The VBAC Homebirth Stories Podcast: Recent Episodes
Ashley Winning
Hello & Welcome to The VBAC Homebirth Stories Podcast. Are you wanting to learn more about vaginal homebirth after cesarean section and find your confidence to birth the way you feel is the best and safest for you and your baby?
This podcast is for women wanting to learn more about VBAC’s, especially homebirths!
Join our Free online Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/306243550
Want support finding your voice, confidence & be supported during your VBAC journey check out this online community Journey into Motherhood - https://members.themotherhoodcircle.com.au/join-3/
In this enlightening episode, Ashley welcomes Dr. Stu, a seasoned obstetrician with 28 years of hospital experience and 13 years in home birth settings.
They discuss the significant differences in VBAC success rates between home and hospital births, the impact of special scars on VBAC, and the importance of understanding the historical context of medical practices.
Dr. Stu shares his unique perspective on the current state of obstetric care, the potential pitfalls of overly regulated birth policies, and the necessity of birth freedom.
Key Points Discussed:
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VBAC Success Rates:
- Home VBAC success rates are over 90%.
- Hospital VBAC success rates are around 56-64%.
- The difference is attributed to the model of care and the environment.
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Special Scars and VBAC:
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True classical C-sections have a 2-4% risk of rupture.
- Other incisions like low vertical or T-incisions don’t show significant risk differences.
- Risk counseling can sometimes be biased.
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Historical Context in Medical Practices:
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It’s important not to judge past actions by today's standards.
- Learning from history is crucial to avoid repeating mistakes.
- Current high C-section rates in some countries indicate a troubling trend.
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Importance of Birth Freedom:
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Electing officials who support birth freedom is crucial.
- Women should plan ahead, find supportive teams, and prioritize positive birth experiences.
- The need to challenge and rethink overly restrictive birth policies.
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Dr. Stu’s Experiences and Views:
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Transition from hospital to home birth settings.
- Advocacy for natural and informed birth choices.
- Critical views on the regulation of birth practices and the influence of big pharma on medical research.
Stay Connected with Dr Stu:
- Podcast: Birthing Instincts (Available on Spotify, Apple, and other apps)
- Instagram: @birthinginstincts
- Website: Birthing Instincts
- Consulting Services and Published Papers: Available on the website
More from Ashley:
The VBAC Village
Insta: @ashleylwinning
Website: www.ashleywinning.com
Join our VBAC Homebirth SupportGroup here
In this episode, we're diving into a topic that sparks a lot of conversation and varying viewpoints: Help, my husband won't let me have a homebirth/freebirth.
This topic often sparks heated discussions and diverse opinions on social media, and I want to share some insights and practical steps to help you navigate this situation.
Make sure you check out this episode to get some steps to navigate this important decision.
More from Ashley:
The VBAC Village
Insta: @ashleylwinning
Website: www.ashleywinning.com
Join our VBAC Homebirth SupportGroup here
This podcast episode is for all you mamas out there nearing your due date, firstly, congratulations!
You've made it through the hard yards of pregnancy, and the big day is just around the corner.
Whether your pregnancy has been easy or challenging, it’s time to get excited as you approach this incredible milestone.As you enter the final stages of pregnancy, it’s natural to become anxious and start looking for signs that labour is near.
However, it's important not to get too focused on inducing labour naturally, especially if you’re still early.
Every pregnancy is unique, and while some may experience early signs of labour, others might not see any signs until the very end.Enjoy this podcast episode,
Ashley x
More from Ashley:
The VBAC Village
Insta: @ashleylwinning
Website: www.ashleywinning.com
Join our VBAC Homebirth SupportGroup here
In this episode, I talked about early pushing.
It's a topic I've been eager to discuss for a while because it ties into the broader subject of posterior births.
Posterior births are often surrounded by unnecessary fear and misconceptions, and I want to shed some light on this natural variation of childbirth.
Early pushing usually occurs in posterior births, a normal variation according to birth educators and experts like Rachel Reed.
However, there's a lot of undue concern about posterior births needing to be "fixed".
Many birth courses and practices focus on ensuring optimal baby positioning, but this can create unnecessary fear and self-doubt in women.
Enjoy this podcast episode,
Ashley x
More from Ashley:
The VBAC Village
Insta: @ashleylwinning
Website: www.ashleywinning.com
Join our VBAC Homebirth SupportGroup here
In this episode, we delve into the topic of unplanned free births, also known as unassisted births, and why it's crucial to prepare for them, even if you're planning a birth with a midwife.
This episode aims to empower listeners with knowledge and confidence, ensuring they can handle any birth scenario calmly and effectively. If you have further questions or need more resources, reach out via Instagram for additional support.
Enjoy this podcast episode!
Ashley x
I’m thrilled to run a live round of my 8-week home birth group program. We will work intimately in a small group to discuss free birth and home birth, addressing fears and focusing on mindset, how birth works, and how your body works through the process. You'll build more confidence, trust, and belief in yourself, so by the end, you’ll know exactly what your plan is, who your birth team is, and how to feel calm and confident.
This program is currently available at half the price, with an early bird special at $147 AUD. If you’re in the US, that’s roughly $97 USD. If you're interested, check out my Instagram and slide into my DMs to reserve a spot. One lady has already snapped up one of the early bird spots, so don’t miss out.
More from Ashley:
The VBAC Village
Insta: @ashleylwinning
Website: www.ashleywinning.com
Join our VBAC Homebirth SupportGroup here
In this episode, we meet Katelyn, a mum of two who planned a VBAC at home that ended in a c-section transfer.
I’m sharing Katelyn’s side of the story in her own words in the show notes today.
I had an emergency caesarean following an unwanted and unneeded postdate induction that I was coerced into.
I felt I had no real other option. I was under the care of a private obstetrician, not because I felt that it was the kind of care that most aligned with me but because I didn't know how to otherwise get continuity of care (oh had I known then what I know now!)
With my second, I was planning a VBAC from the moment I left the operating theatre and that quickly became a HBAC plan. I hired a private midwife and a doula and had a far, far more relaxed pregnancy and was super looking forward to my birth at home without medical interference.
I ended up with a long labour that progressed very well to start with and then stalled about 8 hours in.
I was supported and encouraged to do what I felt was right, and so we kept at it at home for another 12 hours (with a visit to my chiro right at the end) before I decided it was time to head to the hospital for intervention.
I requested my waters be broken, which they did a little while after I arrived at the hospital. At about the 26-hour mark.
I was so exhausted that I physically felt I had reached my limit I could feel that she was still high and not properly engaged and I felt if couldn't remain upright I would completely lose my hold on my contractions.
They had been strong and constant. The first 8 hrs of labour they were 3-4 minutes apart, they'd stretched out to between 5-10 minutes through the rest of the day and once we got to the hospital, and vocalising and moving through them was all I had to keep on top of it.
At that point, I knew I was heading down repeat caesarean territory and I made an informed decision to have an epidural, knowing that most likely I was heading to theatre but there was a small chance that it could be enough to relax me and allow my baby to descend.
After another couple of hours with an epidural, we made the call to head to the theatre, which was disappointing but also liberating.
To know I'd done everything I felt I needed to do, all the things I'd not had an opportunity to try the first time around (including forward leaning inversions through contractions and walchers position and everything!) and I was relatively okay feeling like it was my decision at that point.
So yeah - not the classic homebirth story, but one I do think is important which is why I'm so open about sharing it because we do know that HBAC women generally have higher transfer rates than most homebirthers but that doesn't mean it will be a negative or traumatic experience even if it ends with another caesarean.
Going to the hospital was my biggest fear (or so I thought, in hindsight I think I actually had other unvoiced fears hiding under the surface that kept me from progressing in labour) and it turned out to be very okay.
I'd still plan a HBA2C in a heartbeat for my next baby if I get blessed to have a third!
More from Ashley:
The VBAC Village
Insta: @ashleylwinning
Website: www.ashleywinning.com
Join our VBAC Homebirth SupportGroup here
In this episode, I spoke with the amazing Catherine Bell from The Birth Map.
We talk about how Catherine's birth and postpartum experiences led her to the creation of The Birth Map.
I asked lots of questions about the birth map and the bias attached to some of the evidence.
We discussed:
- What is birth mapping
- What are the benefits of birth mapping
- The fast birth pathway
- How the birth map was created and born into the world
- There are 11 different models of care in Australia
- Over 800 different policies making it tricky for women to navigate the system
- How the birth map will support you with each choice you may be faced with during labour and birth
- Facing our fears right in the face, and break it down and make plans for the next birth.
- How birth debriefs are integral to understanding what to do for your next birth
Catherine is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to birth, and I am so grateful that she shared her wisdom and experiences with us in this podcast episode.
Listen to this fabulous episode now!
Here’s more about Catherine:
In becoming a Mother, Catherine was frustrated with the 'need to know' nature of maternity, so trained as a birth doula and breastfeeding counsellor and educator to fill the knowledge gap and support other women.
Combined with her Master in Science Communication, this led to the development of Birth Cartography and the invention of The Game of Birth. Her book, The Birth Map, is the subject of her PhD study into communication and decision-making in maternity services.
Connect with Catherine:
my IG@birthmapping
Get access to the free Birth Map game and e-book here: https://birthmap.life/member-access/
More from Ashley:
The VBAC Village
Insta: @ashleylwinning
Website: www.ashleywinning.com
Join our VBAC Homebirth SupportGroup here
In this episode, I share some of the struggles we all have when it comes to building community for ourselves.
And how why you should start building your community now.
I share some ways you can take steps to build your community and how mindset and perspective play a massive part in you being able to create the community you need and deserve.
Enjoy this episode,
Ashley
More from Ashley:
Free VBAC Training:
Don't miss the VBAC Workshop in February 2024, packed with valuable insights and knowledge, VBAC myth-busting, and answering all of your VBAC questions. Click here to register
Insta: @ashleylwinning
Website: www.ashleywinning.com
Join our VBAC Homebirth SupportGroup here
In this episode, I get to share with you Christy's phenomenal birth stories.
Christy is a mother of 10 children, who has had 7 Caesarean births and 3 homebirths.
She had fairly positive c-sections births with her first 6 children, and found on the 7th her Dr was obligated to refer Christy to another OBGYN as she was deemed "high risk" due to hospital policy.
She found this quite challenging and was told she had placenta accreta multiple times after ultrasounds. When she birthed her baby by c-section and there was no placenta accreta she felt like she was done with having babies.
Although she wasn't quite done and found herself pregnant with baby number 8. She searched high and low for support this time and found herself eventually connecting with a homebirth midwife, planning a VBAC.
Listen to this episode to hear some of the challenges Christy overcame to birth her babies in a way she felt comfortable and happy to.
Along with some important conversations about what can happen in the birth journey.
Enjoy this episode,
Ashley x
More from Ashley:
Free VBAC Training:
Don't miss the VBAC Workshop in February 2024, packed with valuable insights and knowledge, VBAC myth-busting, and answering all of your VBAC questions. Click here to register
Insta: @ashleylwinning
Website: www.ashleywinning.com
Join our VBAC Homebirth SupportGroup here
In this episode, we have returning super start guest Hazel Keedle, and we discuss obstetric violence and birth trauma.
In this episode, we discuss:
- What is obstetric violence
- What it means
- How to identify it and what to do
We also discuss the NSW Birth Inquiry
- What is it
- What do you hope to achieve with this inquiry
- What did women say
Please be mindful that this episode discusses traumatic experiences of women and maybe triggering or disturbing.
Ashley x
More from Ashley:
Free VBAC Training:
Don't miss the VBAC Workshop in February 2024, packed with valuable insights and knowledge, VBAC myth-busting, and answering all of your VBAC questions. Click here to register
Insta: @ashleylwinning
Website: www.ashleywinning.com
Join our VBAC Homebirth SupportGroup here
Hi everyone, and welcome back to the VBAC Homebirth Stories Podcast!
I hope you had a rejuvenating break and are ready to dive into 2024 with me.
This year promises to be filled with inspiring stories, valuable insights, and expert discussions to support you on your journey towards a triumphant VBAC homebirth.
What's in Store:
In the upcoming months, I have an exciting lineup for you:
Real Mum Stories:
We'll be featuring a variety of real mum stories, including tales of rural HBAC, HBA7C mama, experiencing 3 homebirths,, and many other incredible homebirth after c-section stories.
Guest Episodes:
- We have some fantastic guest episodes lined up, including conversations with:
- Hazel Keedle: Discussing obstetric violence and birth trauma.
- Dr. Stu: An OBGYN turned homebirth advocate, shedding light on breech births, VBAC, and twin homebirths.
- Catherine Bell: Exploring the concept of Birth Mapping.
Feel free to recommend a guest speaker or share your own HBAC birth story by emailing me at hello@ashleywinning.com.
Exciting Offerings:
Free Training Coming Soon:
Don't miss the VBAC Workshop in February 2024, packed with valuable insights and knowledge, VBAC myth busting, and answering all of your VBAC questions.
VBAC Village Membership Launch:
Mark your calendars for March 2024! The VBAC Village Membership is set to launch, and the waitlist is open for early bird pricing and exclusive giveaways. Join the waitlist here
Birth Doula Services:
Exciting news! I now offer in-person birth doula support from Brisbane to the Gold Coast, as well as virtual doula support worldwide.
Connect with me to explore how I can assist you on your birthing journey, I’d love to hear more about your birth plans, dreams and desires. Book in a coffee chat here.
Looking Ahead:
As we launch on this new year, there are numerous exciting opportunities to find support, deepen your birth knowledge, and work towards achieving your dream VBAC homebirth.
Make sure to tune in to the podcast episodes for an extra dose of inspiration.
I’m thrilled to have you with us on The VBAC Homebirth Stories Podcast in 2024.
Enjoy this episode, and remember, I’m here to support you every step of the way.
Ashley x
More from Ashley
Insta: @ashleylwinning
Website: www.ashleywinning.com
Join our VBAC Homebirth SupportGroup here
Hi everyone,
I've decided to give myself a bit of a podcast break for a shortish period. I'm feeling that I will be back around Christmas time!
I share some of my journey, what's happening in my life at the moment and some of the new offerings I am birthing in the world soon (lots of VBAC!!)
I'd love it if you could contribute to my VBAC Membership Survey if you are considering a future VBAC - You can do that here!
And I share some of the amazing podcast episodes that are coming up when I return (there are some epic ones in there!!)
During this break you can catch up on some episodes you haven't tuned into yet, re-listen to some of your fav's or share with people who could benefit from this resource.
I'm still open for business, so if you want a 1:1 session or to join me in one of my programs feel free to send me an email or DM me.
Love and light,
Ashley x
More from Ashley
Insta: @ashleylwinning
Join our VBAC Homebirth SupportGroup here
In this episode, we meet, Kara, a mother of two.
Kara had both of her children in a same-sex relationship with her partner.
Her first pregnancy was an IVF baby in 2019 with a planned hospital birth. The pregnancy was fairly low-key.
Kara experienced prodrominal labour for a few days and that was quite challenging and exhausting for her.
She had a couple of nights of no sleep and it was quite a painful experience. She went into the hospital and they checked her and said that there was no cervix it was up high and closed so she was sent home.
She eventually went back into the hospital and experienced a painful cascade of interventions and chose to have a c-section.
After that birth, she moved from Alice Springs to the Gold Coast. They had the challenge of having to get their embryos from South Australia shipped to the Gold Coast. Due to her partner being aboriginal, she was able to be part of an MGP programme and plan a birth centre birth with her VBAC baby.
She hired a doula and started prenatal yoga. During that time she connected with a new doula and ended the contract with the first doula and hired one she felt more aligned with.
She didn't plan on a freebirth but was subconsciously manifesting a freebirth. She asked her doula if she would support her and she received a yes - still planning a birth centre birth she found herself having an unplanned freebirth.
To hear all the interesting gold nuggets along the way come and listen to Kara's amazing birth stories.
Enjoy this podcast episode,
Ashley x
More from Ashley
Insta: @ashleylwinning
Join our VBAC Homebirth SupportGroup here
In this episode, I share a little bit of my take on the phrase - it takes a village to raise a baby/ mother.
I believe it takes a village to raise a mother, and unfortunately in this modern day world many of us have lost our village.
So it's extra important for us to be vigilant, and mindful, and take steps each day to create our own circle of support.
I share some ways you can create your circle of support in your homebirth journey with some low-cost, free, and higher-cost supports available.
It's time to think outside the box, get on saving for your dream team, and create your ideal life and experience.
Enjoy this episode,
Ashley x
More from Ashley
Insta: @ashleylwinning
Doors are now open to the Homebirth Group Mentoring Program - Join us here
Join our VBAC Homebirth SupportGroup here
In this episode, I share with you some ways you can tune into your intuition.
Often we find it hard to know when we are having intuition, or something that is showing as a fear disguised as intuition.
I'm going to share the difference between fears and intuition, and how you can navigate the difference between the two and tap into your intuition - so when it comes time to birth your baby you are able to listen to within.
Enjoy this podcast episode,
Ashley x
More from Ashley
Insta: @ashleylwinning
Doors are now open to the Homebirth Group Mentoring Program - Join us here
Join our VBAC Homebirth SupportGroup here
Get access to the FREE VBAC Workshop - DM me on Insta!
Get Homebirth resources sent to your inbox - Click here
In this episode, I share some birth positions that may be helpful during your VBAC Homebirth, and I share my ideas on birth positions and the big focus I see happening in the birth world.
What if I told you that you don't need to know all of the birth positions to birth your baby at home?
What if I told you that it could in some ways be counter intuitive to be in your mind trying to remember what position you need to be in during labour.
What if I told you that you don't need someone directing your body on what position to be in during labour?
What if I told you that you have been sold a lie that your body won't work if you don't do optimal baby position, and get into all sorts of interesting and fun positions to birth your baby?
I don't want to ruffle to many feathers as I know so many people are devout believes of spreading the message that you must be coached into positions to birth your baby more easily, or more quickly.
Which in a hospital setting I agree, this is probably one of the best ways to birth.
In a homebirth though, it may be the easiest and safest to birth your baby without disruption, without having to remember the best positions, or maneuvers to get into for birth and stay in your birthing mind.
It may be best for everyone in your space to stand back and allow the process to completely happen, and only if you ask for support for options to be provided.
If this sounds interesting, then this episode may be one that just makes you think twice about what you really need during your birth... and birthworkers - your mind might just explode! (hopefully with joy, and not rage).
Enjoy this podcast episode,
Ashley
More from Ashley
Insta: @ashleylwinning
Doors are now open to the Homebirth Group Mentoring Program - Join us here
Join our VBAC Homebirth SupportGroup here
Get access to the FREE VBAC Workshop - DM me on Insta!
Get Homebirth resources sent to your inbox - Click here
In this episode, I talk about how to start open conversations and communicate your expectations for your birth with your birth team.
Being able to communicate effectively with your birth team is an important skill and requirement for any team to work together.
If you don't feel safe to share your feelings, thoughts or communicate your needs this could lead to distrust, assumptions and you could start to create walls between you and your birth team.
While I don't feel it should be the womans responsibility to initiate this conversation and many people working in this space providing support would have these conversation through your pregnancy - I'm noticing that many do now.
This is such a valuable skill to have during your pregnancy and birth, but one that will also support you through life.
One of the fundemental things that makes us different to animals is our ability to speak with thousands of words - and yet, so many people are afraid to share their feelings, thoughts or expectations, afraid of causing conflict or hurting someone.
This is a skill I have been working on, and one I encourage and invite you to work on to.
Enjoy this podcast episode,
Ashley x
More from Ashley
Insta: @ashleylwinning
Doors are now open to the Homebirth Group Mentoring Program - Join us here
Join our VBAC Homebirth SupportGroup here
Get access to the FREE VBAC Workshop - DM me on Insta!
Get Homebirth resources sent to your inbox - Click here
In this episode, I had the honour of being able to talk to someone who I adore and who works in a space that fascinates me - Dr Rebecca Ray!
More on Dr Rebecca Ray:
Dr Rebecca Ray is a clinical psychologist, author and speaker who helps big-picture-thinking people master their psychology.
Over the course of two decades of consultations, speaking events, books, and audio, she has encouraged thousands of humans making an impact on the world to live a life that's fulfilling, unapologetic, and free.
Beck’s expertise as a professional zig-zagger sets her apart as one of Australia’s most in-demand and authoritative voices in the personal development space.
Her science-backed, hard and heart truth approach is uniquely informed by her pivots from pilot to psychologist, from dating men to marrying a woman, and from being burnt out to bestselling author.
Beck is the author of six books, including Be Happy, The Art of Self-Kindness, The Universe Listens to Brave, Setting Boundaries, Small Habits for a Big Life, and Difficult People (released in May 2023).
She lives in the soul-fed hills of the Sunshine Coast in Queensland with the great loves of her life: her wife Nyssa, son Bennett, two rescue Irish Setters and one gangly Weimaraner.
What we discuss in this episode:
- What are boundaries
- How can boundaries help you in life
- What to do when someone doesn't respect your boundaries
- How to create boundaries
- What is a difficult person (or behaviour)
Connect with Dr Rebecca Ray:
Website: rebeccaray.com.au
Books written by Dr Rebecca Ray:
- Difficult People
- Setting Boundaries
- Small Habits for a Big Life
- The Art of Self-Kindness
- The Universe Listens to Brave
- Be Happy
- Good, Great, Perfect
More from Ashley
Insta: @ashleylwinning
Doors are now open to the Homebirth Group Mentoring Program - Join us here
Join our VBAC Homebirth SupportGroup here
Get access to the FREE Workshop: Get better support for your homebirth
Get Homebirth resources sent to your inbox - Click here
In this episode, I speak with Julz and she shared with me her story of a beautiful, supported rural HBAC.
It took Julz over 12 months to conceive her first baby, and while she was going through that journey she was working in a corporate job.
It was fairly normalised to book in with an OBGYN during pregnancy for care. She didn't put much consideration into birth, as a first time mother, like so many first time mothers she was more interested in the pram and organising baby things.
Julz was at the park with her partner swinging on a swing when her waters broke. She ended up going into hospital that night to start an induction process the next morning, although labour started on it's own.
Labour was pretty intense for Julz, and she didn't have any mindset support like breathwork, positive affirmations, deep breathing or meditation to help her work through this in a positive way.
She was given Fentanyl to help with the pain Intravenously. She was mostly sitting on the bed, trying to work through the pain while being supported with the Fentanyl.
After coached pushing for three hours the OBGYN called it that she needed to go off to surgery, and her first baby was born via surgical birth.
When she was pregnant with her next baby she had planned to have a VBAC and went back to the same hospital as where she had her first baby.
She also had a subchorionic hematoma and some bleeding.
More information on subchorionic hematoma:
A subchorionic hematoma (also called subchorionic hemorrhage or subchorionic bleeding) is when blood forms between the wall of your uterus and the chorionic membrane during pregnancy. The chorionic membrane is the outermost layer separating your baby’s amniotic sac from the wall of your uterus. It can be associated with vaginal bleeding during pregnancy. A subchorionic hematoma can shrink in size and resolve on its own without treatment. In some cases, your healthcare provider will recommend a plan for follow-up after assessing the hematoma. It rarely causes serious health complications.
Her younger child also got slapped cheek during the early part of her pregnancy which can cause infant anemia which would require a transfusion into the fetus before birth. Although, it only impact 1% and 5% of women who have the infection.
During a scan the man doing the scan told Julz she would need to speak to her OBGYN because he was the "boss" of what she could do in her pregnancy and boss which didn't sit right for Julz.
She was speaking to a friend who had an incredible homebirth experience and she talked to her about her last birth and asked her what happened to her birth. She started listening to Rhea Dempsey on podcasts and her book Birth with Confidence and Dr Sarah Buckley and her incredible work.
Julz started to understand the importance of hormones and functional, physiological pain that Rhea talks about.
This planted the seed of homebirth, although she didn't believe this would be an option for her. She called over 10 different private midwives who would send her in different directions, in different forums.
She called a midwife to just let her know that she felt she was too far away and after a conversation with this midwife she felt really connected and safe with that midwife. She asked her what happened in her last birth, which was a game changer for Julz. No one had ever really asked her about that birth.
Julz formed a beautiful, supportive relationship with her midwife that made her feel seen, safe and supported and she went on to have a sacred birth at home the way she had wanted.
You can listen to this gorgeous story to hear all the juicy details.
More from Ashley
Insta: @ashleylwinning
Join the waitlist for my Group Mentoring Program- click here
Join our VBAC Homebirth SupportGroup here
Get access to the FREE Workshop: Get better support for your homebirth
Get Homebirth resources sent to your inbox - Click here
In this episode, I share my experiences with people pleasers after living a life of people pleasing and working with people pleasers.
Time and time again I hear many of the same challenges come up from women who identify as people pleasers.
They usually come across as such caring and loving women (and they are), often thinking about other people first... even to their own detriment.
It's time to reclaim your homebirth journey and take the lead. Do not allow others to push their way into your birth space or allow guilt to take over your choices moving forward.
Come and learn more about people pleasers and how you can set some boundaries moving forward.
Ashley x
Ashley x
More from Ashley
Insta: @ashleylwinning
Join the waitlist for my Group Mentoring Program- click here
Join our VBAC Homebirth SupportGroup here
Get access to the FREE Workshop: Get better support for your homebirth
Get Homebirth resources sent to your inbox - Click here
In this episode, I share some ways you can get yourself into the best space to be able to handle the pain of birth.
Pain is one of the biggest fears women have when it comes to birthing at home (without all the drugs). I worried how I would go after having an epidural with my second in a hospital.
When I did have my freebirth at home, the pain was intense and strong for the first few hours - which really caught me by surprise.
I am so grateful that I had done a lot of prep work to get me to a space of being able to navigate through that, and find a way to calm and peace (and sometimes pleasure throughout the birth experience).
And you can also set yourself up to be in the space to handle the pain of birth!
Listen to this podcast episode where I share my tips to help you set yourself up.
Enjoy this podcast episode.
Ashley x
More from Ashley
Insta: @ashleylwinning
Join the waitlist for my Group Mentoring Program- click here
Join our VBAC Homebirth SupportGroup here
Get access to the FREE Workshop: Get better support for your homebirth
Get Homebirth resources sent to your inbox - Click here
In this podcast episode, I share some of my insights and views on this craze of making sure your baby is in the "optimal position" for birth.
It might, or might not surprise you to learn that I don't believe in putting much time and effort into making sure your baby is in the optimal birthing position.
I believe that women are capable birthing goddesses, and that majority of women with birth without coaching, being told to move into positions, or needing to even know what "positions" to be in.
I think planning a homebirth can be a lot easier, and less expensive when you don't have to believe that you need to control all aspects of that birth (and news flash - you and your provider have less control than you may think).
Join me as I rant on about this topic.
Enjoy this episode,
Ashley x
More from Ashley
Insta: @ashleylwinning
Join the waitlist for my Group Mentoring Program- click here
Join our VBAC Homebirth SupportGroup here
Get access to the FREE Workshop: Get better support for your homebirth
Get Homebirth resources sent to your inbox - Click here
In this episode, I share some of the key things you will need to know or consider to prepare yourself to freebirth.
1. Educate Yourself Extensively: Podcast, books, courses, being part of a program like mine (6 - Month of Group Mentoring) where you can get guided support
My book recommendation and quick guide is: Home Birth On Your Own Terms: A How-To Guide For Birthing Unassisted by Heather Baker.
If you are trying to purchase in Australia send me a DM on Instagram or email me and I will let you know where you can access a copy.
2. Mindset, mindset, Mindset
Mindset is one of the biggest ways to talk yourself out of birth at home, or a freebirth, with fears popping up, old birth stories that need answering popping up from time to time causing doubt or worry, or not being prepared in a positive way to handle the pain of labour.
You want to have a strong foundation and work through all of those challenges before you go into birth with your homebirth/ freebirth baby. Starting with a strong foundation gives you the best chance at success for a homebirth.
3. Create a Birth Plan and Emergency Plan:
Going through the process of creating a birth and transfer plan means that you understand some of the interventions available and how to accept or decline them understanding the path that those choices could lead to. If you are not sure where to start with this, you could do this with your birth doula, midwife (if planning an assisted birth) or book in a session with me to create this plan for yourself.
4. Gather Necessary Supplies: I referred to a previous podcast episode that takes you through all the supplies you could want and need for a freebirth. You can listen to this podcast episode here.
EP31| What supplies do you need for your VBAC Freebirth? Other resources from this episode:
EP38| What is Freebirth?
EP39| 10 Questions you should ask to yourself: A preparation to deciding on whether VBAC freebirth is right for you
More from Ashley
Insta: @ashleylwinning
Join the waitlist for my Group Mentoring Program- click here
Join our VBAC Homebirth SupportGroup here
Get access to the FREE Workshop: Get better support for your homebirth
Get Homebirth resources sent to your inbox - Click here
In this episode, I chat with Dania Foster, mum of two and freebirth mama.
Dania is a Clinical Naturopath and Energetics Therapist and supports mothers with a wide range of support during pregnancy and motherhood.
In this episode I asked Dania:
🌟 As a Naturopath how can you support the homebirth process?
🌟 You managed your own care throughout your last pregnancy and freebirth what was your focus?
🌟 What are your favourite herbs throughout the final stages of pregnancy?
If you would like to work with Dania head to her Instagram page and head to the bio to book in a session. Or send her a DM to chat more.
Thanks for sharing your wisdom Dania.
Ashley x
Connect with Dania:
Instagram Facebook
Website
More from Ashley
Join our VBAC Homebirth SupportGroup here
Get access to the FREE Workshop: Get better support for your homebirth
Get Homebirth resources sent to your inbox - Click here
Insta: @ashleylwinning
Join the waitlist for my Group Mentoring Program- click here
In this podcast episode, I chat with Lizzie Carroll, Doula, VBAC Mentor, birth activist, feminist, and mum of 3.
Lizzie shares her two birth stories that ended in c-section, along with her non event freebirth where she birthed at home peacefully her third child.
We discussed Anti - D and why Lizzie chose to refuse to use Anti- D during her pregnancy.
She also shared three practical & tangible tips to help support you through your VBAC Homebirth Journey.
Enjoy this podcast episode
Ashley x
Resources from this podcast:
More information on Anti- D - Sara Wickham
More from Lizzie:
Hi! I am Lizzie Carroll - Doula, VBAC Mentor, birth activist, feminist, and mum of 3. I have been running the VBAC Australia Support Group since 2013 and, after two unwanted caesareans I had a powerful VBA2C in 2017. As a busy mum I love to support other busy mums to get the most out of their VBAC journeys and to really step into their power.
This means that my programs are ZERO nonsense, ZERO fluff, ZERO bullshit. 100% philosophy, strategy, and planning support that will leave you feeling educated, prepared, assertive, and like you can leap tall buildings in a single bound. Plus the occasional feminist rant.
You can find Lizzie in the following places:
Facebook page: Lizzie Carroll Doula Services | Facebook Email list: https://www.subscribepage.com/busting-birthy-bullshit Website: www.lizziecarroll.com.au VBAC Australia Support Group: VBAC Australia Support Group | Facebook
More from Ashley
Join our VBAC Homebirth SupportGroup here
Get access to the FREE Workshop: Get better support for your homebirth
Get Homebirth resources sent to your inbox - Click here
Insta: @ashleylwinning
Join the waitlist for my Group Mentoring Program- click here
Welcome back to Part 2 of this extraordinary podcast episode, where you'll be captivated by the remarkable experience of an unassisted birth in nature. This awe-inspiring story takes you on a profound journey through a breathtaking landscape and a birth that defies convention.
Picture yourself amidst the splendor of nature, basking in the warm sunlight, and serenaded by the melodies of chirping birds and a gentle flowing creek. The stage was set for a momentous event - the arrival of a precious little life, where Kaylee could feel her baby's reassuring movements, filling her with profound peace.
Join us as Kaylee recounts each heartfelt moment, from the decision to give birth outside to the revelation of the baby's gender that left everyone in awe. This powerful narrative is a testament to the innate strength and resilience of a woman's body during childbirth, guided by the wisdom of nature.
Witness the love and unwavering support from friends who stood by Kaylee’s side throughout this magical journey. Their presence during the birth and thoughtful postpartum care added an extra layer of beauty and significance to this exceptional experience.
This episode addresses common questions and concerns surrounding unassisted births in nature. It delves into the natural birthing process, the profound connection forged with the newborn, and the surprisingly sterile and nurturing environment found in the heart of Mother Nature.
If you're seeking inspiration, profound emotions, and an uplifting experience, we invite you to immerse yourself in this captivating episode. Unveil the true power of birth, celebrate the bond between mother and child, and discover the wondrous miracles that unfold when nature takes its course. So go ahead and press that play button - you won't want to miss this magical journey! 🌿👶🎧
I hope you enjoy this episode,
Ashley x
Watch the birth video here
Watch Kaylee's Birth Video on her Youtube Channel here
More from Ashley
Join our VBAC Homebirth SupportGroup here
Get Homebirth resources sent to your inbox - Click here
Insta: @ashleylwinning
Join the waitlist for my Group Mentoring Program- click here
In this podcast episode, I chat with Kaylee, a mother of 4 currently in Missouri, USA.
Welcome to an extraordinary episode that will leave you in awe of the incredible journey of birth and the strength of the human spirit.
In this captivating episode, we delve into the transformative experience of free birth, where a couple's unwavering faith in their bodies and deep trust in the process leads to an awe-inspiring outcome.
Join us as we unravel the story of Kaylee, a fearless mother who, with her husband by her side, embarked on an unconventional path to bring their baby into the world. From the early days of pregnancy to the breathtaking six-day labour, Kaylee shares her remarkable insights, empowering us all to embrace the innate power within us.
You'll be captivated by Kaylee's unwavering conviction as she recounts her preparations, including immersing herself in birth podcasts and videos, nourishing her body with the right nutrition, and cultivating an environment of love and support for her daughters to be part of the birth process.
As Kaylee's labour unfolds, she takes us on an emotional rollercoaster, where moments of doubt and physical challenges are met with unwavering faith and unyielding determination. Her journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the miraculous beauty of birth.
In this episode, you'll discover the power of intuitive birthing, as Kaylee listens to her body and trusts in the divine guidance that leads her every step of the way. You'll be moved by the profound connection she shares with her husband, who becomes her rock and source of unwavering support throughout the entire labour.
Kaylee's story will challenge your preconceived notions of birth and inspire you to embrace your own inner strength, no matter the circumstances. Her unwavering faith and unyielding determination are a testament to the incredible potential that lies within each of us.
If you're seeking inspiration, empowerment, and a renewed perspective on the miracle of birth, this episode is an absolute must-listen.
Join us on this awe-inspiring journey as we unlock the power within and embrace the transformative experience of birth.
Click play now to embark on this extraordinary episode that will forever change the way you perceive the miracle of life.
Enjoy this episiode,
Ashley
Watch the birth video here
Watch Kaylee's Birth Video on her Youtube Channel here
More from Ashley
Join our VBAC Homebirth SupportGroup here
Get Homebirth resources sent to your inbox - Click here
Insta: @ashleylwinning
Join the waitlist for my Group Mentoring Program- click here
In this episode, we delve into the profound impact fear can have on the choices we make, particularly when it comes to the transformative journey of childbirth.
Join me as we embark on an exhilarating exploration of breaking free from the shackles of fear and embracing a growth mindset that empowers women to make informed decisions about their birth experiences.
If you're ready to embark on a remarkable journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and liberation, then this episode is a must-listen. Tune in now and join us as we unravel the captivating stories of women who chose to defy fear, embrace growth, and reclaim their birth choices, one courageous step at a time.
Ashley x
More from Ashley
Join our VBAC Homebirth SupportGroup here
Get Homebirth resources sent to your inbox - Click here
Insta:@ashleylwinning
Join the waitlist for my Group Mentoring Program- click here
In this episode, I celebrate making it to 100 episodes!!
Reflecting on the journey, I share some of the lessons I've learned, challenges, highlights and what's to come for the podcast in the future (hint - I need your help!)
Highlight audience contributions: I share some of the feedback I've received from listeners over the years
My Fav Podcast Episodes: I discuss some of my fav podcast episodes over the years and why they were my favs.
The most listened to podcast episodes: Some of your fav and most listened to podcast episodes
The Analytics: Exact listens, numbers and stats for the podcast
Express my grattitude: Without you this podcast wouldn't be as a successful as it is. Without women sharing their personal VBAC Stories and Guest Experts sharing their wisdom, research and time - I appreciate you all - Thank you.
I hope you enjoy this episode,
Ashley
More from Ashley
Join me in my new Group Mentoring
Join our VBAC Homebirth SupportGroup here
Insta: @ashleylwinning
In this episode, I talk about Vaginal Exams. You may know them as VE's.
Vaginal examinations, or VE's, are a common practice in childbirth that involve checking the cervix for dilation and effacement.
However, there is growing evidence that suggests these examinations are not helpful in birth and may even be harmful. Here are some key reasons why vaginal examinations are not helpful in birth:
- Inaccuracy: Vaginal examinations are notoriously inaccurate and subjective. Different practitioners may have different interpretations of the same examination, leading to inconsistencies in care. Additionally, a woman's cervix may be dilated or effaced in one moment but then return to a previous state, making the information gained from a VE unreliable.
- Risk of infection: The use of gloves during vaginal examinations does not eliminate the risk of infection, and the introduction of bacteria can be harmful to the mother and baby. Research has shown that the risk of infection increases with the frequency of VE's.
- Pain and discomfort: Vaginal examinations can be painful and uncomfortable, and can cause anxiety and stress in women during labour. This can lead to a release of stress hormones that can slow down labor and make it more difficult.
- Distracts from intuition: The focus on dilation and effacement can distract practitioners from other important signs and signals that indicate progress in labor, such as the position of the baby, the frequency and strength of contractions, and the mother's intuition.
- Potential for unnecessary interventions: VE's can lead to unnecessary interventions, such as artificial rupture of membranes or induction of labour, based on the assumption that the labor is not progressing as it should. However, these interventions can increase the risk of complications and interventions, such as c-section.
If you are a bit of a birth nerd like me and want to find out more here is an article written by my mentor Dr Rachel Reed
Enjoy this episode,
Ashley x
More from Ashley
Join me in my new Group Mentoring
Join our VBAC Homebirth SupportGroup here
Insta: @ashleylwinning
In this episode, I discuss the signs of a posterior birth & why it is just a variation of normal birth.
Do you know this secret about posterior birth?
It's a variation of normal - yetttttttt so many women have unnecessary disruption to their births.
YES - even in a homebirth you can get railroaded to transfer early because your birth isn't following the good old-fashioned "textbook" birth map!
Some things that are normal and can happen in posterior births:
- Longer breaks in between contractions (following it's own pattern)
- Pushing earlier in the birth every few contractions (this is not the classic "pushing stage" it's pushing your baby down and around into position to be born vaginally
- Back pain and possible leg numbing (from babes head pushing on your nerves)
- You can be fully dilated and still no baby for HOURS!!! (because the baby needs to come down low and turn around).
So you see the old "textbook" birth story isn't the only type of birth and we need to start normalising posterior births!
Have you had a posterior birth? Are you worried about one?
Enjoy this episode,
Ashley x
More from Ashley
Join me in my new Group Mentoring
Join our VBAC Homebirth SupportGroup here
Insta: @ashleylwinning
In this episode, we meet Briana Mum of three, two boys and one little girl and lives in Virginia, USA.
Briana planned for a homebirth with first baby, had a great experience. Had pre-term labour at 31 weeks and baby came around 37 weeks. The birth was straight forward around 9 hours and baby was born at home.
Second baby everything was going to plan up until 20 weeks and during that time she was looking at houses and she was hit in a car accident. She ended up suffering from a placental abruption and she was rushed to hospital.
She found out her baby's heart rate had decreased dramatically. She was put under GA and rushed into surgery in a bid to save her baby's life.
Unfortunately, her baby didn't make it. A devastating loss.
She had a classical C-section and was told that any other babies need to be born via C-Section.
With baby three Briana looked around with supportive midwives for a homebirth and couldn't find anyone. She was told by many that it was "too risky" and encouraged to birth in hospital.
She was unsure during her pregnancy if she would vaginally birth or have a repeat C-section and at 31 weeks she decided to have a VBAC in the hospital and was seeing midwives for antenatal care.
She started to learn about physiological birth and then felt like hospital birth wasn't the right path. She started to research it further after seeing some Instagram videos and posts and completely changed her mind about her birth environment.
She did not inform the midwife of the change of birth plans and continued with the antenatal support and appointments.
Briana went into labour around 40 + 5 and she planned to labour alone as much as possible with a friend who planned to come & support her around 7 pm. Within 30 minutes of her friend arriving her waters broke and her body started pushing and her baby was out.
Briana said it was the toughest labour and intense from the start, but one of the best birth experiences she has had so far.
Enjoy this episode,
Ashley x
Resources from this episode:
Special Scars, Special Hope FB Page
Follow Briana on Instagram
Undisturbed Birth with Dr Sarah Buckley Podcast Episode listen here
Instinctive Birth with Dr Rachel Reed listen here
More from Ashley
Join me in my new Group Mentoring and snap up early bird pricing here
Join our VBAC Homebirth SupportGroup here
Insta: @ashleylwinning
In this episode, I talk about the true value of support for your homebirth.
Homebirth has so many benefits and I bet that's why you have chosen to birth your baby at home, on your terms, your way.
Yet when it comes to finding the right support and being able to get the best support, that part can come as the tricky part.
Homebirth is taboo in our society and so many of us are left feeling like we are underground and need to be hush-hush. or we put ourselves in situations that could cause us a lot of grief down the line.
It shouldn't be this hard to get the right support!
Enjoy this episode,
Ashley x
More from Ashley
Join the FREE Workshop: Get Better Support For Your Homebirth Click here
Join our VBAC Homebirth SupportGroup here
Insta:@ashleylwinning
In this episode, I discuss ways you can celebrate and feel calm at the end of your pregnancy.
At this point in your pregnancy, I know you are probably feeling really tired. You’ve got aches and pains and you’re just longing to have that beautiful bundle in your arms! The last few days or weeks of waiting can be the hardest! I know it was for me! I had to fill my days with something. I would have gone crazy otherwise!
Knowing this, I like to encourage new mamas to take the last few weeks or days of their pregnancy to get organized for baby, to pamper themselves, and to really savour their pregnancy. Doing this makes time fly by faster and you’ll create special memories in the process!
Some of the points I mention are:
- Be organised and prepared for your homebirth & arrival of your baby
- Get pampered
- Switch of from social media
- Get your mindset right
- Focus on being happy and relaxed (and how to do that)
- Make a date for your Guess Date
I hope you enjoy this episode,
Ashley x
More from Ashley
Join the VIP Waitlist for Group Mentoring - Click here
Join our VBAC Homebirth SupportGroup here
Insta: @ashleylwinning
In this episode, we're going to dive into a topic that's close to my heart: finding your calm.
As someone who's naturally inclined to overthink and worry, I've had to learn how to cultivate a sense of calm in my life. And trust me, it's a skill worth having.
In this podcast, I'm going to share with you some of the techniques that have worked for me, as well as some practical tips for incorporating them into your daily routine.
I hope you enjoy this episode,
Ashley x
More from Ashley
Join our VBAC Homebirth SupportGroup here
Insta:@ashleylwinning
Free Workshop: Homebirth - How to get the emotional and mindset support you need in pregnancy
In this episode, I talk about natural induction methods.
I share a bunch of natural induction methods that are shared among the natural birth community and are often discussed and tried.
Here are some of the methods I discuss:
- Acupressure
- Evening primrose oil
- Walking
- Spicy foods
- Nipple stimulation
- Castor oil
- Red raspberry leaf tea
- Walking up curbs
While I share these methods with you I want you to deeply explore whether you need to try these methods or if it is a mindset challenge that you need to work through.
I discuss the potential risks of these interventions and provide some ways that you can work on your mindset and take some steps to prepare yourself for a longer gestation.
As tempting as it may be to try to naturally induce labour for a homebirth, there are several reasons why you should avoid doing so.
Here are some of the top reasons why you should not try to naturally induce labour:
- Increased risk of complications
- Premature labour
- Ineffective
- Uncomfortable or painful
- Lack of evidence
- Distraction from the natural process
- False sense of control
- MINDSET MINDSET MINDSET
I hope you enjoy this episode,
Ashley x
More from Ashley
Join our VBAC Homebirth SupportGroup here
Insta: @ashleylwinning
Free Workshop: Homebirth - How to get the emotional and mindset support you need in pregnancy
In this week's episode, I had the pleasure of talking with Claire about her successful HBAC.
Claire had the uphill battle of trying to find a healthcare provider to support her in a homebirth after caesarean with Type 1 diabetes.
It's incredibly challenging for women planning a homebirth to find a supportive midwife (although the midwives are growing in numbers each day yay!) let alone finding someone to support you if you have Type 1 diabetes.
Claire's sugars were under control during her pregnancies and she birthed bigger babies 9.13 and 10.15
Claire had planned a homebirth with her first baby and after a fairly healthy pregnancy around closer to 40 weeks she found she was becoming borderline pre-eclampsia towards week 40.
She tried some "natural" induction methods which led to a 4 -day long on and-off labour. She got to 10cms and pushed and had a very high BP and transferred to hospital. That birth ended in her baby being born via C-Section.
Second pregnancy Claire found herself pregnant at just 10 month postpartum.
She hired the same midwife and had a super healthy pregnancy.
This birth she went into labour spontaneously and she shares her birth story and experienced navigating shoulder dystocia at home!
Listen to this episode now to get all the birthy goodness.
Ashley x
RESOURCES FROM THIS PODCAST:
- Book: Homebirth Cesarean: Stories and Support for Families and Healthcare Providers
- Book: Pregnancy with Type 1 Diabetes: Your Month-to-Month Guide to Blood Sugar Management
- Facebook group: Natural Birth for Type 1 Diabetics
More from Ashley
Join our VBAC Homebirth SupportGroup here
Insta: @ashleylwinning
In this episode, I discuss the benefit of a homebirth - especially VBAC homebirth.
While it's important to weigh the risks and benefits of any birth option, there are many benefits to having a VBAC homebirth. Here are some of the most compelling benefits in bullet points:
- Higher chance of a physiological birth
- Higher chance of having a VBAC
- Increased control over the birth process & team present
- Improved outcomes for mother
- Lower rates of interventions
- Potentially reduced risk of infection
- Increased comfort and relaxation
- More personalised care & potentially respectful care
- Increased bonding with baby
- Reduced stress and anxiety
I explain these bullet points in more detail in this episode.
I hope you enjoy this episode,
Ashley x
More from Ashley
Join our VBAC Homebirth SupportGroup here
Insta:@ashleylwinning
In this episode, I discuss how you can prepare your children for homebirth.
Homebirth can be a beautiful and transformative experience, but it can also be a confusing and potentially scary event for children who may not understand what is happening.
Here are some tips for preparing your children to attend a homebirth:
- Prepare your children: Children should be prepared for the upcoming birth. This includes talking to them about the process and what to expect. Birth videos, books, and stories can be helpful in preparing your children for the event. Hello Baby, Welcome Home, and Mummy's having a homebirth are great books for children to read and understand what's going on.
- Conversations about roles, pain, and birth: Children should be aware of their roles during the birth process, including what they can do to help and how they can provide support. It is also important to have conversations about pain and birth and to explain what to expect during labour.
- Be prepared for whatever: It is important to be prepared for the possibility of a quick labour, labouring during the night, or even not wanting children there on the day. Creating a plan is a good idea, but keep it fluid - so you can go down different paths and not be too attached for a certain outcome.
- Have a backup plan: It is important to have a backup plan in case the children become overwhelmed during birth or if something unexpected occurs. This can include having a trusted friend or family member come over to help with the children, or having a designated area for them to go to if they need a break.
- Get them involved: Children can be involved in the birth process, such as helping to bake a birthday cake for the new baby or being an attendant for the mum. Additionally, activities can be planned for the children to keep them occupied during birth. They could help with keeping you hydrated, patting your forehead or rubbing your arms to feel included. This will be age dependent on how involved you would like them to be.
In conclusion, preparing your children for a homebirth is an important part of ensuring a positive and supportive environment during the birth process.
By discussing the process, roles, and expectations with your children, they can be better prepared for the experience and can feel more involved in the birth of their new sibling.
Children should also be aware of the unpredictability of birth and the importance of having a backup plan in case they need support or need to take a break.
I hope you enjoy this episode,
Ashley x
More from Ashley
Join our VBAC Homebirth SupportGroup here
Insta: @ashleylwinning
In this episode, I share my experience of going from one baby to two (and three).
I remember when I was pregnant with our second baby and I wondered if I could love another child as much as I loved our first. Or could I give our second one as much time as our first.
Mother guilt at times consumed me and I worried about how to balance my time and love between two little ones.
I also thought my firstborn would be losing out on time from me as well.
I'm going to answer some of the common questions and thoughts that mums going from one to two children may be thinking.
Here are some of the questions I go through in this episode:
- Will I love my next baby as much as my first
- Am I being selfish? Will I have enough time?
- With the next baby along comes more confidence, multitasking skills kick in and you start to care less about things that felt so important with just one.
- Limit your expectations of who this new baby will be. Often the babies are completely different experiences
Consider your support circle :
- Postpartum doula
- Hire a cleaner
- Get your family, friends, and partner on board
Organise freezer meals:
- Start double batching meals (making two serves one for now and one for another time)
- Ask family/ friends to help cook meals, or send fresh ones when the baby is born
- Hire a food service to deliver fresh meals
Is it hard?
This depends on many factors which I discuss:
- Support
- Age gaps
- Your temperament
- Your children's temperament
- Your birth (whether it was postive/ was traumatic or if you suffered physical birth injuries.
Enjoy this episode,
Ashley x
More from Ashley
Join our VBAC Homebirth SupportGroup here
Insta: @ashleylwinning
In this episode, we meet amazing Lizzie. Mother of two boys who lives in Carolina, USA.
Lizzie shares her first pregnancy & birth story which happened during 2020 when Covid hit.
She had many missed appointments due to the pandemic and the ones she had were short and impersonal.
She ended up being diagnosed with hypertension and was told she would be induced.
Throughout the induction process, Lizzie found it a long and drawn-out experience and after the waters were broken at 6cms she ended up going in for a C-Section.
She had complete mistrust in the medical community after that experience.
10 months later she found herself accidentally pregnant again and knew she wanted to have a VBAC.
She hired a homebirth midwife but felt red flags throughout the pregnancy, but felt like they were her only option for a home birth.
While they were better than the OBGYN before, she felt they would transfer her again so hired a doula at the last minute for extra support.
Lizzie knew she needed to go into labour by 42 weeks or she would lose the support of the midwives, so she did as many "natural" things to induce her baby around 41 weeks, including a stretch and sweep and went into labour just before 42 weeks.
She was in labour and found comfort in standing upright and continued to labour like this for 12 hours. A second midwife showed up around this time and she feels there was an energy shift. The baby's heart rate wasn't reading well so she was told to lie down on my back on the bed so they could get a better read.
She found this quite uncomfortable and the midwives called an ambulance to transfer her to hospital.
She was strapped in the back of the ambulance in the final stages of labour. Her main midwife told her doula to stay and help empty the birth pool that Lizzie never used and they both never made it to the hospital in time.
She ended up birthing her baby vaginally within an hour or so of arriving at the hospital.
There is so much more to this story than I can share here I hope you enjoy this episode!
Ashley
More from Ashley
Join our VBAC Homebirth SupportGroup here
Insta: @ashleylwinning
In this episode, I talk about creating a safe circle of support for your VBAC Homebirth.
I start this episode by sharing my experience with creating friendships and some of the challenges that I've had over the years making friends.
I share some tips for finding friendships with the people who light you up and make you want to be a better version of yourself.
Sometimes we stay stuck in old friendships that no longer serve us, and just leave a cloud of negative or old energy.
When we grow as people we need to find those who are right for us now. Many people can struggle to find those friendships.
I want you to understand where you are now with your circle of support and how you can cultivate & grow new circles of support.
And as always I share with you my own experiences and stories.
3 Ways to create your circle of support
-
First you have to believe you are worthy of having the support you crave. Of being around people that treat you the way that you feel you deserve to be treated
-
Put yourself out there to connect with people. You have to go out in public to mingle and meet people, or if you meet people online you need to take the next step to go out in person.
So many people myself included feel anxious about going out and meeting people in person - but I believe deep and real connections need to have a physical presence - even just to feel that person's energy and hug them. Or look into their eyes.
- Be generous and vulnerable
I notice that people get super busy in life, especially mothers. And everyone is different. Some people are anxious, some people are introverted so they may not like to talk or get out as much as your average extrovert.
Enjoy this episode now!
Ashley x
More from Ashley
Join our VBAC Homebirth SupportGroup here
Insta: @ashleylwinning
In this podcast episode, I discuss how you can connect with your intuition more deeply.
I thought it would be good to talk about connecting to your intuition. And I think this is a really good topic because it's something that is I find one of the most important things at our disposal, that we as people can use and utilise.
And so some of us might naturally have very strong intuition. And some may find that we may be strong in our intuition, but we don't listen to it.
Sometimes it's a little bit harder for us to listen to that voice or even recognize that voice at all. So I kind of want to share my experience and where I've been coming from, and how I've been reconnecting with my intuition lately.
You will hear some of my journey up-leveling my intuition and I will give you practical examples of how you can start connecting with your intuition today!
Ashley x
More from Ashley
Join our VBAC Homebirth SupportGroup here
Insta: @ashleylwinning
In this episode, I talk about letting go of control and learning to surrender.
I found through my own journey while pregnant that I had to fully embrace this idea of surrendering and letting go of what could happen.
It took me a while to understand what surrendering actually meant, but eventually through conversation, practice, and trying to embody this ethos I finally found some peace in amongst the noise.
And it was deeply peaceful & sweet to be in that space of surrender.
It was also deeply vulnerable to offer myself to the universe and just believe that all will unfold the way it needs to and embracing that deep trust.
For someone who identifies as a Type A personality that likes control it was quite the journey - but well worth practicing through my freebirth VBAC pregnancy and birthing experience.
Join me as I share my experiences and stories on this topic.
Ashley x
More from Ashley
Join our VBAC Homebirth SupportGroup here
Insta: @ashleylwinning
In this episode, I am answering a question that a listener sent in recently.
Thanks so much for sending in your question. It's an important topic that I wanted to speak to as I have been in this position before - and it can feel quite powerless being in a position of vulnerability and not feeling safe to trust people.
I'd like to know how you can find trust again in your instincts. I had a lot of failed support that I paid for last year. Every single person let me down. I'm pregnant now and I don't trust anyone.
My past is affecting my ability to find the support that I crave during this pregnancy.
- Look at the past times and try and understand why those people let you down.
Quite often it feels personal because it is personal. It's happening to us and people let us down - but often it isn't about us at all. People are often focused on their own chaos and lives.
I discuss the different groups of support people and what can be stopping them from showing up in a way you need & deserve:
- The System - Doctors, Midwives & medical staff
- Doulas & birthworkers
- Homebirth Midwives
- Family & friends
How we can call in the right support:
- Set brave intentions and send out the calling - the energy into the world that you want
- Make sure the person you choose is someone you align with and feels right - listen to your intuition and don't silence that voice when it speaks to you
- Set reasonable expectations for people
- Call in your support circle - a lot of the time you need a circle of support - not one person can support you - you need a safe circle of support
- See if you can see testimonials or speak to others who have worked with that person - find out what you liked about working with that person.
- Hire someone like me to work on being your support person who doesn't have a registration or other fear factor working with you - who can help you set up the right team and help you navigate those tricky conversations and boundaries etc
Enjoy this episode!
Ashley x
If you want to ask a question I would love to hear from you please send me an email at: hello@themotherhoodcircle.com.au
More from Ashley
Join our VBAC Homebirth SupportGroup here
Insta: @ashleylwinning
In this episode, we meet Meagan from The VBAC Link.
Meg and I talked about VBAC statistics along with part of her over VBA2C birth story.
We discuss the statistic rates for the below topics:
- Uterine Rupture rates for VBAC
- Uterine Rupture rates for VBAMC
- Close gaps between births - uterine rupture rates
- Percentages of people who are candidates
- The VBAC Calculator
And sooo much more.
Meg and I just had so much fun talking and we had so much to talk about.
You can find the resources for the episode that we discussed here:
Length between pregnancies:
https://www.thevbaclink.com/length-between-pregnancies-c-section-to-vbac/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20410775/
Uterine Rupture Rates:
https://www.thevbaclink.com/uterine-rupture/
Rupture in pregnancy:
https://reference.medscape.com/article/275854-overview
VBAC after C-Section:
https://www.ahrq.gov/downloads/pub/evidence/pdf/vbacup/vbacup.pdf
VBAC Supportive Directory - Worldwide:
Please note, this is a list of providers who have been recommended to us by members
of our online communities. Each provider operates independently of The VBAC Link. It
is the responsibility of the parents to properly screen their provider and make sure they
are a good fit for their individual birth needs.
You can find this PDF in the VBAC Link Facebook Community in the featured section-
https://www.facebook.com/groups/VbacLinkGroup/?ref=share&mibextid=unz460
Meagan co-founded the VBAC Link in 2018.
You can connect with Megan below:
@thevbaclink
More from Ashley
Join our VBAC Homebirth SupportGroup here
Insta: @ashleylwinning
Check out the free Homebirth Workshop here!
In this episode we meet Laura mum to three little ones. on the surf coast in Victoria.
Laura experienced two miscarriages before she conceived her first baby, which left her quite devastated.
Laura shares that she went into her first pregnancy and birth with an OBGYN in her team that supported her during one of the miscarriages. This made her comfortable to move forward when she fell pregnant with her first baby.
She explains when it came to birth planning, she wasn't intentional, she was flowy and go with the flow. Although she wanted to have a vaginal birth but felt like a passive player in her birth journey.
Later towards the pregnancy Laura was told she had a "big baby" on board and there was conversation around induction as she didn't want the baby to get "too big" and not come out of her pelvis.
She went through the induction process and found that it wasn’t as straight forward as she had hoped.
She found herself agreeing to a C-section that was quite emotional for her.
She felt like she had a positive birth experience. Her baby was born 4.1 kilos.
She was very motivated for a VBAC the second time and she felt she was on track for a VBAC.
She got to 40 weeks and there was chat happening about "baby needs to be born soon
There was conversation of a repeat C-Section after a certain timeframe 40+ 9 and that was the plan if Laura went over that timeframe.
The night before the C-Section Laura started feeling period cramps and couldn't stand still, she lost her mucus plug and called the hospital to let them know that things were happening.
She spoke to her OBGYN who said it was good. This went on for 24 hours and she went into hospital and was positive something was happening. Her cervix was closed, tight, shut, zero CMS.
She felt disappointed and felt like her body was broken and failing her. She was offered a C-section and decided that must be the best option.
Her baby was born 40+9 and 4 kilos.
She decided she would have a maternal assisted caesarean birth with her next baby. She felt like worrying about the VBAC was a lot, so her positive spin was an easier maternal caesarean delivered baby.
Laura had moved to a different location and didn't want to travel 1.5 hours to her OBGYN with this next pregnancy and looked for a new OBGYN and found one male DR who was willing to try the maternal assisted delivery, after sharing his concerns with her.
After a couple of appointments Laura felt like this wasn't the right path for her and she started to think about a different way to birth her baby.
She found a supportive midwife to support her in a homebirth.
The midwife was only willing to support Laura if she was able to birth closer to hospital. Laura was originally okay with this, but around 35 weeks felt that it no longer felt like the right option. She parted ways with her midwife and decided to freebirth with her doula.
Listen along to hear Laura’s long three day freebirth story!!
You can connect with Laura below:
Website: physiolaura.com
Instagram: instagram.com/physiolaura
More from Ashley
Join our VBAC Homebirth SupportGroup here
Insta: @ashleylwinning
Welcome to the first episode of 2023!!
It is good to be back and bringing more episodes & birth goodness into the new year.
In this episode, I discuss your VBAC homebirth journey's most taboo and scariest question.
Will my baby die if I rupture?
Let's discuss the answer to this question and examine how it affects our perspective on VBAC homebirth.
Come and find me on Instagram & share your thoughts!
Enjoy this episode!
Ashley x
WANT TO WORK WITH ME?
15-minute coffee chats are open!
If you are interested in working with me in, You can book now – spaces are limited – book a call with me here
MORE FROM ASHLEY:
Get access to this free Homebirth Workshop here!
Find out more on how I can support you + you can have me as your guide + biggest supporter – Click here!
Join our VBAC Homebirth SupportGroup here
Insta: @ashleylwinning
Ashley x
Welcome to the last episode of 2022!!
In this episode, I'm going to recap on the year for the podcast and share some amazing content for you to get onto over the Summer holidays until the podcast is back Jan/ Feb 2023.
Here's what you can expect for 2023 -
More amazing VBAC Homebirth Stories, expert interviews sharing their wisdom & episodes on helping you feel more prepared and confident to have a VBAC homebirth on your terms.
What's coming next year? Exciting things!!
MY NEW AMAZING PROGRAM COMING AFTER APRIL 2023
Exciting news! I'm working ona program that helps you to feel more supported and prepared to homebirth on your terms. Want to be the first to know about it?- jump onto the waitlist here to get access to the early bird pricing and more information as I release it!
WANT TO WORK WITH ME IN 2023?
15-minute coffee chats opened for next year if you are interested in working with me in 2023 I'm booking up now - spaces are limited - book a call with me here
FREE HOMEBIRTH WORKSHOP
HOMEBIRTH: How to get the emotional & mindset support you need in pregnancy
Get access here
MORE ON THE EPISODE HERE -
Have you been told that your baby was too big and that's why you had a C-Section?
So many women are told that their babies are "too big" to birth vaginally and that c-section is the only option to birth their baby.
I'm going to talk about some of those fears and unpack some of the challenges women who are suspected of having a big baby have to face.
Listen to this episode now to empower yourself with knowledge and information to feel more confident to birth a big baby like so many women before you have!
Let me share a couple of podcast episodes where you can hear big baby birth stories:
EP29| Ellie – 5.75kg HBAC Rural locationEP24| Rachel – 5.2 kilo homebirth baby, midwife mother, history of PND & big babiesEP19| Ashley – Part 2 – Plus Size, Freebirth after two C-Sections + Special scarEnjoy this episode!
Ashley x
MORE FROM ASHLEY:
Get access to this free Homebirth Workshop here!
Find out more on how I can support you + you can have me as your guide + biggest supporter - Click here!
Join our VBAC Homebirth Support Group here
Insta: @ashleylwinning Email: hello@themotherhoodcircle.com.au
Ashley x
In this episode, I share my insights, thoughts, and experiences with statistics.
Statistics can be empowering and help you feel confident, but it's not the only thing that matters in your VBAC homebirth.
It's important to know how statistics can actually be holding your mindset back or making you feel like your goals are dangerous or unattainable.
As a society, we put a lot of power into numbers and "evidence". I hope that after listening to this episode you have some new ways of viewing statistics and how to frame them in your mind in a way that is powerful for you.
Enjoy this episode!
Ashley x
MORE FROM ASHLEY:
Get access to this free Homebirth Workshop here!
Find out more on how I can support you + you can have me as your guide + biggest supporter - Click here!
Join our VBAC Homebirth Support Group here
Insta: @ashleylwinning Email: hello@themotherhoodcircle.com.au
Ashley x
In this episode, we meet Dayan mother of two originally from California and lives in Perth, Australia now.
Here's a run down of Dayan's story:
GD in first pregnancy, was healthy otherwise, growth scans and induction talk. Diet controlled allowed to go into spontaneous labour.
Cascade of interventions: breaking waters, syntocinon, labour for 29 hours and c-section.
Dayan felt traumatised after birth and spent 3 years healing, learning about future choices, and trying to calm her nervous system.
Adrenal fatigue from the situation caused her blood sugar levels to rise and she worked with a healer to resolve the diabetes type 2 diagnosis.
She meditated, went to bed early, moved her body, and regulated herself.
When she was pregnant with her second baby she knew she wanted to do things differently. She moved back to Perth and contacted 15 midwives.
Only one would support her to homebirth. She got a doula and was on her way.
She decided to monitor her sugar levels with a continuous glucose monitoring.
She was determined to set herself up for a more positive birth experience.
She noticed that her readings were tracking higher at times she was stressed or worried and found having a baby during the Covid Pandemic to be highly stressful.
She didn't want to birth in a hospital due to her past experience and the restrictions that were in place during the pandemic.
As her blood sugar levels got higher her midwife suggested she be referred into the hospital for diabetes support. Once Dayan started going to hospital appointments she noticed her levels skyrocketed. She had to advocate for the things she wanted and felt like every conversation was an anxiety-inducing challenge.
She was being supported with her birth trauma by a psychotherapist who helped her set up a physiological care plan through the hospital which listened to some of her birth plan wishes and triggers she may have.
She felt like it was possible for her to have a positive hospital birth and she felt settled in what was happening.
Eventually, she was told they couldn't support her at her local hospital and referred her onto another hospital. Dayan felt unsettled and out of control. Just when she thought she was finally getting some traction and feeling okay with a hospital birth.
Dayan went on to have her homebirth in the end, an accidental unassisted birth because her midwife was attending another mama at the time. She had her doula with her and they called an Ambulance which arrived just before the baby arrived (Dayan didn't even realise they were there).
And she birthed her baby boy on her terms, intuitively. 4.4 kilo of squishy love.
3 words to describe how you feel after your birth:
Empowered, strong, estactic
MORE FROM ASHLEY:
Get access to this free Homebirth Workshop here!
Find out more on how I can support you + you can have me as your guide + biggest supporter - Click here!
Join our VBAC Homebirth Support Group here
Insta: @ashleylwinning Email: hello@themotherhoodcircle.com.au
Ashley x
In this episode I share a few stories on the power of how we use our mindset to shape our lives and our behaviours. I share some of my own personal stories, along with a story of someone I find inspiring and brave.
It's amazing to see how powerful these changes can be when you become aware of what is possible and how to make these changes.
Did you know the words we choose can impact how we feel in our day to day running of our life - and that picking words that can add doubt, fear or uncertainty can in a way set you up to fail for your homebirth, or your goals?
Here's an example of my breastfeeding journey: I was proud and excited I was planning to breastfeed. I knew many people around me before who hadn't and chose to bottle feed (I thought it was a choice most of the time) and I didn't see why I wouldn't breastfeed.
When I announced I was breastfeeding people would often say "if you can" or it's okay if you can't, alot of women have low breast milk etc. So I adjusted my language to be more reflective of how I would be received - by people who were trying to keep me "safe" and small.
Same as VBAC - trial of labour, and trying for a VBAC etc. Rather than I am having a vaginal birth, I am having a homebirth - look at how powerful that feels.
You are not leaning into the possibility of not achieving that outcome. You know there is always a possibility (albeit small) that you won't achieve the goal but how amazing does it feel when we step into that power and don't allow anyone to dim your light.
You can correct people if it's appropriate or just correct your mind and mindset.
Ways you can use language in a powerful way (not a disempowering way):
I am having a VBAC Homebirth
I can handle the pain of labour
I am able to vaginally birth my baby
I am breastfeeding
I am a good mother
I will be the best version of myself
I am always improving to be the best version of myself
Remember not to change your language to suit other people, their opinions or expectations. Be mindful of who your audience is and surround yourself with positive and supportive people.
MORE FROM ASHLEY:
Get access to this free Homebirth Workshop here!
Find out more on how I can support you + you can have me as your guide + biggest supporter - Click here!
Join our VBAC Homebirth Support Group here
Insta: @ashleylwinning Email: hello@themotherhoodcircle.com.au
Ashley x
I have started a health kick and have been watching some interesting shows and documentaries lately. One of the shows I was watching was all about the power of the mind and how powerful the placebo effect can be.
I'd heard about this before and have been aware of this for a while so I wanted to think about this and how it relates to us in pregnancy and homebirth.
So I'm sharing more information on what is the placebo effect, why it's so powerful and why you should be mindful about how you use your mind in preparation for your VBAC Homebirth.
I hope you enjoy this episode!
Ashley!
P.S - These are the last days where you can snap a 20% discount working with me. If you have been thinking about working with me now is the time to chat and see if this is something you want for your pregnancy homebirth journey. Email me or send me a DM on Insta to chat more.
MORE FROM ASHLEY:
Get access to this free Homebirth Workshop here!
Find out more on how I can support you + you can have me as your guide + biggest supporter - Click here!
Join our VBAC Homebirth Support Group here
Insta: @ashleylwinning Email: hello@themotherhoodcircle.com.au
Ashley x
It's my birthing day and I will be happy if I want to!!
Our VBAC homebirth baby is turning two - what a milestone for us to celebrate!
I share some of the challenges I went through to have my hbac and some of the amazing things I have gained by going through that journey.
In many ways I feel fully free. Free to be my true self as much as I can each and every day.
The more I step closer towards my goals and visions the closer I am aligned to myself and my hearts calling. From years and years of suppression and being small in fear of being too much for people - too selfish - to confident - too much of a woman.
Join me in today of celebration of this experience that touched my life, my family's life and the lives of hundreds of women - we are in this together!!
Enjoy this episode,
Ashley x
MORE FROM ASHLEY:
Get access to this free Homebirth Workshop here!
Find out more on how I can support you + you can have me as your guide + biggest supporter - Click here!
Join our VBAC Homebirth Support Group here
Insta: @ashleylwinning Email: hello@themotherhoodcircle.com.au
Ashley x
This week I'm coming up to my two-year freebirth after two surgical birth anniversary and I am celebrating in a big way!!
I thought I would take a bit of a trip down memory lane and share some of the tools that I've used and that I used with my clients to really tap into that self-confidence and harness self-belief that is needed to feel ready to homebirth a baby out of your vagina!
And don't we all want to feel a bit more confident in ourselves and our choices?
You might want to grab a pen and paper because I ask you to have a think about a few things and write them down. Trust me you don't want to miss this step!! (It's an important one).
Share with me what you have learned on my Instagram with me and let me know if you have any questions - I'd love to hear from you!
Ashley x
Enjoy this episode!
MORE FROM ASHLEY:
Get access to this free Homebirth Workshop here!
Find out more on how I can support you + you can have me as your guide + biggest supporter - Click here!
Join our VBAC Homebirth Support Group here
Insta: @ashleylwinning Email: hello@themotherhoodcircle.com.au
Ashley x
Join us for Part two of Sarah's hom story!
In Sarah's words, this is a bit of her story - Part 2 of Sarah's Story
I knew I didn't want to have this baby in hospital. The idea was just something I couldn't get my head around. So we planned a homebirth after two caesarean's at my sister's house as we live 2.5 hours away from a decent hospital.
This pregnancy tested me in a lot of ways. I had "irritable uterus" from 36 weeks and days of stop start labour leading up to his birth, most likely due to his presentation and some stressors with my teenage children.
By the time I reached transition I'd been awake 24 hours and was not recognising transition as it was, so it was really a massive challenge being absolutely spent. I'd announced I was exhausted, I couldn't go on any longer.
My contractions had been all over the place and I just didn't think I was anywhere near having him. My midwife suggested I get into bed and just try to rest as much as possible, it felt last resort. I immediately started shaking all over, it was awful.
I thought, this is adrenaline, but I didn't know it was also a sign of transition. Within 2 contractions in bed my waters released with massive force. I couldn't move back to the birthing room where our pool was set up, I was just physically unable to move and within 30 minutes of primal roaring loud enough to probably wake the whole neighbourhood, my body had taken over. I had no control, there was no breathing this baby out! With every ounce of me, he was here. It was mind blowing how fast everything changed.
I literally felt like I was a cow in the paddock birthing a calf, it felt all kinds of weird .
It wasn't peaceful, for me it wasn't calm, but we did it.
I had no tearing. No blood loss at all. We are both in amazing shape.
And best of all, my postpartum has been worth every cent. So in love
Resources mentioned in the podcast:
Rhea Dempsey's crisis of confidence.
@rheadempseybirth (on Insta)
MORE FROM ASHLEY:
Get access to this free Homebirth Workshop here!
Find out more on how I can support you + you can have me as your guide + biggest supporter - Click here!
Join our VBAC Homebirth Support Group here
Insta: @ashleylwinning Email: hello@themotherhoodcircle.com.au
Ashley x
In this episode, we meet Sarah, the mother of now four babies.
In Sarah's words, this is a bit of her story - Part 1 of Sarah's Story
My 1st baby, 18 years ago, was a breech-planned cesarean. Postpartum I was treated like crap in the hospital and discharged myself the following day.
2nd Baby, 15 years ago, was a cascade of interventions starting with a "just going to do a stretch and sweep during a check-up", and diagnosed GBS so being at the hospital far too early.
36 hours of labour and "failed to progress", some meconium in the waters, an iffy ctg, resulting in a cesarean which something went badly wrong in, my uterus tore and I literally almost died. Postpartum was rough, I had a blood transfusion 4 days later.
3rd Baby, 11 years ago I was surprised KEMH offered a VBAC. Exactly 40 weeks I woke with some mild contractions around 7 mins apart. I got up and had some tea and toast and with contractions 5 mins apart we made the 1.5-hour journey to the hospital during which they slowed so much we almost turned around.
As I got to KEMH my waters broke and she was born around 4 hours later. I had some major pain in between contractions during that birth to the point once she was born I couldn't hold her. This extreme pain continued til I was finally listened to a couple of days later and readmitted to ICU with no real information given to me. I had some kind of infection and was treated like shit in the hospital during this time.
We were finished having babies til we found ourselves pregnant again by complete chance, and sadly lost that baby. My heart was so lost, I felt incomplete. On the 13th month after that loss, we finally fell pregnant again.
I knew I didn't want to have this baby in the hospital. The idea was just something I couldn't get my head around. So we planned a homebirth at my sister's house as we live 2.5 hours away from a decent hospital.
There is so much more to this story than Sarah share's I love how honest and raw Sarah is in sharing her stories and thoughts.
MORE FROM ASHLEY:
Get access to this free Homebirth Workshop here!
Find out more on how I can support you + you can have me as your guide + biggest supporter - Click here!
Join our VBAC Homebirth Support Group here
Insta: @ashleylwinning Email: hello@themotherhoodcircle.com.au
Ashley x
In this episode, I talk about the "pushing stage".
I have lately been noticing in women's birth stories that ended in C-Section that what keeps popping up is the pushing stage in a hospital setting and reaching 10 cm only to end up in a surgical birth because the baby isn't born within a certain time frame.
I'm going to share with you some of my insights about what you can expect when you get to full dilation, and whether or not you even need to know how dilated you are (the answer is no, you don't need to know that, and neither does your care provider).
One of the biggest birth myths that I found myself believing for many years was that once you reach 10 cms your baby is born within a couple of hours. This is when in the movies you will see Dr's telling women to push with their legs in stirrups and the women red in the fast, screaming in pain trying to force a baby out -essentially because the Dr has told her "it's time".
What if the Dr's are completely wrong when it comes to how babies are born out of women's vaginas.
What if coached pushing does much more damage to a woman and puts her at higher risk of a c-section?
What if it puts a woman at higher risk of vaginally tearing?
I'm going to unpack all of this and share more about physiological birth. Especially FER - fetal ejection reflex.
Have a listen to this episode, I'm sure it will be one to remember.
MORE FROM ASHLEY:
Get access to this free Homebirth Workshop here!
Find out more on how I can support you + you can have me as your guide + biggest supporter - Click here!
Join our VBAC Homebirth Support Group here
Insta: @ashleylwinning Email: hello@themotherhoodcircle.com.au
Ashley x
In this episode, I share a bit of my experience being a high BMI woman birthing in the system, and at home having my VBA2C freebirth.
There is a lot of shame and guilt in our society aimed at bigger bodies. With magazine covers, movies & fashion focusing heavily on looking at certain way and size.
Often when bigger women are put in magazines people come out in fury stating that it is offensive, or unhealthy to show a bigger body - that it is going to somehow make everyone turn obese magically.
Yet - severely underweight people's bodies are constantly being shown and often promoted as "healthy" when in fact they are often not. Double standards in our society.
When it comes to birthing in a system that discriminates against bigger bodies with some health care providers treating bigger women less compassionately - you can read more in this study here - https://bmcpregnancychildbirth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1471-2393-13-19?fbclid=IwAR0UjMKil9LISmQxvFfz7WgsKXTkrtJ1DEse-4WRuRO2xk7SZ6wb_38lfpg
I share a bit about my journey with a bigger body, talking about conceiving and birthing with a bigger body and how I was treated.
I've learned to love my body and have some acceptance and plenty of love for my body. She created three healthy babies. What an amazing body.
Come and listen to this episode to learn more about the journey I've been through and why I decided to show the world my birth photos (when I was super worried about my doulas seeing me naked, to begin with).
MORE FROM ASHLEY:
Get access to this free Homebirth Workshop here!
Find out more on how I can support you + you can have me as your guide + biggest supporter - Click here!
Join our VBAC Homebirth Support Group here
Insta: @ashleylwinning Email: hello@themotherhoodcircle.com.au
Ashley x
In this episode, I share some of the things that can make you feel burned out in pregnancy and motherhood in general.
Our lives are always ebbing and flowing. Sometimes life is easy and flowing wonderful, and other times - like pregnancy and challenging times in Motherhood we can tend to struggle more.
It's about noticing those times when we are struggling and understanding what changes we need to make to help us back into flow - or honoring where we are.
Join me in this episode to learn how you can avoid burning out in pregnancy for your VBAC Homebirth.
Listen to this episode now.
MORE FROM ASHLEY:
Get access to this free Homebirth Workshop here!
Find out more on how I can support you + you can have me as your guide + biggest supporter - Click here!
Join our VBAC Homebirth Support Group here
Insta: @ashleylwinning Email: hello@themotherhoodcircle.com.au
Ashley x
In this episode, I talk about the mechanics of birth and why focusing heavily on this may not be the best way for you to acheive your VBAC Homebirth.
Here's some of what I cover in this episode:
What is the mechanics of birth?
Why you don't have to focus so much on the mechanics of birth -
It's important to have an understanding and trust in the process of birth so you understand undisturbed birth and instinctive birth - check out these podcast episodes:
Listen to EP 12 with Dr Rachel Reed and EP30 Dr Sarah Buckley
You don't have to do "all the things"
Essentially you just need to have a vagina. I truly do believe that but of course, there is more to a story than having a body that is capable of birthing.
Some of the mechanical things that can be helpful - but not needed to vaginally birth your baby:
- Spinning Babies
- Eating dates
- Any birth classes
- Pilates
- Walking 5 km daily
- Hypnobirthing classes
- Sitting on a yoga ball from the third trimester
- Birth positions
Hiring a doula to help you birth in a homebirth: (is an intervention)
For a homebirth you may like a doula to be present to help with practical things like massage, making sure you are nourished, setting up and packing down the birth pool and emotionally supporting you during birth.
Most Doula's are trained to help intervene in a birth and suggest birth positions, use tools to help get the baby out sooner and coach women.
In a homebirth, most of those things will not be needed. Sometimes they are helpful - but they disrupt the birth process and it's important to know when you want to use any, if any of those tools.
What the mechanics of birth doesn't focus on is Mindset - and how mindset can set you up for your VBAC Homebirth:
- More confidence in your ability to birth
- Trust & belief in yourself
- Setting healthy boundaries (and enforcing them)
- Being able to voice your concerns during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum (or for life)
- Learning to calm your nervous system (so your not freaking out and stressed) - is great for people with high anxiety, perfectionists, and people pleasers)
- And the skills learned during pregnancy not only help in pregnancy to help you feel calm, but they can also help you in birth cope with the pain, and also in postpartum too with a newborn.
They are lifelong skills that can help you feel more positive about your birth and life in general.
If you would like support with your mindset connect with me to chat more!
Enjoy this episode:
MORE FROM ASHLEY:
Get access to this free Homebirth Workshop here!
Find out more on how I can support you + you can have me as your guide + biggest supporter - Click here!
Join our VBAC Homebirth Support Group here
Insta: @ashleylwinning Email: hello@themotherhoodcircle.com.au
Ashley x
In this episode, we get to hear from one of my gorgeous clients Sarah. Sarah is a now mother of three boys. She had her homebirth with her third baby after two c-sections, special scar and having planned homebirths for all three of her babies.
It was such an honour to stand beside Sarah in her homebirth pregnancy and see her grow into the woman is she now today. A women by her own words is someone who will speak up and share her wants and desires and not shrink away and hide.
Sarah discovered during her pregnancy that she identified with being a highly sensitive person. She spent most of her life hiding her emotions and thinking that her thoughts and feelings were wrong. When she turned up to one of my workshops while working with me she sprung to tears realising she had found out something magical and important about herself.
She is a highly sensitive soul who deserves to be seen and shine in this world.
Sarah tells her story of planning her first baby as a homebirth, in the third trimester she was sent to hospital for futher testing as some of the tests showed potential issues in her pregnancy.
She always thought she was going to have her homebirth and was always led to believe that this would be the case even with the extra appointments with the hospital.
She was shocked when she was told at one monitoring appointment that she must birth her baby tonight.
Following a long induction process, her small baby wasn't responding well in birth and she was put under general and her baby was born.
Her baby was born a small 2.2 kilos and diagnosed IURG (very skinny and small) - but healthy and able to go home the next day without intervention.
Not the birth Sarah thought she was going to have when planning a homebirth.
Her next baby she planned another homebirth with the same midwife and had decided that if she was to transfer to hospital for any reason she wanted to have a C-section so she wouldn't find herself in another emergency situation and being put under general.
After labouring at home for a while and going from 7cm to 5cms her midwife recommended that she transfer into hospital. Sarah was beside herself as she realised her homebirth dreams were not going to become a reality.
In surgery her babies shoulders nipped her womb causing a special scar,losing 1.2L of blood and leaving Sarah in surgery for 3 hours. It wasn't the c-section birth she thought she would be getting.
Her baby was born a healthy 2.9 kilos
Baby number three she knew she wanted a homebirth and VBAC but wasn't sure why and had uncertainty around trying again for a homebirth when it hadn't worked out for her the first two times.
Friends and family kept saying they supported her, but to be "safe" and so she felt unsupported and alone in her journey.
After a debrief with her midwife and getting her support she had feelings of resentfulness and disconnection from her midwife. Feeling robbed of her last homebirth and unsure of what went wrong and how she could finally achieve her homebirth.
Sarah started working with me and spent six months unpacking her birth stories, fears and as she puts it "doing the work" on her mindset to really get her to commit and allow herself believe that she could birth her baby vaginally at home.
And of course goes on to have her homebirth in Sarah style and being true to how she felt she let it all out. Raw and honest.
Her baby was born healthy and 3.16 kilos.
This is an amazing story of how one woman found her voice.
In this episode, I take you on a bit of a journey to hear more about what working with me can look like.
I'm sorry the audio isn't the best, it was accidentally recorded on my web camera instead of my microphone!
Many women reach out to me after their birth and thank me for this podcast and any support I have given through pregnancy.
Lately, some of my clients have reached out with so much love thanking me for the support and guidance I offered them through one on one sessions, even if it was just the one session they seem to have left a mark that really helped them feel positive and capable of having their VBAC Homebirth.
It breaks my heart when women reach out anxious and afraid. Being fear mongered often by the system, people around them, or stories repeating in their minds.
My wish is that all women receive the support and guidance they need during this sacred and important time. So that they can go on and birth in power and from a space of knowing their choices and options and knowing they are not alone. That someone is here to support & guide them when they need it.
I've decided to pull back the curtain and walk you through the support and services that I offer so you never feel alone in this journey and know how I can support you if you feel you would like my support.
How I can support you:
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Birth planning
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Postpartum Planning
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To trust in your ability to homebirth vaginally
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To talk through fears and mindset challenges (like uterine rupture or not being able to handle the pain)
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Holding space for you in a safe space
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Answer birth knowledge questions
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To celebrate your journey and make it that little bit more special
If you have any questions reach out either through Insta or email.
You can book in a 15 - Minute Call with me here -
I hope you enjoy this episode!
Listen to this episode now!
Ashley x
MORE FROM ASHLEY:
Get access to this free Homebirth Workshop here!
Find out more on how I can support you + you can have me as your guide + biggest supporter - Click here!
Join our VBAC Homebirth Support Group here
Insta: @ashleylwinning Email: hello@themotherhoodcircle.com.au
Ashley x
In this episode, I had the pleasure of talking with Pippa from Fantastic Futures about Birth Trauma.
We discussed:
What is birth trauma?
How women can experience it?
How many women experience it?
How trauma impacts the body
What happens when we don’t deal with it
What happens when we do?
I hope you enjoy this episode!
Ashley x
RESOURCES:
Panda is a great free resource to get you started if you feel you may have birth trauma or PND
https://panda.org.au/articles/childbirth-trauma-and-recovery/
More about Pippa:
When my first birth went pear-shaped, I entered the world of birth and became a doula. During those nearly two decades as a birth doula, I have also taught doula skills, been a post-partum doula, taught mothercraft skills, run support groups for women who have experienced birth trauma, delivered childbirth education, encapsulated placentas, and provided 1 on 1 support to women in my role as a birth trauma specialist. I was blessed to have 4 daughters, and it is for them also that I continue to advocate and support women and families around the time of birth.
My desire to support and assist women inspired me to lead a team of consumers to deliver a birth centre to Townsville some 14 years ago. I am passionate about teaching women how to create a community as mothers, supporting each other. I can often be found with several weeks of food on the doorstep of a family with a newborn, ready to fold clothes and help in any way I can. I feel very privileged to have found a modality that helps people effectively, efficiently and safely take the pain out of the past and move them into their fantastic future.
You can connect with Pippa here:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fantasticfuturesaustralia/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fantasticfuturesbirth_beyond/
Website: www.fantasticfuture.com.au
MORE FROM ASHLEY:
Get access to this free Homebirth Workshop here!
Find out more on how I can support you + you can have me as your guide + biggest supporter - Click here!
Join our VBAC Homebirth Support Group here
Insta: @ashleylwinning Email: hello@themotherhoodcircle.com.au
Ashley x
In this episode, we take a deep dive into birth debriefing.
I share what birth debriefing is and how it can benefit to have a birth debrief after a birth that didn't go to plan or you have some questions or uneasy thoughts around.
When should you consider birth debriefing?
Whenever you feel like you need one, you are worried about a future birth, unsure if you will have future children because you feel stuck or scared after a previous birth, you want to process or unpack your birth or just feeling like you want to share it out loud with someone in a safe space.
A Birth Debrief Session will give you the opportunity to:
- Share your birth out loud
- Process your birth
- Share your birth story in a safe environment and container
- Be heard, seen, and validated without judgment
- Ask questions
- Begin to understand your birth & find clarity
- Start taking steps towards a future birth
How Mothers have felt after a session:
Mothers have shared feeling calm, more positive, relieved, supported, heard and ready to have a future baby after these sessions.
You can book a birth debrief session with me here.
I hope you enjoy this episode!
Listen to this episode now!
Ashley x
MORE FROM ASHLEY:
Get access to this free Homebirth Workshop here!
Find out more on how I can support you + you can have me as your guide + biggest supporter - Click here!
Join our VBAC Homebirth Support Group here
Insta: @ashleylwinning Email: hello@themotherhoodcircle.com.au
Ashley x
In this episode, I get to talking about what to do when your birth doesn't go to plan.
We all hope and dream of a positive birth experience or our dream homebirth. We see so many glamourous and inspiring homebirths on Instagram and social media and dream of the day we will catch our baby and hold her in our arms and feel a sense of joy for achieving our VBAC and birthing our baby at home.
Sometimes our births do not end up the way we hoped or dreamed and I'm going to talk about some of the ways you can prepare yourself a little better for this outcome and what are some things to consider.
I hope you enjoy this episode!
Listen to this episode now!
Ashley x
MORE FROM ASHLEY:
Get access to this free Homebirth Workshop here!
Find out more on how I can support you + you can have me as your guide + biggest supporter - Click here!
Join our VBAC Homebirth Support Group here
Insta: @ashleylwinning Email: hello@themotherhoodcircle.com.au
Ashley x
Let's talk about the idea of this "perfect birth".
I've had a couple of clients tell me after they have birthed- that perfect birth isn't real. So I thought it would be good to explore in a podcast episode with you.
Perfect birth isn't achievable. They mentioned that the birth culture, especially natural birth and homebirth groups and movements/ books glorify or portray that there is some amazing thing that happens after you give birth at home.
We hear in the books and podcasts the stats about more bonding, quicker bonding, lower chance of traumatic birth, and natural birth hormones but sometimes we can get this idea in our head that we have to have a perfect birth experience to have those things, or if we do have the perfect birth that we will get those things.
That doesn't mean those things will definitely happen for you though. It's important to have realistic expectations of your birth experience.
Talk about birth photographs and how we look at those pictures and we make a story with them. Or we are reading the doula/ midwife or birth person's story at that time. Sometimes we take our version and create something totally different.
I want my listeners to have hope for the most magical and positive birth experience. At the same time, I want you to set reasonable expectations for yourself and understand that birth can be positive and a wonderful experience regardless of the experience.
Striving for perfectionism is a sure way to strive for disappointment and a broken heart.
Listen to this episode now!
Ashley x
MORE FROM ASHLEY:
Get access to this free Homebirth Workshop here!
Find out more on how I can support you + you can have me as your guide + biggest supporter - Click here!
Join our VBAC Homebirth Support Group here
Insta: @ashleylwinning Email: hello@themotherhoodcircle.com.au
Ashley x
In this episode, I have a chat with my dear friend Janet Purcell from Birthplace.
Janet is a mother of two, Doula, RN and self-confessed birth nerd (she loooveees all things birth).
And let me mention this powerhouse woman birthed an almost 5-kilo baby out of her vagina without any assistance!! (go mama).
We talk about birth comforts in this episode and how you can make your homebirth space more comfortable (including pain management which we reframe into a more positive view).
Here are some of the comfort measures we talk about in more detail:
Acupuncture
Acupressure
Aromatherapy
Tens machine
Exercise ball
Movement
Rebozo
Water emersion/ shower
Heat pack
Food + drink
Reassurance
Affirmations/ music
Distraction
Birth comb
You can find Janet on Instagram here -
And check out the many goodies talked about in this episode and more in this blog here -
Did you enjoy this episode? Leave me a rating.
Have a topic you want me to cover? Email me and let me know!!
Enjoy this episode!
Ashley x
More from Ashley:
Get access to this free Homebirth Workshop here!
Find out more on how I can support you + you can have me as your guide + biggest supporter - Click here!
Insta: @ashleylwinning Email: hello@themotherhoodcircle.com.au
Ashley x
In this episode, we meet Emma one of our amazing listeners who has listened to nearly every single episode on the podcast!
Emma is on the mid-north coast, Port Macquarie. She works in an animal shelter that she adores working in.
Emma and her husband have been together for 15 years and started trying for a family when they got married and it took a while to get pregnant. Emma was diagnosed with PCOS and endrimesios.
Her first two pregnancies unfortunately ended in miscarriages which was heartbreaking when they had longed for a baby for so long.
She now has three beautiful boys, two that were born by C-Section and a third baby who was born at home when Emma decided at 30 weeks to just go for it and stop joking about homebirth and make it a reality.
Emma's story tells a story about a woman who kept trying despite setbacks and challenges.
I love the many things that Emma was faced with and she found a way around and back to her heart's calling. She believed in herself. Set herself up with the support, knowledge, and empowerment she needed and she birthed her baby on her terms.
Such an interesting episode, thanks for sharing!
I hope you enjoy this episode!
Ashley x
More from Ashley:
Get access to this free Homebirth Workshop here!
Find out more on how I can support you + you can have me as your guide + biggest supporter - Click here!
Insta: @ashleylwinning Email: hello@themotherhoodcircle.com.au
Ashley x
Heya!! And welcome back to another episode on the VBAC Homebirth Stories Podcast. I'm your host Ashley Winning!
I've been sick with Covid and I'm hoping my voice holds up today! I decided to create a fun little Mini-Series for Birth & Transfer Planning over the weeks.
Over the coming weeks, I will share episodes with information that relates to homebirth & transfer planning, with topics that cover why it's important to consider this, what should be included, what to pack in your transfer bag, and conversations to have with your birth team, how to plan for a positive homebirth environment and much more!
One of the things that came through as a common thread when I asked women who had transferred before was to pack a transfer bag, or I'm glad I packed a transfer bag.
So I thought I would include it and maybe change it up a little bit with a couple of things that people don't talk about for the usual hospital bag!
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Clothes for baby, swaddle etc (someone said cute clothes for photos, my baby was in hospital clothes for a day or so and that didn't bother me).
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Nappies & wipes
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Clothes for you including a comfortable nursing top and maternity underwear - comfortable clothes
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Phone charger / phone/ ipad etc
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Copy of birth & transfer plan - for you and your team
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Labour support pack (eo, pain support, massage ball, positive affirmations).
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Entertainment pack (magazine, music, headphones, journal and pencil)
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Snacks - few packets of your favs
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Toiletries and anything that will make you feel nice - I had my fav perfume brought in which was rather hand for the toilet :P Maternity pads, or maternity underwear like modi body
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Mindset - A letter to yourself about how amazing you are so you can read it when you need to, a playlist with your fav mindset resources, positive affirmations or meditations (on your phone etc). You don't have to have any of these ready and packed before your labour starts if you don't want to. This is your journey. It's nice to have a few things ready, or even just an empty bag. You could even have an empty bag with a list of things you would like packed and that way your support team can organise. (You can even show them in advance, like your partner).
Get access to this free Homebirth Workshop here!
Find out more on how I can support you + you can have me as your guide + biggest supporter - Click here!
Join our VBAC Homebirth Support Group here
Insta: @ashleylwinning Email: hello@themotherhoodcircle.com.au
Ashley x
In this episode, I've decided to shake things up and create a fun little Mini-Series for Birth & Transfer Planning!
Over the coming weeks, I will share episodes with information that relates to homebirth & transfer planning, with topics that cover why it's important to consider this, what should be included, what to pack in your transfer bag, conversations to have with your birth team, how to plan for a positive homebirth environment and much more!
- The right birth support team - So you can pick the right birth team for you in advance (even if you end up in the hospital you will be supported by the right team).
- Powerful communication tool - for you to assert and advocate for what you want in your birth
- Knowledge is power - Research & understand interventions in advance
- Setting Roles & expectations - Use as a guide and prompt to open conversation with your birth team about your wishes/ wants and needs. To ask them how they feel and ask questions/ answer questions. Really understand roles and expectations.
- Create a positive pregnancy & birth -To allow you space to create the most positive birth that you can for yourself.
- Accepting you may not get the birth you dream of - To allow space to acknowledge and sit with the possibility that you may not have the birth you want... or get the perfect birth... and open your heart to know that you have done, and will do everything you can with what you know. That you are amazing... you have prepared for what you can and the rest is left out to the universe. What will be will be.
- A higher chance of Vaginal birth - That even planning to have a homebirth puts you at a higher chance of a vaginal birth (even if you do transfer ) than if you planned and prepared for a hospital birth.
- Ease stress & anxiety - it can be stressful not knowing what could happen or what you would do, what roles people play. this will you will have a really clear understanding.
- Provides Clarity for Partner - So they know what you expect of them in the birth and their roles. They understand what is important for you, what words of affrimations or what you really want. Encourage and support you in the best way.
- The Golden Hours - it's not just about labour, you can also set yourself up for a positive first few hours with your baby after birth. Thinking about breastfeeding, placenta, and time with your baby for bonding etc.
In this episode, I've decided to shake things up and create a fun little Mini-Series for Birth & Transfer Planning!
Over the coming weeks, I will share episodes with information that relates to homebirth & transfer planning, with topics that cover why it's important to consider this, what should be included, what to pack in your transfer bag, conversations to have with your birth team, how to plan for a positive homebirth environment and much more!
Birth & Transfer plans are not something that is often talked about or thought about when it comes to home births.
After experiencing transfer after my homebirth for our third baby and hearing many women on the podcast share their stories of transferring after birth I thought it would be a good idea to share some of this wisdom and insight with you so that you can plan ahead of time.
The transfer rate for VBAC Homebirth is 37% (you can read more about that here.) With that in mind, it's a good idea to have a think about this.
I asked mums who had experienced homebirth transfer to share their experiences and advice and have created a podcast episode sharing this information and given some extra tips and advice on how you can get the most out of this for you.
If you have any questions please send me a DM on my Instagram or email me hello@themotherhoodcircle.com.au
Enjoy this episode!
Ashley x
Book your Homebirth & Transfer Planning Session with Ashley - Click here!
Get access to this free Homebirth Workshop here!
Join our VBAC Homebirth Support Group here
Insta: @ashleylwinning Email: hello@themotherhoodcircle.com.au
In this episode, I talk about homebirth and freebirth as your very own choice and choosing your own adventure.
Often women choosing to homebirth lose sight that they are actually the ones steering their journey and that they are in full control of where this glorious adventure ends up.
After a post in my VBAC Homebirth Support group on FB came in this morning I decided to share some insights/ stories and experiences of women choosing to intiate with the system when planning to homebirth. It may be a woman planning to freebirth who wants some scans or tests throughout her pregnancy, or maybe a woman who has hired a midwife and is trying to work out whether she should take a test.
Sometimes the path can be tricky when trying to discover the right path forward with so many choices available (because the choice is absolutely all yours). Without knowing the outcomes it can be a grueling process.
I invite you to tap into your intuition, your knowing. Look at the evidence if it helps and talk it out.
But under the ramifications of those choices and possible outcomes along the way so you can look at this objectively.
The beauty of this journey is that you get to choose what tests/ scans and offerings you accept and say yes to and which ones you choose to decline. This is your journey.
More from Ashley:
Want to join our Homebirth Pregnancy Circle starting 27th of June? Check out more information here
Get access to this free Homebirth Workshop here!
Find out more on how I can support you + you can have me as your guide + biggest supporter - Click here!
Join our VBAC Homebirth Support Group here
Insta: @ashleylwinning Email: hello@themotherhoodcircle.com.au
Ashley x
In this episode, we meet Emma a mother of three who lives in South Coast, NSW.
Emma joins us to talk briefly about her first birth which ended in a surgical birth. She was induced at 40 weeks due to a late diagnosis of GD and expected "big baby" 8 pounds and over.
26hrs of labour, 12 hrs on pitocin, and baby and mum were both in distress. Ended in an emergency cesarean and baby was born a tiny 6lb 1 baby in special care for 8 days.
With her second baby she researched VBAC and fought for her right to have a vaginal birth in the system.
Her baby was born by episiotomy, vacuum delivery and the baby was taken from Emma straight away after birth as they couldn't get a trace on baby as she was so low. They said she wasn't breathing properly. They rushed her from the room just to realise she was fine and brought her straight back.
Pulling on the placenta causing a hemorrhage.
When Emma fell pregnant with her third baby she was determined to have a better experience. And apparently, he was determined to make it memorable!
It made much more sense to her and she trusted her body's ability to birth safely and intuitively at home.
Emma chose to register with her local hospital for antenatal care which was helped by the timing of Covid meaning that a lot of appointments were canceled which meant she didn't need to go in often.
Even though Emma had vaginally birthed her last baby there was still talk of whether she would be "allowed" to vaginally birth this third baby. Which just helped cement her choices to freebirth.
As Emma approached 40 weeks her waters broke in the middle of the night (so much so that her husband was walking behind her cleaning up the waters on the floor).
Waiting a full 18 days before going into labour with her third babe and many interesting conversations and visits/ phone calls back and forth with the hospital this episode is not to be missed!!
I hope you enjoy this episode!
More from Ashley:
Want to join our Homebirth Pregnancy Circle starting 27th of June? Check out more information here
Get access to this free Homebirth Workshop here!
Find out more on how I can support you + you can have me as your guide + biggest supporter - Click here!
Insta: @ashleylwinning Email: hello@themotherhoodcircle.com.au
Ashley x
In this episode, I sit down for a good old chit-chat with the amazing Kemi Johnson.
I've snuck a hold of Kemi's Instagram bio to share a brief introduction in Kemi and what she stands for.
Queen/Empress 👑💥🌟
Mother, Birthkeeper, Birth Activist, Birth Nerd, Speaker, Teacher
TOTALLY OBSESSED with families having healthy and ecstatic births
I recently heard Kemi on The Midwives Cauldron Podcast and I had to reach out to her, I felt we were kindred spirits passionate about supporting women in similar ways - so we had an informal interview and chat all things VBAC homebirth + birth.
Kemi was a registered Midwife in England who worked privately supporting women and eventually decided after dealing with insurance issues and other challenges that she would unregister and support women and families as a birth keeper.
We chat about that process and what Kemi now does and how she supports families as a birth keeper.
This is a really great episode with two passionate birth lovers talking about what we love - all things birth.
Listen to this episode now!!
More from Ashley:
Want to join our Homebirth Pregnancy Circle? Check out more information here
Get access to this free Homebirth Workshop here!
Find out more on how I can support you + you can have me as your guide + biggest supporter - Click here!
Insta: @ashleylwinning Email: hello@themotherhoodcircle.com.au
Ashley x
In this episode, I share how a lot of your self doubt, lack of belief and trust may be down to a shaky foundation of self-worth.
I'm going to deep dive into this topic and show you when and how your self worth has been eroded since you were little and what you can do to build it up.
You will understand why it matters for your VBAC Homebirth and how having a strong self worth foundation can make significant changes to your mindset and self believe to VBAC homebirth your baby.
Some strategies I talk about to help build your mindset for your VBAC Homebirth:
- Self-love motivational mindset daily video - Click here
- Connecting with your why. Anchoring to it, and looking at all the things and reasons why you want to have this VBAC Homebirth
- Daily visulisation for your VBAC Homebirth
- Writing down or speaking out your why
- Or if you artistic or visual you may enjoy using colourful pencils to draw your why - drawing your ideal or dream birth
I hope you enjoy this episode!
More from Ashley:
Get access to this free Homebirth Workshop here!
Find out more on how I can support you + you can have me as your guide + biggest supporter - Click here!
Insta: @ashleylwinning Email: hello@themotherhoodcircle.com.au
Ashley x
In this episode, I am discussing what it means to be a highly sensitive soul + why it matters!
In my work I find I tend to work a lot with highly sensitive souls - it makes sense, I'm a highly sensitive person, of course other HSP's gravitate working with me.
The interesting thing is that most of my clients don't know they are highly sensitive until they come across some of my content or we begin to do some of the deeper work.
Often they find that they are people pleasers and don't have a voice. Especially when it comes to the birthing world. They have desires and wants + often haven't had the skill to be able to speak up when they wanted or needed.
Often because they have been suppressed and told their whole lives that they are too sensitive or emotional (like it's a bad thing - I think it's a super power!).
20% of the population are highly sensitive, which means 1 out 5 people are. In that case it could be you or someone very close to you who is a HSP. If you want to learn more and hear some more of my experiences jump into this episode and get some of those answers your heart desires.
I hope you enjoy this episode!
Ashley x
More from Ashley:
Get access to this free Homebirth Workshop here!
Find out more on how I can support you + you can have me as your guide + biggest supporter - Click here!
Insta: @ashleylwinning Email: hello@themotherhoodcircle.com.au
Ashley x
In this episode, I am discussing special scars!!
What they are, how they happen, what the risks are and what that means for you if you have a special scar!
If you have one you will more than likely know about it. The surgeons would usually recommend or tell you to "never labour on that scar" or that you are not
suitable for a VBAC.
If you haven't been told anything there is still a chance you have one, and haven't been told, but I'd say more likely than not they would have said something.
Today I'm going to talk about what are the different types of scars, possible reasons for the scars and higher risk factors for uterine rupture.
First let's hear a definition of a special scar.
Definition of Special Scars from Special scars special hope FB page.
A scar resulting from a Classical, Inverted T, J, Low Vertical, Upright T or any other cesarean incision other than the most often used Low Transverse.
Also, any scar on the uterus from other uterine surgeries, such as myomectomies which is a surgical procedure to remove uterine fibroids.
Let's talk more about the types of scars and how they can happen and impact a future VBAC
Some handy information from The VBAC Link below with short explanation of the types of special scars.
Classical Incision
An up-and-down cut made in the upper part of the uterus. This is sometimes done for very preterm cesarean deliveries. It has the highest risk of rupture.
Risk is 4% to 9%
Listen to ep22 Breana - she had a powerful homebirth with amish midwifes after a classical c-section due to a pre term birth with pre-clampsia.
T and J incision
These scar types happen when a surgeon needs more room to get the baby out after they have done a low transverse incision. The look like a “T” or a “J”.
Sometimes they happen on accident as well. These scar types are rare.
EP28 - Lisa Inverted T special space HBAC
Low Vertical Incision
A low vertical incision is made in the lower part of the uterus. These incision types are used when the baby is large, transverse (sideways), or for placenta previa.
I just want to add to this that this type of scar is also a risk factor from babies being down in the pelvis deeply. Or from babies moving and pulling arms from the shock of being touched.
Listen to EP 19 - Ashley special scar.
Here are stats I found from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7396476/
Classic incision 4–9%
Low transverse with T-extension 4–9%
Low vertical incision 1–7%
Low transverse 0.2–1.5%
Open in a separate window
Source: ACOG, 1999
Links:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7396476/
https://specialscars.org/
I hope you enjoy this episode!
Ashley x
More from Ashley:
Get access to this free Homebirth Workshop here!
Find out more on how I can support you + you can have me as your guide + biggest supporter - Click here!
Insta: @ashleylwinning Email: hello@themotherhoodcircle.com.au
Ashley x
In this episode, I discuss how a daily morning mindset ritual has supercharged my day and helped me move from feeling overwhelmed & exhausted to feeling energised and ready to take on the day!
If you are feeling worn out, overwhelmed, out of rhythm and routine, and crave to feel connected and positive then this is an episode you should not miss!
Mindset is such an important part that so many people skip out on every day and I find it is even more important when we step into the role of being mothers.
Pregnancy, especially planning a VBAC Homebirth takes courage, trust, and something deep inside you to say yes to and stick to the path.
By committing to a daily routine you will help fill your cup up, which will spill over to the loved ones around you and help set the positive mindset tone for your pregnancy and birth.
I hope you enjoy this episode,
Ashley x
More from Ashley:
Join me in a live Workshop here!
Find out more on how I can support you + you can have me as your guide + biggest supporter - Click here!
Insta: @ashleylwinning Email: hello@themotherhoodcircle.com.au
Ashley x
In this episode, we meet Katy who lives in Devon, England
Katy had planned a homebirth through the NHS and she had a breech baby so didn't feel comfortable birthing at home. Katy planned a breech birth in hospital. During pregnancy, Katy had an ECV that failed. She went into labour around 40ish weeks waters broke first, she went into hospital to get monitoring as per request due to breech and she opted to stay home.
Going into labour about 12 hours later and then went into the hospital. The medical team could feel a foot, and said baby was footling and Katy opted for a surgical birth.
Katy had a straightforward surgical birth.
Katy fell pregnant and had a miscarriage before knowing she was pregnant. Katy had a surgical procedure due to the miscarriage which caused some scarring on the cervix which caused fertility issues.
Then Katy was pregnant with her third pregnancy, baby Juniper. She had a great pregnancy although worried about what could happen because she was worried about what happened last time. She hired a doula to support her in birth and pregnancy.
She had planned for a homebirth with this baby which would be a VBAC Homebirth through the NHS.
Went into labour at 40ish weeks and contractions started hard and fast, she was pushing early and called the hospital for midwives. Due to covid, they couldn't come out so she decided to freebirth as she felt the baby was coming and was pushing already and didn't feel comfortable getting in the car.
She had the baby crowning and went back inside again for hours. She had big gaps between her contractions and sharp pain that didn't go away as soon as the waters broke in the birth pool.
She felt something was wrong and decided to go to the hospital to get the baby monitored. The baby was okay and safe and mum was still worried and in a lot of pain. The midwife told her she was going to coach push train her and she pushed the baby out vaginally.
You can hear the rest of Katy's story on the podcast!
More from Ashley:
Join me in a live Workshop here!
Find out more on how I can support you + you can have me as your guide + biggest supporter - Click here!
Insta: @ashleylwinning Email: hello@themotherhoodcircle.com.au
Ashley x
In this episode, we discuss how you can create and visualise your dream homebirth.
This one is a goodie if you are wondering if homebirth is really a good option for you, or your stuck in your head listening to scary stories of what could go wrong.
I want to help pull you out of anxiety and fear and direct you back to your reasons for why you chose to have a homebirth to begin.
So when you are feeling worried, overwhelmed or anxious you can sink back into the deliciousness of dreaming about your ideal homebirth.
Also as a disclaimer I want you to know I don't think homebirths always go to plan. Sometimes they don't. Birth isn't something that can be planned for and controlled. It is simply about your mindset and deeply connecting in with your vision.
I'd love to hear what you think about this episode and if you found it helpful. Come and say hi on Insta and let me know!
More from Ashley:
Join me in a live Workshop here!
Find out more on how I can support you + you can have me as your guide + biggest supporter - Click here!
Insta: @ashleylwinning Email: hello@themotherhoodcircle.com.au
Ashley x
In this episode, I share 3 books I recommend for your homebirth, plus one little extra sneaky one I haven't yet read but know will be amazing!
I'm going to share my top 3 recommended books, plus why I recommend them.
I'd love to hear what your favourite books are and why (maybe they will be the same I have mentioned here) - come and share with me on Instagram!!
- Hypnobirthing: The Mongan Method the Natural Approach to a Safe, Easier, More Comfortable Birthing by Marie F. Mongan
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Home Birth On Your Own Terms: A How-To Guide For Birthing Unassisted by Heather Baker
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New Active Birth: A Concise Guide to Natural Childbirth by Janet Balaskas
I hope that you enjoy this episode. Come over to Insta and tell me what are your experiences and thoughts!
More from Ashley:
Join me in a live Workshop here!
Find out more on how I can support you + you can have me as your guide + biggest supporter - Click here!
Insta: @ashleylwinning Email: hello@themotherhoodcircle.com.au
Ashley x
In this episode, we take a look at how you can find the right Doula for you to support you in your VBAC Homebirth journey.
While Doula's can be an amazing support and member of your homebirth team, it's important to under why you want to have a doula at your homebirth.
When you work out why you would like a doula to support you in pregnancy and attend your birth you can start to look at and interview potential doulas who may be a good fit.
Some things to consider when interviewing and meeting a potential doula:
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What experience do they have with VBAC?
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What experience do they have as a doula and in homebirth?
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Do they have recommendations from other mothers who have used their services previously? Have you connected with those mothers to find out how they were supportive?
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What do you see as the doula's role in your pregnancy and birth journey?
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What does the doula feel is their role?
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Personality and temperments
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How available can this doula be to you, and how much support do you need?
Just some questions to consider when considering hiring a doula for your pregnancy and birth.
I hope that you enjoy this episode. Come over to Insta and tell me what are your experiences and thoughts!
More from Ashley:
Join me in a live Workshop here!
Find out more on how I can support you + you can have me as your guide + biggest supporter - Click here!
Insta: @ashleylwinning Email: hello@themotherhoodcircle.com.au
Ashley x
In this episode, we take a look at how you can find the right midwife for you to support you in your VBAC Homebirth journey.
This question comes up quite a bit in our VBAC Homebirth Support Group and I wanted to give you some thought provoking questions to ask when you do interview potential midwives.
Just remember that not all midwives are equal. Don't get me wrong there are some wonderful midwives out there you will gel with and have that safe connection with and some that you just don't have the vibe with.
This is a sacred experience and you want the absolute best fit and experience possible, so make sure you do your research and check around with other women and see who comes highly recommended and why!
Enjoy this episode!!
Ashley x
More from Ashley:
Join me in a live Workshop here!
Join out VBAC Homebirth Support Group here
Find out more on how I can support you + you can have me as your guide + biggest supporter - Click here!
Insta: @ashleylwinningEmail: hello@themotherhoodcircle.com.au
Ashley x
In this episode, we meet Ben, a father of 4 with 3 boys and a little girl.
Ben joins us after his wife Sarah shared her story on the Podcast of four births and an epic and healing freebirth after three surgical births.
You can check out Sarah's story EP40| Sarah - Epic, healing freebirth after 3 surgical births, long births & small gaps between births.
Ben is the first partner, husband, and father I have had on the show and it was really great to hear his perspective and have him share his experience and what he learned throughout the journey to freebirth.
Some take aways from this interview:
- Ben trusted and supported his wife through all four pregnancies and births to birth the way she felt was the safest and best for her.
- He shares his tips on how to get your partner to be more supportive during pregnancy & birth (must listen for partners)
- Tips for partners on how they should show up and why it's important they support their women through pregnancy & birth
- We hear how CPS was called in their second pregnancy due to not saying yes to a C-Section
It was lovely to connect with this amazing couple and get two sides of the story.
It was so comforting to hear that Ben trusted his wife to safely birth their babies into this world. I know often women planning a VBAC struggle to trust their bodies are being told by the system that there is often something wrong and they are broken.
To see partners have that deep trust in their partners is so powerful and inspiring.
This is a must-listen for all the partners out there and women wanting to hear about how they can get their partners to be more supportive.
Join me for my Free Workshop this month here
Find out more on how I can support you + you can have me as your guide + biggest supporter - Click here!
FB: @themotherhoodcircle
Insta: @ashleylwinning
Ashley x
In this episode, I discuss why it's important to have support from your partner, especially in pregnancy, how your partner can't support and shouldn't be your only support through this journey, and some strategies to get more support from your partner.
You might be surprised by some of the clever ways I suggest to be able to get support from your partner.
If after this episode you feel like finding out more about how I can support you or you want tos hare how you went after implementing some of the steps slide into my DM's and let's chat!
Find out more on how I can support you + you can have me as your guide + biggest supporter - Click here!
Join me for my Free Workshop this month here
Insta: @ashleylwinning Email: hello@themotherhoodcircle.com.au
Ashley x
In this episode, we take a deeper dive into how you can protect your pregnancy VBAC Homebirth bubble and why it's important to protect it.
Here's is a snippet of what I covered in this episode.
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Be mindful of who you share your VBAC Homebirth plans with.
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Don’t let in negative birth stories (and what to do if you come across them)
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Work on your mindset
Final thought
Protect your pregnancy VBAC Homebirth bubble at all costs and always be mindful about the type of content you consume or the people you share your plans with.
Unfollow pages/ groups/ take a step back from people who are not positive & supportive.
This is your time to focus on building up your confidence and relax before your baby is born and joins you earthside.
I personally invite you to join me for this Free Workshop
I am running it live this weekend Freebirth as a highly sensitive - how to get the emotional & mindset support for your freebirth pregnancy
I would love to see you live at this workshop, answer any questions you have and connect with you! Send me an email to save your spot.
You will learn:
✔ Why HSP need EXTRA emotional support
(or a support team)
✔ Understand your current support
✔ Why mindset support matters in a freebirth pregnancy
✔ How to get your partner to be more supportive of your emotional needs
How you can connect with me:
Find out more on how I can support you + you can have me as your guide + biggest supporter - Click here!
Insta: @ashleylwinning
Email: hello@themotherhoodcircle.com.au
Ashley x
In this episode, I discuss some of the signs of uterine rupture.
Uterine rupture is something that VBAC mama's worry about a lot. It is super important from a mindset perspective that you learn as much about uterine rupture and understand the risks so that you go into your birth with the strongest mindset possible.
Here is one piece of the puzzle - the signs of uterine rupture. Really helpful for those who are having a VBAC Homebirth.
Hear women's experiences with Uterine Rupture and what they say of their experience, plus the signs to look out for!
I share what they said in more detail on this podcast episode.
So what are some signs that you can look out for in your VBAC Homebirth?
· Sudden, severe uterine pain
· Uterine contractions that don’t cease
· Regression of your baby in the womb, including a decreased heart rate
· Fetal distress
· Severe vaginal bleeding or hemorrhaging
Find out more on how I can support you + you can have me as your guide + biggest supporter - Click here!
Insta: @ashleylwinning
Ashley x
In this episode, we meet Sarah, mother of 4 with 3 boys and a little girl.
She joined us to share her amazing story just two weeks into her postpartum (and feeling absolutely amazing!)
She lives in Rural, Country Victoria and grew up in a big Dutch family & very trusting of the medical system.
Sarah had a miscarriage with their first pregnancy which required a D&C in hospital.
She fell pregnant again soon after.
Sarah tells a very complex and interesting story that is long, but very interesting and full of insights and birth wisdom.
Here's an overview of some of what happened (as it's too long to put all the information here).
Sarah had a private midwife during this pregnancy and was booked into a birth house. Her waters broke around 41+6 and she eventually ended up in hospital due to the length of labour and waters broken.
Pitocin and a painful labour with a shift change and a horrible midwife she ended up in surgery and her baby was born.
Second pregnancy only 3-4 months postpartum she was pregnant again. She was in the VBAC clinic she felt supported in pregnancy but had bait and switch at 38 weeks which ended in a visit from CPS at 41 weeks. She felt unheard during labour telling the health support something was wrong with her baby and he eventually after a MET call was made after birth, ended up in special care for a week with sepsis. Sarah ended up having another surgical birth.
Third birth arah hired a doula who had a VBAC and she felt supported through her pregnancy. And she planned a homebirth.
She couldn't get her head into the game of being in labour when her contractions came on hard and fast.
Sarah feels she handed over her power to the doula who made little comments throughout her labour about the positioning, of the baby whereas she felt she needed someone who going to support her to keep going not put doubt into her mind. She transferred and had a surgical birth.
Baby number four Sarah fell pregnant around 9 months postpartum and she decided she wanted to have a C-Section with this baby. She did not want to fight the system and wanted to just have an easy time of it all.
Sarah went and saw Birthtime and decided she was going to have a freebirth. She didn't want any support people around her, just her and her husband and she was trusting the process. She didn't want to give any of her power away.
She felt if she was going to birth her baby vaginally she had to do it.
Sarah went on to birth her baby vaginally. A FBA3C and fer kicked in, on all fours she was completely silent and grunting at the end of each push.
She said "she overcame all the trauma, the pain, the doubt" and it was a magic half hour where she felt she wasn't doing anything and just breathing and her baby girl was born. She didn't feel the "ring of fire" just a stretch.
She was so excited, it felt amazing and after her baby was born she just kept repeating "I did it, I did it".
Sarah is on a birth high after this birth and is enjoying her baby girl after 3 boys.
Find out more on how I can support you + you can have me as your guide + biggest supporter - Click here!
FB: @themotherhoodcircle
Insta: @ashleylwinning
Ashley x
In this episode, we explore 10 questions to help you try to work out whether a freebirth is the right option for you and your family.
There are so many what-ifs and unknowns when it comes to birth.
With societal pressures and cultural norms that surround us.
It’s challenging when wanting to do something that is very different to the path that society has set out for you to follow.
If you are making this choice coming from a space of having experienced childbirth trauma or having had a negative experience in the hospital system your whole body might be screaming at you that you just want to have this baby at home.
But there may be much for you to consider in this journey.
I have a few questions for you to consider that will hopefully help you make that decision for yourself and your family.
I hope these 10 questions help you to get to the answer of whether freebirth is the right choice for you or not.
If you feel like you need some extra support working through this process, I invite you to reach out to me and let’s have a chat about what support you need.
Some of the ways you can connect with me or get more support as promised during the episode:
WORKSHOP - This weekend (21st of November 2021) - Freebirth as a highly sensitive: how to get the emotional & mindset support you needClick here to save your spot!
Find out more on how I can support you + you can have me as your guide + biggest supporter - Click here!
FB: @themotherhoodcircle
Insta: @ashleylwinning
Ashley x
In this episode, we dive deep into the word Freebirth.
Have you ever wondered what a freebirth is?
Maybe you know a little bit, or a lot - but want to find out even more.
I share my own experiences and views of the word Freebirth and how it can be used.
Essentially Freebirth is birth without a medical person present - but in the birth world, it can mean different things to different people.
So let's explore this together and have some fun while doing it!
I hope you enjoy this episode!
Ashley x
More from Ashley:
Join me in a live Workshop here!
Join out VBAC Homebirth Support Group here
Find out more on how I can support you + you can have me as your guide + biggest supporter - Click here!
Insta: @ashleylwinningEmail: hello@themotherhoodcircle.com.au
Ashley x
In this episode, I share my tips on how you can avoid vaginal tearing in your VBAC Homebirth
I go into detail about my personal experiences and what I have found through my training and reasearch around birth.
Going into my HBA2C I was pretty worried about tearing. I wanted to avoid it at all costs and I am happy to say I avoided even grazing birthing my 4.5 kilo baby.
Amazing huh!
Let me share some of my wisdom and tips for you to consider for your VBAC Homebirth.
We covered:
1.Avoid Coached Pushing
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Consider a birth pool
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Make Instinctive & Physiological birth your goal
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Allow FER to do the work
-
Position, position, position
I hope you enjoy this episode!
Ashley x
More from Ashley:
Join me in a live Workshop here!
Join out VBAC Homebirth Support Group here
Find out more on how I can support you + you can have me as your guide + biggest supporter - Click here!
Insta: @ashleylwinningEmail: hello@themotherhoodcircle.com.au
Ashley x
In this episode, we meet Katherine, mother of two girls and living in the United Kingdom.
Baby Angela joins us for part of the episode, so we get to hear her cooing and playing in the background.
During her first birth and after over 24 hours in active labour Katherine was no longer able to birth in the birth centre and transferred into hospital care.
Meconium was seen in the waters which meant she had CTG monitoring and her care was transferred over to OBGYNS.
She managed by using gas and air for a while before asking for and having an epidural.
Katherine started showing signs of illness (pyrexia, bringing up bile, losing clarity & focus)
which were identified as signs of an internal infection and suspected sepsis.
An emergency caesarean was then arranged and Katherine was in and out of consciousness.
Both Katherine and the baby stayed in the hospital for a whole week. The recovery was rough, and it took me months to realise she had birth trauma.
In particular, she was distressed by her missing memories.
Katherine did a lot of preparation for her HBAC - She sought counselling, had a birth reflections session, spent time in prayer, informed herself about VBACs, waterbirth & physiological labour, and had to fight for the birth she wanted as she was classed as high-risk due to the emergency caesarean & PPH.
Katherine planned for a homebirth with her second baby Angela and was able to have a publicly funded prenatal care & birth with the NHS in the UK.
Seeing midwives through her care she planned and prepared for a calm and gentle homebirth.
She went into labour at 41 weeks.
During the labour she used hypnobirthing breathing techniques, and also offered prayers during contractions for various intentions.
Eventually, she was told she had to come out of the pool as the baby's heart rate was raised.
An ambulance was called but not used. She transferred to the sofa and consented to an episiotomy.
She had no tearing and felt like an absolute superhero when her baby was placed onto her chest.
Katherine hopes other mums who have had a difficult previous birth can find some hope & confidence in her story, and that some of their fear regarding giving birth again may be relieved.
More from Ashley:
Join me in a live Workshop here!
Join out VBAC Homebirth Support Group here
Find out more on how I can support you + you can have me as your guide + biggest supporter - Click here!
Insta: @ashleylwinningEmail: hello@themotherhoodcircle.com.au
Ashley x
Are you loving the VBAC homebirth stories but wishing you had a bit more birth knowledge & support behind you in your journey?
If you said yes, this episode is for you!
I discuss 5 ways you can get birth knowledge & support in your VBAC Homebirth Journey.
1). Monthly free Workshops
2). Resources in the Blog
3). Clarity & Confidence Session
4) The Podcast - coming soon are more birth educational episodes. Send me an email if you would like to submit a question to the podcast.
4.a) Join me for our Pregnancy Circle here
5.) Pregnancy & Birth VIP Progam (one-on-one support with Ashley).
Enjoy this episode!
Ashley xo
Join our free Facebook Support Group HERE!
Want to connect with Ashley?
FB: @themotherhoodcircle
Insta: @ashleylwinning
In this episode, we meet Jamie, mother of three little ones! Jamie recorded this interview just 6 weeks postpartum.
Jamie had an easy-going first pregnancy. Was offered a stretch and sweep and after talking to a friend who said it wasn't painful decided just to accept the intervention.
Jamie found the S&S very uncomfortable and painful. She laboured through the night and managing the contractions. She had a second S&S the next day with her baby being born via C-Section and baby being sent to special care.
Ending back in the hospital with an infection and taking the time to process over the next nine months Jamie found herself experiencing birth trauma and PND.
Jamie then went on to fall pregnant with her second baby, a girl and the first girl in her husband's family for 90 years!!
Planning a VBAC with an OBGYN and ended up in another unplanned C-Section.
We have a really big conversation around PND and birth trauma and how many women are being failed by the system by the lack of support women receive through this process.
Including some of the long-term impacts of difficulties with bonding with their babies and the stories and mindset challenges of feeling like a failure or not feeling good enough.
She was determined to have a vaginal birth with her third baby and went back to the hospital setting and found herself wanting a homebirth.
She booked in with a Doula (unregistered Midwife Martina) around 34 weeks Martina let Jamie know that she didn't feel she could work with her anymore and that Jamie wasn't there mindset wise ( I share my thoughts on what happened here, along with why I feel it's important for people to understand their roles in birth and understand why they are hiring people to support them in birth, especially for freebirth).
Fortunately, Jamie was able to connect with another doula who was happy to support her (and who was coincidentally training with her original doula!) and went on to have her powerful and intuitive freebirth!
Enjoy this episode!
Ashley x
Want to connect with Ashley?
FB: @themotherhoodcircle
Insta: @ashleylwinning
In this episode, we meet Tahlia, mother of two little ones who are less than 18 months apart. Tahlia fell pregnant just 6 1/2 months postpartum with her second baby after a surgical birth.
She lives in South Coast NSW Australia.
Tahlia identifies herself as part of the Worimi / Wiradjuri tribe (the indigenous people of Australia).
She was supported in parts of her pregnancies by midwives from Waminda (who were shown in the Birth Time Documentary).
This is a story of a woman who looked outside herself for answers and stepped into her power to regain responsibility and birth her baby at home, intuitively and freely.
I am so happy to share with you today Tahlia's story which includes talk of:
- (PAPP-A) Pregnancy-associated plasma protein A is a protein produced first by the growing placenta. During a normal pregnancy, levels of this protein increase in the pregnant woman's blood until delivery.
- Cervical tear - in the first birth
And much, much more.
I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did!
Listen now!
Ashley x
Join our free Facebook Support Group HERE!
Want to connect with Ashley?
FB: @themotherhoodcircle
Insta: @ashleylwinning
Have you ever heard of the term "Spirit babies"?
When I first heard the term I thought it was a bit woo woo - and hippy-dippy - turns out the more I learned about spirit babies, the more I knew I had a spirit baby!
This episode is for anyone who is planning on a future baby, trying to conceive, or wanting to learn more about spirit babies.
Here is my interpretation and experience!
Listen to this episode now!
Join our free Facebook Support Group HERE!
Follow me on FB or Insta @themotherhoodcircle
In this episode, I share some of the supplies I used in my freebirth - as well as talk about why they came in handy!
Here is the list I typed up for notes for this episode to save you writing everything down.
I got into more detail and share how to use some of the supplies or why I think they are important to include.
Some of these on the list are not included in this segment - but I have included them :)
Enjoy this episode!
Birthing pool (if you want one)
Waterproof torch
Mirror
Drinking safe hose and connector
Pump and attachments
Pool liner
Scoop/mesh for poop
Cushion/ing for under the pool liner if the pool or bath is flat
Thermometer (floating is helpful)
Heating method and back up plan eg large pots on stove or electric kettle
Dried flowers
Other items (not specifically for the birthing pool)
Herbs & tinctures (if you want herbs ) talk about some of the issues - get from herbalist
Puppy pads pack of 10 or 20
Wash clothes (for head, cool or heat
Towels
Mattress or mat for the floor with a waterproof
Waterproof liners for the couch/ bed
Bucket or bowel for vomit
Supportive & helpful (practical and emotional supportive people)
Birthing outfit
Set the room - ambiance
Diffuser
"birthing" ball
Fairy lights
Positive affirmations
Dark - safe space to birth
Camera for photos/ video
Heater/ aircon if needed
Pain management:
Essential oils in rollers or homeopathy
Hot water/ birthing pool or shower
Tens machine
Massage/ hip squeezes
Birthing comb
Massage oil
Snacks and food (for you and any birth partners/attendants)
Drink and staw (like a metal straw) lemonade, coconut water (whatever you like) water
Placenta:
Bowl or ice cream tub for placenta
Large ziplock bag if you intend to freeze the placenta (can freeze in container too)
Something to cut the chord (if you plan on not doing a lotus birth) scissors or candle to burn
Tearing:
manuka honey and seaweed strips (minor tears)
For Baby
Cord clamp/ tie
Towel (warm)
Clothes
Scales to weigh baby
measuring tape
Clothes for baby
Nappies
Wraps
Join our free Facebook Support Group HERE!
Follow me on FB or Insta @themotherhoodcircle
In this episode, we meet Dr Sarah Buckley!
Dr Sarah Buckley is trained as a GP with qualifications in GP obstetrics. She has been writing and lecturing to childbirth professionals and parents since 1997 and is the author of the internationally best-selling book Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering.
Sarah has a special interest in the hormones of physiological labour and birth and the impacts of interventions. In 2015 she completed an extensive report on this topic, Hormonal Physiology of Childbearing, published with Childbirth Connection (US).
She is currently a PhD candidate at the University of Queensland, researching oxytocin in labour and birth. She has co-authored several papers on oxytocin in labour, birth and breastfeeding.
Sarah is also the mother of four children, all born at home and now all adults. She lives on the semi-rural outskirts of Brisbane.
In this episode we discussed the power of hormones in undisturbed birth and how Oxytocin assisted in natural birth.
As well as touching base on ecstatic birth and much, much more!
Listen to this amazing episode now to help you prepare for your homebirth!
You can keep in touch with Sarah on these platforms:
Website www.sarahbuckley.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drsarahbuckley/
Twitter: @SarahJBuckley
Instagram: sarahjbuckley
Show Notes:
- Sarah's blog on Epidurals with the oxytocin feedback loop diagram - https://sarahbuckley.com/category/blog/
- And one on having the best caesarean! - https://sarahbuckley.com/how-to-have-the-best-cesarean/
- Blog with recent findings on oxytocin - https://sarahbuckley.com/pitocin-side-effects-part1/
- Blog from Gloria about the importance of parasympathetic (quiet and dark) - Gloria Lemay blog: - http://wisewomanwayofbirth.com/vbac-and-the-doula/
- Study from British Colombia about VBAC at home BC midwifery guidelines allow VBAC with midwives and at home https://www.bccnm.ca/Documents/standards_practice/rm/RM_Policy_Statement_on_Planned_VBAC.pdf
- This is quite good too - http://www.midwiferygroup.ca/downloads/vbac/CMBC%20VBAC%20guidline.pdf
- Hormonal Physiology of Childbearing https://sarahbuckley.com/whats-so-great-about-hormonal-physiology/
Join our free Facebook Support Group HERE!
And if you would like support during your pregnancy leading to your homebirth/ freebirth you can get in touch with Ashley on Insta or Facebook by sending a quick message @themotherhoodcircle
HAPPY BIRTHING GODDESS!
Ashley xx
In this episode, we meet Ellie who lives 2.5 hours Northwest of Dubbo, NSW on a corporate farm.
As we were recording this episode Ellie has the tractors sewing the next crop on the farm which didn't help with the temperamental internet connection on the farm. But we got there!
Ellie expected to have a vaginal birth with her first baby after completing a hypnobirthing course and being educated about birth.
She found herself traumatised after a long and tiring, unsupported induction in the public hospital system.
When she was pregnant with the second baby she had hoped she could have a homebirth and lucky for her a new private midwife popped up in her area.
But, the midwife was yet to source a second midwife to support her for homebirths so Ellie went through her pregnancy up until 30 weeks with a publicly funded midwife until the good news came through that she could now have a homebirth!
At the pushing end of the birth, the baby's head popped out to Ellie's surprise and the shoulders also made it out, but the body got a little stuck - referred to as soft body dystocia.
Ellie was told to move out of the birthing pool by her midwives and helped to get into a different position.
Ellie beautifully birthed her rather healthy-sized 5.75 kilo or 12'6 pound baby girl earthside at a home organised by her midwife closer to the hospital.
Her baby required some resuscitation and even though minutes later she was perfectly fine as per requirements they were transferred into hospital for a check over bub and where Ellie could receive some stitching for a third-degree tear.
Ellie and her husband had to advocate for their baby after she was admitted to special care after some borderline low blood sugar levels.
Ellie felt she had a positive and powerful experience birthing her baby on her terms!
Listen to this episode now to find out all the details on Ellie's homebirth!
In this episode, we meet Lisa who lives in America and had her second baby in the Covid Pandemic.
Lisa planned for a vaginal birth with her first baby, and during labour ended up birthing her baby by a surgical birth.
During the surgery, the surgeons needed to cut above the vertical scar to remove her baby safely and Lisa ended up with what we call an Inverted T Special Scar.
When Lisa was pregnant with her second baby she felt anxious, nervous, depressed, very angry, and defensive most of the pregnancy.
A few emotional breakdowns. Feelings of loneliness, negative thoughts towards birth, and low self-esteem.
The stress of getting things done at home, and usually being alone at work and home.
And at 36 weeks she decided to homebirth with Chris Miller who by Lisa's words "Chris - My incredible midwife; skilled, experienced (50+ years, 3,000+ births)"
Lisa says "Emotionally, deciding home birth helped me feel more peace. I feel relaxed and calm about waiting for birth. I don't feel like I'm fighting anyone and I don't feel abandoned."
She birthed her special scars baby safely at home.
To hear Lisa's incredible homebirth story listen to this episode!
Join our free Facebook Support Group HERE!
Want to work with Ashley during your pregnancy? Book your free 30-minute discovery call here
Insta & FB: @themotherhoodcircle
In this episode, when meet Hayley - mother of two and absolute birthing legend who vaginally birthed her 4.2-kilo baby, footling breech!! Whoop Whoop!
Hayley expected to have a vaginal birth with her first baby and planned to birth in a birth center. She found herself in labour with her first baby with an "undiagnosed breech" which paved the path to her first baby being born via cesarean section.
Armed with more knowledge with her second baby Hayley hired a private midwife and planned to birth at home.
She wanted to be sure this baby wasn't breech and had an ultrasound at 36 weeks.
Unfortunately, the baby was breech and she went into an appointment with Dr. Andrew Pesce, the breech OB at Westmead.
She felt very grateful that she came across Dr. Andrew Pesce after her appointment with him as he was understanding and very supportive of her choice to birth vaginally, after a c-section, and with a breech baby.
After a failed ECV it was decided she would be birthing in hospital and her homebirth plans changed with the path this journey took her.
Hayley's story shows that even the best-laid plans to birth sometimes need to be adapted to suit different obstacles that come up and that women can birth big breech babies vaginally with the right support and can-do attitude by birth providers.
I am so pleased that Hayley experienced a positive vaginal breech birth with a surprise footling presentation (birth is always full of surprises!)
Listen to this episode to find out more!
Join our free Facebook Support Group HERE!
Want to connect with Ashley? Book your free 30-minute discovery call here
Insta & FB: @themotherhoodcircle
In this episode, I share some of the money mindset blocks that I often see with mothers.
Often neglecting to value themselves due to money mindset blocks, as well as self-care blocks that are ripe in the western motherhood culture.
There is a huge energy shift when we become mothers.
Becoming a primary caregiver and constantly putting our children's needs ahead of our own, it's easy to stay in this mindset throughout motherhood.
But I am going to let you in on a little secret about why it's important to notice these changes and start investing in your emotional wellbeing and mindset, and show you why sometimes investing financially will help you see much better results in the long run.
If you ever feel stuck, overwhelmed, alone or unsupported in your VBAC Homebirth journey then this is the episode for you.
Learn how you can finally have someone in your life to work through fears and help you feel more supported & confident in your journey so you feel less overwhelmed and alone!
In this episode, I share the past five months of being a mother of three, and the up's and downs of that journey!
I believe in story sharing and the powerful benefits that women can gain from hearing about the challenges and how people deal with those challenges in their everyday lives.
I walk through breastfeeding, how I worked through tie issues with Millie and some of the mindset issues I've had in my breastfeeding journey.
Some of the illnesses I've had that I believe are related to pelvic prolapse issues which I believe are well and truly on the way of healing.
Rewriting some of the stories that are coming up with the trauma of my hospital stay and Millie being in special care. Having to navigate huge feelings of anger, grief, sadness and finding the positive's in the experiences I have had.
Working with being a highly sensitive person and mothering a highly sensitive child - which has led us to choose to unschool our oldest child.
And finally, I discuss how much I love using modern cloth nappies!
If you would like me to talk more on these topics further or if you are currently going through one of these challenges and want to chat more send me an email hello@themotherhoodcircle.com.au or PM/DM me on my of my social media platforms @themotherhoodcircle
Enjoy this episode!
Ashley x
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In this episode, we meet Rachel new midwife and mother of two based in New South Wales.
Rachel shares her birth stories only 6 weeks postpartum of her second baby.
Rachel found herself surprised by her first pregnancy and decided to have GP shared care with her local hospital. Expecting to have a natural vaginal birth just like her mother, she didn't think much of birth.
She had HG throughout her entire pregnancy and suffered while working as a nurse up until very late in her pregnancy.
At 38+2 she thought her waters had broken and she had cramps. She went into the hospital and was told her waters hadn't broken and that she wasn't dilated enough to keep her in. She was sent home.
She later started having closer contractions and headed back into the hospital to find she was already 8 cms.
She had early pushing, a cervical lip and a posterior baby with assisted vacuum and eventually forceps were tried in the operating theatre.
This birth ended up in a c-section and her baby in special care for 48 hours afterwards. Rachel also found herself back in the hospital a week later with a womb infection and suffered PND and breastfeeding challenges.
Her baby was born 4.2 kilos.
Baby number two was a planned pregnancy and during this time Rachel had been training as a midwife and had Hazel Keedle as one of her lecturers who had made her feel much more comfortable about having a vaginal birth after c-section with her studies & research.
She had met a student midwife in her class who suggested homebirth and recommended a homebirth midwife Louise.
When Rachel was pregnant she was in two minds about where she would birth her baby and decided to book into an MGP (midwifery group program) while she continued to educate her now-husband on the benefits of a homebirth.
Eventually, around 15 weeks, she decided to book in Louise and plan for a homebirth and so that's what she did. Louise and her student midwife were a great support for her during that time as she worked as a midwife and often had to overcome fear and concern about what could happen in her homebirth after seeing it unfold during her shifts.
After the 20-week morphology scan she was told that this baby was another big baby, Rachel didn't think much of it and continued on with a healthy pregnancy and didn't worry much about her babies size.
Although she did think about her babies position as she wanted to avoid a posterior baby this time around so she practised spinning baby techniques.
Towards the end of her pregnancy, she was expecting to go into labour around 38 weeks and was surprised to find herself still pregnant at 39 weeks and experiencing prodromal labour each day. She had an S+S at 39 weeks and the day before she went into labour she had acupuncture.
Rachel had a very quick birth at home and birthed a fair-sized baby of 5.2 kilos at home with her midwife and student midwife present.
Listen to this episode now to hear about Rachel's amazing birth stories & how she managed to birth her 5.2 kilo like a pro!!
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Want to connect with Ashley? Book your free 30-minute discovery call here
Insta: @themotherhoodcircle
In this episode, we meet Vanessa, a school teacher, mother of two based in Brisbane.
Vanessa decided to trust in private health care and selected a private OBGYN who had been recommended to her. She loved having continuity of care and took a calm birth class planning for a vaginal birth for her first child.
At 38 + 2 her waters broke while on holidays and a total surprise to her, and she was admitted into hospital later that night.
After a cascade of interventions & a failure to wait that birth ended up in a c-section with her little babe being sent to special care for low temp.
Vanessa met a photographer who was also a doula who started to plant seeds of information and let Vanessa know about the type of care she should have received during her birth.
She did book in with another OBGYN at the start of her second pregnancy, but she felt she wasn't receiving the type of care she wanted and needed and started to question whether this OBGYN would do a bait and switch at the end of pregnancy and not support her vaginal birth.
Vanessa joined VBAC support groups and decided to go through a public hospital this time round. (keeping in the back of her mind that a homebirth may happen and that wouldn't be so bad in these times of Covid when only 1 support partner was at times permitted in the birthing suite).
When Vanessa went into labour she was expecting a really long labour and thought she had much more time than she had. She called her doula and not long after her doula arrived she was birthing her baby at home en caul!
Listen to this episode now to hear more about Vanessa's accidental VBAC Homebirth.
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Want to connect with Ashley? Book your free 30-minute discovery call here
Insta: @themotherhoodcircle
In this episode, we meet Breana who planned on having a vaginal birth with her first baby, but found herself undergoing an emergency classical c-section after being diagnosed with preeclampsia.
Breana was told it would be impossible for her to have a vaginal birth, carry to term or even labour after a classical scar, and that she would definitely rupture.
Of course, Breana being the brave and intuitive woman she is, she decided to do some research of her own and decided that home birth would be her safest option.
She followed the brewer diet after some research to help her avoid preeclampsia for this birth and it worked well for her, she avoided it this pregnancy.
Then she went on to find the support of an Amish midwife and supportive doula to support her through pregnancy and the birth of her next baby.
After a 21 hour labour and a lot of faith in her ability to birth her baby, Breana birthed her new 9 pound baby into the world without any troubles or interventions.
This time she was able to do delayed cord clamping and have her wishes for an undisturbed golden hour (something that she did not experience with her first baby).
If you want to feel empowered and like you can birth your baby out of your vagina, even with higher risk factors like a special scar I invite you to listen to this episode!
Join our free Facebook Support Group HERE!
Want to connect with Ashley? Book your free 30-minute discovery call here
Insta: @themotherhoodcircle
In this episode, I share how I planned, organised and had a peaceful & calm postpartum full of support & love while healing from pregnancy and birth.
I share how I went from previous postpartum's feeling isolated & alone to feel supported, loved and nurtured by my amazing circle of support, as well as calm & peaceful from the paid support that I organised during pregnancy.
I hope you have a peaceful & calm postpartum with your new baby.
Ashley x
RESOURCES FOR THIS EPISODE:
- Postpartum Plan - Download your free Postpartum Plan here
- Meals for Mothers by Mamas (from Gold Coast to Brisbane) -Join the group here
MORE SUPPORT FOR YOU
- If you would like to share your birth story you can apply here!
- Join our free Facebook Support Group HERE!
In this episode, I share the third and final part to my vaginal freebirth story!
After receiving poor care during my second pregnancy and being kicked out of the hospital at 37 weeks, it's an interesting turn in tales that I ended up in a full circle at the place that caused my lack of trust of health care professionals and a significant amount of trauma.
This time while parts were certainly difficult and in ways traumatic, overall I had a positive experience through respectful and informed care by the obstetric team.
While my baby was in and out of special care I found that the special care team did not practice informed consent with parents and often left parents out of the decision making process for their little babies.
I share some of the mindset battles I had during this time and some of the hard conversations I had to have with health care professionals while advocating for both myself and my newborn baby girl.
It's a bittersweet ending to such an epic and powerful birth. I am so happy and grateful for the birth I had and yet still mourning over the first few hours and days to weeks after healing from a postpartum haemorrhage of about 3L's.
I learned a lot about the system during this time. I learnt that there are some amazing health care providers out there with the ability to show compassion, great communication and willingness to practice informed consent. As I am ever hopeful, it's my vision that this podcast and women sharing stories can and will change the way health care professionals treat and involve their patients in the medical decisions that are often pushed or made to "consent" to.
If you would like to share your birth story email me at hello@themotherhoodcircle.com.au
Join our free Facebook Support Group HERE!
In this episode, I share my third conception, pregnancy & birth story/ journey.
This is a pregnancy and birth I had been planning for a very long time. One that I was excited was finally here. But also very scared and fearful for making this brave and bold choice to birth our third baby out of the system after two c-sections and no previous experience birthing vaginally.
I share some of the fears and challenges I faced emotionally, my horrible HG experience as well as finding my birth doula's and then finally the epic free birth of 2020 (well for me anyway!! haha).
I faced this pregnancy right as Covid hit us here in Australia and spent the entire pregnancy through the Covid crises.
My epic freebirth was calm, positive and supported by both my husband and my doulas. I felt safe & peaceful and am so grateful that we chose this way to birth our baby into the world. It was a joint effort and I had so much love and support from my husband throughout pregnancy and the birth.
It was a healing and loving experience for both of us which has seen a special bond between our daughter Millie and her father Royce grow from the very start. He has described the birth as the best birth of all our three and one he had involvement in, helping him to feel instant love and connection with our baby girl. (You should see the way he is with her - he's deeply in love).
I believe when men are involved in a calm and loving homebirth it is a great benefit to the whole collective, the mother, father and the baby. It is a beautiful gift and one we welcome.
I planned to have an instinctive birth and I believe in many ways I was able to achieve that until right at the end of my birth when babies head was emerging. Baby was found stuck from the waist down for a little while and this is known as a soft dystocia. After a while of forced/ coached pushing and hubby pulling she emerged safely into our loving arms.
A healthy sized 4.5 kilo/ 10 Pound little girl we named Amelia Joy (Millie). I had no tearing as well which is amazing to me!
I am glad I had my birth doula's with me on the day to provide the practical and nurturing support I had hoped for during this time.
Easy to listen:
- Conception: 2:30 - 16:00
- Pregnancy & HG: 16:00 - 31:00
- Doula - Finding the Doula: 31:00 - 49:30
- Birth 49:30
Listen to this episode now!!
Join our free Facebook Support Group HERE!
Get Support for your VBAC Homebirth with Ashley -
Journey into Motherhood Program HERE!
You can now download your FREE VBAC Homebirth Guide
https://themotherhoodcircle.com.au/vbac-homebirth-guide/
In this episode, I become very raw & vulnerable & share my first two cesarean section births and I don't hold anything back.
I share all the emotions happy and sad and I explain from my experiences and point of view the impact of not receiving good support during pregnancy, birth and postpartum.
I share how not having continuity of care can lead women feeling isolated, lonely and receiving often bad advice and information as care providers are not invested as much in your and your outcome.
It not only can lead to the woman experiencing a bad birth, or birth trauma but further long term issues like breastfeeding and postpartum trauma making it harder for the mother to bond with her newborn baby, and care for older children (let alone herself). Not to mention the possibility of contributing to birth trauma, or Postnatal depression.
While I feel healed tremendously by my most recent homebirth after two c-sections I also will forever remember how I was made to feel by health care providers and people during these experiences, the good and bad emotions that will forever be retained in my muscle memory.
And while I don't experience flashbacks of the traumatic birth of my second baby I remember how I felt, I remember feeling scared, unsupported, unsafe and let down.
Women deserve to feel supported, heard and be able to make informed choices around their pregnancy, birth and postpartum and we as a society and whole need to step up and support women the way we know they need to be supported. We have enough research to show the benefits of continuity of care - or treating vulnerable people with respect and compassion, it's really a no brainer - yet we are still left in a culture that leaves mothers out to dry.
I hope by sharing the very detailed experiences of my births that you learn something that can help you plan for a calm and peaceful pregnancy, birth and postpartum - and if you are a health care professional I hope that you learn how much of an impact you make on mothers, babies and new families.
Every day you turn up to work you have a choice to lead with love and compassion and be a positive influence or you choose to be a negative and hurtful influence. The choice is up to you. I thank those who wholeheartedly dedicate their lives to supporting women to feel safe, supported and to make informed choices they feel are right for them.
These stories talk about GD diagnosis and what impact that can have on your pregnancy & birth (plus some of my views on the new testing levels), breastfeeding challenges - as well as learning from those mistakes and breastfeeding my second baby for 12 months, plus size discrimination and the many system failures that many women are impacted by.
Here is a study on Weight stigma in maternity care: women’s experiences and care providers’ attitudes:
https://bmcpregnancychildbirth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1471-2393-13-19?fbclid=IwAR0UjMKil9LISmQxvFfz7WgsKXTkrtJ1DEse-4WRuRO2xk7SZ6wb_38lfpg
For any pregnant woman listening, I hope that you have a positive experience.
With love,
Ashley x
Listen to this episode now!
In this episode, we meet Hazel Keedle.
Hazel Keedle is a midwifery researcher and lecturer at Western Sydney University and a PhD candidate. Hazel has worked in midwifery group practices, an aboriginal medical service, a variety of hospital settings and as a privately practising midwife in both city and regional locations.
Hazels passion for VBAC followed her own experience of having a VBAC with her daughter in 2008 and since then has published research on women's experience of having a homebirth after caesarean and on her PhD work exploring women’s experiences of planning a VBAC in Australia.
Hazel's Facebook Page is: @VBACmatters
Hazel had her own VBAC which has made her super passionate about supporting mamas on their VBAC journey. She also shares her own C-section and VBAC story.
We discuss Hazel's latest study and find out why VBAC women choose to have a VBAC at home.
Women’s reasons for, and experiences of, choosing a homebirth following a caesarean section - find here
We also discuss why more women successfully achieve a VBAC when birthing at home v's in hospital. Why active birth will help you achieve your vaginal birth and more on continuity of care.
MORE STUDIES FOR YOU TO CHECK OUT THAT WERE DISCUSSED DURING THE INTERVIEW -
A narrative analysis of women's experiences of planning a vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC) in Australia using critical feminist theory - find here
Women’s experiences of planning a vaginal birth after caesarean in different models of maternity care in Australia - find here
Thank you Hazel for advocating for VBAC women and taking the time to research HBAC and sharing your wisdom with us.
Listen to this episode to find out more about VBAC Homebirth!
Ashley x
More from Ashley:
Join me in a live Workshop here!
Find out more on how I can support you + you can have me as your guide + biggest supporter - Click here!
Insta: @ashleylwinning Email: hello@themotherhoodcircle.com.au
Ashley x
In this episode, I share my recent enriching and loving experience with my first Mothers' Blessing that was held and hosted by my dear friend Sheree from Falcon Spirit Healing.
Sheree wrote a beautiful post on Instagram sharing her thoughts on a Mother's Blessing and so I share it here with you on this episode -
Was an honour to hold space for a Mother's Blessing ceremony for Ashley of @themotherhoodcircle *today. The mother's blessing is such a beautiful way to celebrate the sacred rite of passage of pregnancy and transition into motherhood.
It is inspired by the Navajo sacred ceremony of the Blessingway, but to honour and respect this tradition and being mindful of cultural appropriation, we use the term "Mother's Blessing" for the Western version of this celebration.
It is different to a traditional western baby shower in that the baby shower is usually about the baby and the mother is somewhat forgotten, whereas a Mother's Blessing is focused on nurturing the mother as the life-giving force of nature and embodiment of the goddess that she is, and the sacred journey and rite of passage that she is embarking on.
The way that our rites of passage are acknowledged subconsciously affects the way that we live, birth and mother, and so honouring this deeply profound time of internal and external change in a woman's life, heals not just her, but her children and creates ripples of change throughout the wider community.*
I also share my experience and take on my first Mother's Blessing experience and hope that it inspires you to create a ceremony for yourself, even if it with one or two other women.
Listen to this episode to find out more about Mother's Blessings now!
Join our free Facebook Support Group HERE!
Get Support for your VBAC Homebirth with Ashley -Journey into Motherhood Program HERE!
In this episode, we meet Louise who was educated for the birth of her first baby and really excited to birth through a Birth Centre.
When Louise was pregnant she was accepted to birth at her local Birth Centre. She loved the setup and experience she had with continuity of care and the group of midwives she had. Her primary midwife was so lovely and I really made her feel supported to birth naturally.
Louise was fairly well informed at the time however did have to compromise on several tests to comply with the birth centre policies to be allowed to birth there. She was so strict on herself that she didn't want a hospital birth at all and was fairly stressed towards the end that her weight/ gestation date would mean she could be transferred to the hospital, it really placed a heap of anxiety on her at the time. Louise had a stretch and sweep at 41+2, plus all the other things like eating dates, sex, RRLT, watching positioning from 30 weeks.
Louise laboured at home for about 6 hours and then went to the birth centre and laboured for 12 hours mainly in the shower. She found labour manageable with hypnobirthing, in the shower and on a birthing ball.
Soon enough she felt pressure to push but felt it was too soon. She had allowed numerous VEs and the next one showed she had a cervical lip and baby was now posterior. Lousie tried side-lying releases, into the bath on hands and knees but unfortunately, the time was up in the birth centre and she had to be transferred- she agreed to an epidural to relax the cervix to allow to dilate but unfortunately even with all the drugs it didn't, so reluctantly a section was the next step at 8 pm that night. Dan was born, 4.5kgs, 56cm.
When Louise fell pregnant with baby number two she looked at local hospitals and birth centre's and something just didn't feel right here. At this time she had moved to Sydney and had clicked with a homebirth midwife and had explored that option as a way to move forward.
After some slight cramping for about a week, Louise got some chiropractic work done and had an Epsom bath that night and lost parts of the mucus plug over the next couple of days.
Two days later and about 38 weeks she woke up at 7am to the first contraction, short, barely noticeable. She thought it was more intense cramping. Went for a beautiful walk down by the river. Really tried to just enjoy themselves outside to distract herself. She found this worked so well and really enjoyed it.
The contractions really started to work up and with support from her husband, she worked through the contractions. Louise decided to call her student midwife and midwife to let them know it was time for support. With plenty of support and reassurance through labour Louise was able to work through some fears about a cervical lip and a malpositioned baby. Finally jumping into the water pool to find some sweet relief.
Eventually after what seemed hours, but was actually only about 2 hours she pushed her waters out and they broke. That was some relief. 10 mins later and she was born and placed into Louise's arms. She couldn’t believe it, she had a baby, in her room, out of her vagina! A small graze and a tiny tear!
Louise says: I've so much more energy than the first time! Its been incredible and I’m so so thankful to my midwives and husband for supporting me throughout it all.
Tuiren Muire Casey
28/06/2020
4.2kg/ 58cm
Listen to this episode to find out all the details of this inspiring HBAC!
Join our free Facebook Support Group HERE!
Get Support for your VBAC Homebirth with Ashley - Journey into Motherhood Program HERE!
In this episode, we meet Alyssa Mum of two boys who is a huge VBAC advocate and supporter.
Alyssa had the classic cascade of interventions with her first birth after a healthy pregnancy and an all of a sudden push to induce her due to "high BMI and big bard. She was originally seeing her family GP for shared care who had never mentioned anything to her about her high BMI or "big baby" and unfortunately he was away from 37 weeks onwards and she received prenatal care from the hospital.
Following the recommendation, Alyssa went for the induction. Two days of gel and on the third day, an artificial rupture of membranes and drip was given. There was some meconium staining.
After 16 hours of this process and 4 hours on the epidural with a posterior baby (that Alyssa was unaware of), she was told she had "failed to progress" past 5cms and went into an "emergency c-section"
The C section wasn’t a terrible experience but super clinical, she felt invisible and not involved. Unfortunately her baby and mum left Alyssa in the theatre and she was alone the rest of surgery and recovery, which deeply upset & hurt Alyssa.
After attending a Birth Without Fear Conference homebirth ideas were planted and came to life. Alyssa called & decided to meet with some homebirth midwives and settled on the perfect one for her.
She felt calm, confident and support for the rest of her pregnancy and ready to meet her newborn baby.
After all day cramping around the guess date Alyssa spent the day playing outside with her toddler and went about her day. Only 6 hours later she had a wonderful waterbirth with her midwives present and her son arriving at 2:26 am.
Alyssa transferred to hospital three hours after birth because the bleeding hadn't slowed down by the time the midwives would normally be leaving and she had a challenging experience in the hospital staying overnight for blood pressure monitoring. Alyssa left the next day to return home with her new baby and family and enjoy the birthing high she had just experienced of birthing her baby supported in her home.
Listen to this episode to find out all the details of this inspiring HBAC.
Join our free Facebook Support Group HERE!
Get Support for your VBAC Homebirth with Ashley -
Journey into Motherhood Program HERE!
In this episode, we meet Sasha who is a mother to three boys and lives in rural NSW.
When Sasha found out she was pregnant she was living in the UK with long term partner and they decided to move back to Australia to birth their son local to home in rural NSW. Pregnancy was a busy time with moving countries and having to set up a home from a garden shed.
Having a healthy and easy-going pregnancy Sasha always believed in her bodies ability to vaginally birth and just thought that is exactly what would happen when the time came. At 40+10 days her waters broke and shortly afterwards she headed to the hospital.
A 22-hour labour and at 9 1/2 cms dilated the change over in staff and Dr's left Sasha with a Dr who was pushing for a c-section rather than allowing more time to vaginally deliver her baby. Sasha shares how emotionally charged this part of her story was and shares a raw and honest response from the feelings that came up as she shared this part of her journey with us. Her baby was born 4.5 kilos and thriving.
A planned 2nd baby was on the cards and Sasha was determined to have a VBAC being told no by the local hospital she called around local hospitals to find that no one would support a VBAC. She found a midwife Hazel who was pro vbac and planted the seed of a homel birth - which Sasha decided would be the best way to go moving forward.
A calm and peaceful pregnancy with plenty of support from her midwife Hazel and lots of preparation for the birth gave Hazel the confidence that she would have her baby vaginally. Another long labour and transferring to the hospital after some meconium, receiving an epidural before consenting to another c-section, Sasha found this experience much more positive than her first birth. This baby boy was born a healthy 4.9 kilos.
A surprise pregnancy leaving Sasha unsure of her options she called her midwife Hazel who said she could absolutely have a hba2c so they planned for this homebirth closer to hospital in case of transfer and away from her two sons. Going into labour at 40+9 this time (as a little bit earlier) Sasha was supported through another fairly lengthy labour of 20 hours to gloriously birth her third son who was born 4 kilos.
Sasha excitedly shares her story and the vaginal birth she had hoped for from the beginning.
Listen to this episode to find out more about Sasha's HBA2C!
Join our free Facebook Support Group HERE!
Get Support for your VBAC Homebirth with Ashley -Journey into Motherhood Program HERE!
You can now download your FREE VBAC Homebirth Guide
https://themotherhoodcircle.com.au/vbac-homebirth-guide/
In this episode, we meet Dr Rachel Reed.
Dr Rachel Reed is a Senior Lecturer and Discipline Lead in Midwifery at the University of the Sunshine Coast. She has practised midwifery in a range of models and settings in the United Kingdom and Australia.
Rachel is a writer, presenter and researcher who focuses on physiological birth, midwifery practice and women's rights (and rites). She has been invited to speak at national and international events and has published widely.
This episode is not to be missed if you are planning on having a natural, vaginal birth or undisturbed birth!!
We talked about:
- What an instinctive birth is & the benefits to mother and baby
- How instinctive birth supports a woman to birth vaginally
- The hormones that support our natural birthing process
- How many health care professionals see women's bodies as pathological (meaning they have a problem that needs fixing) rather than seeing pregnancy and birth as a natural and normal part of a human's journey.
- The differences between a VBAC labour and a non-VBAC from a care provider/support perspective
And much much more!
Listen to this episode to find out more about how you can have an instinctive birth & the many benefits!
Join our free Facebook Support Group HERE!
Get Support for your VBAC Homebirth with Ashley -Journey into Motherhood Program HERE!
In this episode Ashley - Doula and Mother shares how you can work through fear to help you rock your VBAC Homebirth.
I share some of the fears I have had in my previous pregnancies and births and the fear I have been working through during this pregnancy and my first planned homebirth after 2-csections.
Here are the steps I discuss during this episode -
Step one - Explore & understand your fear - write it down in a notebook
Step two - Understand it's okay and perfectly natural to feel fear (we all do)
Step three - If you feel you need extra support seek out a professional to help you work through fear or work through past traumas
Step four - Create a safe & comfortable birthing environment & invite-only positive and supportive into your pregnancy & birth bubble
Step five - Use tools like meditation, positive affirmations and talk to your supportive circle of support (like midwife, doula, friend).
And don't allow negative birth stories or people into your birth bubble!
Listen to this episode to find out more about how you can work through your fear!
Join our free Facebook Support Group HERE!
Get Support for your VBAC Homebirth with Ashley -
Journey into Motherhood Program HERE!
In this episode, we meet Maddie who had a c-section with her first baby due to babies position being breech. Maddie felt as a younger mother she was not given the respect or support she deserved during her pregnancy.
Maddie has whitecoat syndrome - which means that her blood pressure rises around Dr's or health care professionals and she experiences high anxiety in this environment. Which made the pregnancy and birth of her first baby very challenging and anxiety was high.
Maddie found herself with a breech baby around 35 weeks and was told her only option was to give birth via c-section. It was recommended that Maddie deliver her baby at 35 weeks, and Maddie was able to advocate for herself to deliver close to her guess date.
After the c-section birth of her baby in recovery, Maddie was told she could have had a vaginal birth in a hospital one hour away and felt upset that this information was never given to her despite her clear desire to birth her baby vaginally and as naturally as possible.
Maddie suffered severe trauma and PTSD from the experience of the birth from a female Dr who did not ask for consent during the insertion of a catheter and went on to do some intense healing and work with a spiritual counsellor and long time midwife in her area.
Knowing the second time around she wanted to birth at home and stay away from the hospital she met with a midwife in the area and didn't feel a connection and decided to plan a free birth at home.
At 39+5 Maddie went into labour and had 20 hours of active labour before birthing her posterior baby boy in the shower just like she had visualised birthing him 6 months prior to his birth. Explaining she had an out of body experience and at times her labour was pleasurable - Maddie would love to do this all over again!
Not knowing how much blood loss Maddie had, and the amount looking like quite a lot in the shower with the water they decided to call an Ambulance finding out in hospital it was quite minimal around 300 ml blood loss - which was very reassuring.
In the hospital, Maddie came face to face with the female Dr who had traumatised her in her first birth. Only this time the Dr was very respectful and caring (a very different experience to the first encounter)
Maddie found great healing and peace from this visit - even feeling fond memories when driving past the hospital now.
Listen to this episode to find out more about Maddie's healing and pleasurable Freebirth!
More from Ashley:
Join me in a live Workshop here!
Join out VBAC Homebirth Support Group here
Find out more on how I can support you + you can have me as your guide + biggest supporter - Click here!
Insta: @ashleylwinningEmail: hello@themotherhoodcircle.com.au
Ashley x
In this episode, we meet Emma who's oldest son was born in the UK via emergency c-section at 42+1 after a failed induction.
As a plus-size Mumma Emma decided to hire a private midwife for her second birth here in Australia.
Planning a home birth because she had always wanted a home birth, but also to give herself the best chance at achieving a VBAC.
She didn't want to have to fight the system during her pregnancy and especially during labour. She needed to be supported by someone who believed in her and believed in a women's ability to birth their babies. She found the perfect midwife to support her through her journey!
Emma's daughter was born at home in January last year. She had a hind water leak 2 days before she was born and spent quite a bit of time walking and doing all she could to get the labour to fully start.
Using spinning babies techniques to keep it all moving along, as well as the midwife doing rebozo, rest and walking to get her labour going.
After labouring for most of the day and hitting transition after a phone call from the OB at the hospital asking her to come in she had told my midwife it was all too hard and she needed to go in for an epidural because she couldn’t go on much longer.
The midwife just smiled at me and said they weren’t going anywhere, this was exactly where she needed to be and Elodie the baby would be born soon.
Not long after, Emma experienced her first foetal ejection reflex, and after another, she got into the pool. After a few more contractions and FER, she flew out into the water and Emma was only just able to catch her!
Listen to this episode to find out more about Emma's supported homebirth where she had a conversation during birth to an OB to try and cancel an appointment at the hospital!
More from Ashley:
Join me in a live Workshop here!
Join out VBAC Homebirth Support Group here
Find out more on how I can support you + you can have me as your guide + biggest supporter - Click here!
Insta: @ashleylwinning
Email: hello@themotherhoodcircle.com.au
Ashley x
In this episode, we meet Emerald, a mother of two who birthed her first baby in the USA by an unplanned c-section. She was planning on having a birth at a private birth centre with midwives and skipped the 20-week scan and at 36 weeks went in to have a quick scan to see where the placenta was.
After the scan Emerald was given the bad news that there was something wrong with the baby and that she would not be able to give birth at the birth centre. She prepared to give birth at the hospital and was induced at 41 weeks and after a cascade of interventions ended up with a C-section. It turned out that there was nothing wrong with the baby he was perfectly healthy.
Pregnant with her second baby she knew that she was going to do everything differently.
She did not see anyone during the pregnancy until 20 weeks. Not wanting to have a similar experience she had a 20-week scan and the baby looked perfectly healthy. Planning on having a home birth with a midwife but did not find a midwife that she really resonated with plans to move into a different area she wasn’t sure where she was going to be giving birth, so decided to freebirth.
Emerald went into labour on her own at home at 40 weeks and three days and had a wonderful, healing and calm birth with her daughter. Unfortunately, after waiting for 12 hours for the placenta to be birthed she did head into the hospital for a retained placenta and have a D&C and was able to go home that afternoon.
Emerald said if she had another birth she would plan another freebirth.
Listen to this episode to find out more about Emeralds planned Freebirth after C-Section.
More from Ashley:
Join me in a live Workshop here!
Join out VBAC Homebirth Support Group here
Find out more on how I can support you + you can have me as your guide + biggest supporter - Click here!
Insta: @ashleylwinningEmail: hello@themotherhoodcircle.com.au
Ashley x
Connect with Emerald:
Website is www.rootsofawomban.com
I’m a Wellness Coach that focuses on women’s health, pregnancy, birth and everything in-between.
In this episode, we meet Melanie Jackson - AKA Melanie the Midwife. Melanie has been a private midwife for 11 years and has worked as a homebirth midwife for her entire midwifery career (www.melaniethemidwife.com).
We talked about the reason why women choose freebirth for their VBAC which includes not feeling supported by health care providers to have the birth they want, birth trauma, feeling unsafe and wanting to be the authority on their birth.
We also took it a step further to dig deeper into some of the cultures in hospital systems about VBAC and why many health care providers seem scared of supporting a VBAC and why some homebirth midwives choose not to support women at home after c-section.
Plus we discuss some of the VBAC myths of "scare tactics" that sometimes lead women into feeling like their only choice is a repeat c-section.
Whether you want to find out more about freebirth for yourself or you want to explore further having a VBAC Homebirth with a midwife this episode is not to be missed!
MORE ON MELANIE:
Melanie also has a PhD called ‘Birthing outside the system’ which focuses on what motivates women to choose freebirth or homebirth with known risk factors. Melanie has recently published a paper on her findings from this study which is available to read in full here
Melanie was also a contributing author in a book on the same topic called ‘Birthing outside the system: the canary in the coalmine’. Melanie also works as a part-time researcher at Western Sydney University.
Melanie lives in the Blue Mountains NSW with her 2 children (3 and 7 years old) who were both born at home. When they are not working Melanie and her Husband Dan spend their time homeschooling their children and maintaining their small homestead which includes a bee hive, three goats, 6 chickens, 12 quails, 1 dog, worm farms, compost heaps and vegetable gardens. Melanie loves to crochet in the evenings after what always seem to be wildly full days
Listen to this episode to find out more about Why women choose freebirth for their VBAC
More from Ashley:
Join me in a live Workshop here!
Join out VBAC Homebirth Support Group here
Find out more on how I can support you + you can have me as your guide + biggest supporter - Click here!
Insta: @ashleylwinning Email: hello@themotherhoodcircle.com.au
Ashley x
In this episode, we meet Silka, a mother of three who desperately wanted to experience a vaginal birth when she was pregnant with her first baby. After booking in with the birth centre and feeling ready to vaginally birth her baby, she felt that her baby wasn't thriving and had a growth scan to check on her baby.
After finding out that her baby had Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) she was kept in hospital for monitoring. After another scan Silka was shocked to learn the next day she would deliver her baby by c-section. Something she had never considered and felt very overwhelmed by.
Her tiny baby was sent to NICU as soon as she was born for weeks and Silka knew something was wrong and suspected Deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Knowing she wanted a VBAC with her next baby Silka advocated for a VBAC where she felt she was constantly being the told of the risk of VBAC. After being told after a growth scan her baby would be 12-13 pounds at delivery Silka felt pushed into another C-section.
Suffering birth trauma and not planning on another baby, Silka was surprised to find herself pregnant a few years later and unsure of what to do after being told once two c-sections that was her only choice moving forward.
Silka advocated for herself yet again and felt deeply she wanted to have a VBA2C, connecting with a supportive midwife to finding herself on a journey to homebirth Silka experienced a calm and healing HBA2C.
This story is filled with so many twists and turns that it's surely not one to be missed!
Listen to this episode to find out more about Silka's healing homebirth after 2- csections.
More from Ashley:
Join me in a live Workshop here!
Find out more on how I can support you + you can have me as your guide + biggest supporter - Click here!
Insta: @ashleylwinning Email: hello@themotherhoodcircle.com.au
Ashley x
In this episode Ashley - Doula and Mother shares how you can enjoy a more positive mindset to help you rock your empowered & confident VBAC Homebirth.
Step one - Feeding your body & mind with positivity
Step two - Support: Creating your circle of support
Step three - Working through fears old stories & past trauma
Step four - Accountability: Doing the work & making it a routine, or finding someone to help you stay accountable
Listen to this episode to find out more about how you can create a more positive mindset!
More from Ashley:
Join me in a live Workshop here!
Find out more on how I can support you + you can have me as your guide + biggest supporter - Click here!
Insta: @ashleylwinning Email: hello@themotherhoodcircle.com.au
Ashley x
In this episode, we meet April, a mother of two.
April shares her story of wanting to feel informed and supported during a private hospital birth with an Obgn to find herself feeling unsupported in many areas of her birth preparation and choices.
After "failure to wait" and stalling at 9cms, a csection was recommended as the next course of action.
April knew she wanted a vaginal birth for her next baby and found a hands-off supportive midwife who would see her achieve a HBAC waterbirth with a longish labour with guidance, support and love, ending in an empowering and healing birth.
Listen to this episode to find out more about April's HBAC water birth.
More from Ashley:
Join me in a live Workshop here!
Find out more on how I can support you + you can have me as your guide + biggest supporter - Click here!
Insta: @ashleylwinning Email: hello@themotherhoodcircle.com.au
Ashley x
In this episode, we meet Aimee as she shares her story of being educated and planning a vaginal homebirth with her a trusted midwife with the first baby.
After some bleeding around 36 weeks, Aimee meets with an OBGYN to find she has a placental abruption which will require a cesarean delivery.
Aimee shares how she advocated for certain things in her surgery that made it more positive and how she went on to have two vaginal homebirths after.
Listen to this episode to hear Aimee's empowering homebirth stories!
More from Ashley:
Join me in a live Workshop here!
Find out more on how I can support you + you can have me as your guide + biggest supporter - Click here!
Insta: @ashleylwinning Email: hello@themotherhoodcircle.com.au
Ashley x
In this episode, we meet Kamal, a mother of two boys living on the Gold Coast.
Kamal shares her story of wanting to have a vaginal hospital birth and finding out late in her pregnancy that baby was breech.
There was a suggestion of induction due to gestational diabetes and when Kamal told the health care provider that the baby was breech more scans were conducted to find out that baby was still breech.
An immediate c-section was scheduled and while Kamal had a birth plan, some of her wishes were not honoured, including keeping the placenta to take home.
Knowing she wanted a VBAC early on with her second baby, she spent the next 9 months investing in her journey and joining me in the Journey into Motherhood online program and taking a Hypnobirthing class to educate and empower herself.
Listen to this episode to find out more about Kamal's unplanned, unassisted VBAC homebirth.
More from Ashley:
Join me in a live Workshop here!
Find out more on how I can support you + you can have me as your guide + biggest supporter - Click here!
Insta: @ashleylwinning
Email: hello@themotherhoodcircle.com.au
Ashley x
Hello & Welcome to this brand new podcast and the first episode to The VBAC Homebirth Stories Podcast.
I invite you to join me today where I share a little bit about me - Ashley, mother of two and Doula as I share the reason why I created this podcast for women wanting to explore VBAC in a homebirth setting.
I hope you enjoy this very first episode!
Ashley
More from Ashley:
Join me in a live Workshop here!
Find out more on how I can support you + you can have me as your guide + biggest supporter - Click here!
Insta: @ashleylwinning Email: hello@themotherhoodcircle.com.au
Ashley x