In this episode, I share a short, practical guide to finding a midwife in Australia to support your HBAC or VBAC homebirth. Starting the search can feel overwhelming, but there are trusted pathways and communities to help you connect with the right support.

Here’s what we cover:

⭐ How to begin your search for a midwife in your local area ⭐ The role of Homebirth Australia as a representative organisation, and how it connects with state groups like Homebirth Queensland, Homebirth NSW, and Homebirth Victoria

⭐ How to use Facebook groups such as Homebirth Australia, Homebirth Queensland, and the VBAC Homebirth Support Group to find midwives, birth workers, and supportive communities

⭐ Why reaching out to a local doula can be an important first step when planning a homebirth

⭐ How the HBAC Homebirth Stories Podcast and support networks can help you feel connected and informed

I also share how I can personally support you through Power Hour sessions, virtual pregnancy support, and both in-person and online guidance to help you prepare for a confident, empowered birth.

Enjoy this episode!

More from Ashley:

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Disclaimer: The VBAC Homebirth Stories Podcast is for educational and inspirational purposes only. The stories and opinions shared are personal experiences and should not be considered medical advice. Every birth journey is unique, and we encourage you to research, trust your intuition, and consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care.

In this episode, I sit down with Tiffanie, a mother of two from Mt Isa, who shares her raw and powerful birth stories—two very different journeys that shaped her into the woman and mother she is today.

Tiffanie’s first pregnancy was planned as a freebirth, but at 38+4 weeks she developed preeclampsia so severe she was losing her vision for up to ten minutes just from standing up.

When she presented at the hospital, doctors told her she was on the edge of eclampsia—her liver and kidneys were shutting down—and a caesarean was her safest option. What followed was an incredibly tough start to motherhood, with Tiffanie sent to ICU and separated from her newborn for 30 hours due to a covid patient being in ICU at the same time.

Her second pregnancy, however, was completely different. Choosing a wild pregnancy with just one ultrasound at 21 weeks, Tiffanie leaned into her intuition, knowledge, and body wisdom. Determined not to repeat her first experience, she focused on prevention and balance:

• Following the Brewer’s Diet with an emergency protocol

• Using Celtic salt shots and water to regulate her blood pressure

• Staying strong and active with F45 training throughout pregnancy
  

At 42+3 weeks, Tiffanie went into spontaneous labour and birthed her baby at home in a beautiful freebirth. Her baby was born sunny side up, and with the loving support of her husband and sister-in-law Sarah by her side, Tiffanie welcomed her baby into the world on her own terms.

This episode is a powerful reminder of the strength it takes to reclaim trust in your body after trauma, and the importance of preparation, nutrition, and support when navigating birth after preeclampsia.

Enjoy this podcast episode!

More from Ashley:

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Disclaimer: The VBAC Homebirth Stories Podcast is for educational and inspirational purposes only. The stories and opinions shared are personal experiences and should not be considered medical advice. Every birth journey is unique, and we encourage you to research, trust your intuition, and consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care.

In this episode, I share the remarkable birth journey of Kelsey, a mother of three from Wisconsin, USA, who moved from fear and medical trauma to deep empowerment with a healing home birth after two caesareans (HBA2C).

Baby #1 saw Kelsey induced at 37 weeks for suspected pre-eclampsia. Her regular doctor was away, and with a male provider stepping in, she felt overwhelmed and anxious. Not realising she had the right to say no, she was swept into a domino effect of interventions that led to her first C-section. At her six-week check-up, she was told her pelvis was “too small” and that vaginal birth would never be an option.

Baby #2 was a different experience—Kelsey worked with midwives in a hospital who respected her choices and supported her VBAC plan. She declined most testing and felt truly seen. After four days of prodromal labour and 35 hours in total (with four of those hours pushing), she was emotionally and physically spent and opted for a second caesarean. Despite the outcome, the birth was peaceful and affirming. She watched her son being born, held him immediately in the operating room, and was encouraged by her doctor to try for a VBAC again in the future.

Baby #3 was a surprise, and initially, Kelsey assumed she’d opt for another caesarean. But the years between babies were filled with education and empowerment. She met inspiring women, learned more about birth physiology, and found support from a community who believed in her. She hired a trusted doula and connected with a midwife willing to support her HBA2C at home.

Throughout her pregnancy, Kelsey focused on calming her nervous system and nurturing her body with consistent body work—chiropractic care, regular massages, and acupuncture. She immersed herself in birth education, including Real Food for Pregnancy by Lily Nichols and Dr Berg’s YouTube channel for wellness tips.

When labour began at 39 weeks and 4 days, she laboured instinctively at home. Within 4.5 hours, Kelsey gave birth on her bedroom floor, with her eldest son watching his sister’s head crown. Her daughter was born into peace—wide-eyed and calm. The moment was surreal. She had done it. Kelsey had birthed on her own terms.

Being at home was the game-changer. She finally experienced birth in the way her body was designed for—supported, and sacred.

Enjoy this podcast episode!

More from Ashley:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The VBAC Village⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Insta: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@ashleylwinning⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Disclaimer: The VBAC Homebirth Stories Podcast is for educational and inspirational purposes only. The stories and opinions shared are personal experiences and should not be considered medical advice. Every birth journey is unique, and we encourage you to research, trust your intuition, and consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care.