VBAC Birth Stories

In this episode we chat to Sydney mum of two Rachel who experienced an unmedicated VBAC in a private hospital setting after going through 35 hours of labour. Following her caesarean Rachel went on to experience poor postpartum mental health and reflects how her first birth unfolding the way it did could have contributed to those feelings. Rachel reveals her reasons for wanting to try for a vaginal birth again and one of those reasons is not one that we would immediately think of, but Rachel so eloquently explains how just the very process of going on a VBAC journey can have the potential to teach us important life skills. Thank you Rachel @rachelraez (Instagram) for sharing your story with us and thank you to our patrons for helping to bring this episode to you. ~ AFFILIATES ~Access discounts with our amazing affiliates:Birth Time film:20% DISCOUNT CODE: CICADA20https://www.birthtime.world/a/2147503775/Eb2KfvxtPartum Panties:10% DISCOUNT CODE: Vbacbirthstorieshttps://www.partumpanties.com.auThe Birth Store:10% DISCOUNT CODE: VBAChttps://thebirthstore.com.au/?ref=VBACA big thank you to our patrons for helping to bring this episode to you. Please consider supporting the podcast from as little as $2 a month. Your donations go toward the up-keeping costs of running the podcast and really help us to keep going with the pod.https://www.patreon.com/vbacbirthstories~ Notes ~Book: Ina May Gaskin 'A Guide to Childbirth'Facebook group: VBAC Australia Support Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/342851302473349Doula: Amanda @essentialmeservices (Instagram) https://www.essentialme.com.auIBCLC finder website: www.lcanz.org~ Birth Trauma & Post Natal Depression/Anxiety support ~If this episode raises any concerns for you please don't hesitate to contact:The Gidget Foundationhttps: //gidgetfoundation.org.au/get-support/

Today we have the honour and pleasure of chatting to Hazel Keedle once again on the podcast. Hazel is a lecturer at Western Sydney University and midwifery researcher who has primarily focused on women’s experiences of vaginal birth after caesarean and is now a lead researcher in the Birth Experience Study- the largest study on women’s experiences of maternity care in Australia. Since we last spoke Hazel has completed her PhD and is now an author with her newly released book Birth After Caesarean: Your Journey to a Better Birth. We spoke to Hazel way back in Season 1 and you can find this interview by searching for our 7th episode. In this episode we cover:The inspiration for the book Birth After Caesarean: Your Journey to a Better Birth and what readers can expect to gain from reading itInteresting preliminary observations from data collected from The Birth Experience Study Survey which had almost 9000 respondentsFeminism and birth and the impact of social mediaImpact and importance of continuity of midwifery careEncouraging words of advice for midwives and student midwives navigating fragmented care in our Australian maternity system + much moreFollow Hazel at these locations:Instagram: @hazelkeedleFacebook: @VBACmatters https://www.facebook.com/VBACmattersTwitter: @HazelKeedleFor links to papers, events and more:https://linktr.ee/hazelkeedleBuy the book on Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/vbac-bookStay tuned for a GIVEAWAY of Hazel's book Birth After Caesarean for VBAC Birth Stories listeners :) Be sure to be following the pod and Hazel on social media.Instagram: @vbacbirthstoriesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/vbacbirthstoriesAUSupport the podcast on Patreon:~ PATREON ~Please consider joining our Patreon if you are enjoying the podcast and would like to help support us by making a donation:https://www.patreon.com/vbacbirthstories~ AFFILIATES ~Access discounts with our amazing affiliates:Birth Time film:USE DISCOUNT CODE: CICADA20https://www.birthtime.world/a/2147503775/Eb2KfvxtPartum Panties:USE DISCOUNT CODE: Vbacbirthstorieshttps://www.partumpanties.com.auThe Birth Store:USE DISCOUNT CODE: VBAChttps://thebirthstore.com.au**VBAC Birth Stories features women's lived experiences. It is not intended to replace medical advice. Should you have any concerns during your pregnancy please always consult your healthcare provider.Please connect with us on Facebook or Instagram: @vbacbirthstories

Amielia is a 21 year old Djab Wurrung woman and this week we would like to share her birth stories in celebration of NAIDOC week.Amielia only found out about the details of her indigenous ancestry when she was 12 and who her family were related to. She grew up learning about her cultural practices and a part of the disappointment in her first birth was the disconnect between these practices and the public hospital system. Later she would learn there was a program dedicated to indigenous women that she would seek to be a part of in her next pregnancy.When she first fell pregnant it was unexpected but despite this her partner vowed to support her no matter which path she took. She speaks about the lack of knowledge she had going into the pregnancy and how it felt going through her first pregnancy amid Covid lockdowns in Victoria.At 41 and 5 days, doctors suggested an induction which she agreed to. She had tested positive for Group B Strep. After what was deemed ‘failure to progress’ at 2cm dilation Amielia felt powerless and agreed to an emergency caesarean after her baby’s heart rate started to show signs of distress.After this experience Amielia did not want to be induced again. She hired a student doula and ended up experiencing the vaginal birth she always wanted at almost 43 weeks. Due to her baby passing meconium in her womb she agreed to have her baby tested for infection and tells us how her baby ended up staying in hospital for 5 days and what that experience was like for her.Thank you Amielia for sharing your VBAC journey with us.NAIDOC week: https://www.naidoc.org.au~ PATREON ~Please consider joining our Patreon if you are enjoying the podcast and would like to help support us by making a donation:https://www.patreon.com/vbacbirthstories~ AFFILIATES ~Access discounts with our amazing affiliates:Birth Time film (20%):USE DISCOUNT CODE: CICADA20https://www.birthtime.world/a/2147503775/Eb2KfvxtPartum Panties (10%):USE DISCOUNT CODE: Vbacbirthstorieshttps://www.partumpanties.com.auThe Birth Store: TENS Machine hire and more (10%):https://www.thebirthstore.com.au/?ref=VBAC~ Notes ~Doula: Courtneyhttps://beyondbirthcollective.com.auInstagram of womb specialist: @rosewomb_xVBAC Australia Support Group (Facebook):https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=vbac%20australia%20support%20groupPerinatal Depression & Post Natal Depression/Anxiety support: If you or anyone you know is affected by PND symptoms please don't hesitate to contact the following support networks.The Gidget Foundationhttps://gidgetfoundation.org.au/get-support/,PANDAhttps://www.panda.org.au/info-support/pandas-national-perinatal-anxiety-depression-helplineBeyond Bluehttps://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/get-immediate-supportCopehttps://www.cope.org.au**VBAC Birth Stories features women's lived experiences. It is not intended to replace medical advice. Should you have any concerns during your pregnancy please always consult your healthcare provider.Please connect with us on Facebook or Instagram: @vba

In this week's episode we speak to western Sydney mum of two, Katelyn. Like so many of us in our first birth Katelyn just wanted to experience a physiological birth in a hospital setting, but ended up agreeing to an induction. Interestingly Katelyn intuitively felt that her induction was not medically necessary and there was a good chance she'd end up having surgery that day, yet she felt she couldn't say no.Katelyn was determined to re-write her story in her second birth, and that she most certainly did even though despite giving her absolute all this birth ended in a caesarean too. On paper the two births might look similar, but in reality, they were polar opposite experiences.Katelyn learned so much on her VBAC journey and generously shares much of this knowledge with us. We know this episode will be an incredible resource to all our listeners including our health care professionals. Thank you Katelyn for reaching out to share your story.Connect with Katelyn on Instagram: @thenbacguideEpisode Sponsor:Silverette Australia (Silverette cups are available in 28 countries).https://silveretteaustralia.comPromotion: From 6 May - 27 May 2022 Silverette Australia will be offering a 15% discount off their products for VBAC Birth Stories listeners. Simply head to their website (silveretteaustralia.com) and use the discount code VBAC15 to take advantage of this limited offer.About Silverette cups:Crafted out of 925 sterling silver these medical-grade light-weight shield-like cups fit over your areola and are designed to protect, soothe and heal your nipples as you and your baby adjust to breastfeeding. Silver has anti inflamatory, anti bacterial, anti fungal, and anti microbial properties which help to keep viruses away. To use Silverette cups you simply place them over your nipples and your maternity bra will hold them in place. To maximise its benefit Silverette recommend using them between feeds to help prevent discomfort such as sore or cracked nipples from occurring, while also paying attention to your baby's latch.~ PATREON ~Please consider joining our Patreon if you are enjoying the podcast and would like to help support us by making a donation:https://www.patreon.com/vbacbirthstories~ AFFILIATES ~Access discounts with our amazing affiliates:Birth Time film (20%):USE DISCOUNT CODE: CICADA20https://www.birthtime.world/a/2147503775/Eb2KfvxtPartum Panties (10%):USE DISCOUNT CODE: Vbacbirthstorieshttps://www.partumpanties.com.auThe Birth Store: TENS Machine hire and more (10%):https://www.thebirthstore.com.au/?ref=VBAC~ NOTES ~Calmbirthhttps://calmbirth.com.auMidwife: Jo Hunterhttps://midwifejo.com.auDoula: Aimee Singhttps://birthaims.com.auBirth Photographer: Bethhttps://naturalfocus.com.au/birth-photography/Birth debrief/birth trauma debrief: Athena at The Birth Counselhttps://www.thebirthcounsel.com.auThe Midwives Cauldron episode on Gestational Diabetes - PodcastJuju Sundin's Birth Skills - BookHannah Dahlen's induction study:https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/11/6/e047040Arr

In today's episode we hear our first VBAC birth story from Tasmania. Laura is a mum of two who lives in Hobart and had a swift and beautiful VBAC waterbirth at her public hospital. In her first birth she was induced for reaching post-dates and during the pushing phase it was discovered that her baby was breech. Despite the sudden way her emergency caesarean unfolded Laura holds no trauma from this birth and she shares with us why she thinks this is. In her second pregnancy it's refreshing to hear how well supported Laura was in her desire to have a waterbirth. Laura was fortunate to have continuity of care under the MGP in both of her pregnancies. After her restorative birth Laura's son did need to spend some time in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) as there were some concerns with his breathing and Laura tells of how her early postpartum unfolded afterwards. ~ PATREON ~Please consider joining our Patreon if you would like to show your support for the podcast from just AUD $2.00 a month:https://www.patreon.com/vbacbirthstories~ AFFILIATES ~Access discounts with our amazing affiliates:Birth Time film:USE DISCOUNT CODE: CICADA20https://www.birthtime.world/a/2147503775/Eb2KfvxtPartum Panties:USE DISCOUNT CODE: Vbacbirthstorieshttps://www.partumpanties.com.auThe Birth Store:USE DISCOUNT CODE: VBAChttps://thebirthstore.com.au~ Notes ~VBAC + Waterbirth:NICE UK Guidelines:https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng121/chapter/Recommendations#previous-caesarean-sectionQueensland Health VBAC Guidelines:https://www.health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0022/140836/g-vbac.pdf**VBAC Birth Stories features women's lived experiences. It is not intended to replace medical advice. Should you have any concerns during your pregnancy please always consult your healthcare provider.Please connect with us on Facebook or Instagram: @vbacbirthstories

Welcome to Season 3 of VBAC Birth Stories!In today's episode we chat to Melbourne mum of two and registered nurse, Michelle. Michelle went into spontaneous labour with her first child but was recommended to have an emergency caesarean close to the finish line of her labour, but Michelle wouldn’t say it was a true "emergency" in the sense of the word. Michelle returned to hospital in her second pregnancy but did not feel supported in her quest to have a VBAC - this coupled with a bit of perinatal anxiety and covid hospital restrictions Michelle took control of her second birth in the final trimester, and ultimately hired a private midwife to birth her baby boy at home. She speaks of the challenges with her recovery after having a VBAC too which is very insightful, and we thank Michelle for her honesty.We hope you enjoy listening to Michelle’s story, we know there’s a lot to take away from her journey whether you are on a VBAC journey yourself or a maternity care provider listening in.Please feel free to connect with Michelle on Instagram @michelleparis.mitchell~ PATREON ~Please consider joining our Patreon if you would like to show your support for the podcast from just AUD $2.00 a month:https://www.patreon.com/vbacbirthstories~ AFFILIATES ~Access discounts with our amazing affiliates:Birth Time film:USE DISCOUNT CODE: CICADA20https://www.birthtime.world/a/2147503775/Eb2KfvxtPartum Panties:USE DISCOUNT CODE: Vbacbirthstorieshttps://www.partumpanties.com.auThe Birth Store:USE DISCOUNT CODE: VBAChttps://thebirthstore.com.au~ Notes ~Doula & Osteopath: Bonnie Maplestonehttps://www.bonniemaplestone.com.auBirth Photographer: kateleephotography.com.auVBAC Australia Support Group (Facebook):https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=vbac%20australia%20support%20groupPost Natal Depression/Anxiety support: If you or anyone you know is affected by PND symptoms particularly at this time of COVID-19 please don't hesitate to contact the following support networks.The Gidget Foundationhttps://gidgetfoundation.org.au/get-support/,PANDAhttps://www.panda.org.au/info-support/pandas-national-perinatal-anxiety-depression-helplineBeyond Bluehttps://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/get-immediate-supportCopehttps://www.cope.org.au**VBAC Birth Stories features women's lived experiences. It is not intended to replace medical advice. Should you have any concerns during your pregnancy please always consult your healthcare provider.Please connect with us on Facebook or Instagram: @vbacbirthstories

In today’s episode we speak to midwife and Calmbirth educator from regional Victoria, Rosie. Rosie has had four very different birth experiences.This episode has a trigger warning as we do discuss pregnancy loss.Rosie’s first birth was a medical termination at 23 weeks following a rare diagnosis her daughter was given at her 20 week scan. Rosie tells of the often unspoken guilt and complex grief that comes with this form of loss. The gravity of her experience caused her to reflect on the ways in which the system in general can treat birth and how important it is to acknowledge the emotional aspects of it, whichever form birth may take.When Rosie fell pregnant again she chose to be looked after by a private obstetrician in a public hospital setting due to the absence of continuity of midwifery led care in her area. Her son was born at 35 weeks in a birth that ended in a Category 1 emergency caesarean at 34 weeks, It was discovered she had developed Chorioamnionitis, an infection of the lining of the membranes. Her son needed to go to special care and Rosie was separated from him for some time.After this birth Rosie went on to have two VBACs; the first involved an assisted delivery with forceps and her second was a precipitous labour which was documented as being just 26 minutes all up, including the birth of the placenta.We thank Rosie for sharing her very personal and unique birth experiences and for her honest reflections on all of them. We know her insights from her personal and professional experience will bring comfort and knowledge to our listeners.Rosie's Calmbirth Education website: https://www.babiesballarat.com.auInstagram: @babies_ballarat_calmbirth~ Notes ~Post Natal Depression/Anxiety support: If you or anyone you know is affected by PND symptoms particularly at this time of COVID-19 please don't hesitate to contact the following support networks.The Gidget Foundationhttps://gidgetfoundation.org.au/get-support/,PANDAhttps://www.panda.org.au/info-support/pandas-national-perinatal-anxiety-depression-helplineBeyond Bluehttps://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/get-immediate-supportCopehttps://www.cope.org.auPregnancy Loss:https://www.bearsofhope.org.auhttps://rednosegriefandloss.org.auhttps://miscarriagesupport.org.au**VBAC Birth Stories features women's lived experiences. It is not intended to replace medical advice. Should you have any concerns during your pregnancy please always consult your healthcare provider.Please connect with us on Facebook or Instagram: @vbacbirthstories

Today we hear from Kasey who lives in Melbourne with her husband and two daughters. In her first birth she experienced the rare complication of a bandl ring and was taken for an emergency caesarean despite reaching full dilation. We speak about what it's like to be a young mother in your twenties when your peers are all doing different things and how this can affect friendships. We also speak about her challenges with her oldest baby's allergies and breastfeeding and what a difference the right support and education can make. In her second pregnancy Kasey was determined to go into labour spontaneously and avoid an induction completely, as her experience with it in her first birth was not a positive one. Kasey talks about the pressure she faced to book in a second caesarean even though she was perfectly suitable for a VBAC.Knowing that she was being met with resistance Kasey talks about what she did differently to ensure she had the best chance of avoiding another caesarean.~ Notes ~ Bandl's Ring:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Bandl%27s+ringM. Reyad & M. Quinn (2008) Pre-term uterine constriction rings and their consequences, Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 28:4, 447-448, DOI: 10.1080/01443610802138106**VBAC Birth Stories features women's lived experiences. It is not intended to replace medical advice. Should you have any concerns during your pregnancy please always consult your healthcare provider.Follow us on Facebook or Instagram @vbacbirthstories

Today we meet Zara from central Queensland and talk to her about her two births. Zara's VBAC journey began with Darcy who was a planned caesarean due to his breech positioning. The caesarean itself wasn't traumatic, but it was what happened afterwards that left Zara feeling like she could not go through childbirth again. She experienced post natal depression following this birth.Zara's heart eventually opened to the possibility of having another baby and when the time came she felt a deep desire to have a VBAC, doing everything in her power to give herself the best opportunity including securing continuity of care through her local hospital’s midwifery group practice (MGP). The end of Zara’s pregnancy presented some challenges which Zara admirably rose to, but once labour was underway Zara experienced what we all are aware of going into labour after caesarean, but feel hopeful won't happen to us- a uterine rupture.A uterine rupture can occur in any labour but it is more common in women who have a scar on their uterus from a previous caesarean.We are told 1 in 200 or 0.5% of women labouring after one caesarean will have a uterine rupture, which means about 99.5% of women won’t.There have been other studies that have found the uterine rupture rate to be even lower, for example 0.2% and 0.1%An Australian study, Dekker et al 2010, went even further and found that the risk of uterine rupture during VBAC was 0.15% in spontaneous labour, increasing to 0.88% in an induced labour with prostaglandin and oxytocin, and 1.91% in an augmented labour.Of the women who do experience a uterine rupture, 6% of those are considered catastrophic, therefore 94% are considered asymptomatic, and this is what Zara experienced.While Zara’s story doesn’t end with a vaginal delivery she speaks about how she is finding peace with this and the fact that she would do it all over again despite her experience. Her advice to believe in yourself, to educate ourselves about uterine rupture and to understand the risks is inspiring. We hope that her story is a valuable and informative resource for you all on your VBAC journey and a useful tool in understanding what can transpire during uterine rupture in labour. ~ Notes ~You may connect with Zara on Instagram @zaramartin__Studies quoted and associated links can be found in the following article by Dr Rachel Reed:https://midwifethinking.com/2016/06/15/vbac-making-a-mountain-out-of-a-molehill/Post Natal Depression/Anxiety and Birth Trauma support: If you or anyone you know is affected by PND symptoms particularly at this time of COVID-19 please don't hesitate to contact the following support networks.The Gidget Foundationhttps://gidgetfoundation.org.au/get-support/PANDAhttps://www.panda.org.au/info-support/pandas-national-perinatal-anxiety-depression-helplineBeyond Bluehttps://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/get-immediate-supportCopehttps://www.cope.org.au**VBAC Birth Stories features women's lived experiences. It is not intended to replace medical advice. Should you have any concerns during your pregnancy please always consult your healthcare provider.Please connect with us on Facebook or Instagram: @vbacbirthstories

In this episode we meet Jess who is a mother of four living in regional Victoria.Jess has a unique VBAC story to tell us.Her first birth was a vaginal birth in a private hospital setting- the fairly positive birth experience was somewhat overshadowed when doctors discovered her newborn daughter had a rare connective tissue disorder. Despite the challenges presented by her eldest’s diagnosis, Jess embraced motherhood and was thrilled to discover she was pregnant with twins. When one twin was found to be breech Jess agreed to a planned caesarean for her second birth.In between each of her three births Jess experienced three miscarriages and she shares the very personal grief of these with us. Her fourth child and third birth was a VBAC journey she undertook through her local public hospital in the MGP with a dedicated midwife to support her through pregnancy and birth during Covid in 2020. She shares what she wanted to experience in this vaginal birth that was different to her first, and what tools she used to prepare herself physically and mentally to achieve this.Jess shows us a refreshing blend of positivity as well as resilience as she describes what it's like to raise a child with additional needs and navigate the usual and not so usual trials of parenting.~ Notes ~VBAC Course: VBAC Master Classhttps://www.empoweredtobirth.com.au/vbac-masterclassInstagram: @empoweredtobirthBook: Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering by Sarah J Buckley, MDhttps://sarahbuckley.com/gentle-birth-gentle-mothering/Pregnancy Loss:https://www.bearsofhope.org.auhttps://rednosegriefandloss.org.auhttps://miscarriagesupport.org.au**VBAC Birth Stories features women's lived experiences. It is not intended to replace medical advice. Should you have any concerns during your pregnancy please always consult your healthcare provider.Please connect with us on Facebook or Instagram: @vbacbirthstories

Today we hear from Erin who lives in Perth with her husband and two children. Erin is a Type 1 Diabetic and we hear how this affected her first pregnancy and what different approaches she took in her VBAC pregnancy to give herself the best chance of experiencing spontaneous labour for the first time, as she was induced at 37 weeks in her first birth as per hospital policy for Type 1 Diabetic women.Erin tested positive to Group B streptococcus (GBS) towards the end of her VBAC pregnancy which also coincided with a snap-lockdown in Perth of 3 days. In maternity this took the form of support people being disallowed from entering the birth unit in public hospital settings until the mother was deemed to be in active labour. On the day Erin’s labour began with her waters breaking, restrictions had been lifted following the lockdown and residents of Perth were able to go to football matches as well as the pub during this post-lockdown transition period, but not maternity- her husband missed out on supporting her during the crucial early stages of labour and was also asked to leave 15 minutes after her daughter was born, via a repeat emergency caesarean.Despite how covid affected her labour a resilient Erin came away from her birth with overall positive feelings about the experience, which she attributes to the kind of preparation she had done in her second pregnancy.We encourage government and hospital policy makers to listen and learn from Erin’s experience. We need to get the balance right because as anyone who listens to our podcast would know- support in birth matters, and no woman should ever have to labour alone.~ Notes ~Facebook Type 1 Diabetic support group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/1527899494122956**VBAC Birth Stories features women's lived experiences. It is not intended to replace medical advice. Should you have any concerns during your pregnancy please always consult your healthcare provider.Please connect with us on Facebook or Instagram: @vbacbirthstories

“Prepare your body and mind to achieve your VBAC and then let go of your attachment to the outcome.”If anyone knows how to fight the good fight its Sydney based mother of two and human rights lawyer, Lara.As a VBAC hopeful Lara was fastidious in her birth preparation but in the end the events which unfolded took her and her care providers by surprise. Despite the rare occurrence of velamentous cord insertion and shoulder dystocia Lara achieved her VBAC and a positive birth outcome against all odds.Thankfully in both of her births she was treated with dignity, respect and the exceptional standard of care we have come to recognise from care providers who are on the pulse of birthing women’s needs. As we hear from so many of you the difference this can make cannot be underestimated.Her first baby was breech and after two unsuccessful ECV’s Lara had a trial of labor followed by a gentle caesarean. Despite the positive surgery Lara could not help but feel disappointment following her first birth and she discusses the complexity of this for caesarean mothers.Determined by nature, Lara researched and prepared extensively before both of her births, but it seems the one thing that both experiences taught her is that you can’t control every aspect of what unravels but you can shape your own view of the circumstances and there’s some true wisdom that I’m sure we can all take from Lara’s two birth stories.Throughout her story you’ll hear how Lara mixes this determined grit with a calm and articulate approach to her public hospital birthing experiences, both under case load midwifery care.Motherhood has taught us all that no matter what you prepare for our babies will have a different plan and at times this is unpredictable. Lara calls on us to bear witness to the beauty in surrendering to the most ordinary of moments with our babies.

In today's episode we chat to Queensland mum of three and co-creator of the clothing brand Sunday Wild, Crystal, about her VBAC journey which began with an elective caesarean with her twin daughters. Crystal tells her story with a refreshing humour and warmth and speaks to the fact that not all elective caesareans are really wanted. During our chat Crystal touchingly realises with hindsight what could have been possible, but was sadly taken away from her after her caesarean.Crystal's story is really about personal growth and the self advocacy that can come with evidence based research and trust in a mother's intuition. Crystal kept her finger on the pulse during her VBAC pregnancy when her daughter was sitting in breech position early on and prepared herself for every possible outcome.Crystal highlights the importance of the 'golden hour' after birth and how it can affect breastfeeding relationships, and how our hospital protocols can sometimes undermine this. An important listen for not only VBAC mothers but first time mums too and care providers - it is important to understand the profound impact a woman's birth experience can have on her transition from maiden to mother.You can connect with Crystal on instagram: @crystallouuClothing label: @sundaywildlabelhttps://sundaywildlabel.com/~ Notes ~VBAC Australia Support Group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/342851302473349Breech Birth Australia & New Zealand support group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/breechSpinning Babies:spinningbabies.comBlissful Herbs (labour tea):https://www.blissfulherbs.com.auMade to Milk (colostrum expressing kit):https://www.madetomilk.com.au/**VBAC Birth Stories features women's lived experiences. It is not intended to replace medical advice. Should you have any concerns during your pregnancy please always consult your healthcare provider.Please connect with us on Facebook or Instagram: @vbacbirthstories