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You’ve heard the statistics. You’ve Googled uterine rupture. You’ve read the studies. You’ve joined the VBAC groups. You’ve probably heard one number from your provider and a completely different one somewhere else. But here’s the question: Do you actually know what the research means? In this episode of Made for Birth, I’m joined by Jen Kamel, founder of VBAC Facts®, to dig into the research behind vaginal birth after cesarean. Jen has spent nearly two decades studying VBAC and repeat cesarean research and helping parents, birth professionals, policymakers, and even the courts better understand what the evidence actually says. And we’re going beyond simply quoting statistics. We’re talking about how to look at VBAC research critically, why context matters when interpreting risk, where some of the numbers we hear about VBAC actually come from, what the research can—and cannot—tell us, and why truly informed decision-making requires more than being handed a percentage. Because “the research says…” can sound pretty convincing. But WHICH research? What population was studied? What was actually measured? How strong is the evidence? And does that statistic even apply to the person sitting in the room? If you’re planning a VBAC, supporting VBAC families, or you’ve ever wondered why what you’re being told doesn’t seem to match what you’re reading, this conversation is one you’ll want to save. The Truth Is in the Data: What VBAC Research Actually Says with Jen Kamel of VBACFACTS.COM CONNECT WITH JEN + KEEP LEARNING VBAC Facts®  https://vbacfacts.com How to Read Medical Research: https://vbacfacts.com/how-read-medical-research/ VBAC Facts® Professional Membership: https://vbacfacts.com/membership/ MORE FROM THE VBAC FACTS® PODCAST 🎧 E12 — Jen Kamel’s Interview on All Things Women’s Health 🎧 E13 — Why This OB/GYN Passionately Supports VBAC Access Send me a text if you have episode request. All other questions please email me so I can reply! Support the show Find me on Facebook & Instagram @Made4Birth or visit my website at www.made4birth.com for all the information about my coaching program.

What happens when a skeptical partner actually starts learning about birth? For Jacob Dubois, it changed everything. In this episode of Made for Birth, I’m joined by Jacob, author of Why Home Birth, to talk about birth from a perspective we don’t hear nearly enough: the partner’s. Jacob shares what it was like supporting his wife through homebirth, the fears and questions he had along the way, and how learning more about birth physiology, risk, and the maternity care system completely changed the way he viewed birth. We talk about what partners actually need to know to support the women they love, why education matters just as much for them, and what happens when fear is replaced with understanding. And while Jacob’s story centers around homebirth, this conversation is NOT just for homebirth families. If you’re preparing for a VBAC, HBAC, homebirth, hospital birth—or simply want your partner to understand birth on a deeper level—this is the episode to send them. Because your partner doesn’t have to start out completely on board with your birth choices. But they DO need the opportunity to learn, ask questions, understand the options, and become an informed part of your birth team. 🎧 Send this one to your partner and listen together. What He Learned About Birth Changed Everything: A Partner’s Perspective with Jacob Dubois Connect with Jacob Dubois: 📲 Instagram: @apogee.dad 📖 Get Jacob’s book, Why Home Birth?: How Hospitals Turned Birth into a Medical Procedure — and What the Evidence Actually Shows, on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Why-Home-Birth-hospitals-procedure/dp/B0GQNPBDSZ 🌐 Learn more about Why Home Birth?: https://whyhomebirthbook.com Send me a text if you have episode request. All other questions please email me so I can reply! Support the show Find me on Facebook & Instagram @Made4Birth or visit my website at www.made4birth.com for all the information about my coaching program.

What does it actually take to be available when a client goes into labor at 2 a.m., on a holiday, or three weeks before her due date? In this episode of Made for Birth, I’m joined by Annie Hill, doula trainer and former homebirth midwife, to talk about the side of doula work most people never see. We’re getting into the LOGISTICS—being on call, managing family life and childcare, creating backup systems, setting boundaries, structuring your business, and building a life that actually allows you to show up fully for the families you serve. Because loving birth and wanting to support women is one thing. Building a sustainable career that allows you to keep doing it? That takes a whole different level of intention. If you’re considering hiring a doula, this conversation will give you a new perspective on everything happening behind the scenes to make that support possible. And if you’re considering becoming a doula—or already doing this work—Annie and I are talking about what it really takes to make doula work sustainable for the long haul. Connect with Annie Hill: Bright Blessings Birth Services  Website: www.brightblessings.us Instagram: @bbbs_ar Send me a text if you have episode request. All other questions please email me so I can reply! Support the show Find me on Facebook & Instagram @Made4Birth or visit my website at www.made4birth.com for all the information about my coaching program.

Sleep is one of the biggest stressors for new parents—but what if we’ve been looking at it all wrong? In this episode of Made for Birth, I’m joined by Laura, RN, founder of Strawberry Moon Sleep, to talk about a holistic approach to infant and child sleep. Instead of focusing on quick fixes or one-size-fits-all methods, we explore what sleep looks like through the lens of biology, development, regulation, and connection. Whether you’re navigating the newborn stage, wondering if your baby’s sleep is “normal,” or trying to support an older child who struggles with sleep, this conversation is full of practical insights that will help you better understand what’s happening beneath the surface. In this episode, we discuss: Why infant sleep is often misunderstoodWhat’s biologically normal for babies and young childrenCommon sleep myths that create unnecessary stress for parentsGentle, holistic ways to support healthy sleepHow a child’s development, nervous system, and environment influence sleepEncouragement for parents who feel exhausted or like they’re doing it “wrong”If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re missing something—or simply need reassurance that you’re not alone—this episode is for you. Connect with Laura: Instagram: @strawberrymoonsleep Website: https://strawberrymoonsleep.com Connect with Made for Birth: Website: https://made4birth.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/made4birth If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another parent who could use a little more sleep—and a lot more confidence. Send me a text if you have episode request. All other questions please email me so I can reply! Support the show Find me on Facebook & Instagram @Made4Birth or visit my website at www.made4birth.com for all the information about my coaching program.

What does chiropractic care have to do with VBAC, breech babies, shoulder dystocia, and postpartum recovery? A lot more than most women realize. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Alayna Clark, a Webster-certified chiropractor specializing in prenatal and pediatric care, to discuss how a whole-body approach to pregnancy can support better birth outcomes. We dive into the role of pelvic function, baby positioning, nervous system regulation, scar tissue, and collaborative care in preparing for birth—especially after cesarean. Dr. Alayna explains why prenatal chiropractic care isn't just about relieving back pain. It's about optimizing how the body moves, functions, and adapts throughout pregnancy so both mom and baby have the best possible environment for birth. We also discuss what Webster Certification actually means, how to find a qualified prenatal chiropractor, why pelvic floor physical therapy matters, and why postpartum care should include both mom and baby. In this episode, you'll learn: • What Webster Certification is—and what it isn't • How chiropractic care can support VBAC preparation • The connection between baby positioning and maternal biomechanics • Why breech babies aren't always "just breech" • Common causes of pubic symphysis pain and pelvic dysfunction • What one-sided contractions may indicate during labor • How chiropractic care and pelvic floor PT work together • Why babies should be evaluated after birth—even when everything seems fine • The impact of vacuum, forceps, and birth trauma on infants • How to build a truly supportive birth team Whether you're planning a VBAC, hoping to optimize fetal positioning, or simply want to better understand the connection between body mechanics and birth, this conversation is packed with practical information. Connect with Dr. Elena Clark: WEBSITE @dralaynaclark If this episode was helpful, please leave a review and share it with a friend preparing for birth. Because birth isn't just about getting through labor—it's about supporting the whole mother and the whole baby. Send me a text if you have episode request. All other questions please email me so I can reply! Support the show Find me on Facebook & Instagram @Made4Birth or visit my website at www.made4birth.com for all the information about my coaching program.

What if the impact of pregnancy and birth extends far beyond labor day? In this episode of Made for Birth, I sit down with Emily Roper to explore how a baby’s earliest experiences—from life in the womb through birth and the postpartum period—can influence long-term development, nervous system regulation, behavior, learning, and overall health. We discuss the growing understanding of how maternal health, stress, environment, nutrition, and birth experiences may shape a child’s foundation for years to come. This conversation isn’t about creating fear or guilt—it’s about recognizing the incredible opportunity parents have to support their baby’s development from the very beginning. Whether you’re currently pregnant, planning a future pregnancy, or simply curious about the lasting effects of early life experiences, this episode will challenge you to think differently about what it means to prepare for birth. In this episode, we discuss: How development begins long before birthThe connection between pregnancy, birth, and long-term health outcomesThe role of the nervous system in early childhood developmentWhy the postpartum period matters for babies, tooHow parents can support healthy development without striving for perfectionThe importance of informed, intentional decisions during pregnancy and birthAbout Emily Roper Emily Roper is a passionate advocate for maternal and infant wellness with a special interest in the lifelong impact of pregnancy, birth, and early childhood experiences. Through her work, she helps families understand how the earliest environments can influence development, empowering parents with knowledge that supports both informed decision-making and confidence in their parenting journey. 🎙️ Connect with Emily:  earlyrootstherapy.com IG: @earlyroots Find me on IG & Facebook @Made4Birth Remember: Birth is one day, but its effects can ripple through a lifetime. Send me a text if you have episode request. All other questions please email me so I can reply! Support the show Find me on Facebook & Instagram @Made4Birth or visit my website at www.made4birth.com for all the information about my coaching program.

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Stuart Fischbein to discuss VBAC, informed consent, risk, hospital policies, and the state of modern maternity care. Drawing from more than 40 years in obstetrics, Dr. Stu shares why he believes VBAC is often misunderstood, how fear and liability influence birth decisions, what current guidelines actually say, and what families can do to make informed choices about their care. Whether you’re planning a VBAC, exploring home birth, or simply want to better understand your options, this conversation will challenge you to think critically about the standard of care and what true informed consent looks like. Resources Mentioned: ACOG Guideline 664: Refusal of Medically Recommended Treatment During Pregnancy 🌐 VBAC Facts 🎙️ Evidence Based Birth Podcast with Nicholas Rubashkin, MD, PHD 📖 Why Home Birth by Jacob Dubois 🎙️ Birthing Instincts Podcast 📖 Fearless Pregnancy Send me a text if you have episode request. All other questions please email me so I can reply! Support the show Find me on Facebook & Instagram @Made4Birth or visit my website at www.made4birth.com for all the information about my coaching program.

Birth can feel like one long emergency—even when it isn't. A provider expresses concern. A test comes back slightly outside the normal range. A recommendation is made. Suddenly, what started as a routine prenatal appointment feels like a crisis. In this episode, we're unpacking why birth so often feels urgent, high-stakes, and scary, even when there is no actual emergency unfolding. You'll learn how hospital culture, risk management, fear, uncertainty, and the language used around birth can shape the way we perceive our options and make decisions. Most importantly, we'll talk about how to stay grounded when emotions are high and how to distinguish between a true emergency and a situation that simply requires thoughtful decision-making. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why concern and danger are not the same thing • How hospital systems are designed to identify risk • The difference between an urgent situation and an emergency • Why modern culture struggles with uncertainty in birth • How fear impacts decision-making • Questions to ask when recommendations are made • How to determine whether you have time to consider your options • How to use the SACRED framework to make informed decisions under pressure Whether you're planning a VBAC, a first birth, a home birth, or a hospital birth, this episode will help you navigate recommendations, stay centered in your values, and approach birth decisions with greater confidence. Because not everything that feels scary is dangerous. Not everything that feels urgent is an emergency. And not every recommendation requires an immediate yes. Connect with Katherine: Website: made4birth.com Instagram: @made4birth If this episode resonated with you, share it with a pregnant friend who feels overwhelmed by all the decisions that come with birth. Send me a text if you have episode request. All other questions please email me so I can reply! Support the show Find me on Facebook & Instagram @Made4Birth or visit my website at www.made4birth.com for all the information about my coaching program.

For decades, VBAC has been painted as dangerous, reckless, or “too risky.” But the truth?  The conversation around VBAC is far more nuanced than most women are ever told. In this episode, we’re unpacking why culture is so afraid of VBAC, how birth became increasingly medicalized, and what shifted in the late 90s and early 2000s that dramatically changed the way providers and hospitals approached vaginal birth after cesarean. We’re talking about: • the rise and fall of VBAC support  • the research and policies that changed everything  • how liability culture shaped modern birth care  • why fear spreads faster than nuance  • the difference between individualized risk vs blanket statements  • and why women deserve informed consent — not fear-based counseling This is not an anti-cesarean episode.  And it’s not about convincing every woman to pursue a VBAC. It’s about understanding the history, the culture, the nuance, and why so many women feel caught between fear and autonomy when making birth decisions after cesarean. Because women deserve more than one-size-fits-all answers when making one of the biggest decisions of their lives. Join The VBAC Space community Connect with me on Instagram: @made4birth Send me a text if you have episode request. All other questions please email me so I can reply! Support the show Find me on Facebook & Instagram @Made4Birth or visit my website at www.made4birth.com for all the information about my coaching program.

Most moms preparing for a VBAC aren’t lacking information. They’re drowning in it. In this episode, I’m sharing why I created The VBAC Space… and the missing piece I see over and over again in birth preparation. Because knowing things intellectually and actually feeling calm, prepared, supported, and confident in labor are two very different things. We’re talking about:  • why fear thrives in isolation  • why community changes birth preparation  • the problem with “just trust your body” messaging  • how real preparation actually happens  • and why so many women second guess themselves in labor If you’ve been consuming birth content nonstop but still feel anxious, overwhelmed, or stuck… this episode is for you. Join The VBAC Space for free- TODAY!  Send me a text if you have episode request. All other questions please email me so I can reply! Support the show Find me on Facebook & Instagram @Made4Birth or visit my website at www.made4birth.com for all the information about my coaching program.

What if birth feels harder not because women’s bodies are failing… but because modern birth environments constantly disrupt physiology? In this episode, we’re unpacking the missing piece in so many birth conversations: physiological birth. We’ve been taught to view labor as mechanical — dilation charts, timelines, measurements, and “progress.” But birth is hormonal, neurological, emotional, and deeply connected to safety. And the more we try to tightly control every second of labor, the harder birth often becomes. Inside this episode, we’re talking about:  • Why birth is hormonal — not just mechanical  • How fear, interruptions, pressure, and stress impact labor  • Oxytocin, adrenaline, and the nervous system in birth  • Why labor often slows down in high-control environments  • The difference between supporting physiology vs managing birth  • Why this matters SO much for VBAC moms If you’ve ever wondered why birth can feel like such an uphill battle in modern maternity care… this episode is going to change how you see labor entirely. 🎧 Want to go deeper?  Inside The VBAC Space next week, we’re breaking physiological birth ALL the way down — hormones, labor patterns, movement, positioning, support, interruptions, hospital dynamics, and more. Join us here: The VBAC Space Send me a text if you have episode request. All other questions please email me so I can reply! Support the show Find me on Facebook & Instagram @Made4Birth or visit my website at www.made4birth.com for all the information about my coaching program.

“I just want a safe birth.” You’ve probably said it. Every mom does. But here’s the question no one is asking you back… What does “safe” actually mean—to you? In this episode, we’re pulling apart one of the most commonly used (and misunderstood) words in birth: safety. Because in today’s birth culture, “safe” is often treated like a fixed definition… when in reality? 👉 It’s deeply personal. 👉 It’s shaped by your experiences. 👉 And it directly impacts how your body functions in labor. We’re also diving into the “high risk” label—what it actually means, where it comes from, and why it might be influencing your decisions more than you realize. And yes—we’re talking VBAC, uterine rupture, and the real numbers… but more importantly, we’re talking about how those numbers are presented and how that affects your nervous system, your mindset, and your birth experience. Because birth isn’t happening in a vacuum. It’s not a controlled experiment. And your body doesn’t respond to statistics—it responds to how safe it feels. Inside this episode, we cover: Why safety is a feeling—not just a medical outcomeHow your past experiences shape what feels safe to youWhat’s really behind the “high risk” labelWhy statistics don’t tell the full story in birthHow your environment and support impact your laborAnd how to start defining safety for yourself Plus—I walk you through a simple “Safety Check” exercise you can do today to get clear on what you actually need going into your birth. This episode will challenge the way you’ve been taught to think about safety… in the best way. Because confidence doesn’t come from being told what’s safest. 👉 It comes from understanding your options—and choosing what actually aligns with you. Links + Resources: ✨ Join the VBAC Space: www.made4birth.com/vbac ✨ Connect with me on Instagram: @madeforbirth ✨ Want 1:1 support? Apply here If this episode hit home for you: Take a screenshot, share it to your stories, and tag me—I’d love to hear what shifted for you 🤍 And don’t forget to follow the podcast so you don’t miss what’s coming next. Send me a text if you have episode request. All other questions please email me so I can reply! Support the show Find me on Facebook & Instagram @Made4Birth or visit my website at www.made4birth.com for all the information about my coaching program.

Sometimes the most productive thing you can do… Is pause. Not research more. Not make another decision. Not try to force clarity. Just… step back. Because if you’ve been deep in learning, planning, preparing— there comes a point where pushing harder doesn’t actually help. It just creates more noise. In this episode, we’re talking about: Why constantly trying to “figure it out” can start working against youWhat it actually means to step back without losing progressHow to reconnect with yourself when everything starts to feel overwhelmingWhy clarity often comes after you give yourself space—not before Because sometimes the next right step… Isn’t doing more. It’s creating enough space to actually hear yourself again. If you’ve been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or like nothing is fully clicking… this episode is your permission to pause—and your reminder that you’re not falling behind. 🎧 And if you’re ready to have a space where you don’t have to carry all of this alone, The VBAC Space is open now. Inside, you’ll have the support to process, ask questions, and actually apply what you’re learning in a way that feels clear and grounded. Join here OTHER IMPORTANT LINKS: Free Support Call LINK! Birth Planning Session FREE VBAC GAME PLAN  Apply to be a GUEST on the podcast Send me a text if you have episode request. All other questions please email me so I can reply! Support the show Find me on Facebook & Instagram @Made4Birth or visit my website at www.made4birth.com for all the information about my coaching program.

You’ve seen the posts. Read the stories. Saved the “this is how I got my VBAC” lists. And without even realizing it… you start wondering if you should just do exactly what they did BUT You were never meant to follow someone else’s birth plan. Because what worked for her? Was built around her body, her provider, her history, her comfort level, her support system. Not yours. In this episode, we’re unpacking: Why copying someone else’s VBAC plan can actually leave you feeling more confusedThe hidden pieces behind every “success story” that you’re not seeingWhy “do this to get a VBAC” advice doesn’t hold up in real lifeWhat it actually looks like to create a plan that fits YOUThis isn’t about doing everything “right.” It’s about making decisions that feel aligned, informed, and grounded in your reality. If you’ve been trying to piece together your birth plan from a hundred different voices… this episode is going to bring you back to yourself. 🎧 And if you’re ready to stop second-guessing and start building a plan that actually makes sense for your life, The VBAC Space is open now. Inside, we don’t just give you information— we help you apply it to your specific situation so you can walk into your birth feeling steady and clear. You’ll get: Bite-sized audio lessons you can listen to on the goA private space for real-time supportWeekly live calls where we walk through your actual decisions togetherSpots are limited for this round. Join here OTHER IMPORTANT LINKS: Free Support Call LINK! Birth Planning Session FREE VBAC GAME PLAN  Apply to be a GUEST on the podcast Send me a text if you have episode request. All other questions please email me so I can reply! Support the show Find me on Facebook & Instagram @Made4Birth or visit my website at www.made4birth.com for all the information about my coaching program.

You can know exactly what you want going into your birth… …and still freeze the moment someone looks at you and says, “So what do you want to do?” Because it’s not just about having a plan. It’s about navigating real-time pressure, authority, and unexpected decisions when your brain is already overwhelmed. In this episode, we’re getting into: Why you freeze in the moment (even when you’ve prepared)The hidden pressure behind “quick decisions” in birthHow to respond when you need time, clarity, or more informationWhat it actually looks like to advocate for yourself without spiraling Because you don’t need to have all the answers instantly. You just need to know how to hold your ground long enough to make the right decision for you. If you’ve ever worried about being caught off guard during your birth… this episode is going to change how you walk into those moments. 🎧 And if you’re ready to stop feeling like you have to figure this out alone, The VBAC Space is open now. Inside, we don’t just talk about these scenarios — we walk through them together so you know exactly what to do when it’s actually happening. You’ll get: Bite-sized audio lessons you can listen to on the goA private community for real-time supportWeekly live calls where we apply this to your specific situationJOIN US!  OTHER IMPORTANT LINKS: Free Support Call LINK! Birth Planning Session FREE VBAC GAME PLAN  Apply to be a GUEST on the podcast Send me a text if you have episode request. All other questions please email me so I can reply! Support the show Find me on Facebook & Instagram @Made4Birth or visit my website at www.made4birth.com for all the information about my coaching program.