In this episode we meet Emma, a mum of two boys who lives in Wollongong south of Sydney. Emma is a nurse and aspiring midwife and is also a prenatal yoga teacher and has her own yoga studio. Emma's first birth in the private system ended in an emergency caesarean after she was induced at 39 weeks. It was discovered later that cervical scar tissue from a previous LLETZ procedure may have played a role in not allowing her labour to progress. Emma was determined in her second birth to maintain a positive mindset and she accessed a variety of resources in order to assist her in achieving a VBAC. Among these she enrolled in a Calmbirth course and she also chose a different model of care under the midwifery group practice in her public hospital. Emma ended up being induced for her VBAC with a foley's balloon catheter and it's interesting to hear how this assisted in her second labour due to the positive effect it had on her cervical scar tissue, and also how Emma felt about being induced again given her last induction resulted in an emergency caesarean. We do hope you gain a lot of knowledge and understanding listening to Emma's unique VBAC story. Episode sponsor: This episode of VBAC Birth Stories is brought to you by Calmbirth. Calmbirth education courses provide the tools for couples to prepare emotionally, mentally and physically for birth whichever course it may take. Calmbirth encourages the presence of a partner or birth support person during all of its classes regardless of age, culture, socio economic or sexual orientation. The benefits of the course to couples are invaluable and goes beyond the birth process, teaching life skills and techniques which can be used in parenting and beyond. The Calmbirth program provides the tools and evidence based knowledge required to support the birthing partner at an emotional and physical level. This certainly comes across in this episode, where the support person becomes just as empowered as the birthing woman; holding true to one of Calmbirth's mottos "There's no birth like a Calmbirth". If you'd like to learn more about their program and find an educator local to you head to their website Calmbirth.com.au You can connect with Emma on Instagram by searching for her Prenatal Yoga initiative @ghettomummas https://www.ghettomovement.com/ghetto-mummas ~ Notes ~ Calmbirth Educator: https://calmbirth.com.au/getting-to-know-calmbirth-educator-lyndal-scerri/ Acupuncturist: https://acufit360health.com Naturopath: https://rebalancenaturopathy.com.au **VBAC Birth Stories features women's lived experiences. It is not intended to replace medical advice. Should you have any concerns during your pregnancy please always consult your care provider. Please connect with us on Facebook or Instagram: @vbacbirthstories