Today we’re revisiting one of our earliest episodes — Episode 13 Kelie’s VBA4C in Utah! Our audio quality has come a long way since those early days 😅, but Kelie’s story is still one of our most inspiring.

“Kelie’s VBA4C section story is one of many awe-inspiring moments! She truly has been through it all with each of her cesareans and her VBAC. Her first baby was born weighing less than two pounds, and you will NEVER guess what her doctor did to her during her third C-section that leads to secondary infertility after her fourth birth. You will be laughing, crying, and gasping along with Julie as she reacts to the story. Then, we discuss VBAMC facts, information, and studies that you can find referenced on our blog at www.thevbaclink.com/blog

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Please note, to get stories from all over the country and even other countries, we record using phone lines. For this reason, audio quality may vary between episodes and speakers.”

VBAMC Article

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About her VBA2C, Chloe says,

“I’ve been dreaming of my VBAC for 8 years. When my HBAC turned into a scheduled CBAC, I wasn’t even sure I’d get the option to have a VBA2C. It took a lot of planning & hard work & I knew as a first time labouring mom that it would be a longer labor but I completely underestimated just how long…

Dreams came true New Years Eve as fireworks went off & my husband & I welcomed our daughter!”

Chloe’s first birth was a scheduled Cesarean due to a partial placenta previa. For her second, she was planning an HBAC, but after going overdue with no signs of labor, concerns about her baby’s size, and a CPD diagnosis, she had another scheduled Cesarean.

For her VBA2C baby, Chloe went all in. She connected with supportive providers, leaned into physical prep, and was so inspired from other women’s stories on The VBAC Link Podcast.

Chloe labored hard for almost 3 days and was progressing veryyy slowly. Though it wasn’t what she thought she’d want at 3 cm, she got an epidural and AROM which ended up being incredibly helpful!

Her midwife even said that she pushed as though she had delivered five babies. Take that, CPD! 💥

After a long 65-hour labor, she pushed for just 15 minutes. We are so proud of you, Chloe!!

Fear Release Activity Video

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Women of Strength, we are making waves.

We are so excited to be sharing our second Maternal Assisted Cesarean story on the podcast today! There are so many beautiful details within Brianna’s entire episode that you will not want to miss.

In the small town of Crosby, Minnesota with a population of less than 3,000, Brianna was the first MAC under a brand-new policy.

About her birth, she says:

“While I didn’t get my VBAC, I did get a redemptive and healing birth. It just goes to show that acceptance, advocacy, and will power go a long way! I never thought I’d be happy to be writing my testimonial after experiencing all C-section births.

My first birth was in August of 2020 where she was breech. It was in the week following her birth that I jumped into all things VBAC. My second birth was complicated by preeclampsia where what was supposed to be my redemptive VBAC turned CBAC when my blood pressure wouldn’t cooperate. This birth was traumatic and gave me more grief than my first birth experience.

This leads me to my third and final birth story where I changed providers at 20 weeks. I was active and proactive in my own mental and physical health. I ultimately decided that I wanted a Maternal Assisted C-section after seeing Paige’s story on The VBAC Link. I thought it would be nearly impossible in small-town Minnesota, but ended up finding my voice and a provider who was extremely supportive.

In May 2025, my daughter was born in my hands in the OR. While my grief of not getting a vaginal birth isn’t gone, it is much quieter. And despite not getting my VBAC experience, I have found extreme peace and healing in the autonomy and active participation of my maternal assisted cesarean.

I encourage all women who are experiencing grief with their birthing experience to get educated, find a supportive provider, keep an open mind, and to not give up.”

The VBAC Link Podcast Episode 357 Paige’s MAC

The VBAC Link Podcast Episode 220 Dr. Natalie Elphinstone

How to Cope When You Don’t Get Your VBAC

How to Heal a Bad Birth Book

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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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The Ultimate VBAC Prep Course for Parents

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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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The Ultimate VBAC Prep Course for Parents

Online VBAC Doula Training