Why is it that most avenues of healthcare delay preventative intervention, but when it comes to birth, there is so much more of a fear-based “just in case” mindset? Elisabeth, her doula (and our TVL team member!) Ashley Marg, and Julie Francom talk about how most of the time we can trust the physiological process of birth, yet providers often don’t.

Elisabeth’s first birth was a whirlwind. After pushing at 9.5cm for 4 hours and feeling extremely exhausted with a swollen cervix, she consented to a Cesarean. But in the OR, her fetal ejection reflex kicked in and the doctor realized she was complete— minutes after the spinal block had already been given. She managed one more push, then the numbness took over and contractions stopped.

Baby was too high for a vacuum, yet low enough that her doctor needed to push baby back up for the Cesarean.

As you can imagine, her recovery was difficult, but her fire to educate herself all about birth was ignited. Elisabeth knew things could be different and fought for a redemptive VBAC!

Discussion topics: Post-dates, evidence-based info, fetal ejection reflex, swollen cervix, induction, membrane sweep, artificial rupture of membranes, birth tub, preeclampsia misdiagnosis, spinal block, doula

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Jennifer is a mom to three boys, each born in a different decade. Her first birth started out spontaneously but, after going to the hospital early and experiencing many interventions, ended in an emergency Cesarean under general anesthesia with an inverted T incision.

For her second birth, Jennifer was excited to try for a VBAC but learned about her special scar and, trusting her doctor’s advice, scheduled a repeat Cesarean.

By the time her third baby came along, Jennifer was older, wiser, and ready to fight for the birth she knew was possible. With insulin-controlled gestational diabetes, she went into labor spontaneously and even left one hospital AMA to find the support she needed. Her determination paid off when she went on to have her VBA2C!

Jennifer’s story is full of faith, courage, and the reminder that instead of being fear-based, our decisions should be ones that bring us the most peace.

Discussion Topics: gestational diabetes, VBAC, special scars, inverted T, repeat Cesarean, VBA2C, general anesthesia, spontaneous labor, AMA, changing providers, operative reports, faith affirmations, baby aspirin, fast dilation, fetal scalp electrode, tachycardia, fever, decels, advanced maternal age, pitocin, epidural

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In today’s episode, Julie Francom talks with Diana, who shares her Cesarean and two very different VBAC stories.

Diana’s journey began with a Cesarean birth including a velamentous cord insertion and a long, difficult recovery complicated by painful breastfeeding abscesses. For her second baby, she planned a home birth VBAC and euphorically welcomed her baby at home—only to need a hospital transfer for repair of a third-degree “starfish” tear. With her third, Diana prepared for another home birth and experienced her dream waterbirth VBAC with no tearing at all.

While Diana’s third birth was physically healing, she faced unexpected emotional struggles afterward. She opens up about her experience with postpartum anxiety and depression, reminding us that healing is not only physical, but mental and emotional too.

This episode brings important awareness to postpartum mental health and the resources available for support. Julie and Diana discuss the importance of community, professional help, and breaking the silence around postpartum mood disorders.

If you had an unexpectedly tough recovery after your VBAC, know that you are not alone!

Postpartum Support International

The Postpartum Stress Center

Postpartum University

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Did you know that The VBAC Link is made up of a whole team of VBAC doulas?

Our Co-founder and Owner, Meagan Heaton, is joined today on the pod by TVL team members Lily (Director of Social Media & Community Engagement) and Paige (Production Admin & Community Liason) chatting all about questions we see from you in our community— topics like induction methods, providers, where to find info, prepping for VBAC, and the “why” behind everything we do!

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Today we are revisiting another one of our favorite episodes! Episode 188 featured Lindsay’s amazing story of preparation and perseverance through doubt during her COVID VBAC.

Lindsay’s first birth was a planned home birth which ultimately resulted in a hospital transfer and emergency C-section. She was left feeling unprepared and unheard and committed to fighting for a VBAC next time.

Lindsay worked for months preparing for a VBAC both physically and emotionally. Once labor started, she was coping extremely well with her intense contractions. She arrived to the hospital at 10 centimeters, ready to have her baby!

Until…her contractions completely stopped. Lindsay shares with us how she overcame ultimate doubt when pushing continued for over FOUR hours!

Doubt can creep in at any time on your VBAC journey. Trust yourself and your preparation. Lean into your supportive birth team. We know you can do this!

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In today’s episode, Meagan chats with our friend, Hannah, who is a mom to three little ones under the age of 4. Hannah has had two VBACs that were both unique in their own ways. Her first birth was an induction that led to an unplanned Cesarean. She was induced for the convenience of avoiding the upcoming holidays and to prevent her baby from getting too big if she chose to wait for spontaneous labor.

While her Cesarean was straightforward and a positive birth, avoiding another tough recovery was the biggest reason why she wanted to have a VBAC.

Hannah’s second birth included late onset gestational diabetes, PROM (premature rupture of membranes), and a VBAC with a 3rd-degree tear in every direction. With her third birth, she also had late onset gestational diabetes, spontaneous labor, a stall, a scary shoulder dystocia, and a VBAC with a 2nd-degree tear.

Hannah says that even with the complications during her VBACs, she would choose those recoveries over her Cesarean recovery every time. We know the choice to VBAC is deeply personal, but an easier recovery is often a huge benefit to having a VBAC!

Discussion Topics: shoulder dystocia, 18-month duration, close pregnancy duration, two VBAC stories, labor dystocia, calcium bicarbonate, TUMs, Pitocin, induction, uterine receptors, PROM (premature rupture of membranes), holidays, Cesarean recovery, perineal tears, late onset gestational diabetes, epidural, hospital VBAC, backup doula, unavailable provider, failure to progress

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Our co-founder, Julie Francom, hosts today’s episode with Heather from Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Heather talks today about her journey with IVF for her first pregnancy and conceiving spontaneously with her second.

Heather’s first birth involved infertility, ovulation inducers, IUI’s (including a chemical pregnancy), solo appointments during COVID, and a C-section due to fetal tachycardia.

She conceived naturally with her second, and also talks about the power of a chiropractor and the details of her positive VBAC induction at 39 weeks at only 1cm and 10% effaced due to gestational hypertension. Heather had a Foley bulb, Pitocin, lots of movement, Fentanyl, an epidural, peanut ball, AROM, pushed for a few hours, and met her sweet baby!

The Fertility Docs Uncensored Podcast

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We are so excited to have Deb Flashenberg on the podcast today! She is the founder and director of the Prenatal Yoga Center in NYC. Along with being a prenatal yoga teacher, she is also a doula, Lamaze childbirth educator, Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist, Spinning Babies Parent Educator and mother of two.

After a tough first birth experience, Deb became incredibly passionate about all things pelvic health. She started her own podcast, Yoga | Birth | Babies, and joins Meagan today to show us the benefits of 360-degree breathing, being comfortable with the uncomfortable, which positions to shoot for in the each stage of labor, and how to find “Goldilocks” within our pelvic floor!

Breathe with Deb on YouTube

Deb’s Website

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