog at thevbaclink.com/vbac-provider/.

• Find your local ICAN chapter

Please note, to get stories from all over the country and even other countries, we record using phone lines. For this reason, audio quality may vary between episodes and speakers.

It was a lot of work for Amy to find a doctor to support her with her VBA2C. Her first C-section was a classical (vertical) incision with premature twins. Her second, the typical low transverse (bikini cut) incision. Finding a provider supportive of a VBA2C is hard enough without a special scar, but like all the other women of strength we know, she dove into the information and prepared herself mentally and emotionally and found a provider to support her. Her story is full of struggle and victory and is sure to inspire! Find more information on VBA2C and Special Scars on our VBAC blog: thevbaclink.com/blog.

• Our NEW VBAC shop!

Please note, in order to get stories from all over the country, and even other countries, we record using phone lines. For this reason, audio quality may vary between episodes and speakers.

Maria’s first C-section was for a breech baby. Her provider told her, “Oh, good! I am working on your due date so that we can schedule a C-section for that morning.” She’s since had two VBACs after preparing for an unmedicated birth, taking a hypnobirthing class, and trusting her gut. She strongly believes in the power of affirmations, including and especially “I am having a VBAC!” Find a hypnobirthing instructor near you at hypnobirthing.com. If you are in Michigan, make sure to check out Maria’s classes.

• Our NEW VBAC shop!

Please note, to get stories from all over the country and even other countries, we record using phone lines. For this reason, audio quality may vary between episodes and speakers.

Mary’s determination is inspiring! She went from a planned C-section to an unplanned repeat C-section to a triumphant VBA2C after 70 hours of having her water break. Her journey started as planned home birth, but after labor not starting for over 60 hours, they decided to transfer care to a supportive hospital two hours away from her house. You can find more information on what to watch for when your water breaks and what your provider might suggest for you. Find all of this and more on our VBAC blog at thevbaclink.com/water-breaking/.

• Our NEW VBAC shop!

Please note, to get stories from all over the country and even other countries, we record using phone lines. For this reason, audio quality may vary between episodes and speakers.

We have a great episode for you going into the new year. Julie, one of your hosts, shares her struggle with breastfeeding after each birth and the very different feeding journeys each of her four babies have had. You might even hear the self-proclaimed “not a crier” choke up a bit as she walks through her story with you. Each journey is so different; you are sure to relate to some of her story. Feeding your baby is not one size fits all, and this unique perspective amplifies that.

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Please note, to get stories from all over the country and even other countries, we record using phone lines. For this reason, audio quality may vary between episodes and speakers.

We hope you had a great Christmas! Meet our friend Mandy. She has had six births. Her first birth resulted in an inverted T-scar and the second was a repeat cesarean. She then went on to have healthy VBACs. With her last birth, Mandy took a huge lead in her community by helping incorporate a new hospital policy in her area. She inspires many during her episode. If you have a special scar, be sure to check out https://specialscars.org/.

On the blog today: VBAMC (Vaginal Birth after Multiple Cesarean Sections)

More on our VBAC blog at: thevbaclink.com/blog.

• Our NEW VBAC shop!

Please note, in order to get stories from all over the country, and even other countries, we record using phone lines. For this reason, audio quality may vary between episodes and speakers.