In this episode we chat to Sydney mum of two Rachel who experienced an unmedicated VBAC in a private hospital setting after going through 35 hours of labour. Following her caesarean Rachel went on to experience poor postpartum mental health and reflects how her first birth unfolding the way it did could have contributed to those feelings.  Rachel reveals her reasons for wanting to try for a vaginal birth again and one of those reasons is not one that we would immediately think of, but Rachel so eloquently explains how just the very process of going on a VBAC journey can have the potential to teach us important life skills.  Thank you Rachel @rachelraez (Instagram) for sharing your story with us and thank you to our patrons for helping to bring this episode to you.  ~ AFFILIATES ~ Access discounts with our amazing affiliates: Birth Time film: 20% DISCOUNT CODE: CICADA20 https://www.birthtime.world/a/2147503775/Eb2Kfvxt Partum Panties: 10% DISCOUNT CODE: Vbacbirthstories https://www.partumpanties.com.au The Birth Store: 10% DISCOUNT CODE: VBAC https://thebirthstore.com.au/?ref=VBAC A big thank you to our patrons for helping to bring this episode to you. Please consider supporting the podcast from as little as $2 a month. Your donations go toward the up-keeping costs of running the podcast and really help us to keep going with the pod. https://www.patreon.com/vbacbirthstories ~ Notes ~ Book: Ina May Gaskin 'A Guide to Childbirth' Facebook group: VBAC Australia Support Group  https://www.facebook.com/groups/342851302473349 Doula: Amanda @essentialmeservices (Instagram)  https://www.essentialme.com.au IBCLC finder website: www.lcanz.org ~ Birth Trauma & Post Natal Depression/Anxiety support ~ If this episode raises any concerns for you please don't hesitate to contact: The Gidget Foundationhttps: //gidgetfoundation.org.au/get-support/