VBAC Homebirth Stories Podcast

In this episode, Ashley speaks with Elke about her inspiring journey through home birth after a Caesarean. Elke shares her story, from the stress and challenges of her first pregnancy during COVID-19 to the empowerment and success of her second birth at home. Key Points Discussed: Elke's background Elke introduces herself as a mother of two, a teacher on leave, and an emerging doula passionate...

In this enlightening episode, Ashley welcomes Dr. Stu, a seasoned obstetrician with 28 years of hospital experience and 13 years in home birth settings. They discuss the significant differences in VBAC success rates between home and hospital births, the impact of special scars on VBAC, and the importance of understanding the historical context of medical practices. Dr. Stu shares his unique perspe...

In this episode, we're diving into a topic that sparks a lot of conversation and varying viewpoints: Help, my husband won't let me have a homebirth/freebirth. This topic often sparks heated discussions and diverse opinions on social media, and I want to share some insights and practical steps to help you navigate this situation. Make sure you check out this episode to get some steps to nav...

This podcast episode is for all you mamas out there nearing your due date, firstly, congratulations! You've made it through the hard yards of pregnancy, and the big day is just around the corner. Whether your pregnancy has been easy or challenging, it’s time to get excited as you approach this incredible milestone. As you enter the final stages of pregnancy, it’s natural to become anxious and...

In this episode, I talked about early pushing. It's a topic I've been eager to discuss for a while because it ties into the broader subject of posterior births.  Posterior births are often surrounded by unnecessary fear and misconceptions, and I want to shed some light on this natural variation of childbirth. Early pushing usually occurs in posterior births, a normal variation according to...

In this episode, we delve into the topic of unplanned free births, also known as unassisted births, and why it's crucial to prepare for them, even if you're planning a birth with a midwife. This episode aims to empower listeners with knowledge and confidence, ensuring they can handle any birth scenario calmly and effectively. If you have further questions or need more resources, reach out...

In this episode, we meet Katelyn, a mum of two who planned a VBAC at home that ended in a c-section transfer.  I’m sharing Katelyn’s side of the story in her own words in the show notes today.  I had an emergency caesarean following an unwanted and unneeded postdate induction that I was coerced into.  I felt I had no real other option. I was under the care of a private obstetrician, not because I...

In this episode, I spoke with the amazing Catherine Bell from The Birth Map.  We talk about how Catherine's birth and postpartum experiences led her to the creation of The Birth Map.  I asked lots of questions about the birth map and the bias attached to some of the evidence. We discussed:  What is birth mapping What are the benefits of birth mapping The fast birth pathway How the birth map wa...

In this episode, I share some of the struggles we all have when it comes to building community for ourselves. And how why you should start building your community now. I share some ways you can take steps to build your community and how mindset and perspective play a massive part in you being able to create the community you need and deserve. Enjoy this episode, Ashley More from Ashley: Free VBAC...

In this episode, I get to share with you Christy's phenomenal birth stories. Christy is a mother of 10 children, who has had 7 Caesarean births and 3 homebirths. She had fairly positive c-sections births with her first 6 children, and found on the 7th her Dr was obligated to refer Christy to another OBGYN as she was deemed "high risk" due to hospital policy. She found this quite chal...

In this episode, we have returning super start guest Hazel Keedle, and we discuss obstetric violence and birth trauma. In this episode, we discuss: What is obstetric violence What it means How to identify it and what to do We also discuss the NSW Birth Inquiry What is it What do you hope to achieve with this inquiry What did women say Please be mindful that this episode discusses traumatic experie...

Hi everyone, and welcome back to the VBAC Homebirth Stories Podcast!  I hope you had a rejuvenating break and are ready to dive into 2024 with me.  This year promises to be filled with inspiring stories, valuable insights, and expert discussions to support you on your journey towards a triumphant VBAC homebirth. What's in Store: In the upcoming months, I have an exciting lineup for you: Real M...

Hi everyone, I've decided to give myself a bit of a podcast break for a shortish period. I'm feeling that I will be back around Christmas time! I share some of my journey, what's happening in my life at the moment and some of the new offerings I am birthing in the world soon (lots of VBAC!!) I'd love it if you could contribute to my VBAC Membership Survey if you are considering a f...

In this episode, we meet, Kara, a mother of two. Kara had both of her children in a same-sex relationship with her partner. Her first pregnancy was an IVF baby in 2019 with a planned hospital birth. The pregnancy was fairly low-key. Kara experienced prodrominal labour for a few days and that was quite challenging and exhausting for her. She had a couple of nights of no sleep and it was quite a pai...

In this episode, I share a little bit of my take on the phrase - it takes a village to raise a baby/ mother. I believe it takes a village to raise a mother, and unfortunately in this modern day world many of us have lost our village. So it's extra important for us to be vigilant, and mindful, and take steps each day to create our own circle of support. I share some ways you can create your cir...

In this episode, I share with you some ways you can tune into your intuition. Often we find it hard to know when we are having intuition, or something that is showing as a fear disguised as intuition. I'm going to share the difference between fears and intuition, and how you can navigate the difference between the two and tap into your intuition - so when it comes time to birth your baby you a...

In this episode, I share some birth positions that may be helpful during your VBAC Homebirth, and I share my ideas on birth positions and the big focus I see happening in the birth world. What if I told you that you don't need to know all of the birth positions to birth your baby at home? What if I told you that it could in some ways be counter intuitive to be in your mind trying to remember w...

In this episode, I talk about how to start open conversations and communicate your expectations for your birth with your birth team. Being able to communicate effectively with your birth team is an important skill and requirement for any team to work together. If you don't feel safe to share your feelings, thoughts or communicate your needs this could lead to distrust, assumptions and you coul...

In this episode, I had the honour of being able to talk to someone who I adore and who works in a space that fascinates me - Dr Rebecca Ray! More on Dr Rebecca Ray: Dr Rebecca Ray is a clinical psychologist, author and speaker who helps big-picture-thinking people master their psychology. Over the course of two decades of consultations, speaking events, books, and audio, she has encouraged thousan...

In this episode, I speak with Julz and she shared with me her story of a beautiful, supported rural HBAC. It took Julz over 12 months to conceive her first baby, and while she was going through that journey she was working in a corporate job. It was fairly normalised to book in with an OBGYN during pregnancy for care. She didn't put much consideration into birth, as a first time mother, like s...

In this episode, I share my experiences with people pleasers after living a life of people pleasing and working with people pleasers. Time and time again I hear many of the same challenges come up from women who identify as people pleasers. They usually come across as such caring and loving women (and they are), often thinking about other people first... even to their own detriment. It's time...

In this episode, I share some ways you can get yourself into the best space to be able to handle the pain of birth.  Pain is one of the biggest fears women have when it comes to birthing at home (without all the drugs).  I worried how I would go after having an epidural with my second in a hospital.  When I did have my freebirth at home, the pain was intense and strong for the first few hours - wh...

In this podcast episode, I share some of my insights and views on this craze of making sure your baby is in the "optimal position" for birth. It might, or might not surprise you to learn that I don't believe in putting much time and effort into making sure your baby is in the optimal birthing position. I believe that women are capable birthing goddesses, and that majority of women wi...

In this episode, I share some of the key things you will need to know or consider to prepare yourself to freebirth. 1. Educate Yourself Extensively: Podcast, books, courses, being part of a program like mine (6 - Month of Group Mentoring) where you can get guided support My book recommendation and quick guide is: Home Birth On Your Own Terms: A How-To Guide For Birthing Unassisted by Heather Baker...

In this episode, I chat with Dania Foster, mum of two and freebirth mama. Dania is a Clinical Naturopath and Energetics Therapist and supports mothers with a wide range of support during pregnancy and motherhood. In this episode I asked Dania: 🌟 As a Naturopath how can you support the homebirth process? 🌟 You managed your own care throughout your last pregnancy and freebirth what was your focus?...