The VBAC Link
The VBAC Link is a podcast that shares VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) birth stories to educate and inspire listeners. Hosted by expert doulas who have experienced VBACs themselves, the show provides detailed information on VBAC and cesarean prevention. The podcast aims to help mothers build confidence and intuition through real stories and facts, while emphasizing that it is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Episodes
Type 1 Diabetes VBAC + Shoulder Dystocia | Ep. 460 Alexis
Alexis is a Type 1 diabetic mom of three boys from Nevada. Her first birth was a 37-week induction due to her diabetes that ended in a vaginal delivery. For her second birth, Alexis was told she needed a cesarean because her baby was expected to be "massive," but after birth, he was perfectly average-sized. In the OR, her providers admitted their prediction was wrong, and Alexis was devast
Episode 459 Allison's (PT, DPT) Induced VBAC + Epidural + Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
Allison Parker is a pelvic floor physical therapist and mom of two from South Carolina, joining us today to share her journey to an induced VBAC after a cesarean for breech presentation. She talks about navigating a failed ECV, postpartum hemorrhage, postpartum preeclampsia, and her tough second pregnancy which ultimately led to an induction at 37 weeks due to preeclampsia. Allison tells us what h
Episode 458 Celia’s Hospital Water Birth VBAC After Traumatic Vaginal Births & Peaceful Cesarean + Prenatal Depression
Celia is a mom of four, an Air Force Technical Sergeant, and a passionate advocate for evidence-based communication in birth. In this episode, she shares her four very different birth experiences: a 36-hour induction ending in a forceps delivery and severe tear, another induction that turned precipitous, a breech Cesarean that felt calm and healing, and ultimately a hospital water birth VBAC at a
Episode 457 Birth Trauma Therapist Ashley Ward, LPCC + Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Maternal Health Awareness Month, and at The VBAC Link, we deeply believe that maternal health is so much more than physical well being. We recognize the complexity of every birth experience, and for those struggling, we send our love, solidarity, and support. In this HIGHLY anticipated episode, Lily and Paige sit down with birth trauma therapist Ashley Ward, LPCC about what trauma is, the m
Episode 456 L&D Nurse Jen Hamilton + VBAC Vibes
We are honored to have THE Jen Hamilton join us on the pod today! Jen Hamilton is a labor and delivery nurse, viral TikTok creator with over 6 million followers, and author of Birth Vibes: Stories and Strategies for an Empowered Birth (May 2026), a warm, clinically grounded guide to navigating childbirth with confidence and calm. She is the founder of Hot Mess Express, a nonprofit offering judgmen
Episode 455 Tatiana Returns + HBA2C aka HOTEL Birth After Two Cesareans
Tatiana is back with her second VBA2C story!! She first joined us on Episode 107 in 2020 where she dove into all the details around her first two C-sections and her first VBA2C. It was a planned HBAC turned hospital delivery with a supportive OB, but her heart still craved the home birth experience. In this episode, she returns with a full-circle update on the birth of her fourth sweet boy. Her fo
Episode 454 Certified Nurse Midwife Paige Boran + All About Fetal Monitoring
We are closing out our Cesarean Awareness Month series on the most common reasons for C-sections with a deep dive into all things fetal monitoring! CNM Paige Boran, who attended Lily’s VBAC and who we deeply love and trust, answers every question you can imagine. This is definitely an episode you will want to save and listen back to often!Midwife Paige talks about:The history of continuous fetal m
Episode 453 Catherine's HBAC, CBAC, & Surprise Breech VBA2C in the OR
We’re so excited to bring you another episode in our Cesarean Awareness Month series! This one was highly requested in our VBAC Link Facebook Community and we can’t wait for you to hear Catherine’s stories. Today’s topic is all about BREECH, one of the most common reasons for cesareans. Catherine, a mom of four with a bicornuate uterus, shares her four births: a scheduled breech cesarean, a precip
Episode 452 MAC Pioneer Dr. Koen Deurloo + Maternal Assisted Cesareans
As we continue our Cesarean Awareness Month series, CBAC and RCS moms, this one's for you. If your future birth looks like a subsequent cesarean, we want to make that cesarean the best, most peaceful, and empowering experience it can be. Better birth after cesarean means better options, and today's episode takes a deep dive into the option of Maternal Assisted Cesareans (MAC). We are joine
Episode 451 Erin’s Twin VBAC + Cholestasis
Is it possible to have a VBAC with multiples? YES. In honor of Cesarean Awareness Month, Erin, a registered dietitian and mom of four (under 5!), shares her journey through cesarean, VBAC, miscarriage, and a twin VBAC. She opens up about navigating postpartum anxiety, benefiting from medication, and how her hard work and growth helped her have a different mindset when a lot of similar things happe
Episode 450 Midwife Katie's Birth Center VBAC + Shoulder Dystocia HBAC & BIG Baby + Cesarean Awareness Month
April is Cesarean Awareness Month and Women of Strength, we are aware of YOU. All month long, we are bringing you VBAC stories & discussions featuring these most common reasons for cesareans:• Big babies• Failure to progress• Twins• Breech• Fetal heart tonesAnd for our CBAC and RCS mamas, we’ve got a special episode all about maternal assisted cesareans, so stay tuned!! In today’s episode, we
Episode 449 NICU Nurse Rachel's VBAC Story + Personal & Secondhand Trauma
Rachel, a VBAC mom, NICU nurse, researcher, and soon to be women’s health NP, shares her healing VBAC journey with us today. Her first birth started as an induction and quickly turned into an urgent cesarean. She experienced a failed spinal, aggression from providers, and general anesthesia. Rachel talks about some tough things she’s seen as a NICU nurse and how trauma can show up secondhand. She
Episode 448 Lily & Paige's Ultimate VBAC Prep Guide + "All The Things"
If you’ve been with us for a while, you’ve probably heard women say they did all the things to get their VBAC. But what actually are “all the things”? This episode covers it!As moms prepping for their own VBACs and now doulas helping others do the same, Paige (coming hot off a birth!) and Lily sit down to talk about everything you can do before conception and during pregnancy to prepare for an emp
Episode 447 IBCLC Angela Das' Induced 2VBACs + Reclaiming Your Breastfeeding Journey
Breastfeeding is natural, but that doesn’t mean it always comes naturally. In this episode, we chat with Lily’s personal boob fairy🧚🏼 Angela Das (IBCLC, CLC, CNPE and two-time VBAC mom!) about how preparing BEFORE birth can make a big difference in your feeding journey.Angela first shares her own birth stories from her unexpected c-section to her two induced VBACs and the differences in her breast
Episode 446 Ashley's Pain-Free Unmedicated VBAC + CBAC With Placenta Accreta
Ashley Adynah is a wife, mom of four boys (one bonus son and three birth stories of her own), and the creator behind The Parenting Strategy. She went into her first birth aware of the gap in Black maternity care, spoke up, and was assured by her team that she would be well taken care of. But Ashley’s induction ended in a traumatic C-section compounded by a uterine infection, infected incision, pas
Episode 445 Liz's Waterbirth VBA2C After Two General Anesthesia C-Sections + Hope After Trauma
Liz's first birth was an induction that ended in a cesarean. When she said, “I can feel that,” referring to pressure, her doctor put her under general anesthesia without consent.With her second, Liz planned for a VBAC. The midwife broke her water without consent. She labored to 9.5 centimeters and stalled with a cervical lip. She was overwhelmed by so many hands touching her as they tried to m
Episode 444 TVL Doula Allison's HBAC After Placenta Accreta
Allison Champ is a mama of three and a VBAC Link Certified VBAC Doula serving families in the Dayton, Ohio area. Her first birth was an induced, epidural vaginal delivery with a premature manual removal of the placenta, which required a uterine scraping procedure. Allison, Lily & Paige chat about that third stage of labor and what is/isn’t evidence based. Her second pregnancy began as a planne
Episode 443 Brianna's Birth Center VBAC + Switching Providers in the Third Trimester
“Women should feel excited about giving birth and every woman should feel confident in giving birth.”Brianna’s first birth didn’t feel this way. She transferred to the hospital from a birth center at 42 weeks for a Foley induction. And before labor even started, she was already mentally preparing for a c-section. Pitocin was started without her consent. After about 14 hours, an epidural, AROM, and
Episode 442 Magdalena’s 2VBAM (Vaginal Births After Myomectomy) in South Africa + Navigating Infertility
Our first VBAM (vaginal birth after myomectomy) was Episode 189 with Mabel back in 2022 and we are SO excited to finally be bringing you another! Maria Magdalena “Mags” Campbell joins us from Cape Town, South Africa to share her inspiring story through loss, fertility challenges, and ultimately TWO VBAM births. With the support of Chinese medicine, acupuncture, progesterone, and a fertility coach,
Episode 441 Dr. Hazel Keedle, PhD Returns + The Clinician's Guide to Better Birth After Caesarean
We’re thrilled to welcome back Dr. Hazel Keedle from Sydney, Australia! Dr. Keedle is a researcher, midwife, Director of Midwifery Academic Programs and Senior Lecturer at Western Sydney University back to discuss her book, A Clinician’s Guide to Birth After Cesarean, released in August 2025.In this episode, Hazel shares insight from her years of research into VBAC experiences and clinical care. S
Episode 440 Irene's Unmedicated VBA2C + Placenta Previa
After an induction at 41+3 weeks turned emergency cesarean with her first and a second cesarean at 42 weeks due to failure to progress, Irene had an unmedicated VBA2C with full placenta previa pregnancy that resolved at 30 weeks!Irene started her VBA2C pregnancy journey at a new practice that was not VBAC supportive and told her to schedule a cesarean at her first 8-week appointment. She switched
Episode 439 TVL Team Member Ashley Marg's 2VBA2C Stories
“You only have to make one good decision at a time.”We are so excited to welcome our very own TVL team member, Ashley Marg, back on the podcast today! Ashley is our Maternal Health & Communication Strategist and you will find her beautifully writing VBAC content on our blog and in your email inboxes.You can find her first three birth stories in depth on Episode 249, but after a short recap, As
Episode 438 Get to Know Your New Hosts: 20 Questions with Lily & Paige
We’re bringing you a bonus episode this week!!Your new hosts Lily and Paige sit down and turn the tables on each other with a fun game of 20 Questions. They share everything from their personal backgrounds to their favorite things, silly stories, and opening up about what led them to The VBAC Link and doula work.They also talk about their hopes for the future of the podcast and how much they’ve al
Episode 437 THE BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!!
We’ve been keeping this secret for months and are so excited that we get to finally share!!Join us in this tender and bittersweet episode as we honor Meagan for the legacy she has created through her work hosting this podcast. Meagan has changed SO many lives, and our TVL team is so happy she’s sticking around to help this movement continue to grow and thrive!And let’s give the warmest welcome to
Episode 436 Amanda’s Scheduled Repeat Cesarean Turned VBAC
For this last episode of 2025, we wanted to emphasize just how unique all VBAC journeys really are, and Amanda’s story does just that! Women of Strength, VBACs are possible in sooo many different scenarios, even the ones that weren’t planned or prepped for. Amanda thought she was having a planned C-section, but with a little gentle encouragement from her care team, she ended up with an unplanned,
Episode 435 Surrendering to Birth: A Guided Meditation with Meagan Heaton
This Christmas Eve episode is something a little different and very special! For over 400 episodes, you’ve heard our founder, Meagan Heaton, encourage, educate, and validate women through all types of birth stories. Now, she’s slowing down and speaking that encouragement directly to YOU. This episode is just a warm moment to simply pause, breathe, and feel supported.This episode is for all women,
Episode 434 Kela's Redemptive HBA2C with a 9.5lb Baby + Cervical Scar Massage During Labor
Kela is an inspiring mama who joins us today sharing her HBA2C story! All three of Kela’s pregnancies were planned home births, yet her first two ended in cesarean after long labors labeled “failure to progress”, concerns of chorio, tachycardia, and fever. Though the odds were stacked against her, Kela never let go of the dreamy home birth she knew in her bones was possible. With the support of an
Episode 433 Anna from Sacred Birth International: Daring to Birth Differently
“Peace on earth begins with birth.”In this powerful episode, Meagan sits down with Anna Lundqvist, founder of Sacred Birth International. Anna is a seasoned midwife from Sweden whose work has evolved into educating birthing families, doulas, and birth professionals on how to protect birth as a sacred, primal, and physiological event. Drawing from years of attending births around the world, Anna no
Episode 432 Air Force Officer Sarah's VBA2C During an OCONUS PCS + Nitrous Oxide
Women of Strength, you won’t want to miss this one!!In today’s episode of The VBAC Link Podcast, we welcome Sarah, a mom of three boys, an active duty Air Force officer (AND a spouse to one as well!) about her incredible VBA2C during an overseas PCS move from South Korea to Florida. Sarah’s first birth was a c-section for breech presentation. Her second was a scheduled c-section timed around her h
Episode 431 Catie's VBAC with Hyperemesis Gravidarum + Cholestasis
Catie, a pediatric physical therapist from Northern Kentucky, joins Meagan on the podcast today sharing her three birth stories– a vaginal delivery, c-section, and VBAC! Catie struggled with hyperemesis gravidarum (among other complications) during all three pregnancies but wasn’t officially given the diagnosis until she was hospitalized with her third. By that time, she had researched hard and wa
Episode 429 Lily Nichols, RDN Returns + Nutrition Before, During & After Pregnancy
We are so excited to welcome back our favorite registered dietician and bestselling author, Lily Nichols! Lily is here to chat with us about her third book, Real Food for Fertility. She explains how while the title focuses on fertility, this book goes far beyond that, diving into how nutrition supports hormone health and overall well-being at every stage of life.Meagan and Lily talk about nutritio
Episode 428 Kari's Induced VBAC with Preeclampsia after Her First Induction Didn't Go to Plan + Info on Preeclampsia
Kari joins us today from Huntsville, Alabama sharing her story of two induced but very different births. Her first was an unplanned Cesarean after a 39-week induction and the second was a medically induced VBAC due to preeclampsia. With her second baby, Kari saw a new provider who was VBAC supportive, hired a doula, and went to a chiropractor. She also found out that she had a velamentous cord ins
Episode 427 Abbie's VBAC After Loss + Advanced Maternal Age
“I want to be the light I wish I’d had in my darkest moments.” As we close out Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, we are sharing Abbie’s two birth stories and honoring the memory of her firstborn, Rowan. Rowan was born prematurely via emergency Cesarean at 29 weeks during the height of COVID and passed several weeks later in the NICU. Abbie shares what it was like to come home from the hos
Episode 426 Rachel's Three VBAC Stories + VBAC With Gastroschisis
We are so excited to welcome back our friend, Rachel! She shared her first precipitous VBAC story all the way back in Episode 56. This time, she joins us again to talk about her next two VBACs— one of which included an unexpected diagnosis of gastroschisis and the other surprisingly beginning with PROM (premature rupture of membranes).Rachel opens up about navigating gastroschisis and how her care
Episode 425 Kelie’s VBA4C + VBAMC Facts (REBROADCASTED)
Today we’re revisiting one of our earliest episodes — Episode 13 Kelie’s VBA4C in Utah! Our audio quality has come a long way since those early days 😅, but Kelie’s story is still one of our most inspiring. “Kelie’s VBA4C section story is one of many awe-inspiring moments! She truly has been through it all with each of her cesareans and her VBAC. Her first baby was born weighing less than two pound
Episode 424 Chloe's 65-hour VBA2C in Canada to a 9-lb Baby After a CPD Diagnosis + Placenta Previa
About her VBA2C, Chloe says, “I’ve been dreaming of my VBAC for 8 years. When my HBAC turned into a scheduled CBAC, I wasn’t even sure I’d get the option to have a VBA2C. It took a lot of planning & hard work & I knew as a first time labouring mom that it would be a longer labor but I completely underestimated just how long… Dreams came true New Years Eve as fireworks went off & my hus
Episode 423 Brianna's Redemptive Maternal Assisted Cesarean (MAC) + Making Big Changes in a Small Town
Women of Strength, we are making waves. We are so excited to be sharing our second Maternal Assisted Cesarean story on the podcast today! There are so many beautiful details within Brianna’s entire episode that you will not want to miss. In the small town of Crosby, Minnesota with a population of less than 3,000, Brianna was the first MAC under a brand-new policy. About her birth, she says: “While
Episode 422 Elisabeth's VBAC + Navigating Resources, Research, & Different Personalities
Why is it that most avenues of healthcare delay preventative intervention, but when it comes to birth, there is so much more of a fear-based “just in case” mindset? Elisabeth, her doula (and our TVL team member!) Ashley Marg, and Julie Francom talk about how most of the time we can trust the physiological process of birth, yet providers often don’t. Elisabeth’s first birth was a whirlwind. After p
Episode 421 Jennifer's Special Scar (Inverted T) VBA2C with Gestational Diabetes & Signing an AMA + Faith Over Fear
Jennifer is a mom to three boys, each born in a different decade. Her first birth started out spontaneously but, after going to the hospital early and experiencing many interventions, ended in an emergency Cesarean under general anesthesia with an inverted T incision.For her second birth, Jennifer was excited to try for a VBAC but learned about her special scar and, trusting her doctor’s advice, s
Episode 420 Diana’s VBAC + Complicated Postpartum Recoveries & Support Options
In today’s episode, Julie Francom talks with Diana, who shares her Cesarean and two very different VBAC stories. Diana’s journey began with a Cesarean birth including a velamentous cord insertion and a long, difficult recovery complicated by painful breastfeeding abscesses. For her second baby, she planned a home birth VBAC and euphorically welcomed her baby at home—only to need a hospital transfe
Episode 419 VBAC 101 & Doula Talk With Meagan, Lily, & Paige
Did you know that The VBAC Link is made up of a whole team of VBAC doulas? Our Co-founder and Owner, Meagan Heaton, is joined today on the pod by TVL team members Lily (Director of Social Media & Community Engagement) and Paige (Production Admin & Community Liason) chatting all about questions we see from you in our community— topics like induction methods, providers, where to find info, p
Episode 418 Lindsay’s VBAC + Preparing for VBAC (188 REBROADCAST)
Today we are revisiting another one of our favorite episodes! Episode 188 featured Lindsay’s amazing story of preparation and perseverance through doubt during her COVID VBAC.Lindsay’s first birth was a planned home birth which ultimately resulted in a hospital transfer and emergency C-section. She was left feeling unprepared and unheard and committed to fighting for a VBAC next time. Lindsay work
Episode 417 Hannah's Two VBACs + Failure to Progress + Labor & Shoulder Dystocia + Close Duration
In today’s episode, Meagan chats with our friend, Hannah, who is a mom to three little ones under the age of 4. Hannah has had two VBACs that were both unique in their own ways. Her first birth was an induction that led to an unplanned Cesarean. She was induced for the convenience of avoiding the upcoming holidays and to prevent her baby from getting too big if she chose to wait for spontaneous la
Episode 416 Heather’s Induced VBAC at 39 Weeks + Hypertension + Processing Infertility
Our co-founder, Julie Francom, hosts today’s episode with Heather from Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Heather talks today about her journey with IVF for her first pregnancy and conceiving spontaneously with her second. Heather’s first birth involved infertility, ovulation inducers, IUI’s (including a chemical pregnancy), solo appointments during COVID, and a C-section due to fetal tachycardia. She con
Episode 415 Deb Flashenberg from Yoga Birth Babies + Benefits of Yoga + 360° Breathing
We are so excited to have Deb Flashenberg on the podcast today! She is the founder and director of the Prenatal Yoga Center in NYC. Along with being a prenatal yoga teacher, she is also a doula, Lamaze childbirth educator, Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist, Spinning Babies Parent Educator and mother of two. After a tough first birth experience, Deb became incredibly passionate about all th
Episode 414 Nichole's 7 Births + 2VBA3C + Preterm Cesareans, Preeclampsia & Interventions
Happy Wednesday, Women of Strength! Today we are joined by our friend, Nichole, from Nevada who shares her SEVEN birth stories. Nichole has had a wild ride when it comes to birth. Every story is so different and so unique. This episode is jam-packed with things like placental abruption, NICU time, preeclampsia, a surprise HBA2C, induced VBA2C, changing providers, and two VBA3C stories. Her last bi
Episode 413 What VBAC Dads Want You to Know (REBROADCASTED)
We are bringing back the VBAC dads!! In this rebroadcast, Julie and Meagan interview 5 VBAC dads who share their tips, fears, and highlights of the VBAC journey.Each dad answers these questions:- What do you wish you knew before VBAC and what are you glad you did know?- Did you have any fears for your partner and what helped you overcome them?- Did you have a doula and would you recommend one?- Wh
Episode 412 Erika's VBAC After a Breech Cesarean + A Surprise Diagnosis of AVM (Arteriovenous Malformations)
After a peaceful, scheduled Cesarean for breech presentation, Erika knew she wanted a VBAC—even before becoming pregnant again. When red flags appeared with her original provider, she switched to a supportive OB who stayed steady even when Erika had doubts. Erika prepared deeply with The VBAC Link Podcast episodes, blogs, pelvic floor PT, chiropractic care, and a skilled doula. Her healing VBAC br
Episode 411 Felicia's CBAC + Fetal Heart Tones + When a Cesarean is REALLY Necessary
Felicia grew up with a profound trust in the power of VBAC— her mom was a midwife and had a beautiful home birth after four Cesareans! So when Felicia’s first birth ended in a Cesarean, there was no doubt in her mind that she would pursue a VBAC next time. She educated herself, built a strong support system, obsessed over all things VBAC, and went into her second pregnancy with clarity and confide
Episode 410 Christy's Quick VBAC After Traveling 1.5 Hrs + Logistics of VBAC Travel
Christy shares her whirlwind VBAC story after two vaginal births and a Cesarean. After testing GBS positive, Christy made the intentional decision to deliver at a hospital she deeply trusted, even though it was 1.5 hours from home. But when labor kicked in fast and hard, she barely made it in time. Her birth progressed so quickly that while she ultimately had the birth she hoped for, she still nee
Episode 409 Anne Marie’s VBAC + Positions for Labor and Birth
In today’s episode, Anne Marie shares her intuitive, unmedicated VBAC journey. From building a trusting relationship with her supportive OBGYN to finding peace with all possible birth outcomes, her story is a powerful reminder of the strength that comes from informed decision-making and listening to our bodies!.Anne Marie takes us through her experience of moving freely during labor, naturally fin
Episode 408 Vanessa's HBAC + Preparing for a Different Experience + Stats on Home Birth
Vanessa was born and raised in Brazil, a country with sky-high cesarean rates. Moving to the US inspired her to pursue her doula career, even before she became pregnant herself. Vanessa’s own birth experiences were very different. Her first birth was a Cesarean after a birth center transfer. While it was medically necessary, it was very unexpected and traumatic. After a lot of processing and birth
Episode 407 Nicole from Subtle Healing Bliss + Easy At-Home Pregnancy Techniques with Profound Effects
We are so excited to have Nicole Vandermeyen with Subtle Healing Health on the podcast today!Nicole shares how her history of childhood leukemia and awful first pregnancy and birth experience solidified her commitment to holistic health. Through subtle changes in nutrition and influence healing, her overall health improved drastically, and she now helps other women do the same! As a holistic healt
Episode 406 Julie Sawaya (Co-Founder of Needed) + Prenatal Vitamins, Depletion of Nutrients & Fertility
We are so happy to have Julie Sawaya back with us on The VBAC Link Podcast today! Julie is the co-founder of Needed, a mama, and a lifelong nutrition nerd. As the most nutritionally aware of their friends, Julie and her co-founder Ryan were shocked to realize through nutrient testing that they were severely deficient in key nutrients needed for a healthy pregnancy. They dug into the research and r
Episode 405 Nicole’s Induced VBAC During a Hurricane + Giving Yourself Grace When Plans Change
Like the literal hurricane she labored through, Nicole’s story is one of overcoming life’s storms, giving grace, and finding joy. Nicole’s first birth was a C-section to best protect her daughter who had a low heart rate due to multiple congenital heart defects. But unfortunately after three precious years, her daughter passed. Nicole worked hard to find healing from so much layered emotional and
Episode 404 Lauren’s Unmedicated VBAC in an Ambulance + Preparing for VBAC
Lauren joins us today from New Jersey sharing her wild ride (literally!) to a VBAC! Lauren’s first birth was a spontaneous labor ending in a crash Cesarean under general anesthesia at 39 weeks due to fetal distress. Though she was complete and tried pushing, baby was still high and showing that he needed to be born right away.She prepared diligently for a VBAC by listening to multiple VBAC Link Po
Episode 403 Chelsea’s HBAC + The Impact of Birth Choices on Self-Identity and Empowerment
”This VBAC has changed who I am as a woman.” Proactive preparation matters in birth!!While we don’t want to obsess about it in an unhealthy way, prep work can make a huge difference in your birth experience. Chelsea is an amazing example of how that prep pays off. After a very long, exhausting 40+hr labor and Cesarean birth, Chelsea knew she needed a different experience the next time around. Chel
Episode 402 Andrea’s Healing VBAC + EMDR + Finding a Supportive Provider
Andrea joins us in the podcast today from Kansas City! She is a mom of two and a pediatric oncology nurse. Andrea shares how her experience as a nurse impacted both of her very different births. After her traumatic Cesarean, Andrea knew how critically important it would be to find healing inside and out before giving birth again. Andrea sought EMDR therapy from a therapist who specialized in birth
Episode 401 Trish Ware From The Birth Experience (Labor Nurse Mama) + L&D Nurse Stories
Trish Ware is the Labor Nurse Mama! As a high-risk labor and delivery nurse for 16 years and mom of 7, she has helped deliver thousands of babies and seen it all. Trish founded The Birth Experience to help empower women through birth education. Her true passion lies in teaching families how to make informed choices. You will NOT want to miss this bold episode. Trish and Meagan do not hold back as
Episode 400 Reflecting of 400 Episodes of The VBAC Link Podcast.-
We are celebrating a HUGE milestone over here: 400 episodes of The VBAC Link Podcast! Beginning as a phonecall in Target from Julie Francom to Meagan Heaton in 2018, The VBAC Link Podcast now has over 1.3 million episode downloads, guests from all over the world, a management and production team, parent and doula education courses, a thriving social media platform, and a legacy of stories from YOU
Episode 399 Katelyn's VBA2C After a Forceps Attempt Ending in a Cesarean
Katelyn is a mother of three beautiful daughters with three entirely different birth stories. Her first birth was a Cesarean after three forceps attempts, her second was a scheduled repeat Cesarean, and her third was a long, tough labor ending in a successful VBA2C! Katelyn talks about making sacrifices to switch providers, spirituality, prodromal labor, nuchal hands, and how to navigate a home bi
Episode 398 Rameika’s Unmedicated VBAC + Should You Hire a Doula?
“The wound can become a gift.”After a traumatic and long birth that ended in a C-section, Ramieka did extensive research on providers in the central California area to find the most supportive option, and was willing to travel for that support. She utilized pelvic floor therapy, chiropractic, and a VBAC Link Certified doula to achieve a redemptive, unmedicated VBAC.Julie and Rameika talk about wha
Episode 397 Dr. Jen's VBAC After Failure to Progress + Pelvic Floor Breathing & Pushing
Dr. Jen Fraboni, PT, DPT, is an internationally-renowned physical therapist who specializes in helping people overcome chronic pain and maximize physical performance. As the founder of the new platform and app, “Jen.Health,” she brings a unique, whole body approach to strength, mobility and pain-free living. Dr. Jen is the co-host with her husband, who is also a Doctor of Physical Therapy, to a po
Episode 396 Darby From Birth By Design + Birth Language + Postpartum Prep + Beyond Birth
Darby Swan is a faith-based birth doula and the owner of Boundless Grace Birth Services in Central Kentucky. With a passion for supporting expectant families, she provides evidence-based information and nurturing care throughout the pregnancy and birth journey. As the host of the podcast "Birth By Design," Darby shares valuable insights and experiences, inspiring parents to embrace their u
Episode 395 Shannon's Induced VBAC With Preeclampsia & Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome + Big Baby + Failure to Progress
From a very unexpected pregnancy to navigating a challenging first birth experience, Shannon joins us today to share the steps she took to achieve a successful VBAC. Shannon describes pregnancy with Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome and insufficient glandular tissue (IGT). She was able to seek support and get the proper progesterone supplementation with her second pregnancy to help with her breastfeeding goa
Episode 394 Zoei Returns + Close Duration + Pitocin-Induced Twin VBAC
In this episode, Meagan welcomes Zoei back to share her inspiring VBAC story with twins! Zoei’s first birth was a Cesarean followed by a VBAC with a singleton pregnancy. Her first two birth experiences gave her the confidence to advocate for her VBAC with twins. Her four babies were all born within four years. Zoei talks about how she was able to carry her twins longer than most, the added anxieti
Episode 393 Jill's VBAC With Twins + The Facts About Twin VBAC
We are celebrating the week of TWINS by revisiting Jill’s beautiful twin VBAC story from 2019. This episode is packed with valuable statistics about VBAC and twin pregnancies. Jill’s first birth was a C-section due to failure to progress. Her second was a hospital VBAC at 39+5 over the course of 4 days with a very patient and supportive provider. When she found out she was pregnant with twins, Jil
Episode 392 Sophia's VBAC + VBAC Prep + What You Need to Know
In this episode, Julie welcomes Sophia from Mexico City, who shares her mental, physical, and spiritual journey towards achieving her VBAC. Sophia discusses the challenges she faced in navigating the healthcare system in Mexico, and what she did to find a truly VBAC-supportive provider. While preparing for her VBAC, Sophia had a hard time finding well-documented VBAC stories from Mexico, so she ho
Episode 391 Molly Returns Sharing Her Post-date Induced VBAC + Co-Host Allison + The Emotions of Birth
Molly joined us for Episode 84 talking about her unexpected breech Cesarean and first VBAC story. Today, she returns sharing her second VBAC story!Molly shares her powerful journey through loss, IVF, selecting her powerhouse birth team, preparing for different outcomes, post-dates, a multiple-day induction, a beautiful delivery (where her husband caught their sweet baby!), and navigating a placent
Episode 390 Johanna's HBAC + PROM + Supportive Provider + Postpartum Planning
Johanna is a girl mama joining us today from Canada. She had an unplanned C-section with her first, an HBAC with her second, and was pregnant with her third at the time of recording! Johanna reflects on her experiences with both supportive and unsupportive care during her pregnancies. Meagan and Johanna dive into your options surrounding PROM, the significance of intuition in decision-making, the
Episode 389 Kristin from Ask the Doulas Podcast + VBAC Prep + Assembling Your Dream Team of Experts
In this special episode, Kristin, host of Ask the Doulas podcast and founder of Gold Coast Doulas, gives tips on building your supportive birth team. Kristin and Meagan talk specifics on HOW to switch providers if you’re feeling the push to do so.Once we have our dream team, we’re good and don’t have to do any more work, right? Nope! We keep educating and preparing ourselves. That’s the way to tru
Episode 388 Liz's HBAC After an Unexpected Cesarean Following a Late Hypertension Diagnosis
Liz, a mama of two from Long Island, New York, joins us today sharing her experience with preeclampsia, an unexpected C-section, and her successful VBAC with her second. Liz had a perfect health history and never had any surgeries before her C-section. It was so frustrating to feel so out of control. In between her birth and her second pregnancy, Liz’s mom unexpectedly passed away. She shares how
Episode 387 VBAC Q&A With Dr. Nicole Rankins + Preeclampsia, Scar Thickness, and More
Meagan welcomes Dr. Nicole Calloway Rankins, a board-certified OB/GYN, to discuss everything related to pregnancy, childbirth, and the VBAC experience. With over 23 years of experience and more than 1,000 deliveries, Dr. Rankins shares her insights on common questions and concerns from expectant mothers. From the importance of mindset during labor to understanding the implications of the word “all
Episode 386 Dr. Stu & Midwife Blyss Answer Your Questions + VBAC Prep & Uterine Rupture (REBROADCAST)
Originally aired in June 2019 as our 73rd episode, we still often think back to this amazing first conversation we had with Dr. Stuart Fischbein and Midwife Blyss Young!Now, almost 6 years later, the information is just as relevant and impactful as it was then. This episode was a Q&A from our Facebook followers and touches on topics like statistics surrounding VBAC, uterine rupture, uterine ab
Episode 385 Ambrosia's VBA2C + Teen Pregnancy + The Myth of a Small Pelvis
In this episode of The VBAC Link Podcast, join Julie as she sits down with Ambrosia to discuss her journey from a teen pregnancy to achieving a VBAC after two C-sections. Ambrosia shares her unique experiences, the challenges she faced, and the importance of advocating for herself in the medical system. Julie and Ambrosia give insights into the myth of a small pelvis and preeclampsia. How is a sma
Episode 384 Maria's Birth Center VBA2C + The Power of VBAC Prep + What Happens if You Can’t Pee in Labor?
While we can't control many parts of birth, there is so much we CAN do to quite literally change the trajectory of our birth outcome. First: Feel safe with where and with whom you will give birth.Second (but just as important!): Prepare yourself mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. During her first VBAC attempt, Maria hired a midwife. Her second birth had so much more advocacy,
Episode 383 Noel's Induced VBAC with Premature Rupture of Membranes + What is PROM?
“I don't think anyone pushes like a VBAC mom pushes.”In this episode, we chat about premature rupture of membranes (PROM) with Noel, a stay-at-home mom from Texas, as she shares her personal experiences and successful VBAC story. We dive deep into the importance of finding a supportive provider and the realities of induction. Noel was never able to fully dilate during her first birth. She and
Episode 382 Alice's Safe HBAC After Healing From an Abusive Relationship + Domestic Violence Support
In this powerful episode, we hear the story of Alice, who shares her brave journey through two contrasting pregnancies and the impact of intimate partner violence on her mental health. Co-host Sarah joins as one of our VBAC Link certified doulas to discuss the importance of mental health awareness, especially during pregnancy and postpartum. This episode dives into the significance of having a str
Episode 381 Colleen's VBAC + Gestational Diabetes, Shoulder Dystocia, and Bait & Switch
“I am not a TOLAC patient. I am a VBAC!”Julie sits down with Colleen, a mother from Long Island, New York, who shares her journey towards achieving a successful VBAC despite facing challenges such as gestational diabetes. Colleen recounts her traumatic first birth experience and the uphill battle she faced with her second pregnancy. She was bombarded with messages that her baby would suffer perman
Episode 380 Kelsey's VBA2C with Polyhydramnios & Big Baby + Staying Strong With Unsupportive Providers
If you are looking for VBAC inspiration, Kelsey’s episode is a MUST-LISTEN.Kelsey is a VBA2C mom and speech-language pathologist living in Erie, Pennsylvania. You will feel literal full-body chills as she tells her birth stories on the podcast today. As a first-time mom, Kelsey chose a Cesarean over physiological birth thinking it was the safer, easier route. But after experiencing the reality of
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