EP160 | The Truth About the Fourth Trimester—What No One Tells You with TEDx Speaker Sonal Patal
You’ve just birthed a whole human—so why are we so quick to rush mothers out the door, slap on a nappy, and tell them to “get on with it”? In today’s honest, soul-stirring chat, I’m joined by TEDx speaker and postpartum advocate Sonal Patal to unpack the reality of the fourth trimester—a crucial stage of motherhood that most people still aren’t talking about.We explore what the fourth trimester really means—not just in terms of hormones and healing, but in the radical rest, nourishment, and village every new mother deserves.From why you shouldn’t feel guilty about spending money on yourself, to how our current systems are failing women, this episode is a must-listen for any mother, birthworker, or ally who knows there has to be a better way.In this episode, we cover:⭐ What the fourth trimester actually is—and why it’s not just fluff ⭐ The emotional, physical, and societal pressures new mums face ⭐ Why investing in support (not stuff) is a revolutionary act ⭐ The value of rest—and how to unapologetically claim it ⭐ Sonal’s mission to create a preventative care movement, not more bandaid solutionsThis episode is your permission slip to slow down, opt out of the productivity trap, and tune into what your body, your baby, and your spirit really need.Rest isn’t lazy. Support isn’t a luxury. This is the new postpartum revolution—are you ready to be part of it?🎧 Enjoy this episode!More from Ashley:The VBAC VillageInsta: @ashleylwinningWebsite: www.ashleywinning.comJoin our VBAC Homebirth Support Group hereLove the podcast? Buy me a coffeeDisclaimer: 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.The host and guests of this podcast are not liable for any outcomes resulting from the information shared. By listening, you acknowledge that you take full responsibility for your own health and birth choices.
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EP159 | Four wildly different births. This birth story will shift how you see labour forever
In this emotional and deeply insightful episode, we hear from a powerful mama Aly McClain who shares the highs and lows of her four unique birth experiences.Each one teaching her something new about surrender, trust, and the strength of her body and spirit.From a pain-empowered second birth, to navigating an unexpected NICU transfer, to welcoming her birthday baby after 42 weeks, this episode covers the full spectrum of birthing experiences, including a moment of potential shoulder dystocia and the power of intuition in labour.In This Episode, You'll Hear:🔹 A powerful story of choosing to feel pain during birth to affirm her strength 🔹 How she handled an unexpected NICU transfer due to her newborn’s low heart rate and blood sugar 🔹 The emotional challenges of postpartum in the NICU during COVID 🔹 Why knowing your NICU rights matters for home birth parents 🔹 A peaceful fourth pregnancy followed by a birth that required surrender and trust 🔹 A potential shoulder dystocia and wrapped cord handled intuitively and calmly at home 🔹 The importance of staying grounded in your “why” during birth 🔹 Insights on how inner work and belief systems influence birth outcomes✨ Preparation is key for any home birth—including the possibility of transfer✨ Trusting your intuition and tuning into your body can shift birth outcomes✨ Your postpartum experience matters—and how you birth can impact your bond and recovery✨ Your “why” is your anchor—know it, connect with it, and let it guide youEnjoy this episode!More from Ashley:The VBAC VillageInsta: @ashleylwinningWebsite: www.ashleywinning.comJoin our VBAC Homebirth Support Group hereLove the podcast? Buy me a coffeeDisclaimer: 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.The host and guests of this podcast are not liable for any outcomes resulting from the information shared. By listening, you acknowledge that you take full responsibility for your own health and birth choices.
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EP158 | Beware of the Medical Cartel with Billie Harrigan
In this deeply thought-provoking episode, I sit down with the incredible Billie Harrigan—birth worker, educator, and fierce advocate for women’s autonomy in childbirth. With over 40 years of experience supporting birthing families, Billie has seen firsthand how the medical cartel has reshaped birth, often prioritising control over care.We dive into the history of birth, the technocratic model, and the ripple effects of medicalised maternity care. Billie shares her powerful insights into what women need to know to reclaim their birthing power, especially those planning a VBAC homebirth.This conversation will challenge the status quo, ignite your inner fire, and give you the confidence to take charge of your birth experience.Enjoy this episode!More from Ashley:The VBAC VillageInsta: @ashleylwinningWebsite: www.ashleywinning.comJoin our VBAC Homebirth Support Group hereLove the podcast? Buy me a coffeeDisclaimer: 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.The host and guests of this podcast are not liable for any outcomes resulting from the information shared. By listening, you acknowledge that you take full responsibility for your own health and birth choices.
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EP157 | Plus Size Pregnancy & Birth: Busting Myths
In this episode of VBAC Home Birth Stories, we’re diving into a topic that deserves real talk and respect—plus size pregnancy and birth. If you’ve ever been made to feel like your body is a medical condition rather than a life-giving force, this episode is for you.I share my personal experiences navigating the maternity system as a plus-size woman, from early pregnancy bias to the constant fear-mongering around birth choices. We also explore how plus-size women can reclaim their power, whether choosing a home birth or hospital birth, and what size-friendly care should actually look like.If you’ve ever been told you can’t have a VBAC, must be induced, or will develop gestational diabetes simply because of your size—this episode will challenge everything you’ve been led to believe.What We Cover in This Episode:🔹 The Biases Plus Size Women Face in Pregnancy & BirthHow plus-size women are treated in the hospital system (and what needs to change).The constant weight-based assumptions about fertility, pregnancy, and birth outcomes.Why BMI is an outdated and unreliable indicator of health.Myth #1: It’s harder to get pregnant if you’re in a bigger body.Myth #2: Plus-size women must be induced because of the risk of a “big baby.”Myth #3: You can’t have a home birth if you’re plus-size.Why hospitals use the “big baby” scare tactic to push unnecessary inductions and C-sections.Respectful, individualised care based on actual health markers—not weight.A provider who listens to your concerns instead of making assumptions.Informed consent over coercion—you deserve to make your own choices.How to find a provider who truly supports plus-size pregnancy (including home birth options!).Why some doctors assume plus-size women have GD before even testing.How some women are forced into unnecessary interventions based on weight alone.The importance of tracking actual health markers rather than relying on BMI.How to tell if your midwife, doula, or OB is truly size-inclusive.The red flags that a provider is not supportive of plus-size birth.Why plus-size women sometimes feel more comfortable with lived-experience providers.Why your body is NOT broken—regardless of what the system tells you.How judgment and bias impact care and what you can do about it.The power of plus-size birth advocates & community support.🎧 Listen now for an empowering conversation that will shift your perspective on plus-size birth and give you the tools to advocate for yourself with confidence!📖 Book: Plus Size Pregnancy by Dr. Sara Wickham 📱 Instagram: @ashleylwinning 👩👩👧 Community: Follow plus-size birth accounts & find size-friendly providers💌 Share Your Story! If you’ve had an experience (good or bad) as a plus-size pregnant woman, I’d love to hear from you. Send me a message on Instagram or via email!Enjoy this podcast episode! More from Ashley:The VBAC VillageInsta: @ashleylwinningWebsite: www.ashleywinning.comJoin our VBAC Homebirth Support Group hereLove the podcast? Buy me a coffeeDisclaimer: 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.The host and guests of this podcast are not liable for any outcomes resulting from the information shared. By listening, you acknowledge that you take full responsibility for your own health and birth choices.
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EP156 | She trusted her body and it led to a surprise breech HBAC at 39. Emilie’s birth story is pure magic!
In this episode, we dive into the incredible story of Emilie, a yoga instructor from Bribie Island, Queensland, who embraced her intuition and unapologetically stood in her power to navigate her birthing journey. Emilie’s story is one of resilience, trust in her body, and the beauty of natural birth after a Caesarean and surprise breech birth. (HBAC).Her journey includes a surprise breech birth, navigating care with private midwives, and staying centered in her inner strength. Emilie shares how yoga, mindfulness, and her connection to her inner wisdom played pivotal roles in this transformative experience.Key Topics Covered:Trusting Her Intuition and Inner Power: Emilie’s ability to listen to her body and instincts led her to make empowering decisions throughout her pregnancy and birth, even when faced with unexpected situations.Surprise Breech Birth: The unexpected twist of birthing a breech baby naturally and how Emilie worked through this experience with determination, trust, and the support of her care team and husband.Supportive Partner Role: Emilie’s husband was an active and supportive presence in her birthing journey. He may join us as a guest to provide insights from his perspective as a birth partner in a future episode so stay tuned.Yoga and Mindfulness in Pregnancy and Birth: How her experience as a yoga instructor helped Emilie stay grounded, focused, and connected to her body during birth.Enjoy this podcast episode! More from Ashley:The VBAC VillageInsta: @ashleylwinningWebsite: www.ashleywinning.comJoin our VBAC Homebirth Support Group hereLove the podcast? Buy me a coffeeDisclaimer: 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.The host and guests of this podcast are not liable for any outcomes resulting from the information shared. By listening, you acknowledge that you take full responsibility for your own health and birth choices.
✨ Unfiltered, unapologetic, and deeply inspiring VBAC homebirth stories.
If you're a mama seeking VBAC homebirth inspiration, you’re in the right place! Hosted by Ashley Winning, a Homebirth Educator, Doula, and HBA2C mama, this podcast shares raw, real birth stories from women who reclaimed their power and birthed on their terms.
Listen for powerful stories, expert insights, and encouragement to help you trust your body, navigate challenges, and births on your terms, your way.
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⚠️ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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