Client stories mini-series, Part 2

Catherine’s journey is a powerful example of what’s possible in an empowered VBAC birth with doula support. When she first reached out to me three years ago, she had a big question:

“Can you help me have a different experience this time?”

Her first birth—a Cesarean—had left her feeling overlooked and disappointed. She hadn’t felt truly heard or supported, and she longed for a different story for her second birth. She hoped for a VBAC (vaginal birth after Cesarean), but more than that, she wanted to feel informed, respected, and empowered. What followed was exactly that—and later, a second empowering VBAC birth as well.

Preparing for an Empowered VBAC Birth with Doula Support

We spent time talking through her previous experience, exploring what hadn’t gone well, and identifying what she most wanted to be different this time. We did personalized childbirth education, prepared a detailed birth plan, and focused on advocacy and communication with her care team.
All of this laid the foundation for an empowered VBAC birth with doula support.

A Redemptive and Empowered Birth Experience

I joined Catherine and her partner at the hospital alongside their midwife. She was experiencing intense back labor, which can be especially challenging, but Catherine handled it with strength and grace. Eventually, with support and encouragement, lying on her side, Catherine delivered her baby with some of the most peaceful, controlled pushing I have ever seen. All that preparation really paid off! What’s more, it was a powerful example of how doula support can help create an empowered VBAC birth experience.

Returning for Her Second Empowered VBAC Birth

Then a year later, Catherine contacted me again: she was pregnant with her third child and wanted doula support once more.

Being invited back into the birthing room by a previous client is one of the greatest honors in this work. Because we already knew each other well, I understood the kind of experience Catherine was hoping for—one where she could feel strong, supported, and deeply involved in decision-making.

This time, her original hospital had closed its labor and delivery unit, so she followed her midwifery team to a new hospital. Once again, back labor showed up—but so did Catherine’s resilience. When there were concerns about the baby’s heart rate during pushing, she dug deep, took a breath, and pushed with everything she had. Her baby was born safely, and she had her second empowered VBAC with doula support. 💪👶

Why I do this work

Birth isn’t always easy. It’s unpredictable, raw, sacred, and often intense. But when someone moves from feeling like a pawn in the medical system to confidently owning their birth experience, it changes everything.

That’s what I saw in Catherine. Twice. Catherine’s story is a beautiful reminder of what’s possible in an empowered VBAC birth with doula support.

I can’t promise that every client will have a textbook VBAC or a drama-free labor. But I can promise that I will walk with you through it all—offering emotional, physical, and evidence-based support to help you navigate birth with clarity and confidence.

🌸 Posted with permission from Catherine 🌸

Are you hoping for a redemptive birth story?

Whether your previous birth felt disappointing, scary, or just not what you hoped for, there is a way forward. My Overwhelmed to Empowered Planning Session is a free, no-obligation consult to talk through your goals and how I might support you.

👉 I currently have 4 consult spots open. You can schedule one by filling out the Contact form.

Doula support can make all the difference in creating your own empowered VBAC birth story.

Know someone who needs this kind of support? Please feel free to share this story with them. 🕊️

Want to read more inspiring client stories?

• Read in her own words: Google Review
• Read Annamarie’s story of doula support for single moms
• Read about the Turner family in my doula reflections on birth and baptism