Advertise on podcast: The VBAC Circle

In this episode, Georgie shares her first birth experience, which involved induction, a caesarean birth, postpartum complications, and a difficult recovery. She also talks about how she prepared for her second pregnancy, chose trauma-informed care, and went on to have a successful home VBAC water birth. It's a really lovely episode so I hope you enjoy! If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the show, rate and review, and share the podcast with a friend. You can also follow along on instagram @vbaccircle.

In this episode, Martina shares the story of her three pregnancies and two birth experiences, and the very different paths they took. She talks about her first pregnancy, which began as a surprise and ended in miscarriage during a period of intense personal loss, and how that experience shaped her decisions in her next pregnancy. Martina explains why she chose a home birth with a private midwife, what labour at home was like, and how concerns during labour led to a transfer to hospital and an emergency caesarean. She also describes the difficult postpartum period that followed, including her son's transfer to NICU, their time in hospital, and the challenges of feeling unheard and unsupported. Later, Martina opens up about her second pregnancy and VBAC journey, which ended in a calm, respectful caesarean birth where her wishes were prioritised and she felt fully involved in the process. This episode is a candid conversation about pregnancy, birth, autonomy, and the impact of care, communication, and respect on a parent’s experience. If you enjoy this episode, please share it with a friend, follow the podcast, and follow along on instagram @vbaccircle.

This episode follows Shae, a mother of three and women’s health professional (@_mamove), as she shares her journey through miscarriage, conception, and three births, including two caesareans and a VBA2C. She discusses the emotional challenges miscarriage and birth under general anaesthetic, the importance of informed decision-making and advocacy in birth, and how support from her husband and midwives shaped her experiences. Across the conversation, Shae reflects on anxiety, perseverance, and the value of backing yourself when navigating pregnancy and childbirth.Shae is a women's health exercise physiologist. You can connect with her and her work on Instragram at @_mamove. If you enjoy this episode, please share it with a friend, rate, follow and review the show, and join us on Instagram at @vbaccircle.

This episode features Sara, a mother from northern New South Wales, sharing two birth storie. In her first birth she experienced a traumatic labour and emergency caesarean after a face presentation was discovered at the hospital, followed by a difficult postpartum recovery and mental health strain. After experiencing a miscarriage, Sara went on to have her third pregnancy and second birth experience. With support from continuity-of-care midwifery, she advocated for a VBAC, went into spontaneous labour at home and arrived at the hospital fully dilated. After a very short labour, she birthed her baby vaginally, describing the experience and recovery as dramatically more positive than her first birth.If you enjoy this episode, please share it with a friend, follow the show, rate and review, and follow along on Instagram @vbaccircle.

In this episode Lillian shares her two birth experiences - both planned homebirths turned hospital births. She talks us through her experience with preeclampsia in her first pregnancy, which ultimately ended in an unplanned caesarean. She then shares her second pregnancy and birth. After a delayed labour and induction following ruptured membranes for 100+ hours, she gave birth vaginally and reflects on the emotional impact of finally achieving the birth she had hoped for.If you enjoy this episode, please consider following and sharing the podcast, rating 5 stars and following along on instagram @vbaccircle.

Rose shares her raw, unfiltered journey from a surprise breech pregnancy to a water birth at home, revealing critical lessons about advocating for herself in the hospital system, managing trauma, and reclaiming her power. After a quick and romantic conception while travelling, Rose’s pregnancy seemed idyllic until her baby's breech position persisted and her waters ruptured at 35+5. She bravely navigated a hospital system, facing pressure to accept antibiotics and a NICU separation, which left her shaken. Her story exposes the stark contrast between her first birth and the deeply empowering, water birth she experienced at home during her second pregnancy. If you enjoy this episode, please support the podcast by following and sharing the podcast, and following along on Instagram at @vbaccircle.

In this episode, Katie recounts her journey to VBAC after a difficult first birth. She shares her experiences with unexpected breech presentation after her membranes ruptured at 38 weeks, leading to her caesarean. She also shares her postpartum challenges, where she was put into isolation due to COVID exposure. Katie went on to have a VBAC and talks to us about the positive impact of her doula and engaging in internal pelvic release work in her third trimester. If you enjoy this episode, please show your support by following the podcast, rating and reviewing, and following @vbaccircle on instagram.

From an unplanned pregnancy at 19 to navigating an induction and two unplanned caesareans—Skylah share's it all with us. Caught off guard by a surprise pregnancy, Skylah faced fears compounded by COVID restrictions and confusing medical guidance. Her experience highlights the critical need for proactive advocacy in the birth suite. She shares her timeline from shock to a lengthy hospital stay, where interventions and miscommunications pushed her to her limits. Skylah’s story underscores the importance of informed decision-making and self-advocacy, reminding us that every birth journey is uniquely their own. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend, follow the show, leave a review, and follow along on Instagram @vbaccircle.

Chelsea's journey through a twin VBAC is a testament to advocacy and resilience. Discover how she navigated low fetal weight, induction, emergency caesarean, and then how she went on to have a twin pregnancy and VBAC. Her story highlights the importance of trusting your body, working with supportive medical teams, and the emotional journey of postpartum recovery. This episode is essential for anyone facing complex pregnancies or seeking empowerment through authentic birth stories.If you enjoy this episode, please support the podcast by following the show, rating 5 stars, sharing it with a friend, and following along on instagram at @VBACCircle.

In this episode, Taylor shares her journey through a challenging pregnancy marked by a fetal kidney disease diagnosis and a "big baby". After an induction and emergency caesarean with her first baby, she went on to experience severe PNA and PND. In her second pregnancy, she went on to have a VBAC (with a 4.75kg bub) in the hospital with the support of a private midwife, transforming her experience into one of empowerment and recovery. Taylor discusses the importance of advocating for oneself in the maternity system, the value of mental health support, and the lessons learned from navigating hospital care. Her story offers practical insights for parents dealing with similar challenges, emphasizing the need for compassionate care and early mental health intervention. If you enjoy this episode, please support the podcast by following the show, providing a rating, and following along on instagram at @VBACCircle.

This bonus episode is a little bit different - join me as I take you on a journey through my own birth stories. From an unwanted induction that lead to the classic cascade of interventions, to planning a homebirth after caesarean, my birth stories cover a fair bit of ground. While I didn't get the VBAC I so desperately wanted, my second birth was still a positive, healing experience with many twists and turns along the way. My births taught me a lot about advocating for myself and trusting my body - I hope you're able to gain something from them too. Thank you for indulging me and allowing me to share these stories with you - I hope you enjoy. Follow @vbaccircle to stay up to date with the podcast. If you enjoy the stories I share on this podcast, please rate and review and share the podcast with a friend.

Join The Circle today as I chat with Sammy about her two births. At 36 weeks, Sammy found out her baby was breech. She tried all of the things to turn them, but to no avail, and she eventually agreed to a planned caesarean. For her second pregnancy, Sammy was determined to have a VBAC. She talks us through all of the things she did to prepare her mind and body for birth, and then details the extraordinary experience and the 'rockstar' reception the hospital staff gave them. It's a beautiful listen, so I hope you enjoy! Follow @vbaccircle to stay up to date on all episodes, and if you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review and share it with a friend.

In this episode, Kaitlin shares her empowering journey through multiple pregnancies and births, highlighting the importance of research, support, and listening to her body. Despite an emergency caesarean due to "failure to progress" and a planned caesarean due to carrying a "big baby", Katilin confidently pursued a VBAC with her third baby. Discover the pivotal role of continuous midwifery care and how trusting your instincts can help navigate complex decisions about labour and delivery. Kaitlin’s story is a testament to the power of informed choice and perseverance. Perfect for women considering or planning a VBAC, those navigating hospital systems, or anyone seeking authentic, uplifting birth stories. This episode offers hope, practical tips, and a reminder that your voice and intuition are your greatest tools. It’s a must-listen for anyone passionate about respectful, evidence-based maternity care and the undeniable strength of women in childbirth.Follow @vbaccircle to stay up to date with all episodes. And if you haven't already, please consider leaving a review to help others find the show.

In this episode Ellen takes us on a journey from her first hospital induction experience to her empowering home birth. Discover how she navigated early pregnancy, nevigated reduced movements, and embraced her instincts to achieve her dream VBAC. This episode offers practical insights on managing labour, trusting your body, and reclaiming agency in birth. Ellen's journey is a testament to the power of intuition and self-trust in childbirth. Ellen currently works in the perinatal space in birth preparation and processing. To connect with her, visit her instagram @morethatmatters_Follow @vbaccircle to keep up to date with all episodes and to share your story.

In this episode, Shay shares her honest stories—her unplanned pregnancy, the emotional roller coaster of her first birth which resulted in an unplanned caesarean after an elective induction, and how she navigated trauma to reclaim her confidence and have a VBAC. She dives into the nitty-gritty of her birth preferences, the decision-making process around private care and self-funding her hospital stays, and how her having a supportive care provider that she trusted was crucial to her experience. Follow @vbaccircle to stay up to date with all episodes.