Katherine Stephens - Made 4 Birth

Made For Birth; The VBAC Podcast For Birth After Cesarean

Are you a mom planning a VBAC or CBAC and looking for solid support and inspiration? You’re in the right place!  Join us each week as we dive into empowering stories, expert advice, and the latest research to help you navigate your birth journey with confidence. From the challenges to the triumphs, I'm here to provide you with the information and encouragement you need to have the birth experience you’ve always dreamed of. Tune in, feel empowered, and remember—you were made for this!

Author

Katherine Stephens - Made 4 Birth

Category

Education

Podcast website

www.made4birth.com

Latest episode

Jun 19, 2026

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Episodes

88- A Year of Growth, Grace, and Grit: One Year of the Made For Birth Podcast 30.10.2025

One year. 13,205 downloads. 57 countries. 1,500 cities. Every continent (except Antarctica). What started as a microphone, a mission, and a mama with something to say has turned into a community that stretches around the world — and that absolutely blows my mind. In this anniversary episode, I’m sitting down to reflect on the past year — the growth, the pauses, the pivots, and the beautiful chaos...

87- Why Movement Matters in Pregnancy + Birth with Kate Hopkins 16.09.2025

Movement isn’t just “nice to have” in pregnancy—it’s essential. In this episode, I sit down with Kate Hopkins, a doula, L&D nurse, and Body Ready Method pro, to break down why movement matters so much for both pregnancy and birth.  Kate shares how the right movements can reduce common complications, support your baby’s position, and help you feel strong and prepared for labor. Whether you’re l...

86- From Nurse to Doula: Jessica Gable on Advocacy and Empowered Hospital Birth 06.09.2025

I’m sitting down with Jessica Gable, a registered nurse turned doula who is passionate about low-intervention hospital birth and childbirth advocacy. Jessica has supported countless moms, including those navigating VBACs, and she’s bringing both real-life stories and practical strategies to help you find your voice in the birth room. We’re talking about: ✨ How to prevent those “How did I get here...

85- You're Not Broken, You're Postpartum 19.08.2025

It’s here, Mama—launch day! 💛  My book You’re Not Broken, You’re Postpartum is officially out in the world, and in this special episode, I’m giving you a gift: I’m reading the introductory chapter straight from the book. This isn’t polished or sugarcoated—it’s raw, honest, and written for the nights you feel unseen, the mornings you feel overwhelmed, and the days you wonder if you’re enough. Spoi...

84- Your Birth Impacts Your Postpartum 15.08.2025

When your birth story doesn’t go as planned, it can leave a mark on your heart that shows up in postpartum in ways you didn’t expect. In this episode, I’m opening up about my own journey—becoming a mom 9 years ago through a cesarean I never imagined—and how that unexpected path made my postpartum heavier than it had to be. We’ll talk about the hidden connection between your birth and your postpart...

83- Your Cervix Is Not A Crystal Ball 12.08.2025

Why Dilation Doesn’t Predict Birth You’ve heard it. You’ve maybe even stressed over it: “You’re only 1 cm…” “You’ve been 4 cm for weeks…” “You’re not making any progress.” But here’s the truth: Your cervix is not a fortune teller. In this episode, we’re calling out the over-focus on cervical dilation and why it’s such a misleading measure of how “close” you are to labor—or how labor is progressing...

82- Is Your Provider's Fear Influencing Your Decisions? 08.08.2025

Let’s get one thing straight: your provider’s fear should not be the reason you say yes to something in birth . In this episode, we’re diving into how fear-based counseling shows up in VBAC consults and what true informed consent actually looks and feels like. We’re unpacking the difference between evidence-based recommendations and emotionally charged pressure—and why understanding that differenc...

81- I’m Not Anti-OB. I’m Pro You. 05.08.2025

You’ve heard it before— “Just trust your doctor.” But what if trusting yourself mattered just as much? In this episode, I’m breaking down what it really means to advocate for your birth, especially when your OB has a different plan. Spoiler: being pro-patient choice doesn’t mean you’re anti-doctor—it means you’re pro- you . We’ll talk about: Why many OBs guide with fear instead of facts How to spo...

80- When Labor Stalls 01.08.2025

You’re in labor. You’re doing everything right. But suddenly… things slow way down. Is something wrong? Maybe not at all. In this episode, we unpack one of the most misunderstood reasons labor “stalls” — baby’s position. We talk posterior, asynclitic, and all the funky angles babies can wiggle into that slow the birth process down — and why that’s not a failure, it’s a signal. You’ll learn how exp...

79- Why You Can’t Hack the Start of Birth: 10 Induction Myths 29.07.2025

Desperate for labor to start? You’re not alone. But mama, before you chug the castor oil or speed-walk your neighborhood like it’s a race track, this episode is your wake-up call. We’re busting 10 common myths about inducing labor at home — the ones you’ve seen on TikTok, heard from your cousin, or silently believed yourself. You’ll learn what actually starts labor (hint: it’s not spicy food), wha...

78- The 5 Biggest Breastfeeding Myths with Little Bear Lactation IBCLC Jaimie 25.07.2025

If your first breastfeeding journey felt harder than it should’ve been… it probably was. And you’re not crazy for thinking something wasn’t right. In today’s episode, I’m joined by Jaimie —an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and mom of 5 dedicated to helping mothers who value breastfeeding navigate challenges with confidence & clarity by teaching them to work with their desig...

77- The Postpartum Mental Load No One Warned Us About 22.07.2025

You’re not lazy. You’re not ungrateful. You’re not doing it wrong. You’re carrying the postpartum mental load—and it’s invisible, exhausting, and absolutely real. In this episode, we’re naming the weight moms carry that no one talks about: the never-ending mental tabs, emotional labor, planning, anticipating, and managing that comes with having a baby. It’s not just about diaper changes and healin...

76- Big News, Bold Moves 15.07.2025

Today’s episode is a little different—in the best possible way. I’m finally sharing all the exciting things that have been happening behind the scenes in my business (and believe me, there’s a lot to catch you up on!). Inside this episode, you’ll hear: ✨ The heart behind my upcoming book “You’re Not Broken, You’re Postpartum” ✨ What goes into my 1:1 Birth & Postpartum Planning Sessions—and w...

75- The Birth That Changed Her: Baylee’s CBAC as a Labor & Delivery Nurse 13.07.2025

In this powerful episode, Baylee, a labor and delivery nurse pulls back the curtain on her two cesarean births—and the emotional and personal growth that came with each one. Her first birth happened early in her nursing career. She trusted the process, trusted the staff, and expected her induction to unfold with guidance and support. Instead, she was met with fear-based messaging, pressure to comp...

74- Three Tools You Need For An Unmedicated Birth 01.07.2025

Planning to birth without an epidural? This episode is your prep talk and power boost. I’m breaking down three tools every mama needs in her back pocket when preparing for an unmedicated birth—and trust me, they’re probably not what you’re expecting. Whether you’re still deciding or you’re fully committed to going unmedicated, this conversation will help you feel more grounded, more informed, and...

73- From Uncertain to Unshakable: What Real VBAC Education Gives You 27.06.2025

Did you know that the right birth education could be the difference between a smooth, empowered VBAC and a repeat C-section you didn’t want? 🤯 Most hospital childbirth classes barely scratch the surface when it comes to VBAC, leaving moms unprepared for the policies, biases, and interventions that can seriously impact their birth experience. In this episode, we’re diving deep into: ✅ The huge di...

72- Preparing for Emotional Surprises in Birth: Jessica's Cesarean Story 24.06.2025

Birth isn’t just physical — it’s emotional, it’s mental, it’s soul-deep . In today’s episode, I’m sitting down with the incredible Jessica Rushing to talk about what happens when emotions take center stage in labor. Jessica shares a powerful story of emotional twists in birth and how working through those feelings, instead of against them, made all the difference. We dive deep into why preparing y...

71- Informed, Not Intimidated: VBAC vs Repeat Cesarean 20.06.2025

When it comes to deciding between a VBAC or a repeat cesarean, too many mamas are left with surface-level info and a whole lot of fear. And let’s be honest—that’s not good enough when it comes to one of the biggest decisions of your life. In this episode, we’re cutting through the noise and diving deep into the evidence—so you can walk away feeling clear, confident, and fully informed. 👉 Not pres...

70- The Truth About Birth Positions: Your Pelvis Is MOBILE, Not Broken 17.06.2025

Did you know that the way you position your body during labor can literally make or break how smoothly things progress? 🤯 Most hospital births still default to pushing flat on your back—but here’s the truth your OB might not mention: your pelvis is designed to MOVE—and your labor positions should too! In this episode, we’re breaking it all down: 🔹 The three major parts of the pelvis—the inlet, m...

69- Advocacy in Action: How to Speak Up and Stay Centered in Birth with Krystil at Adoring Doulas 13.06.2025

Today we’re talking about something every pregnant woman deserves to know: how to advocate for yourself in pregnancy and birth — without apology, without fear, and without shrinking to make others comfortable. I’m sitting down with the amazing Adoring Doula to break it all down: what true advocacy looks like, why it matters so much, and how having the right doula in your corner can completely chan...

68- Breathing Techniques for Every Stage of Labor 10.06.2025

Did you know the way you breathe during labor can literally transform your entire birth experience? Your breath isn’t just about getting oxygen—it’s one of the most powerful tools you have to ease pain, stay grounded, and help your body work in sync with your contractions. When you know how to use it, your breath becomes your secret weapon. In this episode, we’re diving deep into: 🌬️ The best brea...

67- When Labor Starts: Don’t Panic... Do This Instead 06.06.2025

🚨 Labor has started… now what?! That first contraction can feel exciting—and a little overwhelming. But don’t worry, you’re not winging it. In this episode, I’m walking you through exactly what to do when labor begins, step-by-step—physically, mentally, and emotionally. We’re covering: ✔️ The most common early labor mistakes (and how to avoid falling into those traps) ✔️ How to know when to REST...

66- The Mindset Shift That Will Transform Your VBAC 03.06.2025

Birth isn’t just a physical journey—it’s a mental one too. And when you’re planning a VBAC, your mindset is one of your greatest tools. In this episode, we’re digging deep into: ✔️ The biggest mental roadblocks VBAC moms face (and how to bust through them) ✔️ How your past birth experiences can shape—and sometimes sabotage—your mindset ✔️ Why affirmations and visualization aren’t just “woo”—they’r...

65- What to Pack for Birth—Hospital, Birth Center & Homebirth Essentials 30.05.2025

Let’s be real—packing for birth can feel like prepping for a mystery trip. The stakes are high, the snacks are non-negotiable , and somehow, you can’t remember if you need a charger or a snack first. Whether you’re heading to the hospital, a birth center, or staying home to bring your baby into your sacred space, this episode is all about cutting through the chaos and getting down to what really m...

64- Read Between the Lines: How to Tell If Your Provider’s Not Actually on Your Side 27.05.2025

How do you know if your provider really supports your birth choices? What if you realize too late that your birth setting isn’t what you thought it would be? 🚩 In this episode, we’re diving into the biggest red flags in hospital and birth center settings—both the obvious ones (“We don’t allow VBACs”) and the subtle ones (“We’ll see how things go…”). I’ll walk you through the warning signs, the qu...

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