Motherhood Flow - VBAC tips, preparing for a vaginal birth after c-section, preventing cesareans

In this episode, I’m opening up about why this final pregnancy and birth feels like a full-circle moment. My due date with baby #3 is right around the time of my son's birthday and this time…it’s another boy. The timing and the season are stirring up so many reflections as I prepare to close this chapter of growing and birthing babies. I share the thoughts and emotions that have been coming up and how I’m processing the beauty and weight of this being my last baby. Text Hannah! VBAC & C-Section Birth Plan Template: https://www.thehannahgill.com/birthplan Quiz - VBAC or Repeat C-Section: https://www.thehannahgill.com/birthquiz VBAC & Cesarean for Birth Professionals: https://thehannahgill.com/vcbp-enroll

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Margo Lowy, a psychotherapist, author, and expert in maternal mental health, for a powerful conversation about the often unspoken emotional realities of motherhood. Dr. Lowy shares what led her to explore the concept of maternal ambivalence and how naming and normalizing our full emotional experience can transform the way we mother. We discuss: What maternal ambivalence is and why it’s so misunderstood How embracing the “darker” emotions of motherhood can lead to deeper connection and confidence Why shifting cultural narratives around motherhood is essential for long-term mental health and healing Connect with Dr. Margo Lowy: Website: https://drmargolowy.com/ Book: Maternal Ambivalence: The Loving Moments & Bitter Truths of Motherhood Instagram: @drmargolowy Text Hannah! VBAC & C-Section Birth Plan Template: https://www.thehannahgill.com/birthplan Quiz - VBAC or Repeat C-Section: https://www.thehannahgill.com/birthquiz VBAC & Cesarean for Birth Professionals: https://thehannahgill.com/vcbp-enroll

In this episode, I’m joined by Liz Eidelman, a New Jersey mom of two, doula, and content creator with a passion for helping women take control of their birth experiences. Liz shares her journey through two very different, yet equally challenging, births—and how those experiences sparked her desire to empower others to have satisfying, informed, and empowered births. We discuss: The challenges Liz faced during her own births and how they shaped her mission to improve birth outcomes. The importance of true informed decision-making and what that looks like in practice for moms. How birth trauma can spark change not just for the mother but for the birth system as a whole. Connect with Liz: Personal IG: @lizeidelman Doula IG: @the.sage.sister Website: lizeidelman.com or thesagesister.com Text Hannah! VBAC & C-Section Birth Plan Template: https://www.thehannahgill.com/birthplan Quiz - VBAC or Repeat C-Section: https://www.thehannahgill.com/birthquiz VBAC & Cesarean for Birth Professionals: https://thehannahgill.com/vcbp-enroll

I have previously said that I would love to have a homebirth after cesarean (HBAC) if I had a third baby. Well, I've changed my mind and I'll go over why in this episode. I am an advocate for choice and informed consent. I believe everyone has a right to weigh the risks and benefits and decide what type of birth is best for them. Whether that be a hospital VBAC, birth center, or homebirth. There is no right or wrong way to give birth, only the way you feel safest and most supported. Text Hannah! VBAC & C-Section Birth Plan Template: https://www.thehannahgill.com/birthplan Quiz - VBAC or Repeat C-Section: https://www.thehannahgill.com/birthquiz VBAC & Cesarean for Birth Professionals: https://thehannahgill.com/vcbp-enroll

Text Hannah! VBAC & C-Section Birth Plan Template: https://www.thehannahgill.com/birthplan Quiz - VBAC or Repeat C-Section: https://www.thehannahgill.com/birthquiz VBAC & Cesarean for Birth Professionals: https://thehannahgill.com/vcbp-enroll

In this episode, I'm going over the role doulas play in supporting clients through both planned and unplanned c-sections . Many people believe that once a c-section is decided on (whether planned or unplanned), a doula is no longer needed. That is absolutely untrue. Doula support is extremely beneficial in all birth scenarios. Text Hannah! VBAC & C-Section Birth Plan Template: https://www.thehannahgill.com/birthplan Quiz - VBAC or Repeat C-Section: https://www.thehannahgill.com/birthquiz VBAC & Cesarean for Birth Professionals: https://thehannahgill.com/vcbp-enroll

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Jennifer Winston, Health Data Scientist at U.S. News & World Report, to discuss the powerful data behind the rankings of the Best Hospitals for Maternity Care and Maternity Care Access Hospitals . Here's what you'll learn: What defines a Best Hospital for Maternity Care and a Maternity Care Access Hospital , and why they’re critical in shaping the future of maternal health. How U.S. News evaluates hospitals for maternity care and why their annual study is an essential resource for expectant parents. Why VBAC rates are included in the rankings, and how it reflects the overall quality of maternity care services. What makes top maternity care hospitals stand out , based on data-driven insights from U.S. News. How Maternity Care Access Hospitals are fighting healthcare deserts and improving accessibility to quality maternity services. How you can empower yourself with data to choose the best hospital for your birth and why this data matters for your VBAC or overall maternity care. Dr. Winston offers invaluable insights into understanding how data shapes maternity care choices. Tune in to learn how data-driven maternity ratings can empower your decision-making when selecting where to give birth. Plus, find out where to access the latest Best Hospitals for Maternity Care rankings Connect with Dr. Jennifer Winston and U.S. News & World Report: https://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/hospital-ratings/maternity https://www.facebook.com/usnewsandworldreport https://www.instagram.com/usnews https://www.tiktok.com/@usnews https://www.linkedin.com/company/us-news-and-world-report Text Hannah! VBAC & C-Section Birth Plan Template: https://www.thehannahgill.com/birthplan Quiz - VBAC or Repeat C-Section: https://www.thehannahgill.com/birthquiz VBAC & Cesarean for Birth Professionals: https://thehannahgill.com/vcbp-enroll

In today’s episode, I'm diving into a key consideration for VBAC planning...the timing and spacing between your c-section and VBAC. If you’re planning a VBAC then understanding the spacing between births can make a big difference. I go over ACOG guidelines but also give some personal insight into the topic and remind you to trust your gut and intuition. https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/obstetric-care-consensus/articles/2019/01/interpregnancy-care https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/vaginal-birth-after-cesarean-delivery https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/practice-bulletin/articles/2019/02/vaginal-birth-after-cesarean-delivery Text Hannah! VBAC & C-Section Birth Plan Template: https://www.thehannahgill.com/birthplan Quiz - VBAC or Repeat C-Section: https://www.thehannahgill.com/birthquiz VBAC & Cesarean for Birth Professionals: https://thehannahgill.com/vcbp-enroll

In today's episode I dive deep into pelvic floor PT with Dr. Jessica London, PT, DPT, PCES. I also hear a bit about her birth stories (unplanned c-section and HBAC). Here’s what you can expect: How Jessica's first birth experience shaped the decision for a second homebirth, and the mental preparation involved. Differences in preparing for a VBAC attempt and how that preparation evolved from the first to the second homebirth. Insights from a pelvic floor therapist’s perspective on the unique experiences of both c-section and vaginal births. How postpartum recovery differs between c-section and vaginal births, and what it means for recovery and birth prep from a professional standpoint. Connect with Dr. Jessica London: Website: https://www.yourpostpartumpt.com IG: @yourpostpartumpt Podcast: “What about Mom?” ---> COMING SOON! Text Hannah! VBAC & C-Section Birth Plan Template: https://www.thehannahgill.com/birthplan Quiz - VBAC or Repeat C-Section: https://www.thehannahgill.com/birthquiz VBAC & Cesarean for Birth Professionals: https://thehannahgill.com/vcbp-enroll

https://www.thehannahgill.com/blog/5-questions-to-ask-your-provider-about-vbac Text Hannah! VBAC & C-Section Birth Plan Template: https://www.thehannahgill.com/birthplan Quiz - VBAC or Repeat C-Section: https://www.thehannahgill.com/birthquiz VBAC & Cesarean for Birth Professionals: https://thehannahgill.com/vcbp-enroll

In today’s episode, I'm diving into an important but often overlooked factor that can make all the difference in your VBAC journey: nurse staffing. You might not have considered how hospital staffing levels can influence your VBAC success, but research shows that more nurses could mean fewer C-sections . I dive into: Why your hospital’s nurse-to-patient ratio matters more than you think. How staffing levels can affect your labor and VBAC success. Steps you can take to ensure you have the support you need during labor. https://www.thehannahgill.com/blog/why-nurse-staffing-matters-for-vbac Grab the advocacy module from my VBAC Is Your Birth Right Program https://thehannahgill.com/work-with-me https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0029655424002392?dgcid=author Text Hannah! VBAC & C-Section Birth Plan Template: https://www.thehannahgill.com/birthplan Quiz - VBAC or Repeat C-Section: https://www.thehannahgill.com/birthquiz VBAC & Cesarean for Birth Professionals: https://thehannahgill.com/vcbp-enroll

https://www.thehannahgill.com/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-vbac-courses Text Hannah! VBAC & C-Section Birth Plan Template: https://www.thehannahgill.com/birthplan Quiz - VBAC or Repeat C-Section: https://www.thehannahgill.com/birthquiz VBAC & Cesarean for Birth Professionals: https://thehannahgill.com/vcbp-enroll

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Alexis Adams, CEO and therapist at Confidently Therapy, to dive into setting boundaries during pregnancy, birth and postpartum and the mental and emotional challenges of parenting. In this episode we cover: How to set boundaries without guilt and maintain them Overlooked aspects of mental/emotional preparation for postpartum Strategies for handling postpartum anxiety and guilt Why fear, stress, and self-doubt are heightened for new parents and how to overcome them The first step in moving from self-doubt to calm and connection If you’re feeling overwhelmed or struggling with your parenting journey, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you build confidence and find calm. Connect with Alexis: Website: https://www.confidentlytherapy.org/ Instagram: @confidently.therapy Email: alexis@confidentlytherapy.org Freebie: https://confidentlytherapy.kit.com/podcastexclusive Text Hannah! VBAC & C-Section Birth Plan Template: https://www.thehannahgill.com/birthplan Quiz - VBAC or Repeat C-Section: https://www.thehannahgill.com/birthquiz VBAC & Cesarean for Birth Professionals: https://thehannahgill.com/vcbp-enroll

On today's episode, Chelsea shares her beautiful HBAC story. Chelsea is a podcast host, teacher, and mother who lives in Melbourne, Australia, with her partner and their two daughters. Chelsea had an unplanned caesarean-section in hospital for her first birth and after 2+ years of preparation and research, had a beautiful, transformative VBAC at home for her second birth, surrounded by her beautiful birth team. Connect with Chelsea: Podcast: Growing Up Raising Us Instagram: @growingupraisinguspodcast Text Hannah! VBAC & C-Section Birth Plan Template: https://www.thehannahgill.com/birthplan Quiz - VBAC or Repeat C-Section: https://www.thehannahgill.com/birthquiz VBAC & Cesarean for Birth Professionals: https://thehannahgill.com/vcbp-enroll

Are you considering an unmedicated VBAC but feeling unsure about how to prepare or if it's even possible? In this episode I dive into the misconceptions around unmedicated VBACs and I discuss essential preparation strategies (both physical and mental) that can help you approach your VBAC with confidence. Tune in for action steps to help you prepare for your low-intervention unmedicated VBAC! Text Hannah! VBAC & C-Section Birth Plan Template: https://www.thehannahgill.com/birthplan Quiz - VBAC or Repeat C-Section: https://www.thehannahgill.com/birthquiz VBAC & Cesarean for Birth Professionals: https://thehannahgill.com/vcbp-enroll

If you're a woman in your 30's and beyond, you'll want to tune into this episode. Hormones play a key role in our overall health, especially when it comes to fertility, perimenopause, and menopause. But have you wondered how to balance them naturally without getting on some sort of hormonal birth control? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Robyn Wright, a naturopathic doctor specializing in women's hormones, to discuss how your hormones affect fertility, the transitions of perimenopause, and what to expect during menopause. If you're curious about how to support your hormonal health naturally and take back control, this episode is for you! Connect with Dr. Wright: https://healthyevolutions.com/ drrobynwright@healthyevolutions.com Text Hannah! VBAC & C-Section Birth Plan Template: https://www.thehannahgill.com/birthplan Quiz - VBAC or Repeat C-Section: https://www.thehannahgill.com/birthquiz VBAC & Cesarean for Birth Professionals: https://thehannahgill.com/vcbp-enroll

If you are later in your VBAC pregnancy, looking back thinking, "I did nothing to prepare." then this episode is definitely for you. I'm giving my top tip for the last-minute, procrastinating moms out there who just don't have the time or energy to do it all. Text Hannah! VBAC & C-Section Birth Plan Template: https://www.thehannahgill.com/birthplan Quiz - VBAC or Repeat C-Section: https://www.thehannahgill.com/birthquiz VBAC & Cesarean for Birth Professionals: https://thehannahgill.com/vcbp-enroll

I want to start out by saying I'm NOT anti-c-section. I'm not against scheduling repeat c-sections simply because YOU want to. What I'm against is unnecessary c-sections. Coerced or pressured c-sections. C-sections chosen without full informed consent. I've heard many women say that want to have some control over their birth the second time around so they are scheduling a repeat c-section. But is that really what puts you in control? In this episode, I share some misconceptions about scheduling a repeat c-section vs. having a VBAC. I also talk about where the true control comes from during your pregnancy and birth. Tune in for some tangible empowerment that will help you work through fear and doubt so you can feel ready for your birth, whether that be a VBAC or a repeat c-section. Text Hannah! VBAC & C-Section Birth Plan Template: https://www.thehannahgill.com/birthplan Quiz - VBAC or Repeat C-Section: https://www.thehannahgill.com/birthquiz VBAC & Cesarean for Birth Professionals: https://thehannahgill.com/vcbp-enroll

Text Hannah! VBAC & C-Section Birth Plan Template: https://www.thehannahgill.com/birthplan Quiz - VBAC or Repeat C-Section: https://www.thehannahgill.com/birthquiz VBAC & Cesarean for Birth Professionals: https://thehannahgill.com/vcbp-enroll

Confidence and clarity is so important when preparing for a VBAC, but how do you actually get to that point? In this episode, I share a powerful mindset shift that every woman who is preparing for a VBAC needs. I also share one simple action you can take today to start believing in yourself and your body's ability to birth. Tune in for some tangible empowerment that will help you work through fear and doubt so you can feel ready for your VBAC journey. Text Hannah! VBAC & C-Section Birth Plan Template: https://www.thehannahgill.com/birthplan Quiz - VBAC or Repeat C-Section: https://www.thehannahgill.com/birthquiz VBAC & Cesarean for Birth Professionals: https://thehannahgill.com/vcbp-enroll