Shows / Australian VBAC Stories
Australian VBAC Stories
Welcome to Australian VBAC stories. This podcast is for you, the women and parents of Australia to share your journey to vaginal birth after caesarean, and to listen to those who have forged the path before. Whether you’ve had a VBAC or planned one, supported someone through one or simply want to learn more - we hope this will be a resource that inspires, informs, and celebrates all unique experiences. This podcast is produced on Dharug and Gundungurra Country by Aimee Sing, Bronwyn Senn…
Episodes
- Australian VBAC Stories
EP57 - Nikki's Positive Induction VBAC (PROM, posterior baby, long labour, caesarean, birth trauma, miscarriage, private midwife, continuity of care, induction, VBAC, twins)
In today's episode, we welcome Nikki, a mum of two from Perth who is currently pregnant with twins, to share her journey from a difficult first birth and…
- Australian VBAC Stories
EP56 - Who Gets to Choose? The Fight for Homebirth and Maternity Choice in Australia
In this special collaborative episode of Australian VBAC Stories and The Motherwhelm, Bronwyn is joined by fellow co-hosts Katelyn Comerford, President of…
- Australian VBAC Stories
EP55 - Francesca's 2HBA2Cs (IUI, private OB, emergency caesarean, private midwife, hospital birth, homebirth, HBA2C, VBAC after multiple caesareans, surrender, surprise baby, pregnancy after 40)
In this episode of Australian VBAC Stories, Francesca shares the story of all four of her births, from an unexpected caesarean, through a planned VBAC that…
- Australian VBAC Stories
EP54 - Kyra’s Special Scar HBAC (posterior baby, long labour, cascade of intervention, caesarean, NICU separation, birth trauma, gestational diabetes, private midwife, HBAC)
In our latest episode, we welcome Kyra, mum to Savannah and Vera, who shares her journey from an unexpected caesarean birth to a special scar HBAC. Kyra went…
- Australian VBAC Stories
EP53 - Emma's VBA2C (young mum, long posterior labour, emergency caesarean, postnatal depression, private ob, elective caesarean, positive caesarean, private ob, vba2c)
In this episode of Australian VBAC Stories, Emma shares the stories of her three very different births: from a surprise first pregnancy at 23, through a…
- Australian VBAC Stories
EP52 - Emma's VBA3C (7 births, doula, private midwife birth in hospital, transverse baby, induction, virtual doula, relocation for birth, advanced maternal age)
In this episode of Australian VBAC Stories, Aimee sits down with Emma, a mum of seven living on a farm two hours from Perth, to unpack her remarkable birth…
- Australian VBAC Stories
EP51 - Rose's HBAC (breech baby, PPROM at 35 weeks, caesarean, NICU separation, birth trauma, postpartum depression, pregnancy loss, doula, homebirth, HBAC, partner support)
In today's episode, we welcome Rose, whose journey through birth and motherhood has taken her from an unexpected caesarean and traumatic separation from her…
- Australian VBAC Stories
EP50 - Ange's HBAC (planned homebirth, meconium, hospital transfer, fetal distress, emergency caesarean, homebirth midwife, HBAC, homebirth after caesarean, long labour, cervical lip, family centred)
In today's episode, we welcome Ange who, as a homebirth midwife, had dreamed of birthing at home since she was a 21-year-old midwifery student. Ten years…
- Australian VBAC Stories
EP49 - Emma's VBAC (PPROM, breech, uterine didelphys, emergency caesarean, student midwife, postnatal anxiety, special care, birth trauma, hospital vbac, fragmented care, fast labour)
In this episode, we hear from Emma, whose first birth began unexpectedly when her waters broke at just 35 weeks. Living with a rare uterine anomaly (uterus…
- Australian VBAC Stories
EP48 - Maddi's VBAC (hospital vaginal birth, hypnobirthing, placenta previa caesarean, private midwife, planned homebirth, breech VBAC, HBAC before midwife arrival)
In this episode we hear from Maddi who shares her incredible journey through three very different births and the lessons she learned along the way. After a…
- Australian VBAC Stories
EP47 - Rena's VBAC (induction, coercion, emergency caesarean, birth trauma, postpartum sepsis, PPD, induction VBAC, private midwife, postdates)
In this episode of Australian VBAC Stories, we are joined by Rena, a mother of two from East Gippsland, Victoria. After a traumatic induction, emergency…
- Australian VBAC Stories
EP46 - Mikaela's VBACs (medically complex, autoimmune disorders, HELPP, premature,
In this episode, we hear from Mikaela - a wife, mother to three girls, Christian birth doula and childbirth educator in QLD - as shares the story of her three…
- Australian VBAC Stories
EP45 - Fiona's FBAC (fragmented care, MFM, OBGYN, 'high risk' pregnancy, omphalocele baby, breech, elective caesarean, NICU, trauma, doula support, wild pregnancy, freebirth, FBAC, long labour)
In this episode, Fiona shares the story of her first birth, a pregnancy that quickly shifted from low-risk to highly medicalised following the discovery of her…
- Australian VBAC Stories
EP44 - Taylor's VBAC (breech, private ob, elective caesarean, covid times, recurrent losses, ectopic pregnancy, MGP, PROM, induction, distress, ventouse birth, cord avulsion, retained placenta, PPH)
In this week’s episode, Taylor shares her journey from a breech caesarean to a VBAC that, on paper, had almost everything people fear: induction, fetal…
- Australian VBAC Stories
EP43 - Katelyn's Caesareans (private OB, postdates, induction, posterior, birth trauma, private midwife, doula support, HBAC, homebirth transfer, repeat caesarean, big baby, therapy, surrender)
In this special episode of Australian VBAC Stories, co-host Katelyn, doula and VBAC educator, openly shares the story of her three daughters’ births, and the…
- Australian VBAC Stories
EP42 - Zoe's Caesarean (planned homebirth, private midwife, long labour, deflexed head, unplanned caesarean, future vbac plan, future hbac plan)
In this episode, we’re sharing something a little different in honour of Caesarean Awareness Month. Zoe joins us to reflect on the birth of her first baby: a…
- Australian VBAC Stories
EP41 - Brooke's Twin VBAC (footling breech, private midwife, antenatal homebirth transfer, emergency caesarean, special care, twins, cephalic, collaborative care, PPM, OB, public hospital)
Australian VBAC Stories are back! And we've got a cracker of a VBAC story for you... In celebration of Multiple Birth Awareness Week, Katelyn speaks with…
- Australian VBAC Stories
EP40 - Josi's VBA2C (breech, positive elective caesarean, feeding difficulties, twins, short birth interval, repeat elective caesarean, SCN, public hospital, private midwife, ECV, VBA2C)
In this episode, we speak with Josi, who shares her experiences across four pregnancies from a breech caesarean, to an unexpected twin pregnancy complicated by…
- Australian VBAC Stories
EP39 - Courtney's VBAC (premature labour, birth trauma, education, reclaiming power, MGP, continuity of care)
In this episode, we speak with Courtney about how she reclaimed/found her power with her powerful VBAC after a previously traumatic, preterm birth experience…
- Australian VBAC Stories
EP38 - Tori's VBAC (premature labour, PPROM, face presentation, emergency caesarean, anaesthetic awareness, VBAC prep, student midwife, doula, breech, ECV, spontaneous labour)
In this episode, we speak with Tori about how a broken leg at 32 weeks changed the course of her first birth, and shaped the way she approached her VBAC. Tori…
- Australian VBAC Stories
EP37 - Ashleigh’s 2VBACs after prior vaginal birth (young mum, big baby, postdates, severe tear, PPH, elective caesarean, rural birth, induced VBAC, post 41 weeks, NICU, laryngomalacia, advocacy)
In this episode of Australian VBAC Stories, we meet Ashleigh Rajan, a registered nurse, mother of four, and passionate advocate for informed birth choices…
- Australian VBAC Stories
EP36 - Imogen’s VBAC (hospital birth, private midwife, cascade of intervention, hospital MGP, COVID, special care nursery, vaginal hematoma, feeding difficulties, advocacy, support)
In this inspiring episode of Australian VBAC Stories we chat with Imogen, a mum of two, currently expecting her third baby, who shares the journey of her…
- Australian VBAC Stories
EP35 - Jessica’s VBAC (hospital birth, big baby, PROM, augmentation, meconium liquor, homebirth, private midwife, postpartum transfer, NICU, birth with COVID)
In this powerful episode we hear from Jessica Tabb, a mum of two boys from the Hawkesbury, who shares a deeply reflective and empowering journey to her vaginal…
- Australian VBAC Stories
EP34 - Kira’s VBAC (hospital birth, big baby, doula, induction, induced VBAC, epidural, autonomy, empowerment)
In this episode we hear from Kira, a thoughtful and articulate mum who shares her powerful VBAC journey after a previous caesarean. Kira’s story is a beautiful…
- Australian VBAC Stories
EP33 - Emily’s VBAC (gestational diabetes, BSLs, prodromal labour, posterior, hospital MGP, homebirth transfer, advocacy, debriefing, responsibility, intuition, support)
In this episode, Georgia speaks with Emily, who shares her two contrasting birth stories with honesty, insight, and strength. Emily’s first birth, a planned…
- Australian VBAC Stories
EP32 - Laura’s 2VBAC births after prior vaginal birth (prodromal labour, hospital transition to homebirth, HBAC, self-advocacy, birth in time of COVID, tandem breastfeeding, vasospasm, candida)
In this heartfelt and deeply insightful episode, Laura shares the stories of her four very different births — unfolding under different models of care and each…
- Australian VBAC Stories
EP31 - Tina’s VBAC of MCDA twins (empowerment, self-advocacy, midwife, NICU, preterm birth, COVID, general anaesthetic caesarean, vacuum birth, breastfeeding establishment in NICU)
In this moving episode, we follow Tina’s powerful VBAC journey — from becoming a young mum at 21 and experiencing a caesarean under general anaesthetic, to…
- Australian VBAC Stories
EP30 - Angela's 2VBACs (preterm labour, APH, infant loss, birth after loss, NICU, induction, artificial rupture of membranes, hypertension, reduced movements autonomy, advocacy, midwife)
It is with deep reverence and gratitude that we share Angela's birth stories with you. Midwife Angela shares her powerful journey through three profoundly…
- Australian VBAC Stories
EP29 - Jen's 2VBACs (caesarean post vaginal birth, missed miscarriage, retained placenta, instrumental birth, shoulder dystocia, COVID, homebirth transfer, hyperfertility, intuition, healing)
In this deeply moving and multifaceted episode, we sit down with Jen to explore her extraordinary journey through six births and five miscarriages, with a…
- Australian VBAC Stories
EP28 - Freyja's VBAC (insulin dependent gestational diabetes, induction, big baby VBAC, macrosomia, birth during COVID, tongue tie, autonomy, empowerment, self-advocacy)
In this beautiful episode we get the opportunity to listen to Freyja's 2 incredible birth stories! Listen in to hear a beautiful recount and reflection around…
- Australian VBAC Stories
EP27 - Aimee's 2VBACs (planned homebirth, private midwife, doula, placental abruption, miscarriage, HBAC, waterbirth, cervical lip, surrender)
In this very special episode, we hear from our beloved co-host Aimee as she steps into the storyteller's seat to share the deeply personal journeys of her…
- Australian VBAC Stories
EP26 - Caitlyn's planned VBAC, repeat caesarean experience (induction, COVID pregnancy, lockdown, NICU, PPA, PPD, Postpartum Rage, short pregnancy interval, cord prolapse, CAT1 emergency caesarean)
We’re so excited to bring you this episode with the wonderful Caitlyn, who shares her incredible birth journey and the lessons she's learned along the way. Her…
- Australian VBAC Stories
EP25 - Cara's 2VBACs (public hospital, fragmented care, PROM, augmentation, emergency caesarean, 'failure to thrive', VBAC, instrumental birth, third degree tear, PPH, 2VBAC, doula, supportive care)
We are so thrilled to bring you this episode with the wonderful Cara who shares her three very different birth experiences with us. During her first birth…
- Australian VBAC Stories
EP24 - Carissa’s FBA2C (private OB, fibroid, special scar, planned caesarean, breastfeeding difficulties, PND, MGP, public hospital, doula, PROM, emergency caesarean, posterior baby, waterbirth)
We’re overjoyed to bring you the incredible story of Carissa’s three births. She takes us deep into her journey from a planned caesarean with a private…
- Australian VBAC Stories
EP23 - Emma's planned VBAC, repeat caesarean experience (induction, pre-eclampsia, posterior, deflexed head, general anaesthetic caesarean, full dilation, repeat caesarean, short pregnancy interval)
Today we are excited to share Emma’s beautiful birth stories, her first baby boy, Eric, born via caesarean after an induction, and her second baby girl, Chloe…
- Australian VBAC Stories
EP22 - Zelda's VBA3C (young mum, unplanned pregnancy, gestational hypertension, emergency caesarean, planned VBAC, repeat emergency caesarean, planned elective repeat caesarean, private midwife, vbac)
We are so excited to bring you the incredible Zelda's four epic birth stories for our 22nd episode! First things first: We had a few technical struggles…
- Australian VBAC Stories
EP21 - Claire's VBAC (breech, ECV, postpartum haemmorhage, postpartum depletion, miscarriage, conception journey, student midwife, doula, symphysis pubis, physiological birth in hospital)
In this episode, we are so incredibly fortunate to have the beautiful Claire share her birth stories with us. Claire is an absolute wealth of wisdom, and the…
- Australian VBAC Stories
EP20 - Anushka's HBAC (public hospital, team midwifery, posterior, OP, unconsented syntocinon, epidural, fetal distress, emergency caesarean, PPM, private midwife, homebirth, sleep deprivation)
Today, we are so pleased to be bringing you the beautiful Anushka's incredible birth stories. Anushka walks us through her journey to her caesarean birth with…
- Australian VBAC Stories
EP19 - Jo's 2 VBA2Cs (public hospital, induction, labour dystocia, emergency caesarean, postpartum & feeding challenges, planned vbac, infection, repeat csection, vba2c, forceps, episiotomy, 2vba2c)
Welcome to Episode 19 of Australian VBAC Stories, and today we’re thrilled to be hearing from Jo who shares her journey to her 2VBA2Cs! That’s two vaginal…
- Australian VBAC Stories
EP18 - Imogen's VBAC (miscarriage, planned homebirth, private midwife, transfer, augmentation, epidural, failure to progress, emergency caesarean, public hospital, supportive team & midwives)
Welcome to Episode 18 of the Australian VBAC Stories Podcast! Today we are delighted to have Imogen on the podcast sharing her somewhat unusual journey to VBAC…
- Australian VBAC Stories
EP17 - Nadia's VBAC (Private Obstetric care, birth doula support, breastfeeding experience, intrauterine growth restriction, IUGR, induction, perinatal anxiety)
In this episode we have Nadia, an incredible mama of two, sharing her caesarean and VBAC journeys. Her stories are rich with reflection, exploring her first…
- Australian VBAC Stories
EP16 - Kim's VBA3C (private midwife, twisted ovary, hospital birth, private OB, breech, 16 month age gap, no prior labour, breastfeeding struggles, postnatal depletion, core and pelvic floor rehab)
Welcome to Episode 16 of the Australian VBAC Stories Podcast! Today, on the International Day of the Midwife (5th May), we are so excited to be sharing Kim's…
- Australian VBAC Stories
EP15 - Emma's HBAC Transfer, 42w+ Induction, Repeat Caesarean (Twin birth, postnatal depletion, special care, private midwife, birth doula, breastfeeding, failed induction, homebirth transfer)
In honour of Caesarean Awareness Month this April, we are bringing you some incredible stories from women whose VBAC journeys resulted in repeat caesarean…
- Australian VBAC Stories
EP14 - Helen's HBAC Transfer, Repeat Caesarean (fragmented care, preeclampsia, induction, breastfeeding grief, private midwife, HBAC, homebirth transfer, uterine rupture, repeat emergency caesarean)
In honour of Caesarean Awareness Month this April, we are bringing you some incredible stories from women whose VBAC journeys resulted in repeat caesarean…
- Australian VBAC Stories
EP13 - Tegan's VBAC (public hospital, pregnancy loss, ectopic pregnancies, IVF, vasa praevia, bed rest, elective caesarean, birth doula support, VBAC, precipitous labour)
In today's episode, we are thrilled to have Tegan share her journey to motherhood including beginning with back-to-back ectopic pregnancies, followed by IVF…
- Australian VBAC Stories
EP12 - Olivia's HBAC (public hospital, induction, emergency caesarean, T-incision, special scar, PTSD, homebirth, private midwife, PROM, BBA)
In this episode, we invite you to listen to Olivia’s powerful story of her two very different births. Olivia is from a large family, and was introduced to…
- Australian VBAC Stories
EP11 - Tiarny’s VBAC (homebirth transfer, private midwife, post-dates, asynclitism, PPH, T-incision, special scar, freebirth transfer, pre-term labour, premmie, NICU, hospital injury, breastfeeding)
In this episode of Australian VBAC Stories, Tiarny very openly and generously shares the story of her two births. With her first baby, Tiarny planned a…
- Australian VBAC Stories
EP10 - Emily's HBAC (PPROM, NICU, premie baby, public hospital, fragmented care, postnatal anxiety, HBAC, homebirth after caesarean, private midwife, doula)
On today's episode of Australian VBAC Stories, we are thrilled to bring you Emily's incredible birth stories. Emily's first birth unfolds a bit differently to…
- Australian VBAC Stories
EP9 - Olivia's Breech VBAC (private obstetrician, private hospital, emergency caesarean, breech baby, short birth interval, covid, lockdown, mindset preparation)
In today's Australian VBAC Stories episode, Olivia shares her incredible birth stories with us including her first caesarean with a baby discovered breech in…
- Australian VBAC Stories
EP8 - Rachel's VBAC (special scar, coercive language, fragmented care, doula support, student midwife, hospital VBAC)
In this episode, we are joined by Rachel, who shares her triumphant journey of achieving a physiological VBAC against challenging odds. Having undergone a…
- Australian VBAC Stories
EP7 - Anna's VBAC & HBAC (private obstetrician, elective caesarean, pregnancy loss, VBAC, 2VBAC, HBAC, private midwife, homebirth, BBA)
In this episode, we bring you the story of Anna's three births. Anna shares her experience from a scheduled caesarean for elevated blood pressure with a…
- Australian VBAC Stories
EP6 - Jess's VBACs (fragmented care, emergency caesarean, postpartum preeclampsia, MGP, long labour, epidural, PPH, doula support, BBA, freebirth, roadside birth, calm and peaceful 2VBAC, 3a tear,)
Today's episode brings you the stories of three births told by Jess. Her first baby was born via emergency caesarean under a fragmented care model, and she was…
- Australian VBAC Stories
EP5 - Renee's VBAC (public hospital, young mum, posterior baby, long labour, fragmented care, breastfeeding challenges, 'unsuitable VBAC candidate', doula support, changing care providers)
Today we are honoured to bring you Renee's gorgeous VBAC story. Renee had her first baby via caesarean following a long early labour which led to an…
- Australian VBAC Stories
EP4 - Georgina's VBAC Journey (public hospital, failure to wait, MGP, uterine tears, angled uterine extensions, high risk, unsupported, intuition, self-belief, educational journey)
Today we are thrilled to bring you an absolute cracker of an epsiode with the incredible Georgina's VBAC story. Georgina experienced a cascade of interventions…
- Australian VBAC Stories
EP3 - Georgia's HBAC (postdates induction, emergency caesarean, breastfeeding challenges, private midwife, HBAC, VBAC, homebirth after caesarean, breech, ECV, long labour)
Today we bring you the story of Georgia's two births. Georgia is another of our beautiful co-hosts, and in this episode, she shares so openly and generously…
- Australian VBAC Stories
EP2 - Bronwyn's 2 VBACs (induction, emergency caesarean, HBAC, homebirth, homebirth transfer, premature labour, premature baby, postpartum anxiety, fast birth, precipitous labour, HBAC, 2VBAC, BBA)
Today we bring you the VBAC stories of one of our gorgeous co-hosts, Bronwyn. Bronwyn experienced the all-too-common cascade of interventions in her first…
- Australian VBAC Stories
EP1 - Introducing Australian VBAC Stories
In this special introductory episode, your co-hosts Katelyn, Georgia, Bronwyn and Aimee discuss why they have chosen to produce this podcast and why they think…