DiscoverMade For Birth; The VBAC Podcast For Birth After Cesarean
Made For Birth; The VBAC Podcast For Birth After Cesarean
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Made For Birth; The VBAC Podcast For Birth After Cesarean

Author: Katherine Stephens - Made 4 Birth

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Are you a mom planning a VBAC or CBAC and looking for solid support and inspiration? You’re in the right place! 

Join us each week as we dive into empowering stories, expert advice, and the latest research to help you navigate your birth journey with confidence. From the challenges to the triumphs, I'm here to provide you with the information and encouragement you need to have the birth experience you’ve always dreamed of.

Tune in, feel empowered, and remember—you were made for this!

88 Episodes
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Movement isn’t just “nice to have” in pregnancy—it’s essential. In this episode, I sit down with Kate Hopkins, a doula, L&D nurse, and Body Ready Method pro, to break down why movement matters so much for both pregnancy and birth. Kate shares how the right movements can reduce common complications, support your baby’s position, and help you feel strong and prepared for labor. Whether you’re looking to lower your risk of interventions or just want to feel more connected to your body,...
I’m sitting down with Jessica Gable, a registered nurse turned doula who is passionate about low-intervention hospital birth and childbirth advocacy. Jessica has supported countless moms, including those navigating VBACs, and she’s bringing both real-life stories and practical strategies to help you find your voice in the birth room. We’re talking about: ✨ How to prevent those “How did I get here?” birth moments ✨ What advocacy really looks like in a hospital setting ✨ Tips for navigating V...
It’s here, Mama—launch day! 💛 My book You’re Not Broken, You’re Postpartum is officially out in the world, and in this special episode, I’m giving you a gift: I’m reading the introductory chapter straight from the book. This isn’t polished or sugarcoated—it’s raw, honest, and written for the nights you feel unseen, the mornings you feel overwhelmed, and the days you wonder if you’re enough. Spoiler: you are. ✨ Launch Day Special: The ebook is just $1.99 today only! 👉 Grab your copy ...
When your birth story doesn’t go as planned, it can leave a mark on your heart that shows up in postpartum in ways you didn’t expect. In this episode, I’m opening up about my own journey—becoming a mom 9 years ago through a cesarean I never imagined—and how that unexpected path made my postpartum heavier than it had to be. We’ll talk about the hidden connection between your birth and your postpartum mental health, how to recognize when those lingering emotions might be affecting you, and wh...
Why Dilation Doesn’t Predict Birth You’ve heard it. You’ve maybe even stressed over it: “You’re only 1 cm…” “You’ve been 4 cm for weeks…” “You’re not making any progress.” But here’s the truth: Your cervix is not a fortune teller. In this episode, we’re calling out the over-focus on cervical dilation and why it’s such a misleading measure of how “close” you are to labor—or how labor is progressing. You’ll learn: Why dilation doesn’t predict labor onsetWhy internal checks can create ...
Let’s get one thing straight: your provider’s fear should not be the reason you say yes to something in birth. In this episode, we’re diving into how fear-based counseling shows up in VBAC consults and what true informed consent actually looks and feels like. We’re unpacking the difference between evidence-based recommendations and emotionally charged pressure—and why understanding that difference is the key to reclaiming your power. Whether your provider is afraid of uterine rupture, hospi...
You’ve heard it before—“Just trust your doctor.” But what if trusting yourself mattered just as much? In this episode, I’m breaking down what it really means to advocate for your birth, especially when your OB has a different plan. Spoiler: being pro-patient choice doesn’t mean you’re anti-doctor—it means you’re pro-you. We’ll talk about: Why many OBs guide with fear instead of factsHow to spot defensive medicine vs evidence-based careWhat informed consent actually looks like (and what ...
80- When Labor Stalls

80- When Labor Stalls

2025-08-0111:14

You’re in labor. You’re doing everything right. But suddenly… things slow way down. Is something wrong? Maybe not at all. In this episode, we unpack one of the most misunderstood reasons labor “stalls” — baby’s position. We talk posterior, asynclitic, and all the funky angles babies can wiggle into that slow the birth process down — and why that’s not a failure, it’s a signal. You’ll learn how experienced midwives know when to wait, how to tell the difference between “slow” and “concernin...
Desperate for labor to start? You’re not alone. But mama, before you chug the castor oil or speed-walk your neighborhood like it’s a race track, this episode is your wake-up call. We’re busting 10 common myths about inducing labor at home — the ones you’ve seen on TikTok, heard from your cousin, or silently believed yourself. You’ll learn what actually starts labor (hint: it’s not spicy food), what your body is doing behind the scenes, and how to support your labor without trying to force i...
If your first breastfeeding journey felt harder than it should’ve been… it probably was. And you’re not crazy for thinking something wasn’t right. In today’s episode, I’m joined by Jaimie—an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and mom of 5 dedicated to helping mothers who value breastfeeding navigate challenges with confidence & clarity by teaching them to work with their design, their baby's design, uncover the root cause of feeding challenges, and make decisions from th...
You’re not lazy. You’re not ungrateful. You’re not doing it wrong. You’re carrying the postpartum mental load—and it’s invisible, exhausting, and absolutely real. In this episode, we’re naming the weight moms carry that no one talks about: the never-ending mental tabs, emotional labor, planning, anticipating, and managing that comes with having a baby. It’s not just about diaper changes and healing—it’s the invisible load that follows you everywhere. We’ll break down: •What the postpartum ...
Today’s episode is a little different—in the best possible way. I’m finally sharing all the exciting things that have been happening behind the scenes in my business (and believe me, there’s a lot to catch you up on!). Inside this episode, you’ll hear: ✨ The heart behind my upcoming book “You’re Not Broken, You’re Postpartum” ✨ What goes into my 1:1 Birth & Postpartum Planning Sessions—and why they’re total game changers ✨ A breakdown of the 3 tiers of Online Coaching support (including...
In this powerful episode, Baylee, a labor and delivery nurse pulls back the curtain on her two cesarean births—and the emotional and personal growth that came with each one. Her first birth happened early in her nursing career. She trusted the process, trusted the staff, and expected her induction to unfold with guidance and support. Instead, she was met with fear-based messaging, pressure to comply, and decisions made without truly informed consent. The result? A cesarean she didn’t feel p...
Planning to birth without an epidural? This episode is your prep talk and power boost. I’m breaking down three tools every mama needs in her back pocket when preparing for an unmedicated birth—and trust me, they’re probably not what you’re expecting. Whether you’re still deciding or you’re fully committed to going unmedicated, this conversation will help you feel more grounded, more informed, and way more confident. Plus, I’ll share how we take this even deeper inside Clarity Coaching so yo...
Did you know that the right birth education could be the difference between a smooth, empowered VBAC and a repeat C-section you didn’t want? 🤯 Most hospital childbirth classes barely scratch the surface when it comes to VBAC, leaving moms unprepared for the policies, biases, and interventions that can seriously impact their birth experience. In this episode, we’re diving deep into: ✅ The huge difference between hospital-based classes and true VBAC-focused education ✅ How hospital policies ...
Birth isn’t just physical — it’s emotional, it’s mental, it’s soul-deep. In today’s episode, I’m sitting down with the incredible Jessica Rushing to talk about what happens when emotions take center stage in labor. Jessica shares a powerful story of emotional twists in birth and how working through those feelings, instead of against them, made all the difference. We dive deep into why preparing your mindset during pregnancy is just as critical as prepping your birth plan — and how that emotio...
When it comes to deciding between a VBAC or a repeat cesarean, too many mamas are left with surface-level info and a whole lot of fear. And let’s be honest—that’s not good enough when it comes to one of the biggest decisions of your life. In this episode, we’re cutting through the noise and diving deep into the evidence—so you can walk away feeling clear, confident, and fully informed. 👉 Not pressured. 👉 Not guilted. 👉 Not scared into a decision that doesn’t sit right with you. We’re brea...
Did you know that the way you position your body during labor can literally make or break how smoothly things progress? 🤯 Most hospital births still default to pushing flat on your back—but here’s the truth your OB might not mention: your pelvis is designed to MOVE—and your labor positions should too! In this episode, we’re breaking it all down: 🔹 The three major parts of the pelvis—the inlet, midpelvis, and outlet—and how different movements and positions help baby navigate each one 🔹 Why ...
Today we’re talking about something every pregnant woman deserves to know: how to advocate for yourself in pregnancy and birth — without apology, without fear, and without shrinking to make others comfortable. I’m sitting down with the amazing Adoring Doula to break it all down: what true advocacy looks like, why it matters so much, and how having the right doula in your corner can completely change your birth experience. Krystil is a doula, educator, and the founder of Innerbloom Doula Insti...
Did you know the way you breathe during labor can literally transform your entire birth experience? Your breath isn’t just about getting oxygen—it’s one of the most powerful tools you have to ease pain, stay grounded, and help your body work in sync with your contractions. When you know how to use it, your breath becomes your secret weapon. In this episode, we’re diving deep into: 🌬️ The best breathing techniques for early labor, active labor, and transition (and when to switch it up) 🌬️ Th...
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