In this emotional and empowering episode, we sit down with former doula client and mama of two, Lauren, to unpack her two very different birth experiences. Her first — a long, exhausting labor in the middle of the 2020 pandemic — ended with Pitocin, an epidural, and a traumatic retained placenta. Her second? A redemptive, fast-moving birth that unfolded in complete contrast: deeply connected, beautifully instinctive, and full of power.

This episode is for any mom healing from a first birth that didn’t go as planned, or anyone wondering if birth can look different the next time around. Lauren’s honesty, vulnerability, and insight will leave you encouraged, grounded, and inspired.

⚠️ Content note: The first birth story includes mention of retained placenta and manual extraction. If you would like to skip, it spans from 12:48 to 13:44

🎧 In This Episode

💔 Giving birth during the pandemic — and how disconnection shaped Lauren’s first experience

📉 When Pitocin, prodromal labor, and high expectations collided in a tough first birth

🤝 How education and support completely changed her second pregnancy and labor

🦁 A fast, instinctive second birth — from sudden intensity to powerful pushing

🍼 Postpartum then vs. now: isolation vs. real support, and what made all the difference

🗝️ Key Takeaways

Birth in 2020 was uniquely hard — lack of support can deeply impact both parents.

Pitocin contractions are intense. Knowing your options matters more than you think.

Supportive, informed partners make all the difference — before, during, and after birth.

Redemption is real. A hard first birth doesn’t define what’s possible next time.

You won’t forget who showed up postpartum — so be that person for someone else.

🔗 Resources + Mentions

• 💡 Download the free eBook: 5 Steps to a Fear-Free Birth
• 🎓 Interested in going deeper? Check out The Empowered Birth Method, the complete childbirth education course.
• ❓Got a question we didn’t cover? Submit it anonymously here for our next Q&A episode!

🙌 Connect + Subscribe

📬 Sign up for email notifications so you never miss an episode

📸 Follow on Instagram for behind-the-scenes and birth tips

🎥 Follow on TikTok for bite-sized birth wisdom

🎙️ Subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen

💛 Loved this episode? Share it with a friend or leave a quick review — it helps more families find Let’s Talk Birth and feel empowered for what’s ahead.

In this episode, I’m joined by VBAC educator and doula Hannah Gill to break down everything you need to know about vaginal birth after cesarean. Whether you’re planning your first VBAC, recovering from a traumatic cesarean, or supporting someone through birth after surgery—this one’s for you. We cover the real risks, how to prepare physically and mentally, and what it means to truly advocate for your birth.

🎧 In This Episode

✂️ Planned C-section vs. vaginal birth: pros, cons & real risks

⚠️ Uterine rupture: what the data really says

🧠 Mindset work: how to trust your body again

📋 What to put on your VBAC birth plan

🏥 Hospital rules that impact VBAC (monitoring, induction, water labor)

🗣️ Advocacy tips for parents & doulas

❤️ Why wanting a VBAC doesn’t make you selfish—it makes you informed

💡 Key Takeaways

• VBAC is a safe, evidence-backed option for most — not a fringe or risky choice.
• Uterine rupture is real but rare. Understanding the risk helps, not fear mongering.
• Mindset matters. Believing in your body is just as crucial as physical prep.
• Support makes all the difference — from your provider, your team, and your own voice.
• There’s power in planning — for VBAC and for a C-section, if it comes to that.

🔗 Resources + Mentions

• VBAC Is Your Birthright (self‑paced prep program for parents)
• VBAC & Cesarean for Birth Professionals (Approved for 8 ICEA Contact Hours for doulas/providers)
• Instagram: @thehannahgill
• Podcast: Motherhood Flow
• 💡 Download the free eBook: 5 Steps to a Fear-Free Birth
• 🎓 Interested in going deeper? Check out The Empowered Birth Method, the complete childbirth education course.
• ❓Got a question we didn’t cover? Submit it anonymously here for our next Q&A episode!

🙌 Connect + Subscribe

📬 Sign up for email notifications so you never miss an episode

📸 Follow on Instagram for behind-the-scenes and birth tips

🎥 Follow on TikTok for bite-sized birth wisdom

🎙️ Subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen

💛 Loved this episode? Share it with a friend or leave a quick review — it helps more families find Let’s Talk Birth and feel empowered for what’s ahead.

In this follow-up to the previous Labor 101 episode, we’re walking through what happens after you’re fully dilated. From the first urge to push to the golden hour of skin-to-skin, this is your full guide to stage two and three of labor — plus how to navigate the big moment calmly and confidently, whether you're birthing at home, a hospital, or a birth center.

If you haven’t listened to Episode 5 yet, I recommend starting there!

🎧 In This Episode

🌀 The 3 types of pushing: physiological, directed, and the fetal ejection reflex

🔥 What the “ring of fire” really feels like — and how to work with it, not against it

🧘🏽‍♀️ Why waiting to push (aka laboring down) can reduce tearing and exhaustion

🧍‍♀️ Standing? Side-lying? In the tub? Best pushing positions with and without an epidural

⏳ How long pushing actually takes — and what factors influence it

💉 What to expect with stage three: delivering the placenta, fundal massage & delayed cord clamping

👶🏽 Why the golden hour matters — for baby, for bonding, and for milk supply

💡 Skin-to-skin with dads, C-sections, and how to keep the room calm after birth

🗝️ Key Takeaways

• There’s no prize for fast pushing. Slower, gentler pushing can protect your body.
• Your position makes a difference — especially for reducing tearing and helping baby descend.
• The golden hour is about more than cuddles — it supports baby's vitals and your recovery.
• Every birth is different. What matters is tuning into what your body is telling you in the moment.

🌿 Resources + Mentions

💡 Download the free ebook: 5 Steps to a Fear-Free Birth

🎓 Interested in going deeper? Check out The Empowered Birth Method, the complete childbirth education course.

❓Got a question we didn’t cover? Submit it anonymously here for our next Q&A episode!

🙌 Connect + Subscribe

📬 Sign up for email notifications so you never miss an episode

📸 Follow on Instagram for behind-the-scenes and birth tips

🎥 Follow on TikTok for bite-sized birth wisdom

🎙️ Subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen

💛 Loved this episode? Share it with a friend or leave a quick review — it helps more families find Let’s Talk Birth and feel empowered for what’s ahead.