VBAC Homebirth Stories Podcast

In this episode, we hear from Victoria, a determined and inspiring mum who birthed on her own terms after a Caesarean. Living in Broome rural Western Australia, Victoria planned for a healing and autonomous birth, engaging deeply in birth education, self-care, and intuitive preparation. Her journey started with a planned Homebirth and the support of a birthkeeper who was set to fly in from Perth....

In this episode, we hear from Lise, an inspiring Canadian mum who achieved an unassisted VBA2C homebirth while managing Type 1 diabetes. Lise’s journey is one of resilience, self-trust, and unwavering determination as she navigated a system that often felt disempowering to take control of her birthing experience. After two previous Caesarean births, both prompted by concerns over reduced movements...

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Jane Hardwicke Collings , a grandmother, former homebirth midwife, and internationally renowned teacher of women's mysteries. Jane’s work spans decades, focusing on the sacred dimensions of menstruation, childbirth, and menopause, helping women reconnect with their bodies and reclaim their power. Having trained as a midwife in the hospital system, Jan...

In this continuation of our discussion, Ashley and Jade dive deep into the history of midwifery and its transformation over the years. They explore the ripple effects of medicalisation, the current roles of birth workers, and the challenges created by the fear-driven narratives surrounding free birth. With a focus on fostering collaboration and understanding, this episode shines a light on what’s...

In this eye-opening episode, Ashley is joined by Jade, a doula and mother of three, to explore the recent media scrutiny surrounding free birth. They dive into the sensationalised narratives dominating headlines, including a controversial ABC article that painted unregulated birth workers as dangerous. Together, they challenge these perceptions and offer a deeper understanding of why women choose...

Hey lovely, In today’s episode, I’m diving into one of my favourite tools for preparing for a VBAC: Mastering Your Circle of Control . This concept has been a game-changer for me and the women I support—it’s all about shifting your focus to what you can control and letting go of what’s outside your hands. Before you press play, make sure you grab your free Circle of Control workbook from my websit...

In this powerful episode, I share my speech from the Homebirth Australia Conference, where I shine a light on the struggles of VBAC homebirth women—the forgotten women in our maternity care system. These are the women who, despite their best efforts, find themselves unsupported, neglected, and often forced to navigate their birth journeys alone. I discuss how the system fails these women, the barr...

In this heartwarming and insightful episode, I sit down with renowned childbirth educator and doula Rhea Dempsey to explore the world of VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) homebirths. With nearly 50 years of experience, Rhea shares her wisdom on embracing the power of physiological birth, managing the “crisis of confidence” during labour, and reframing pain as a sign of strength. Rhea also reflec...

In this episode, I talk about my experience at the 36th Homebirth Conference. I discuss some of the speaker topics and give a bit of an overview of the speeches, and some of my take-aways. I was also a speaker at the homebirth conference and shared more on my experience as a speaker for the first time at the homebirth conference. If you are curious about attending the next one, I encourage you to...

In this powerful episode, I chat with Carissa, a mother of three, about her journey through the medical system and towards an empowered freebirth after two C-sections. Carissa shares her story of resilience and self-advocacy as she faced multiple challenges, including a history of PCOS, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and a series of surgeries. She recounts her experiences of navigating unsupport...

In this episode, I take you through a journey that intertwines the practical and the visionary: my latest creations on Etsy and some thought-provoking reflections on the future of birth as we navigate an increasingly artificial world. Episode Highlights: Etsy Creations and Birth Advocacy An update on the latest designs in my Etsy store, from baby shower essentials to birth affirmations and tools f...

In this episode, I share my recent experience as my husband's advocate in a hospital setting. He had a kidney stone that was very painful, and we had 3 different hospital trips from NSW to Queensland. We saw a range of different personalities, protocols and systems...and I had to step up as an advocate for him during this journey. I'm sharing my experiences in this episode of being my husband's ad...

In this episode I speak with Brooke, who shares her journey of two contrasting birth experiences – a hospital birth followed by a supported home birth after caesarean (HBAC). Brooke, from Perth, opens up about her first pregnancy, which was unexpected and happened just before COVID hit. She recounts her long and challenging labour, which ended in a caesarean at the hospital. Despite thorough prepa...

Are you planning a VBAC homebirth and wondering how to prepare for it? In this episode, I walk you through essential steps to get ready emotionally, mentally, and physically for your VBAC. From processing past birth trauma and building a solid support system to practical advice on creating a calm homebirth environment, I cover it all. You’ll also hear tips on nutrition, pain management techniques,...

In this episode, we’re diving into a crucial topic that all new mums face—postpartum recovery after a vaginal birth. Whether you’ve just had your HBAC baby or are preparing for your upcoming VBAC homebirth, this episode will give you insights and practical tips on what to expect during recovery, along with a list of must-have items to help make the healing process smoother. In This Episode, We’ll...

In this episode, I am sharing some information about some of the challenges that are happening for privately practising midwives here in Australia. It's important as VBAC Homebirth mamas that we use our voice for good and stand behind ourselves, and how we want to birth. If we can't do it for ourselves, why should anyone else do it for us! Even if you are freebirthing by choice, it's i...

Hi, everyone! It’s Ashley here, and I’m thrilled to bring you another episode of the VBAC Homebirth Stories Podcast. This week, I had the pleasure of chatting with another Ashley, who shares her incredible breech homebirth story. Her journey is both inspiring and empowering, and I can't wait for you to hear all about it. Before we dive in, just a quick reminder about my Homebirth Group Mentori...

In this episode of the VBAC Homebirth Stories Podcast , I have the pleasure of speaking with Amanda and Eleanor, the talented co-creators of the Born at Home film. Together, we dive into the inspiration, challenges, and impact of their groundbreaking film, which highlights the power and beauty of homebirth—especially for women planning a VBAC. We discuss the journey behind the film, the lessons le...

Join me this episode to celebrate Four Years In!! I share some of your favourite episodes from the past year: EP:102: Kaylee Wildpregnancy FBAC EP104: Lizzie Carrol FBA2C EP106: How to Prepare for a Freebirth with Ashley EP120: Christy 7 C-Sections and 3 HBA7C's EP122: Birth Mapping with Catherine Bell EP123: Katelyn HBAC turned C-Section transfer EP128: Dr Stu Homebirth talk Thanks to all the...

In this episode, we sit down with Jessica, a mother of five, navigating the joys and challenges of a blended family. Jessica shares her experiences with natural births, caesarean sections, and homebirth, providing an intimate look at her journey through motherhood. Join me as I delve into her story, including the unexpected surprises and the invaluable support systems that made it all possible. To...

In this episode we meet amazing Jess from Canada, mum of three boys who wanted a homebirth with her first baby, although hubby wasn't on board so she planned a hospital birth. Planning a natural birth and feeling super prepared and organised, Jess got midwives on her team and was prepared to birth her first baby. Her first birth ended with a c-section, and she went on to plan a VBAC for her ne...

In this episode, I get a bit ranty and share some things that have been weighing heavily on my mind lately as I ponder how we can collectively raise the VBAC birth rates world wide. This episode is a bit of a rant inspired by Rachel Reed's amazing book, Reclaiming Childbirth as a Rite of Passage: Weaving Ancient Wisdom with Modern Knowledge . This work is emotional, deeply human, and profoundl...

In this episode, I welcome Ella, a remarkable mother of four, who shares her diverse birth stories. From a planned caesarean section to an unexpected free birth after a caesarean, Ella's experiences are as unique as they are inspiring. Tune in as she recounts her journey through hypertension, induction, a special needs teaching career, and embracing the chaos of motherhood. Highlights of this...

In this episode, I welcome Emily, a mother of two from Queensland, who shares her compelling journey through her first traumatic C-section to an empowering home birth. Emily discusses the challenges of managing gestational diabetes, navigating the medical system, and finding strength in her birth choices. "The biggest mistake was believing that these medical professionals had my best interest...

In this heartfelt episode, Ashley welcomes Chentelle, a mother of two, to share her inspiring journey of free birth after a Caesarean section. Chentelle opens up about her experiences with her first pregnancy, detailing the fear and pressure she faced from medical professionals, which ultimately led to an unwanted C-section. Despite being told she would never have a vaginal birth, Chentelle persev...