Episodios

  • EP172 | Kelsey’s HBAC After Pre-eclampsia, a 40+ Hour Labour - Vaginal birth, C-Section, HBAC

    EP172 | Kelsey’s HBAC After Pre-eclampsia, a 40+ Hour Labour - Vaginal birth, C-Section, HBAC
    Dec 2 2025

    In this episode, I sit down with Kelsey, a Canadian mum of three now living in Newcastle, NSW, who walks us through her deeply contrasting birth experiences — from a marathon first labour, to a premature birth affected by pre-eclampsia, and finally, her powerful HBAC.

    Kelsey’s story is a reminder that birth doesn’t follow a straight line. Each pregnancy asked something new of her, and each birth required its own kind of strength.

    Her first baby arrived after more than 40 hours of labour, beginning at 40+5.
    After labouring for 24 hours she was still only 1 cm dilated.
    Her baby was posterior, her waters broke naturally, she eventually accepted an epidural, and after 48 hours of labour she had a vaginal birth — but her baby was taken to special care due to a low baseline heart rate and being born “floppy.”

    Kelsey’s second pregnancy brought a new challenge: pre-eclampsia.
    Her blood pressure spiked, and she was induced at 33 weeks.
    Her baby spent two weeks in special care. This was a different experience, one that required patience and resiliance that was different to her first postpartum experience

    This experience planted the seed for something different the next time, a birth where she felt supported, informed, and safe.

    With her third baby, Kelsey planned a HBAC right at the last minute at 33 weeks. She always wanted to have a VBAC, but realised if she wanted to give this her best shot, her choice would be at home. She was able to connect with a midwife she felt comfortable with and got her husband on board, after watching the Birth Time movie with together.

    This time, she felt grounded, prepared, and empowered — and she went on to achieve her dream of a HBAC at home, bringing her baby into the world surrounded by safety, warmth and support.

    Kelsey credits much of her confidence and preparation to the incredible birth resources she leaned on, including:

    ⭐ Her own knowing and intuition

    ⭐ The Great Birth Rebellion Podcast
    ⭐ The VBAC Homebirth Stories Podcast
    ⭐ Birth Time (the documentary)
    ⭐ Hypnobirthing tools & education

    These helped her understand her options, challenge the narratives she’d been given, and prepare herself emotionally and mentally for a different birth experience.

    Enjoy this episode!


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    Disclaimer: The VBAC Homebirth Stories Podcast is for educational and inspirational purposes only. The stories and opinions shared are personal experiences and should not be considered medical advice. Every birth journey is unique, and we encourage you to research, trust your intuition, and consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care.
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    1 h y 57 m
  • EP171 | Finding a Midwife in Australia for your HBAC

    EP171 | Finding a Midwife in Australia for your HBAC
    Oct 1 2025

    In this episode, I share a short, practical guide to finding a midwife in Australia to support your HBAC or VBAC homebirth. Starting the search can feel overwhelming, but there are trusted pathways and communities to help you connect with the right support.

    Here’s what we cover:

    ⭐ How to begin your search for a midwife in your local area ⭐ The role of Homebirth Australia as a representative organisation, and how it connects with state groups like Homebirth Queensland, Homebirth NSW, and Homebirth Victoria

    ⭐ How to use Facebook groups such as Homebirth Australia, Homebirth Queensland, and the VBAC Homebirth Support Group to find midwives, birth workers, and supportive communities

    ⭐ Why reaching out to a local doula can be an important first step when planning a homebirth

    ⭐ How the HBAC Homebirth Stories Podcast and support networks can help you feel connected and informed

    I also share how I can personally support you through Power Hour sessions, virtual pregnancy support, and both in-person and online guidance to help you prepare for a confident, empowered birth.

    Enjoy this episode!


    More from Ashley:

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    Disclaimer: The VBAC Homebirth Stories Podcast is for educational and inspirational purposes only. The stories and opinions shared are personal experiences and should not be considered medical advice. Every birth journey is unique, and we encourage you to research, trust your intuition, and consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care.
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    22 m
  • EP170 | Tiffanie’s Story from Preeclampsia to Freebirth (HBAC)

    EP170 | Tiffanie’s Story from Preeclampsia to Freebirth (HBAC)
    Aug 27 2025

    In this episode, I sit down with Tiffanie, a mother of two from Mt Isa, who shares her raw and powerful birth stories—two very different journeys that shaped her into the woman and mother she is today.


    Tiffanie’s first pregnancy was planned as a freebirth, but at 38+4 weeks she developed preeclampsia so severe she was losing her vision for up to ten minutes just from standing up.

    When she presented at the hospital, doctors told her she was on the edge of eclampsia—her liver and kidneys were shutting down—and a caesarean was her safest option. What followed was an incredibly tough start to motherhood, with Tiffanie sent to ICU and separated from her newborn for 30 hours due to a covid patient being in ICU at the same time.

    Her second pregnancy, however, was completely different. Choosing a wild pregnancy with just one ultrasound at 21 weeks, Tiffanie leaned into her intuition, knowledge, and body wisdom. Determined not to repeat her first experience, she focused on prevention and balance:

    • Following the Brewer’s Diet with an emergency protocol

    • Using Celtic salt shots and water to regulate her blood pressure

    • Staying strong and active with F45 training throughout pregnancy

    At 42+3 weeks, Tiffanie went into spontaneous labour and birthed her baby at home in a beautiful freebirth. Her baby was born sunny side up, and with the loving support of her husband and sister-in-law Sarah by her side, Tiffanie welcomed her baby into the world on her own terms.

    This episode is a powerful reminder of the strength it takes to reclaim trust in your body after trauma, and the importance of preparation, nutrition, and support when navigating birth after preeclampsia.

    Enjoy this podcast episode!


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    Disclaimer: The VBAC Homebirth Stories Podcast is for educational and inspirational purposes only. The stories and opinions shared are personal experiences and should not be considered medical advice. Every birth journey is unique, and we encourage you to research, trust your intuition, and consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care.
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    1 h y 21 m
  • EP169 | Healing Home Birth After Two C-Sections Kelsey’s HBA2C in Wisconsin

    EP169 | Healing Home Birth After Two C-Sections Kelsey’s HBA2C in Wisconsin
    Jul 29 2025

    In this episode, I share the remarkable birth journey of Kelsey, a mother of three from Wisconsin, USA, who moved from fear and medical trauma to deep empowerment with a healing home birth after two caesareans (HBA2C).

    Baby #1 saw Kelsey induced at 37 weeks for suspected pre-eclampsia. Her regular doctor was away, and with a male provider stepping in, she felt overwhelmed and anxious. Not realising she had the right to say no, she was swept into a domino effect of interventions that led to her first C-section. At her six-week check-up, she was told her pelvis was “too small” and that vaginal birth would never be an option.

    Baby #2 was a different experience—Kelsey worked with midwives in a hospital who respected her choices and supported her VBAC plan. She declined most testing and felt truly seen. After four days of prodromal labour and 35 hours in total (with four of those hours pushing), she was emotionally and physically spent and opted for a second caesarean. Despite the outcome, the birth was peaceful and affirming. She watched her son being born, held him immediately in the operating room, and was encouraged by her doctor to try for a VBAC again in the future.

    Baby #3 was a surprise, and initially, Kelsey assumed she’d opt for another caesarean. But the years between babies were filled with education and empowerment. She met inspiring women, learned more about birth physiology, and found support from a community who believed in her. She hired a trusted doula and connected with a midwife willing to support her HBA2C at home.

    Throughout her pregnancy, Kelsey focused on calming her nervous system and nurturing her body with consistent body work—chiropractic care, regular massages, and acupuncture. She immersed herself in birth education, including Real Food for Pregnancy by Lily Nichols and Dr Berg’s YouTube channel for wellness tips.

    When labour began at 39 weeks and 4 days, she laboured instinctively at home. Within 4.5 hours, Kelsey gave birth on her bedroom floor, with her eldest son watching his sister’s head crown. Her daughter was born into peace—wide-eyed and calm. The moment was surreal. She had done it. Kelsey had birthed on her own terms.

    Being at home was the game-changer. She finally experienced birth in the way her body was designed for—supported, and sacred.

    Enjoy this podcast episode!


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    Disclaimer: The VBAC Homebirth Stories Podcast is for educational and inspirational purposes only. The stories and opinions shared are personal experiences and should not be considered medical advice. Every birth journey is unique, and we encourage you to research, trust your intuition, and consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care.
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    1 h y 9 m
  • EP168 | Long Labours: How to Prepare Your Mind for the Marathon of Birth

    EP168 | Long Labours: How to Prepare Your Mind for the Marathon of Birth
    Jul 16 2025

    In this solo episode, I’m diving into a topic that rarely gets the airtime it deserves—long labours. As a doula and homebirth mentor, I’ve witnessed first-hand how a mismatch between expectation and reality can quickly spiral into fear and self-doubt. That’s why today I’m sharing what you really need to know to prepare for the marathon, not the sprint.

    Whether you're planning a VBAC, homebirth, or your first vaginal birth, this episode will help you get your mind as ready as your body. Because birth isn’t just physical—it’s deeply emotional, spiritual, and mental too.

    Inside this episode:

    • Why setting realistic expectations for the length of your labour is vital

    • How personal and cultural stories shape our beliefs around how birth should unfold

    • Why long labour doesn’t mean something is “wrong”

    • How to manage your mindset when labour takes longer than expected

    • The practical tools you need to stay grounded and in your body: breathwork, movement, heat, sound, water and more

    • How to manage a crisis of confidence and make empowered decisions—even when things feel hard

    I share stories from my own births, stories from the women I’ve supported, and the mindset tools that will help you stay centred—no matter how long labour lasts. You’ll hear about the importance of rest, staying in your own lane, and the truth that labour can be long, intense and still perfectly normal.

    Long doesn’t mean broken. Birth doesn’t follow a clock. You don’t need to perform—you need to surrender.

    This episode is essential listening for anyone wanting to prepare holistically for birth, especially those planning a physiological birth outside of the system.

    Want to share your story?

    If you've experienced a long labour and would love to share your story on the podcast, please get in touch. Every story matters—and your insight might be the very thing another woman needs to hear.


    Enjoy this episode.

    Ashley x

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    Disclaimer: The VBAC Homebirth Stories Podcast is for educational and inspirational purposes only. The stories and opinions shared are personal experiences and should not be considered medical advice. Every birth journey is unique, and we encourage you to research, trust your intuition, and consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care.
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    28 m
  • EP167 | How To Set Up A Birth Pool

    EP167 | How To Set Up A Birth Pool
    Jul 1 2025
    In this episode I give you a step-by-step run through of what you need to think about, where to get a birth pool and how to make it run as smoothly as possible. First Things First: Choose the Right PoolNot all birth pools are created equal. Ideally, you want one that’s:Sturdy enough to lean on without collapsing.Deep enough so you can fully submerge your belly (think: shoulders and chest in too, if possible).Quick to inflate (preferably with an electric pump).Comfortable (some have cushioned floors and sides).You can either hire a birth pool kit (which often comes with all the bits and bobs you’ll need), or buy one if you think you’ll want it for future births. Just check if your midwife or doula has recommendations, they’ve usually seen it all.What You’ll Need (Besides the Pool)Here’s the full kit:Electric air pump (don’t waste your breath—literally) Tap hose (long enough to reach the pool from your nearest tap) Tap connector (you might need an adapter depending on your taps) Submersible pump (to empty the pool after the birth—trust me, you’ll want this) Tarp or waterproof sheet (under the pool to protect your floors) New hose (use a fresh, drinking-safe one to fill the pool—bacteria is a no thanks) Thermometer (to check the water temp) Sieve or small net (for scooping out anything floating around—yes, it’s normal) Optional but nice to have:Extra towels and mats (for getting in and out) Fairy lights or candles (set the vibe) A comfy chair or birth ball nearby (if you want a change of position) How to Fill the PoolSimple steps:Lay down your tarp. Inflate the pool using the electric pump (this should take 10–15 minutes). Attach the hose to your tap. (Use the hot and cold taps to get the right mix.) Start filling! It can take 45 minutes to 2 hours depending on your water pressure, so plan accordingly. Keep checking the water temp and top up with warm water if needed.Emptying the Pool (aka, the Last Thing You’ll Feel Like Doing)Post-birth, you’ll be blissed out with your baby, and the pool will be the last thing on your mind. Hopefully you have an amazing team who will be doing all of this for you (make sure you check with them and ask them what they usually do). That’s where the submersible pump comes in. Attach a hose, plug in the pump, and direct the water outside or down a drain.Pro tip: Delegate this. Seriously. You’ve just given birth. Let someone else deal with the logistics.Birth Pool Mindset:Just remember, like all things in birth, the pool is a tool, not a plan. Maybe you’ll love it and want to stay in it the whole time. Maybe you’ll hop in for an hour and then move somewhere else. Maybe you’ll birth your baby into the water, or maybe not.None of it means you’ve “failed”.Water is there to serve you, not the other way around.If you would like support during your VBAC Homebirth, reach out to chat about the many ways I can support you to feel calm, confident and connected. Ashley x More from Ashley:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The VBAC Village⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Insta: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@ashleylwinning⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.ashleywinning.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ VBAC Homebirth Support ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Group here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Love the podcast? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy me a⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ coffeeDisclaimer: The VBAC Homebirth Stories Podcast is for educational and inspirational purposes only. The stories and opinions shared are personal experiences and should not be considered medical advice. Every birth journey is unique, and we encourage you to research, trust your intuition, and consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care.
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    26 m
  • EP166 | Celebrating 5 Years of the Podcast! Behind the Scenes and Special News!

    EP166 | Celebrating 5 Years of the Podcast! Behind the Scenes and Special News!
    Jun 25 2025

    In this episode, you get just me, Ashley in a solo episode which was a bit fun as I haven’t done a solo episode all year!

    We celebrate 5 years of The VBAC Homebirth Stories Podcast, some of my favourite episodes (and yes I may have a few too many favs!) be sure to check them out if you haven’t listened yet.

    We cover:

    • Top episodes:

    • Hazel Keedle EP17

    • Dr Sarah Buckley EP30

    • Rachel Reed EP12

    • Dr K EP165

    • Emma 18 days ruptured waters, freebirth EP55

    • Katy’s planned homebirth turned hospital birth and uterine rupture EP49

    • EP2 Kamal’s accidental unassisted VBAC homebirth

    • EP11 Working through fear with Ashley

    We also chat about my experiences working with women in births as a birth doula and the magical experiences I’ve been witnessing, how I’m also supporting women with postpartum support at night (locally in Brisbane to Gold Coast) and how you can access my support click here.

    To celebrate 5 years of the podcast you can also access 25% off for the month of June, just contact me here to access that special pricing for this month only (you can book in July or August for the actual session).

    And much more!!

    Enjoy this podcast episode!

    Ashley x


    More from Ashley:

    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The VBAC Village⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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    Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.ashleywinning.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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    Disclaimer: The VBAC Homebirth Stories Podcast is for educational and inspirational purposes only. The stories and opinions shared are personal experiences and should not be considered medical advice. Every birth journey is unique, and we encourage you to research, trust your intuition, and consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care.
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    50 m
  • EP165 | Dr K – The High-Risk OBGYN Who Champions a Woman’s Right to Birth on Her Own Terms

    EP165 | Dr K – The High-Risk OBGYN Who Champions a Woman’s Right to Birth on Her Own Terms
    Jun 12 2025

    In this thought-provoking episode, I sit down with the remarkable Dr K, a high-risk obstetrician and online doula who is walking the delicate line between the medical system and autonomous birth.

    With rare insight and fierce compassion, Dr K shares what it’s like to be an OBGYN working within a system that too often defaults to control, fear, and policy over people. Her mission? To bring balance back into the conversation and ensure that informed consent isn’t just a checkbox, it’s a sacred part of birth.


    ✨ Inside this episode:

    • What it’s really like being an OBGYN in today’s high-intervention maternity care model
    • The uncomfortable truths around coercion, lack of consent, and birth trauma in hospital systems
    • Why Dr K believes every woman deserves balanced, evidence-based, and non-judgmental support
    • How she supports clients both clinically and emotionally, as both an online doula and OBGYN
    • The story behind her social media advocacy and why she started speaking out
    • Navigating both worlds: institutional medicine and sovereign, women-centred care
    • This is a must-listen for birth workers, pregnant people, and anyone questioning the status quo in maternity care.


    • More from Ashley:

      ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The VBAC Village⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

      ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Insta: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@ashleylwinning⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

      Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.ashleywinning.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

      Join our⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ VBAC Homebirth Support ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Group here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

      Love the podcast? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy me a⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ coffee


      Disclaimer: The VBAC Homebirth Stories Podcast is for educational and inspirational purposes only. The stories and opinions shared are personal experiences and should not be considered medical advice. Every birth journey is unique, and we encourage you to research, trust your intuition, and consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care.
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    1 h y 21 m