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...

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...

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...

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...

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,...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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,...

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....

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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,...

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...

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...

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...