Petra Cruz

The Journey to VBAC

Kids EN ↓ 90 episodes

🎙️ Welcome to The Journey to VBAC, hosted by me, Petra Cruz – a passionate birth doula and proud VBA3C mom. Join me in sharing the highs, lows, and everything in between. In each episode, we will sit down and hear mom's birth stories. We'll laugh, cry, and celebrate the strength within each birth journey. I'm here to inspire, educate, and uplift you! Expect candid conversations, expert insights, and practical tips from professionals who support VBAC. Because, let's be honest, we can all benefit from a little more knowledge and a lot more support. 💕

Author

Petra Cruz

Category

Kids

Podcast website

www.birthingcometrue.com

Latest episode

May 8, 2025

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Episodes

88.How to Mentally Prepare for the Birth You Actually Want (Even After Trauma) 08.05.2025

This conversation with Misty Rauscher was 🔥 She is a Trauma Recovery Coach and Transformational Life Coach. Misty specializes in mindset, visualization, and helping people navigate the mental “what ifs” that often come up after difficult or traumatic birth experiences. In this episode, we explore how Misty helps people “clear the slate” from previous births and create a powerful, grounded vision...

87. International Cesarean Awareness Network, who they are and how they can help you on your VBAC journey 22.03.2025

I have the pleasure of welcoming the International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN) to share the incredible work they do for VBAC hopefuls and cesarean awareness. Highlights from this episode: 🔥 What the International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN) is and why it matters for VBAC hopefuls 🔥 How ICAN supports women in advocating for their birth choices and finding evidence-based information 🔥...

86. Why I stayed silent in birth and how I finally spoke up and took my power back! 12.03.2025

Have you ever felt like staying quiet was easier? That if you just “went with the flow,” everything would work out? I used to believe that too. From my childhood to my first three births, I stayed small, trusting others over myself. But when I found my voice, everything changed—especially in my VBA3C journey. In this episode, I’m sharing a deeply personal speech I gave in person about my journey f...

85. The hidden link between mineral depletion and having the energy you need postpartum 05.03.2025

Highlights from this episode: 🔥 The optimal time for testing your mineral levels 🔥 How to make sure you have optimal minerals to help you have more energy postpartum 🔥 Who this test is for and how to utilize the results to help you stabilize your moods and menstrual cycle Connect with Vanda  ⤵️ Instagram:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @wellness.with.vanda Website: https://www.wellnesswithvanda.com/ Vanda’s free gi...

84. The danger of 'Going with the Flow' in birth—what no one tells you 27.02.2025

Have you ever felt like staying quiet was the easiest path? That if you just "went with the flow," things would work out? I totally get it—I used to think the same way. But what I’ve learned is this: doing nothing is still making a decision. And when it comes to birth, passive choices often default to the system’s preferences—not yours. In this episode, we dive into: ✅ Why "going w...

83. ADHD, Overwhelm & Birth Trauma—How They’re Connected and What to do about it 19.02.2025

Owning your VBAC journey isn’t just about physical preparation—it’s about healing from the inside out. Trauma, anxiety, and even ADHD can shape how we experience pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, often in ways we don’t even realize. If you’ve ever felt tension in your body, struggled with racing thoughts, or carried shame around your past birth experiences, this episode is for you. I’m joined by J...

82. Flexibility in birth prepares you for the rest of your life 12.02.2025

I know that's a bold statement, but it's true. It's science-backed! Some highlights from the episode: Episode Highlights: 🔥 How Your Mindset Shapes Your Birth –The surprising research showing that attitudes, emotions, and cognitive flexibility can influence labor progress, epidural use, and even Cesarean rates. 🔥 The Science Behind Mental Flexibility – Learn why being adaptable durin...

81. Why you need a VBAC specific birth plan 05.02.2025

Some highlights from the episode: 🔥 Why a birth plan is so important to create 🔥 What you can include on your birth plan 🔥 The deeper meaning behind birth plans 🔥 How a birth plan can change your birth outcome Listen to the end to hear a special offer!! Download one of my freebies to get on my email list for tips and special offers! ⁠Free step-by-step VBAC success guide⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Free VBAC myths gui...

80. How to choose your birth team 30.01.2025

Some highlights from the episode: 🔥 Who you choose to be on your birth team can make your experience great or terrible 🔥 Each birth support member's potential role 🔥 How to choose your birth team 🔥 Red flags to look out for when interviewing your potential birth team member Listen to the end to hear a special offer!! Download one of my freebies to get on my email list for tips and special...

79. How your past birth trauma or fear shapes your present and How to Heal It 23.01.2025

Some highlights from the episode: 🔥 Why healing through your previous birth is so important 🔥 Practical advice for starting your healing journey ⁠Download the free VBAC myths guide, which has 6 debunked myths.⁠ ⁠Join The Journey to VBAC Membership waitlist⁠ Connect with me, Petra ⤵️ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@birthing_come_true⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Birthing Come True⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Birthingcomet...

78. Top 3 VBAC Myths Debunked 16.01.2025

Some highlights from the episode: 🔥 Why it's important to know them 🔥 What to do if faced with these myths and more!!!! Download the free VBAC myths guide, which has 6 debunked myths. Join The Journey to VBAC Membership waitlist Connect with me, Petra ⤵️ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@birthing_come_true⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Birthing Come True⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Birthingcometrue.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email: Petra@birt...

77. Mistakes to avoid that can affect you having a VBAC or not 02.01.2025

4 top mistakes and how to avoid them. Grab some paper or open your notes section in your phone so you can write these down! Some highlights from the episode: 🔥 What you should focus on instead of the outcome of your birth 🔥 Which choices you make that can affect you having a VBAC or not 🔥 What to stop neglecting 🔥 What you need to stop doing so you can have the birth of your dreams 💕 The Jour...

76. Christina's 4 VBAC's and 1 homebirth story 18.12.2024

Some highlights from the episode: 🔥 Why it matters who's at your labor 🔥 Education is queen! 🔥 How to be prepared to be supported by strangers in the hospital 🔥 How to choose homebirth vs hospital birth- tips for each hypnobabies Book: birthing from within BeHerVillage   *Please note that some links shared may be affiliate links that I could earn a small commission on   Connect with, Guest  ⤵️...

75. Part 2: Lizzy's healing freebirth after cesarean (FBAC) 12.12.2024

Get ready to hear Lizzy's transformative freebirth story! If you are not familiar with a freebirth, it is when you give birth typically at your own home without an OB or Midwife. It could be just you and your partner or you and your partner or doula or whoever else you choose to be there. Some highlights from the episode: 🔥 How to build community when nobody around you supports you 🔥 Self-healin...

74. Part 1: Lizzy's homebirth after cesarean transfer 05.12.2024

Lizzy had planned a homebirth after her cesarean but plans quickly changed and she was left with more trauma than she arrived with. Understanding the hierarchal birth culture so you can give birth confidently is so key! Some highlights from the episode: 🔥 The cascade of interventions is real and can happen to anyone but there are ways to avoid them 🔥 You have more options than you may realize 🔥...

73. Sabina's empowering Freebirth after 2 cesareans (FBA2C) 07.11.2024

Sabina shares her freebirth after 2 cesarean story and she chats about why educating yourself is the key to an empowered birth experience and once a c-section does not mean always a c-section! Your intuition is THE MOST IMPORTANT tool you have and should always be listened to Some highlights from the episode: 🔥 What important things you need to talk to your partner about before the birth 🔥 How t...

72. What your intuition is and how it can help you on your VBAC journey 31.10.2024

In this short solo episode, I explain what intuition is, why it's important to hone it during your VBAC, and how you can easily do this. If you'd like to watch the video of this episode, head to my YouTube channel on Friday to watch it 😜 Connect with me, Petra ⤵️ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @birthing_come_true ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Birthing Come True ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Birthingcometrue.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ You...

71. What VBAC, HBAC, FBAC, VBAMC & TOLAC is 24.10.2024

In this shorty solo episode, I give you a quick guide to the most common acronyms you'll hear on your VBAC journey Connect with me, Petra ⤵️ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @birthing_come_true ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Birthing Come True ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Birthingcometrue.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email: Petra@birthingcometrue.com The International Cesarean Awareness Network: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.ican-online.org/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠   ✨ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠...

70. Brielle's VBAC in a foreign country with a cesarean rate of 50-90%! 17.10.2024

Brielle experienced sooo many barriers on her VBAC journey and she blasted through all of them! Some highlights from the episode: 🔥 Trauma is literally stored in the cells of your body and how you can start facing them in a way that's not overwhelming 🔥 When you feel like you've exhausted all of your options, it might be beneficial to keep trying. You just might find exactly what you didn't know...

69. Raquel’s breech homebirth after three cesareans with a bicornuate uterus 09.10.2024

Get out your tissues, this one gets emotional! Some highlights from the episode: 🔥 How previous births can affect you not connecting with your new baby 🔥 How to navigate a system that keeps telling you "no, you can't" 🔥 Tips for how to prepare your partner for   Birthing Instincts Podcast What a bicornuate uterus is Connect with, Raquel ⤵️ Instagram: ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ @lolitasrebellion Email: ⁠  Raquel@pjd...

68. These conversations and rituals homebirth midwife Meaghan suggests are a must to have! 03.10.2024

Preparing for your VBAC can go deeper than the physical and mental aspects, it can be rooted in your lineage, as far back as your mom, and your grandma or even further back than that. Take a listen to find out why having hard conversations can be absolutely essential to your VBAC journey. Some highlights from the episode: 🔥Questions to ask your midwife or OB  🔥 Why a homebirth could be your best...

67. Alyssa’s precipitous homebirth and how she prepared 25.09.2024

Alyssa Frain is a licensed acupuncturist turned full-time stay-at-home mom. She had her first daughter in September 2020, a missed miscarriage in 2022, and a successful HBAC in January 2024. She enjoys helping women take their health back into their own hands by showing them how to tune into their bodies and support it with Chinese Herbal Medicine. Her goal is to empower women to reconnect with th...

66. How to navigate breastfeeding with IBCLC Alex Wachelka 18.09.2024

Breastfeeding is a learned skill, it’s ok if it does not feel natural or easy. Feeding your baby is something you need to plan for but know that it’s ok (and very likely) that it may look different in the first few weeks than you planned or expected. Alex, who is an IBCLC has so much incredible knowledge and amazing tips for you to navigate your journey. Some highlights from the episode: 🔥 A brie...

65. Jessica’s 2 HBACS and the importance of unconditional support 11.09.2024

Having a supportive team is more important than you may realize. When Jessica didn't have a supportive team she felt like she wasn't being heard or informed. But that all changed for her second and third birth. Some highlights from the episode: 🔥 Trusting your gut instincts is not a gimmick or just a fun saying, it can lead you down the path you were meant for 🔥 Even if you get told No,...

64. Carly's hospital VBAC with lots of advocacy and an AMA 05.09.2024

Sometimes you have to put on your advocacy hat more times than you'd like. This definitely was the case for Carly who encountered a not-so-supportive OB while in labor. Some highlights from the episode: 🔥 How to deal with an unsupportive doctor 🔥 What one very important option is for handling an unsupportive provider 🔥 What an AMA is 🔥 and so much more! Let me know how this episode has hel...

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