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
Podcast website
Latest episode
Jun 19, 2026
Where to listen?
Podcasts in the app Replaio Radio Coming soonPodcasts are coming to the app soon. Install now and be the first to see a whole new take on podcasts
Episodes
63- From Fear to Fierce—Reframing Labor Anxiety into Confidence 23.05.2025 17:29
Let’s be real—fear is one of the biggest blocks to a powerful, satisfying birth. It creeps in through horror stories, past trauma, unknowns, and pressure to “get it right.” But what if you didn’t have to carry that fear into labor? What if you could walk in with grounded confidence and a belief in your body’s wisdom? In this episode, we’re breaking down the fear-mindset connection and showing you...
62- Strapped In & Misled? The Truth About Fetal Monitoring 20.05.2025 16:01
Fetal monitoring might not sound glamorous, but let’s be real—it’s one of those birth topics you need to understand before labor begins. In this episode, we’re diving deep into the tools hospitals and providers use to keep an eye on baby during birth. From continuous EFM to intermittent auscultation, internal monitoring, and the midwifery vs. medical approach, you’ll get the full breakdown (plus t...
61- Managing “Failure to Progress” Conversations 16.05.2025 19:28
“Failure to progress.” Just hearing those words can send a wave of fear through any birthing person—and that’s exactly why we need to talk about it. In this episode of [Your Podcast Name], we’re diving deep into how to navigate the pressure , ask the right questions , and advocate fiercely when someone drops the “failure to progress” label during your labor. We’ll cover: ✨ What “failure to progre...
60- Due Dates: What Medical Providers Don't Tell You 13.05.2025 24:01
Due dates have been treated like expiration dates for far too long—and it’s time to set the record straight. In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on everything you actually need to know about due dates: ✨ Where the current system even came from (spoiler: it’s outdated!) ✨ Why your “due date” is really a month-long window of normal birth timing ✨ How labor truly begins (hint: it’s a b...
59- Ride the Waves- How to Let Your Birth Hormones Lead the Way 09.05.2025 15:49
Birth is more than just contractions and pushing— It’s a full-body, whole-person hormonal symphony designed to carry you through labor, help you bond with your baby, and support your postpartum recovery. But here’s the thing: modern birth settings often disrupt this natural rhythm. And when we don’t understand what’s happening behind the scenes, we miss out on powerful tools that can actually make...
58- Affirmations: How to Rewire Your Brain for an Empowered Birth 06.05.2025 30:38
You’ve seen them on Instagram—those pretty little quotes like “I trust my body” or “Each surge brings me closer to my baby.” But let’s be real… do affirmations actually work? Or are they just woo-woo fluff? In this episode, we’re diving deep into the science and soul behind birth affirmations—and why they are so much more than feel-good quotes. You’ll learn how to rewire your brain, regulate your...
57- Holding Space for Pregnancy After Loss with PAL Doula Sarah Lingle 02.05.2025 53:10
Pregnancy after loss is a journey filled with conflicting emotions—grief, joy, fear, hope—all woven together in the most tender way. In this powerful episode, I’m joined by certified birth and bereavement doula Sarah Lingle , who brings her heart, her story, and her expertise to the mic. Sarah is a loss mom herself, and she knows firsthand what it means to carry life again after heartbreak. She sh...
56- Protecting Your Peace: Handling “What If” Conversations Like a Boss 29.04.2025 21:58
What if your baby is too big? What if something goes wrong? What if you can’t handle the pain? Ugh. If you’re pregnant, chances are you’ve been hit with at least one of these “What If” questions. And let’s be real—these conversations can mess with your mindset fast. In this episode, we’re diving into exactly how to handle fear-based questions with confidence so they don’t leave you feeling anxious...
55- Navigating Hospital Birth with Doula Kayla Wamsley 25.04.2025 43:19
Can you really have a natural birth in a hospital setting that’s often built for interventions? The answer is YES—and today’s guest is here to show you how. In this empowering episode, I’m joined by the incredible Doula Kayla Wamsley , a seasoned birth worker, educator, and advocate for informed, physiological birth—no matter where you choose to have your baby. Kayla brings the wisdom, the strateg...
54- Cesarean Rates Don’t Lie— Race and Birth 22.04.2025 12:30
Did you know that Black and Indigenous women in the U.S. are significantly more likely to have cesarean births—often unnecessarily—and face higher maternal mortality rates? This isn’t just a coincidence; it’s a systemic issue rooted in implicit bias, medical coercion, and a lack of informed consent. In this episode, we’re breaking it all down: ➡️ The statistics that expose these disparities ➡️ How...
53- I SEE YOU- The Strength & Invisible Struggles of Cesarean Moms 18.04.2025 12:19
Ever feel like your C-section birth story doesn’t get the same recognition as a vaginal birth? Or like your recovery was treated like an afterthought? You’re not alone. In this episode, we’re having an honest conversation about the beauty and resilience of cesarean moms—and the invisible struggles that often come with it. From the lack of postpartum care to the frustration of feeling dismissed, we...
52- Planned vs. Pressured: Do Mothers Really Have a Choice? 15.04.2025 17:40
Are cesareans always necessary? Or are moms being pushed into surgery without true informed consent? Too often, hospital policies and defensive medicine dictate birth more than the mother’s individual needs. Many moms don’t fully understand what a cesarean means for their body, recovery, and future births—until it’s already happening. In this episode, we’re breaking it down: ⚡️ Why cesarean rates...
51- You Didn’t Fail: Unpacking the Myths That Steal Our Trust 11.04.2025 13:02
In this episode of the Made For Birth Podcast, we dive deep into the myths surrounding cesareans and how they impact a mother’s trust in herself and her body. Many moms carry the weight of guilt and shame after having a cesarean, but it’s time to let go of those outdated beliefs. Tune in as we unpack the truth about cesareans, trust, and how to rebuild your confidence—no matter how your baby arriv...
50- The Medicalization of Cesareans & Lack of Autonomy 08.04.2025 13:07
Did you truly choose your cesarean? Or did it feel like a decision that was made for you? 🤔 Too many moms don’t fully understand what a cesarean entails until they’re already on the table. Whether it’s an unexpected shift during labor or the subtle pressure to “just schedule it,” the lack of autonomy in birth is a real problem. In this episode, we’re unpacking: ✅ Why so many moms feel blindsided...
49- Birth Trauma, PTSD & Self Confidence with Leslie Herhold 04.04.2025 58:57
Birth trauma is real, and healing starts with understanding. 💜 Too often, moms are told to just “move on” after a traumatic birth because their baby is healthy. But what about you ? Birth trauma isn’t just about what happened—it’s about how it made you feel. If you walked away from birth feeling unheard, dismissed, or broken, this episode is for you. I’m sitting down with perinatal therapist Lesl...
48- You Are Seen, You Are Heard—Honoring Cesarean Moms 01.04.2025 14:38
April 1st marks the start of Cesarean Awareness Month , and today’s episode is for every mom who has ever experienced a cesarean birth—whether it was planned, unexpected, empowering, or filled with emotions you’re still processing. If you’ve ever felt dismissed, unheard, or like your birth story wasn’t as celebrated as it should be, this episode is your reminder that your birth mattered, your feel...
47- The Doula Difference: How Birth Support Has Evolved & Why It’s So Powerful 28.03.2025 24:12
Doulas aren’t just a trend—we’ve been around for thousands of years, supporting, guiding, and holding space for birthing women. In this episode, we’re diving deep into the history of doulas , how the profession evolved, and why having continuous support during birth can be so powerful—especially for VBAC and CBAC moms. Whether you’re curious about hiring a doula, thinking about becoming one, or ju...
46- The #1 Thing That Can Change Your Birth Experience—(Spoiler: It’s a Doula!) 25.03.2025 28:57
If you’ve ever walked away from birth feeling like something was missing—like you weren’t fully heard, supported, or in control—this episode is for you. Doulas are one of the most powerful, research-backed ways to improve birth outcomes , yet so many moms still don’t know exactly what we do, how we fit into the birth space, or why having one could be the best decision you make for your birth. In t...
45-The Trial of Labor Myth: Why VBAC Isn’t Something You “Pass” or “Fail” 21.03.2025 12:46
Words matter—especially in birth. The way we talk about VBAC can shape our entire experience, whether we realize it or not. “Trial of labor.” “Failed VBAC.” “Successful birth.” These phrases aren’t just words—they carry weight, plant seeds of doubt, and reinforce the idea that birth is a test to pass or fail. In this episode, we’re diving into how language impacts our mindset, our confidence, and...
44- More Than Skin Deep: The Truth About Birth & Body Scars With Dr. Jen 18.03.2025 44:51
Your scars tell a story—but do they still hold tension, pain, or even unprocessed trauma? In this episode of Made for Birth, I sit down with Dr. Jennifer Arceneaux, aka The Scar Lady, to uncover the truth about how scars impact the body after cesarean births, episiotomies, and even other surgical procedures. We dive deep into the connection between scars, stored trauma, and healing—because your...
43- #1 Key to a Positive Birth- The Hierarchy of Needs 14.03.2025 14:07
A “healthy baby” is just the bare minimum —but what about you ? What about feeling safe, supported, and respected during birth? What about walking away from your experience feeling empowered and accomplished , not just relieved that it’s over? In this episode, we’re breaking down the #1 key to a positive birth: The Hierarchy of Needs. Inspired by Maslow’s famous pyramid, we’ll walk through the fun...
42- The MAGIC of Physiological Birth 11.03.2025 19:44
Your body was made for birth—no micromanaging, no interventions, just the beautifully designed process unfolding as nature intended. But in a world where birth is often treated like a medical event instead of a physiological process, many moms don’t get to experience just how powerful undisturbed labor can be. In this episode, we’re diving deep into the magic of physiological birth—what happens wh...
41- Partners Matter: How to Show Up, Step Up, and Support a VBAC 07.03.2025 18:27
A VBAC isn’t just about the birthing person—it’s a team effort. The right support can make ALL the difference in how birth unfolds, but too often, partners feel lost, unsure of what to do, or sidelined in the process. In this episode, we’re diving into tangible ways partners can prepare for a VBAC, how they can provide physical and emotional support during labor , and why their role as an advocate...
40- The Change We Deserve: Rethinking Maternity Care 04.03.2025 21:37
The maternity system is broken—but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, we’re talking about why midwives and obstetricians don’t work together, even though they absolutely should. I’ll break down why pregnancy has been over-medicalized, how Obstetricians are trained to see risk everywhere (even when it’s not there), and why defensive medicine is actually causing more complications—not preventin...
39- COLLABORATION: The Future of Women's Health 28.02.2025 13:30
For far too long, birth has been placed in the wrong hands. Instead of midwives leading women’s care and referring to OBs when complications arise, we’ve flipped the system upside down—treating every pregnancy like a medical crisis waiting to happen. In this episode, we’re breaking down: ✨ Why pregnancy is NOT an illness that needs to be “managed” ✨ The historical divide between midwives and OBs...
Similar podcasts
Replaio is not a podcast publisher; show names, artwork and audio belong to their authors and are distributed through public RSS feeds.