The VBAC Homebirth Stories Podcast

Ashley Winning
The VBAC Homebirth Stories Podcast

✨ Unfiltered, unapologetic, and deeply inspiring VBAC homebirth stories. If you're a mama seeking VBAC homebirth inspiration, you’re in the right place! Hosted by Ashley Winning, a Homebirth Educator, Doula, and HBA2C mama, this podcast shares raw, real birth stories from women who reclaimed their power and birthed on their terms. Listen for powerful stories, expert insights, and encouragement to help you trust your body, navigate challenges, and births on your terms, your way. 🎧 Subscribe now ⚠️ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.

  1. 4 DAYS AGO

    EP152 | Reclaiming Women’s Wisdom with Jane Hardwicke Collings

    In this powerful episode, we sit down with Jane Hardwicke Collings, a grandmother, former homebirth midwife, and internationally renowned teacher of women's mysteries. Jane’s work spans decades, focusing on the sacred dimensions of menstruation, childbirth, and menopause, helping women reconnect with their bodies and reclaim their power. Having trained as a midwife in the hospital system, Jane had a profound awakening to the institutionalised abuse within maternity care. This led her on a lifelong mission to educate and empower women, founding The School of Shamanic Womancraft, an international women’s mystery school. Jane shares her personal experiences with birth, including her own VBAC journey, and the importance of surrender, trust, and deep inner work in preparing for birth and beyond. Jane’s journey from hospital midwife to homebirth advocate. The importance of rites of passage and how they shape a woman’s journey. Understanding and healing birth trauma through a shamanic lens. How modern maternity care fails women and what we can do to change it. The power of surrender in birth and how it transformed Jane’s own experiences. Practical tools for women to connect with their intuition during pregnancy and birth. Jane’s wisdom is raw, deep, and life-changing—this is a must-listen for anyone wanting to reclaim the power of physiological birth and dismantle the patriarchal narratives surrounding women’s bodies. 🎧 Tune in now for a deeply inspiring and transformative conversation! About Jane Hardwicke Collings🌿 Follow Jane on Social Media Instagram:@janehardwickecollings Facebook:Jane Hardwicke Collings More from Ashley: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The VBAC Village⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Insta: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@ashleylwinning⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.ashleywinning.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join our⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ VBAC Homebirth Support ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Group here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Love the podcast? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy me a⁠ Disclaimer: The VBAC Homebirth Stories Podcast is for educational and inspirational purposes only. The stories and opinions shared are personal experiences and should not be considered medical advice. Every birth journey is unique, and we encourage you to research, trust your intuition, and consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care. The host and guests of this podcast are not liable for any outcomes resulting from the information shared. By listening, you acknowledge that you take full responsibility for your own health and birth choices.

    1h 43m
  2. 24/12/2024

    EP151 | The Freebirth Witch-Hunt: What the ABC is Missing (Part Two)

    In this continuation of our discussion, Ashley and Jade dive deep into the history of midwifery and its transformation over the years. They explore the ripple effects of medicalisation, the current roles of birth workers, and the challenges created by the fear-driven narratives surrounding free birth. With a focus on fostering collaboration and understanding, this episode shines a light on what’s needed to create a more inclusive and supportive birthing environment. What they discuss in This Episode: 🌟 The rich history of midwifery and how it shifted into institutionalised care. 🌟 The blurred lines between doulas, birth keepers, and midwives—and why they matter. 🌟 How unlearning and deschooling play a role for birth workers transitioning out of the system. 🌟 The importance of reclaiming birthing autonomy while fostering community collaboration. 🌟 What’s missing in the conversation about supporting women who choose free birth. Key Quotes from the Episode: 💬 “Imagine a world where midwives, doulas, and birth keepers work together without fear or judgment. That’s the kind of world we need.” – Ashley 💬 “Women aren’t going to stop free birthing. Let’s create systems that provide support without punishment or shame.” – Jade Resources Mentioned: Books on the history of midwifery and birth (e.g., “Reclaiming Birth” by Dr. Rachel Reed). Local and online communities for birth workers and free birthing families. Episodes of The Great Birth Rebellion podcast (referenced in the discussion). Join the Conversation: How do you envision the future of midwifery and birth support? Do you think collaboration between different birth professionals is possible? Let us know your thoughts! More from Ashley: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The VBAC Village⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Insta: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@ashleylwinning⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.ashleywinning.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join our⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ VBAC Homebirth Support ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Group here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Love the podcast? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy me a

    1h 15m
  3. 18/12/2024

    EP150 | The Freebirth Witch-Hunt: What the ABC is Missing - Part 1

    In this eye-opening episode, Ashley is joined by Jade, a doula and mother of three, to explore the recent media scrutiny surrounding free birth. They dive into the sensationalised narratives dominating headlines, including a controversial ABC article that painted unregulated birth workers as dangerous. Together, they challenge these perceptions and offer a deeper understanding of why women choose freebirth. What we discuss in this Episode: 🌟 Why women choose free birth—and how those choices are often misunderstood. 🌟 The impact of fear-based media narratives on the birthing community. 🌟 The vital role of transparency when hiring birth workers. 🌟 The challenges faced by birth workers supporting free births. 🌟 Why collaboration and compassion are essential in the birth world. Key Quotes from the Episode: 💬 “We perpetuate this idea that birth is dangerous because negative stories dominate the narrative.” – Ashley 💬 “Women aren’t going to stop free birthing. The solution isn’t to demonize it, but to create frameworks that offer support without fear of judgment or legal repercussions.” – Jade Resources Mentioned: Link to the ABC article discussed in the episode. ABC article titled “In the Sovereign Birthing World, Unqualified Birth Keepers Are Charging Thousands and Putting Lives at Risk The Birth Rebellion Podcast: Episode 128 - Birth keepers an investigation with journalist Charlotte King ABC Join the Conversation: What’s your take on the media’s portrayal of free birth? Have you experienced judgment for your birthing choices? Share your thoughts and connect with us on social media. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode. Your support helps us continue these important conversations! Love and light, Ashley x More from Ashley: ⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The VBAC Village⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Insta: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@ashleylwinning⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.ashleywinning.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join our⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ VBAC Homebirth Support ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Group here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Love the podcast? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy me a coffee here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    57 min
  4. 11/12/2024

    EP149 | Mastering Your Circle of Control - The Art of Letting Go

    Hey lovely, In today’s episode, I’m diving into one of my favourite tools for preparing for a VBAC: Mastering Your Circle of Control. This concept has been a game-changer for me and the women I support—it’s all about shifting your focus to what you can control and letting go of what’s outside your hands. Before you press play, make sure you grab your free Circle of Control workbook from my website here. It’s the perfect companion to this episode, and you’ll want it handy to get the most out of what we’re covering today. We’ll explore the three circles—Control, Influence, and Concern—and how you can use them to reduce stress, feel more empowered, and approach your VBAC journey with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed or just need a little extra guidance, this episode is here to support you. And don’t forget, if you haven’t downloaded your workbook yet, it’s not too late! Head over to my website now to grab it and start making those shifts today. Let’s dive in! Love and light, Ashley x More from Ashley: ⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The VBAC Village⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Insta: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@ashleylwinning⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.ashleywinning.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join our⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ VBAC Homebirth Support ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Group here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Love the podcast? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy me a coffee here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    46 min
  5. 27/11/2024

    EP148 | The Forgotten Women: VBAC Homebirth and the Fight for Support

    In this powerful episode, I share my speech from the Homebirth Australia Conference, where I shine a light on the struggles of VBAC homebirth women—the forgotten women in our maternity care system. These are the women who, despite their best efforts, find themselves unsupported, neglected, and often forced to navigate their birth journeys alone. I discuss how the system fails these women, the barriers they face in finding midwifery support, and the emotional toll of being pushed to freebirth or settle for care that doesn't align with their needs. You’ll hear about the courage and resilience of these women as they fight for their right to a safe, empowering homebirth, and the changes we need to make to ensure they are no longer left behind. What You'll Learn in This Episode: The challenges VBAC homebirth women face in accessing midwifery support. The emotional and physical impact of being failed by the maternity care system. Real-life examples of how women are navigating these barriers and advocating for their rights. Practical steps birth workers, midwives, and communities can take to support VBAC homebirth women better. This episode isn’t just about VBAC homebirth—it’s about highlighting the systemic issues that leave women unsupported in their birth choices. By addressing these challenges, we can work towards creating a future where every woman feels seen, heard, and empowered in her birthing journey. Enjoy this episode. Ashley x More from Ashley: ⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The VBAC Village⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Insta: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@ashleylwinning⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.ashleywinning.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join our⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ VBAC Homebirth Support ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Group here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Love the podcast? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy me a coffee here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    27 min
  6. 20/11/2024

    EP147 | Rhea Dempsey: A Conversation on VBAC Homebirths, Confidence, and the Power of Birth

    In this heartwarming and insightful episode, I sit down with renowned childbirth educator and doula Rhea Dempsey to explore the world of VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) homebirths. With nearly 50 years of experience, Rhea shares her wisdom on embracing the power of physiological birth, managing the “crisis of confidence” during labour, and reframing pain as a sign of strength. Rhea also reflects on the evolving homebirth landscape in Australia, the importance of building a strong support team, and why understanding past birthing experiences is crucial for planning a VBAC homebirth. Whether you're preparing for your next birth or supporting someone in their journey, this episode is filled with practical advice and empowering insights. Key Topics Covered: Rhea’s nearly 50-year journey supporting homebirths The evolution of homebirths in Australia and the role of midwives Understanding the “crisis of confidence” during labour and how to navigate it Reframing labour pain as functional and empowering Tips for building a strong support circle for VBAC homebirths Why reflecting on your previous birth experience is critical for VBAC preparation Resources Mentioned: Rhea Dempsey’s Books: Learn more about Rhea’s workshops and resources: Rhea Dempsey’s Website Takeaway Message: Birth is a transformative journey. With preparation, the right mindset, and a supportive team, women can reclaim confidence and embrace the potency of their bodies. I hope you enjoy this episode. Ashley x More from Ashley: ⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The VBAC Village⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Insta: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@ashleylwinning⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.ashleywinning.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join our⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ VBAC Homebirth Support ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Group here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Love the podcast? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy me a coffee here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    1h 29m
  7. 06/11/2024

    EP145 | Carissa - FBA2C, long labours, uterine fibroids, chorioamnionitis

    In this powerful episode, I chat with Carissa, a mother of three, about her journey through the medical system and towards an empowered freebirth after two C-sections. Carissa shares her story of resilience and self-advocacy as she faced multiple challenges, including a history of PCOS, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and a series of surgeries. She recounts her experiences of navigating unsupportive systems, including the frustration of her first C-section being booked around her OBGYN’s holiday, and the impact of having to choose freebirth due to a lack of supportive homebirth midwives. Carissa’s story illustrates the importance of trusting one’s body and reclaiming the birth experience. Key Takeaways: Trust Your Body’s Wisdom: Carissa’s journey shows the power of trusting her body’s natural ability to birth. Advocate for Your Choices: Throughout her pregnancies, Carissa learned the importance of questioning decisions and making informed choices, even when medical professionals insisted otherwise. Surrounding Yourself with the Right Support: The lack of supportive homebirth midwives led Carissa to freebirth, supported by her husband and friend. Birth Is a Journey of Self-Discovery: Each birth experience brought Carissa closer to understanding her strength, and her story exemplifies how birth can be a path to self-discovery and healing. Enjoy this episode. Ashley x Love the podcast? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy me a coffee here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ More from Ashley: ⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The VBAC Village⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Insta: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@ashleylwinning⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.ashleywinning.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join our⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ VBAC Homebirth Support ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Group here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    1h 38m
4.7
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

✨ Unfiltered, unapologetic, and deeply inspiring VBAC homebirth stories. If you're a mama seeking VBAC homebirth inspiration, you’re in the right place! Hosted by Ashley Winning, a Homebirth Educator, Doula, and HBA2C mama, this podcast shares raw, real birth stories from women who reclaimed their power and birthed on their terms. Listen for powerful stories, expert insights, and encouragement to help you trust your body, navigate challenges, and births on your terms, your way. 🎧 Subscribe now ⚠️ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.

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