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!

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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 solo episode, I’m diving into a topic that rarely gets the airtime it deserves—long labours. As a doula and homebirth mentor, I’ve witnessed first-hand how a mismatch between expectation and reality can quickly spiral into fear and self-doubt. That’s why today I’m sharing what you really need to know to prepare for the marathon, not the sprint.

Whether you're planning a VBAC, homebirth, or your first vaginal birth, this episode will help you get your mind as ready as your body. Because birth isn’t just physical—it’s deeply emotional, spiritual, and mental too.

Inside this episode:

• Why setting realistic expectations for the length of your labour is vital
  

• How personal and cultural stories shape our beliefs around how birth should unfold
  

• Why long labour doesn’t mean something is “wrong”
  

• How to manage your mindset when labour takes longer than expected
  

• The practical tools you need to stay grounded and in your body: breathwork, movement, heat, sound, water and more
  

• How to manage a crisis of confidence and make empowered decisions—even when things feel hard
  

I share stories from my own births, stories from the women I’ve supported, and the mindset tools that will help you stay centred—no matter how long labour lasts. You’ll hear about the importance of rest, staying in your own lane, and the truth that labour can be long, intense and still perfectly normal.

Long doesn’t mean broken. Birth doesn’t follow a clock. You don’t need to perform—you need to surrender.

This episode is essential listening for anyone wanting to prepare holistically for birth, especially those planning a physiological birth outside of the system.

Want to share your story?

If you've experienced a long labour and would love to share your story on the podcast, please get in touch. Every story matters—and your insight might be the very thing another woman needs to hear.

Enjoy this episode.

Ashley x

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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.