Share

Kiwi Birth Tales
BONUS: VBAC VS ELECTIVE: How do you decide?
Season 1
•
If you’re pregnant after a previous caesarean and feeling torn between planning a VBAC or booking an elective, this episode is for you.
In today’s bonus solo episode, I walk you through the key questions and mindset shifts that can help you make an informed, confident decision, not based on fear, pressure, or anyone else’s opinion, but what feels right for you.
I also share practical tools to help you prepare for a positive birth experience, whether you choose a VBAC or a repeat caesarean. This isn’t about having a rigid plan it’s about feeling calm, clear and informed, no matter how things unfold.
If you want more support like this, head to Your Birth Project now.
More episodes
View all episodes

254. Lexi + George - Unplanned Home Birth without Midwife, Positive Birth Story
42:52||Season 1, Ep. 254This episode of Kiwi Birth Tales is proudly brought to you by Your Birth Project.In this episode of Kiwi Birth Tales, I speak to Lexi. Some of the topics we cover:Hatched Antenatal CourseAntenatal ExpressingPilates in pregnancy Positive feeling towards homebirth but didn't plan to have one Spontaneous labourBeing checked at homeThrowing up, transitionBirthing at home unplanned without a midwife present 2nd degree tear that wasn't stitched Positive breastfeeding journey Sleep training Viva La Vulva perineal spray Electrolytes post birth Wish they had considered a homebirth more seriously, would plan for one next time Positive birth story Your Birth Project Online Hypnobirthing Coursehttps://www.fertilityassociates.co.nz/book-a-free-nurse-consultPlease seek support for any mental health concerns, some helpful links are below:Mental Health in PregnancyPerinatal Depression and Anxiety Aotearoa Plunket - Dads Mental HealthLittle Shadow - Private Counselling NZFind me @kiwibirthtales and @yourbirthproject
253. Abby + Sadie - Positive spontaneous labour and birth, DiGeorge Syndrome | 22q.11 Genetic Disorder
59:37||Season 1, Ep. 253This episode of Kiwi Birth Tales is proudly brought to you by Your Birth Project. In this episode of Kiwi Birth Tales, I speak to Abby. Some of the topics we cover:Spotting before a positive pregnancy test Testing in pregnancy Wanting an unmedicated birth Baby breech presentation at 37 weeksPracticed spinning babies daily and she turned Didn't find out sex during pregnancy Spontaneous labour Losing large amount of water / fluid after waters broke Fast labour Immediate latch after birth Lots of mucus coming from Sadies nose post birth Transferred to hospital for size (2.5kg, 47cm and small head circumference) Struggled with weight gainObsessive tracking of feeds Re-admission to the hospital Heart murmur Referral to paediatrician Blood tests - DiGeorge Syndrome (22Q.11) Your Birth Project Online Hypnobirthing Coursehttps://www.fertilityassociates.co.nz/book-a-free-nurse-consultPlease seek support for any mental health concerns, some helpful links are below:Mental Health in PregnancyPerinatal Depression and Anxiety Aotearoa Plunket - Dads Mental HealthLittle Shadow - Private Counselling NZFind me @kiwibirthtales and @yourbirthproject
252. Renata: Unplanned Pregnancy, Intervention Birth, Positive Birth - Shoulder Dystocia, Mum Guilt, Starting Roam with Kids App
01:13:05||Season 1, Ep. 252This episode of Kiwi Birth Tales is proudly brought to you by Your Birth Project. In this episode of Kiwi Birth Tales, I speak to Renata. Some of the topics we cover:Unplanned pregnancy Changing midwives at 35 weeks Spontaneous labourSyntocin drip / inductionEpiduralEpisiotomy and Ventouse delivery COVID - germs, anxiety Colic baby Travelling with baby Starting a business: Roam with Kids AppChanging midwife at 20 weeks Gender disappointment Spontaneous labour No epidural or drugsShoulder Dystocia Mum guilt JaundiceBreastfeeding challenges Positive birth despite end emergency Your Birth Project Online Hypnobirthing Coursehttps://www.fertilityassociates.co.nz/book-a-free-nurse-consultPlease seek support for any mental health concerns, some helpful links are below:Mental Health in PregnancyPerinatal Depression and Anxiety Aotearoa Plunket - Dads Mental HealthLittle Shadow - Private Counselling NZFind me @kiwibirthtales and @yourbirthproject
251. Emma + Remi - Fertility Journey, IVF, Egg Donor, Private OBGYN, Elective (Emergency) Csection, NICU, Donor Milk
01:00:45||Season 1, Ep. 251This episode of Kiwi Birth Tales is proudly brought to you by Your Birth Project. In this episode of Kiwi Birth Tales, I speak to Emma. Some of the topics we cover:Emma was 43 when she gave birth to Remi Years of infertility IVFEgg Donor Covid impacting journey"High Risk" pregnancy Emergency Csection (had already decided on Csection being mode of delivery) 3 weeks in NICU Donor Milk Struggled with breastfeeding Mental health Your Birth Project Online Hypnobirthing Coursehttps://www.fertilityassociates.co.nz/book-a-free-nurse-consultPlease seek support for any mental health concerns, some helpful links are below:Mental Health in PregnancyPerinatal Depression and Anxiety Aotearoa Plunket - Dads Mental HealthLittle Shadow - Private Counselling NZFind me @kiwibirthtales and @yourbirthproject
250. Jordi, Rosie + Margo - Emergency CSection, VBAC with 10.6lb baby
01:41:52||Season 1, Ep. 250This episode of Kiwi Birth Tales is proudly brought to you by Your Birth Project. In this episode of Kiwi Birth Tales, I speak to Jordi. Some of the topics we cover:Early miscarriage in first pregnancy Anxiety in the second pregnancy about loss Medical professionalAll testing available in NZ Felt excited about giving birth Diagnosed baby with Bilateral Duplex Kidneys at 30 weeks, unsure what this would mean until post birth Spontaneous labour Epidural Brow presentation Baby not descending Thick meconium in waters Emergency CSectionReflecting on birth felt disappointed, CHCH Women's Birth Afterthoughts Clinic Congenital pneumonia NICU Surgery for Kidneys UTI 4m Yearly monitoring Exclusive pumping Scar massage Returning to work at 6m postpartum Mum guilt Pregnancy 10m postpartum Found decision hard between VBAC and Elective Csection5-6cm dilated at stretch and sweep Quick spontaneous labour Hand at face for birth 2nd degree internal tear Aspirated meconium - infection NICU stay 10.6lbs baby (4.8KG) 2 under 2 Your Birth Project Online Hypnobirthing Coursehttps://www.fertilityassociates.co.nz/book-a-free-nurse-consultPlease seek support for any mental health concerns, some helpful links are below:Mental Health in PregnancyPerinatal Depression and Anxiety Aotearoa Plunket - Dads Mental HealthLittle Shadow - Private Counselling NZFind me @kiwibirthtales and @yourbirthproject
249. Emma, Billie, Eddie + Jack: Fertility Journey, Singleton + Twin Pregnancy, Serious Complications with Newborn Illness
01:52:41||Season 1, Ep. 249This episode of Kiwi Birth Tales is proudly brought to you by Your Birth Project. In this episode of Kiwi Birth Tales, I speak to Emma. Some of the topics we cover:Unexplained Infertility Pregnancy loss Starting IVF when conceived naturally Major accident Covid pregnancy Elective Csection Breastfeeding challenge Twin pregnancy 36+3 birth Post birth support for the boys Jaundice Significant illness for the boys as newborns Poor experience in the hospital PTSD Your Birth Project Online Hypnobirthing Coursehttps://www.fertilityassociates.co.nz/book-a-free-nurse-consultPlease seek support for any mental health concerns, some helpful links are below:Mental Health in PregnancyPerinatal Depression and Anxiety Aotearoa Plunket - Dads Mental HealthLittle Shadow - Private Counselling NZFind me @kiwibirthtales and @yourbirthproject
248. Annemarie, Kaia, Marko + Kingston: Singleton + Twin (Identical) Pregnancies, Maternal Mental Health, Planned Csection Births, Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome
01:40:58||Season 1, Ep. 248This episode of Kiwi Birth Tales is proudly brought to you by Woolworths Disney Collectables.In this episode of Kiwi Birth Tales, I speak to Annemarie. Some of the topics we cover:OBGYN careElective Csection Birth Plan due to anxiety about vaginal birthGender disappointmentHatched AntenatalMaternal Mental Health: Anxiety and DepressionPsychologist support through Maternal Mental HealthPlanned Csection birthBaby BluesBirth Care stayChallenging breastfeeding journeyIntrusive thoughtsTracking cycleTwin PregnancyTwins run in the familyIdentical twinsTwin to Twin Transfusion SyndromePlacenta started to detachPain that indicated something was wrongEmergency Csection birth of the twinsImmediate concerns for one of the twins post birthNICUMum not able to stay in hospital with babiesCsection recoveryMental Health support for Dads / PartnersYour Birth Project Online Hypnobirthing Coursehttps://www.fertilityassociates.co.nz/book-a-free-nurse-consultPlease seek support for any mental health concerns, some helpful links are below:Mental Health in PregnancyPerinatal Depression and Anxiety Aotearoa Plunket - Dads Mental HealthLittle Shadow - Private Counselling NZFind me @kiwibirthtales and @yourbirthproject
247. Emily, Naia + Zion - 1 Hospital Birth, 1 Home Birth, Postpartum Depression, Changing Midwives
01:30:00||Season 1, Ep. 247This episode of Kiwi Birth Tales is proudly brought to you by Your Birth Project. In this episode of Kiwi Birth Tales, I speak to Emily. Some of the topics we cover:Diagnosed with PCOS after coming off the pillWorked with a Women's Health Naturopath to reverse PCOS and symptomsSmooth pregnancyCOVID pos at 26 weeks, issues with Thyroid post thatChanged midwives around 28 weeksYour Birth Project courseFelt positive as had been surrounded by lots of "natural births" in her lifeFound out sex in first pregnancyPulled groin muscle while swimming at 38 weeksAlmost 41 weeks went into spontaneous labourMidwife had to pull cervix forwardBirth in hospital with EpiduralBaby born with hand up by her face2nd degree tearFelt rushed to get up and shower post birth, felt alonePostpartum depression2nd pregnancy wanted a homebirthSearched for positive homebirth stories where their first birth may have been challengingFound comfort and learning in these storiesChanged midwives in pregnancy againSpontaneous waters breaking at homeBloom BirthpoolHeatpacks were helpful for pain managementWalking up and down stairs and sitting on toilet to help progress at the end of labourInvoluntary pushingBirth in the birthpool at home1st degree tear not requiring stitchesCalming, supportive midwife made a huge difference in birth and recoveryProlapse post birthCompletely different mental health experience this time, very positiveYour Birth Project Online Hypnobirthing Coursehttps://www.fertilityassociates.co.nz/book-a-free-nurse-consultPlease seek support for any mental health concerns, some helpful links are below:Mental Health in PregnancyPerinatal Depression and Anxiety Aotearoa Plunket - Dads Mental HealthLittle Shadow - Private Counselling NZFind me @kiwibirthtales and @yourbirthproject