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 persevered, educating herself and her husband about home birth and free birth options.

Key Points:

Ashley introduces the episode and welcomes Chentelle, who briefly introduces herself and her family, sharing their lifestyle of full-time travel in a caravan.

Chentelle then describes her first pregnancy experience, including the frequent medical appointments and the pressure to induce labour.

She shares the traumatic experience of being forced into a C-section despite feeling her body was ready to deliver naturally and reflects on the emotional aftermath of the C-section and the lack of response to her complaint letter to the hospital.

The conversation shifts to Chentelle’s journey exploring home birth and free birth options.

Inspired by meeting another family who had experienced free birth, Chentelle and her husband began educating themselves on these alternatives.

Embracing a wild pregnancy, Chentelle avoided all medical interventions and focused on holistic health.

As she recounts her second birth, Chentelle describes going into labour at 39 weeks, which temporarily stopped when her husband fell ill, and then resuming at 41 weeks and 4 days. She shares the peaceful home birth experience, supported by her husband and doula Rosie, and the joy of welcoming her daughter, Panna, into the world.

Post-birth complications are discussed as Chentelle details experiencing heavy bleeding and passing out on the way to the shower.

She was taken to the hospital, where a small piece of the placenta membrane was discovered and removed. After a blood transfusion and an iron infusion, Chentelle fully recovered.

Reflecting on the significance of having an empowered birth experience after her traumatic first birth, Chentelle emphasizes the importance of education and trusting one’s body.

The episode concludes with Ashley thanking Chentelle for sharing her powerful story.

Quotes: "Your body only grows a baby as big as it can birth." "I felt like a queen this time around."

Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and leave us a review!!

Enjoy this episode,

Ashley x

More from Ashley:

⁠⁠⁠⁠The VBAC Village⁠⁠⁠⁠

Insta: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@ashleylwinning⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.ashleywinning.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Join our VBAC Homebirth Support ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Group here ⁠⁠⁠