In episode 5 of ⁠Definitely Baby⁠'s VBAC mini-series, three wonderful women share their VBAC journeys. As the stories can attest, there is so much power in equipping yourself with evidence-based information and knowledge throughout your pregnancy, especially if you’re planning a VBAC. There are so many great resources and podcasts you can gather this information, and I truly believe that the power of listening to other people’s journeys to VBAC is one of the best and most empowering and encouraging forms of knowledge we can equip ourselves with.

Story 1: Kirsty

Kirsty lives in the Gold Coast with her partner Tom and two young sons, Jasper and Toby (19 months apart).

Jasper’s birth was an emergency caesarean after initial ‘failure to progress’ and an adverse reaction to synthetic oxytocin. It was almost 11 hours before Kirsty was able to hold Jasper which was devastating for her.

Kirsty immediately knew she wanted a VBAC for her next birth so she joined a VBAC support group and began researching and reading VBAC birth stories ahead of trying to conceive.

Toby’s birth was a successful VBAC in a public hospital system under the MGP. Despite experiencing a 3C tear requiring surgery, Kirsty states Toby’s birth was extremely healing and the 3.5 hours of post-birth skin on skin she experienced with Toby was everything she could have hoped for.

Story 2: Rachael

In Rachael's first pregnancy, she chose a private OB and was diagnosed with GDM at 28 weeks. This led to an induction at 39+3 with various interventions, ending in a C-section. Her son was quickly taken away, affecting bonding and breastfeeding.

In her next pregnancy, she focused on regaining control and skin-to-skin contact. She researched extensively, hired a private midwife and doula, and planned a home birth. However, her home birth was cancelled due to a GDM diagnosis at 28 weeks. She included osteopathy and acupuncture in her pregnancy routine and maintained her healthcare team.

At 40+5 weeks, Rachael went into spontaneous labor and went to the hospital when contractions were 5 minutes apart. Despite declining certain medical interventions, a VE revealed she was 3cm dilated, had bulging waters, and the baby was in a posterior position. She opted for a repeat C-section, which turned out to be an amazing experience. She had immediate contact with her daughter during the birth, and they asked for her consent before cutting the cord. Emma was placed on her chest for a beautiful moment, and she remained with Rachael into the recovery period.

Postpartum, Rachael felt a stronger bond with Emma than she initially did with her son, and breastfeeding was easier. She was grateful for her choices, even though her VBAC resulted in another C-section, as it left her feeling empowered.

Giuditta lives in Perth WA with her husband Jacob and three children, Oliver (5), Chiara (4) and James (11 months).

Giuditta’s first birth was an emergency c-section due to “failure to progress” from induction given when both her body and baby were not ready. 

The explanations she was given were that her body did not know how to labour on its own and that she was probably an “unlucky woman” to never experience it.

A few months after the birth they fell pregnant again and she knew she wanted a VBAC; however her daughter remained breech and they opted for a planned c-section.

In 2021 Giuditta had a natural miscarriage at 12 weeks at home. Although a sad loss for their family, this event made her question so much more. How could she miscarry and not birth?

With this in her mindset when they fell pregnant again in 2022 she knew she could have a VBA2C. She hired a private midwife as she knew this model of continuity of care was her best chance.

Follow our instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@definitelybabypodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠for photos of this week's guests.