“Inhale peace, exhale tension.” Did you know that the cascade of interventions can not only contribute to a Cesarean but may cause one?  Melanie believes that was the case with her first birth. Her difficult recovery included going to EMDR therapy to help with her PTSD. Her OB/GYN did mention that she would be a great VBAC candidate. Not knowing VBAC was a thing, Melanie’s research began. Cue The VBAC Link! Melanie vigorously dove into VBAC prep before she was pregnant again. Her journey is one that shows just how powerful intuition and manifestation can be.  Melanie went from having PROM with her first to arriving at the birth center at 7 centimeters and even being able to reach down to feel her bulging bag of waters as her baby began to emerge en caul! Other talking points in this episode include: Achieving a VBAC without a doula Husband support  Birth affirmations Recommended podcasts and books Specific ways to avoid PROM Hypnobirthing by Siobhan Miller The VBAC Link Blog: 9 VBAC Books We Recommend The Birth Hour Down to Birth Needed Website How to VBAC: The Ultimate Prep Course for Parents Full Transcript under Episode Details  Meagan: Hello, everybody. Happy VBAC Link Podcast day, whatever day it is that you are listening. We are so happy that you are here. We have our friend, Melanie, from Texas. Texas, is that where you are? That’s where my mind is thinking.  Melanie: Yep. Yep. Wiley, Texas just outside Dallas.  Meagan: Perfect and did you have your VBAC in Texas? Melanie: Yes. In Dallas.  Meagan: In Dallas, okay. We have her sharing her stories with us today you guys. At the end, we’re going to be talking about PROM. Right before we got recording, I was talking about how important I think talking about PROM is which if you haven’t heard lately what PROM means, there are all of these acronyms all over the place when it comes to VBAC birth, but it’s premature rupture of membranes. We are both PROM moms here and so we are very passionate about the topic. If you have had your water break before labor really started and got going in the past, definitely hang on in the end because we are going to be talking more about that and maybe some ways that could or maybe not, we are hoping these are the ways that helped us avoid premature rupture of membranes.  We are going to be talking about that and of course, her beautiful VBAC story. I do have a Review of the Week and this is by milka. It says, “VBAC Podcast Review.” It says, “Hi. I love listening to your podcast. I had an unplanned C-section with my first birth and am preparing for my second birth now. I didn’t know what to do to make sure I didn’t end up with the same situation. Hearing so many women’s stories and experiences validated mine but most importantly, I learned so many tips and ideas to help my VBAC. I had a successful VBAC and now recommend this podcast to all expecting moms. Just such a great no-pressure and enjoyable way to learn.”  I love that she talked about no pressure because that is what this podcast is about. This is a place where people share their stories, where they share information both on VBAC and CBAC, and all topics when it comes to birth. We want you to just be here, be in this space, and have it connect with you how it connects with you and take these women’s stories and these providers who are coming on and the information given and apply it however, it looks for your journey.  Melanie and I were just talking a little bit before the episode about how it just feels so full circle. So many of these Women of Strength who have come on before Melanie here and have shared their experiences and people listening, it really is so impactful. Right, Melanie? You were saying that I was in your ear. We were in your ear and these people’s stories were in your ear doing what? Empowering you.  Melanie: Mhmm. Oh yeah, it’s incredible. It feels very full circle to be here.  Meagan: Yes. We are very