The VBAC Link

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 • fb.me/thevbaclink for Facebook • @thevbaclink on Instagram • Follow and subscribe!! 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 Needed Website: Code VBAC for 20% Off The Ultimate VBAC Prep Course for Parents Online VBAC Doula Training Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vbac-link/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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 Needed Website: Code VBAC for 20% Off The Ultimate VBAC Prep Course for Parents Online VBAC Doula Training Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vbac-link/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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 Needed Website: Code VBAC20 for 20% Off The Ultimate VBAC Prep Course for Parents Online VBAC Doula Training Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vbac-link/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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 Needed Website: Code VBAC20 for 20% Off The Ultimate VBAC Prep Course for Parents Online VBAC Doula Training Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vbac-link/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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 Needed Website: Code VBAC20 for 20% Off The Ultimate VBAC Prep Course for Parents Online VBAC Doula Training Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vbac-link/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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 Needed Website: Code VBAC20 for 20% Off The Ultimate VBAC Prep Course for Parents Online VBAC Doula Training Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vbac-link/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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! Needed Website: Code VBAC20 for 20% Off The Ultimate VBAC Prep Course for Parents Online VBAC Doula Training Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vbac-link/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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! Needed Website: Code VBAC20 for 20% Off The Ultimate VBAC Prep Course for Parents Online VBAC Doula Training Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vbac-link/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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 Needed Website: Code VBAC20 for 20% Off The Ultimate VBAC Prep Course for Parents Online VBAC Doula Training Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vbac-link/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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 Needed Website: Code VBAC20 for 20% Off The Ultimate VBAC Prep Course for Parents Online VBAC Doula Training Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vbac-link/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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 Needed Website: Code VBAC20 for 20% Off Coterie Diapers - Use code VBAC20 for 20% Off The Ultimate VBAC Prep Course for Parents Online VBAC Doula Training Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vbac-link/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Happy Wednesday, Women of Strength! Today we are joined by our friend, Nichole, from Nevada who shares her SEVEN birth stories. Nichole has had a wild ride when it comes to birth. Every story is so different and so unique. This episode is jam-packed with things like placental abruption, NICU time, preeclampsia, a surprise HBA2C, induced VBA2C, changing providers, and two VBA3C stories. Her last birth, a 2VBA3C, sparks an important conversation about how interventions can sometimes be a necessary part of a successful VBAC. Knowing the general pros and cons of interventions is just the first step. We all then have to apply what we’ve learned to our specific situations, adapt, and do what feels best to us! Needed Website: Code VBAC20 for 20% Off Coterie Diapers - Use code VBAC20 for 20% Off The Ultimate VBAC Prep Course for Parents Online VBAC Doula Training Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vbac-link/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

We are bringing back the VBAC dads!! In this rebroadcast, Julie and Meagan interview 5 VBAC dads who share their tips, fears, and highlights of the VBAC journey. Each dad answers these questions: - What do you wish you knew before VBAC and what are you glad you did know? - Did you have any fears for your partner and what helped you overcome them? - Did you have a doula and would you recommend one? - What advice would you give a birth partner preparing for a VBAC? Let’s hear it for all of those supportive birth partners out there bringing in the oxytocin boosts and positive affirmations! 🙌 Needed Website: Code VBAC20 for 20% Off Coterie Diapers - Use code VBAC20 for 20% Off The Ultimate VBAC Prep Course for Parents Online VBAC Doula Training Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vbac-link/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

After a peaceful, scheduled Cesarean for breech presentation, Erika knew she wanted a VBAC—even before becoming pregnant again. When red flags appeared with her original provider, she switched to a supportive OB who stayed steady even when Erika had doubts. Erika prepared deeply with The VBAC Link Podcast episodes, blogs, pelvic floor PT, chiropractic care, and a skilled doula. Her healing VBAC brought immediate skin-to-skin, a dreamy uninterrupted gold hour, and ultimately helped detect a rare condition of AVM that saved her baby’s life. Needed Website: Code VBAC20 for 20% Off Coterie Diapers - Use code VBAC20 for 20% Off The Ultimate VBAC Prep Course for Parents Online VBAC Doula Training Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vbac-link/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Felicia grew up with a profound trust in the power of VBAC— her mom was a midwife and had a beautiful home birth after four Cesareans! So when Felicia’s first birth ended in a Cesarean, there was no doubt in her mind that she would pursue a VBAC next time. She educated herself, built a strong support system, obsessed over all things VBAC, and went into her second pregnancy with clarity and confidence. But birth doesn’t always go according to plan. Felicia shares her journey of planning for a VBAC and ultimately having a second medically necessary Cesarean after laboring hard with grace and power. She reflects on her difficult recovery, navigating grief, reconciling expectations with reality, yet still finding peace, empowerment, and healing in her experience. Needed Website: Code VBAC20 for 20% Off Coterie Diapers - Use code VBAC20 for 20% Off How to VBAC: The Ultimate Prep Course for Parents Online VBAC Doula Training Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vbac-link/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Christy shares her whirlwind VBAC story after two vaginal births and a Cesarean. After testing GBS positive, Christy made the intentional decision to deliver at a hospital she deeply trusted, even though it was 1.5 hours from home. But when labor kicked in fast and hard, she barely made it in time. Her birth progressed so quickly that while she ultimately had the birth she hoped for, she still needed to grieve the slower, more peaceful experience she had envisioned. During her VBAC, Christy thought she wouldn’t want to be touched—yet touch grounded her. She expected to find comfort in music and calm mantras—but discovered she was more motivated by direct, no-nonsense encouragement. Her ability to adapt came from deep trust and confidence both in herself and in her carefully chosen team. Christy’s story is for anyone who needs a reminder that your birth story, even when unpredictable, can still be just what you need. Needed Website: Code VBAC20 for 20% Off Coterie Diapers - Use code VBAC20 for 20% Off How to VBAC: The Ultimate Prep Course for Parents Online VBAC Doula Training Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vbac-link/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In today’s episode, Anne Marie shares her intuitive, unmedicated VBAC journey. From building a trusting relationship with her supportive OBGYN to finding peace with all possible birth outcomes, her story is a powerful reminder of the strength that comes from informed decision-making and listening to our bodies!. Anne Marie takes us through her experience of moving freely during labor, naturally finding positions that worked for her, and ultimately pushing with her knees in—a position her body instinctively chose. She talks about how she worked through fears from her previous birth and how her provider honored her autonomy every step of the way. Needed Website: Code VBAC20 for 20% Off Coterie Diapers - Use code VBAC20 for 20% Off How to VBAC: The Ultimate Prep Course for Parents Online VBAC Doula Training Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vbac-link/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Vanessa was born and raised in Brazil, a country with sky-high cesarean rates. Moving to the US inspired her to pursue her doula career, even before she became pregnant herself. Vanessa’s own birth experiences were very different. Her first birth was a Cesarean after a birth center transfer. While it was medically necessary, it was very unexpected and traumatic. After a lot of processing and birth trauma therapy, she was ready to give birth again. Vanessa pursued a home birth for her second birth that was wonderfully straightforward and beautiful, surrounded by the people she loved most! She now lives just outside of Boston with her husband, two daughters and her mother. Her passion is to support other immigrant women in her community navigate the US healthcare system, and to know they have options when it comes to childbirth, especially when it comes to VBAC. Vanessa’s Website Vanessa’s Instagram Vanessa’s Facebook Needed Website: Code VBAC20 for 20% Off Coterie Diapers - Use code VBAC20 for 20% Off How to VBAC: The Ultimate Prep Course for Parents Online VBAC Doula Training Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vbac-link/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

We are so excited to have Nicole Vandermeyen with Subtle Healing Health on the podcast today! Nicole shares how her history of childhood leukemia and awful first pregnancy and birth experience solidified her commitment to holistic health. Through subtle changes in nutrition and influence healing, her overall health improved drastically, and she now helps other women do the same! As a holistic health practitioner and a mother, Nicole specializes in working with clients who are working on building stronger family bonds and emotional resilience. She even shares some specifics techniques you can try that can make a huge difference! Nicole’s YouTube Channel Needed Website: Code VBAC20 for 20% Off Coterie Diapers - Use code VBAC20 for 20% Off How to VBAC: The Ultimate Prep Course for Parents Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vbac-link/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

We are so happy to have Julie Sawaya back with us on The VBAC Link Podcast today! Julie is the co-founder of Needed, a mama, and a lifelong nutrition nerd. As the most nutritionally aware of their friends, Julie and her co-founder Ryan were shocked to realize through nutrient testing that they were severely deficient in key nutrients needed for a healthy pregnancy. They dug into the research and realized they were not alone. 97% of women take a prenatal, and yet 95% have nutrient deficiencies. Most prenatal vitamins just weren't cutting it. So Julie and Ryan started Needed to create a new, higher standard for perinatal health. Together they've redesigned the products, education, and experiences women need. From their prenatals to their cognitive support to their collagen protein, our team personally uses and loves Needed products. We love Julie’s heart for educating women in an empowering way— exactly what we stand for here at TVL! Needed Research Info Needed Website: Code VBAC20 for 20% Off Coterie Diapers - Use code VBAC20 for 20% Off How to VBAC: The Ultimate Prep Course for Parents Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vbac-link/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands