From Trauma to Triumph: How My Doula Helped Me Get My VBAC

Congratulations to Jessica and Mike, and a big thank you to Jessica for sharing her triumphant birth story with us. Join us in welcoming baby Rosemary!

"I was just five and a half months postpartum when I found out I was pregnant again. My

previous birth had ended in a traumatic, coerced c-section that left me feeling violated and

deeply doubting my body’s capability to birth vaginally. My consent felt more like compliance; I

was humiliated by the experience and the providers who dismissed my autonomy. It shattered

my confidence, and I feared I might never achieve the birth I desired. Despite these feelings, I

knew I had to reach out for help if I ever wanted to heal.

Shortly after my son’s birth, I connected with Christine at Mindful Birth Services. I found her

through an ICAN Facebook group and blog, and even though I wasn’t yet pregnant again, she

spoke with me at length about my experience, sharing what a VBAC journey in Southwest

Florida might look like and how a doula could support me. She became a lifeline of hope. Then,

when I unexpectedly became pregnant just a few months later, Christine was my very first call. I

hired her the same day I saw the positive test, knowing I needed that solid support and belief

from someone who understood my goals.

Within a few weeks, I met my doula, Tara, and she was an absolute gift. Throughout my

pregnancy, she regularly checked in, shared resources, and always offered a shoulder to lean

on. Through podcasts, blogs, and recommendations like Spinning Babies, Tara filled my mind

and heart with information and encouragement, answering every question and helping me

prepare for conversations with my OB about advocating for myself. Knowing she would be my

advocate gave me the confidence I needed to approach my doctor’s visits with a clearer sense

of purpose.

Initially, I planned for a hospital birth. My OB-GYN team was supposed to be VBAC-friendly, and

I went in feeling optimistic. But by 36 weeks, I was sensing pressure from my doctors that they

might push me into a repeat c-section. Despite being a low-risk mom with a healthy pregnancy, I

started to feel that they were planning to “bait and switch” on their VBAC support. Tara assured

me she would advocate for me in the hospital, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that my dream

birth might not happen there.

That was when Tara connected me with Sabrina Hennessy from Joyful Birth and Baby. On the

Feast of the Guardian Angels, I made the call to Sabrina, finally ready to discuss transferring

care. Though I was hesitant to switch providers so late in my pregnancy, I couldn’t ignore the

nudge from the Holy Spirit urging me forward. After talking it over with my husband, I trusted

that this was the right choice, and within moments of that first conversation, we both felt

completely at peace with the decision. That very day, we officially transferred my care.

Until then, I hadn’t considered home birth because of our distance from the hospital. But with

Tara and Sabrina’s support, we made a plan to rent an Airbnb for the big day, and I could feel

how committed these incredible women were to helping me achieve my VBAC. We were ready

to do anything to make it happen!

This choice felt almost like a miracle because baby Rosemary was already preparing to arrive!

Just nine days later, I gave birth—on the same morning I officially met my midwife, signed my

paperwork, and transferred care. Everything about that day felt aligned. Early labor began the

day before, shortly after Hurricane Milton passed through. By the next morning and by the time

we were heading to the midwife’s office, I was already feeling the strength of my contractions.

At my appointment, I was already 4 cm dilated, and a membrane sweep sped things along. I

barely had time to realize I was in full labor before contractions intensified. Within the hour, Tara

met us at home, bringing the calm presence and support I needed. I was so deep in denial that I

didn’t even realize I was in transition—I kept asking Tara if she thought I was really in labor!

Tara’s support during my labor gave me the relief and comfort I desperately needed. She

rubbed my back through contractions, kept me hydrated, and helped calm my husband during

the most intense moments. When I reached transition and felt like I couldn’t go on, her

empowering pep talk gave me the strength to push through and trust in my body.

Despite the pain, the empowerment and encouragement from these women grounded me. They

believed in my body’s ability to birth physiologically and let my intuition take the lead. My water

broke in the shower, and though I doubted myself in those final moments, my doula’s

reassurance reminded me that I was indeed capable. When the midwife arrived, she quickly

confirmed that I was fully dilated, and within a short time, I was ready to push. The intensity of

those final moments was overwhelming, but my confidence in my body was returning with each

contraction.

Just seven pushes later, and baby Rosemary was born. The room was filled with overwhelming

joy and relief—a stark contrast to my previous experience, alone in a cold, clinical operating

room, separated from my baby at birth. I held her close, feeling a strength I hadn’t known

before—a strength that had been there all along, just waiting for the right support and space to

blossom.

After our baby arrived, the postpartum doula care Tara provided was essential in helping me heal from the birth and supporting our family as we adjusted to life with two under two.

Reflecting back, I can see how pivotal it was to be surrounded by strong women who respected my autonomy and truly believed in my body’s innate ability to give birth. Christine, Tara, and Sabrina were integral in helping me achieve this miracle birth. They supported me through my doubts, helped me find courage, and provided unwavering advocacy. Through their guidance and the constant reassurance of my husband, I learned that advocating for myself and my desires is not only possible but necessary.

For any woman on this journey, know that it is possible to find your own support system, even late in pregnancy, if it means having the birth you envision. Though we didn’t live in a VBAC-friendly area and faced multiple barriers, we still managed to make it happen. This experience showed me that we are all women of strength, capable of incredible things when we trust our bodies and find the right support.

To anyone considering a VBAC, know that you are not alone. Surround yourself with those who believe in you and who will fight for the birth you want. No matter where you are, it’s never too late to advocate for the care you deserve."

Authored by Jessica, mother of two

Our doula best,

Tara + The Mindful Birth Doulas