In this episode, I’m opening up about the journey that led me from having a C-section with my second baby to experiencing a home birth with my third. First, you’ll hear me share about the surprise of finding out I was pregnant again just seven months postpartum and the swirl of emotions that came with that news. Because of the short gap between pregnancies and my prior C-section, I found myself in the complicated space of navigating VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) versus scheduling another C-section. There were a lot of ups and downs as I navigated going from a c-section to a home birth (and there’s definitely a business lesson or two in this episode).
I also walk through the conflicting advice I received from providers with some encouraging me that I was a strong VBAC candidate, others trying to scare me out of even considering it. That contrast really forced me into deep research, lots of journaling, and long conversations with friends, podcasts, and faith reflections. If you take nothing else from this episode, I hope you can hear how much I believe in YOUR right to be an active participant in the birthing plan you choose to pursue.
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Search for episode 318!
This episode is part of a four-part birth series, listen to them all here:
- Episode 318: All about my pregnancy (the behind-the-scenes of my decision to have a home birth and prepare for a VBAC)
- Episode 319: Sophia’s home birth story
- Episode 320: A Q&A where I answered 15 questions about all things birth
- Episode 321: My 13 best tips for thriving during postpartum season
In this episode, you'll hear me talk about the early pull I felt toward home birth, even though it seemed so out of reach at first. Many midwives flat-out rejected me because of my prior C-section and the 16-month age gap between my babies. For a time, I thought home birth was impossible, and I grieved that. But as I kept seeking, praying, and pushing forward, clarity began to form that I not only wanted a VBAC but specifically a home birth after cesarean.
I also share the very real fear I had of whether my body could handle it, and how I wrestled with thoughts of “who am I to think I could do this?” At the same time, I began to see how faith, persistence, and taking massive action worked together—I contacted 17 different midwives before finally finding the right one, someone who believed in me and also had the caution and wisdom I wanted in a provider
Throughout the episode, you’ll also hear me make it clear that my story isn’t about prescribing one “right” path for birth. I make it clear that I believe all birth is beautiful (whether by C-section, hospital VBAC, or home birth), and that the real key is being informed and supported in your choices. And ultimately, I share why I chose to pursue a home birth after cesarean, how I prepared mentally and physically, and the role faith played in carrying me through what became my dream birth story.
For a complete list of home birth supplies, links to my birthing team, and more birthing resources I found helpful (and mentioned in this episode), click here.
Timestamps & Topics Discussed:
In this episode, I share how I moved from processing my C-section and learning about VBACs to finding a supportive midwife. Then I walk through the preparation side: the differences in prenatal care, the faith and mindset work, and how I found peace heading into a home birth after C-section. See below for a detailed list on topics covered.
[02:58]: Finding out I was pregnant with baby Sofia just 7 months after a C-section (and learning more about C-section recovery and VBAC options which I hadn’t been aware of prior to having one).
[07:10]: Feeling the desire of a home birth and quickly getting discouraged after reaching out to a few providers that it might be harder to try for than I initially realized (and prematurely grieving over the idea this would be my last baby and I was never going to have a home birth).
[09:11]: A bad experience with a nurse practitioner that spawned my research into VBACs, HBACs, and repeat c-sections (and the risks of both) and feeling undecided what the right birthing plan would be.
[13:11]: Core beliefs I have around birth (after having three very different birth experiences)
[16:38]: Some of the resources that helped my research whether or not a c-section, VBAC, or HBAC (which you can find here) and discussing with my doctor whether I personally would be a good (or bad) candidate for different options.
[23:40]: Getting clarity on the birthing plan I wanted (which was a VBAC at home) and also how clarity looked different than I expected.
[27:06]: Why I wanted to pursue a VBAC at home (HBAC) - 6 Reasons
[34:03]: Finding and assembling my birth team (there’s a business lesson in here). While it wasn’t without challenges, it was absolutely worth the effort assembling the best team possible. If you’re looking for a Nashville birth team, you can find who I worked with here.
[46:02]: What prenatal care looked like (and why I think this was my healthiest pregnancy yet)
[52:42]: Why I always recommend hiring a Doula regardless of your birthing plan
[55:00]: Preparing my body for birth (this does not get talked about enough!)
[01:09:03]: Nesting for a home birth (you can see some of the home birth supplies here)
Links Mentioned:
Read my home birth resource guide (with links)
Episodes mentioned:
- Colin's birth story
- Ethan's birth story
- Taking a break from my podcast
- Coming back from my podcast break
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Listen to the Breakthrough Brand Podcast
Thanks to our blog sponsor, Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM)!
CHM is a faith-based alternative to health insurance—at about half the cost. You can enroll at any time and join a proven, faith-based solution that’s both reliable and affordable.
My family has been CHM members for over 5 years, and their maternity care shared all expenses for all 3 of my children’s births—from c-section to home birth. They even shared costs for key parts of prep and postpartum care, like pelvic floor physical therapy and lactation consulting.
Beyond birth, CHM has helped us through ER visits, surgeries, and procedures. Those bills were shared by other CHM members, leaving us responsible only for our monthly contribution.
I can’t recommend Christian Healthcare Ministries enough! It’s more than financial help—it’s also spiritual support when you need it most.
Learn more here! And if you’d like to hear our full story, check out episode 305 of The Breakthrough Brand Podcast, where Adam and I dive into our experience with CHM.
For a complete list of home birth supplies, links to my birthing team, and more birthing resources I found helpful (and mentioned in this episode), click here.
