If you’ve ever felt like your birth options are limited after a cesarean, this episode will change the narrative. VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) isn’t just a possibility—it’s an empowering opportunity to reclaim your story, heal from past experiences, and step into your power.
In this episode of The Mindful Womb Podcast, I sit down with Carmen Rocha, a childbirth educator and VBAC advocate who has supported countless birthing people on their VBAC journeys. Carmen shares her personal experiences and offers actionable advice to help you prepare your mind, body, and heart for this transformative birth experience.
What You’ll Learn:
🌟 What VBAC is and why it’s an empowering option.
🌟 The essential mindset work to release fear, heal trauma, and rebuild trust in your body.
🌟 Physical preparation tips, including pelvic alignment techniques and somatic work.🌟 How to navigate the medical system, advocate for your goals, and find supportive care.
🌟 The importance of trusting your body and making decisions aligned with your intuition.
Carmen’s wisdom and inspiring client stories will leave you feeling informed, confident, and ready to explore the possibilities of VBAC.
Listen to the podcast now:
If you’ve ever felt that your birth options are limited after a cesarean, it’s time to rethink the narrative. Vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) is not only possible but can also be one of the most empowering experiences of your life. In the latest episode of my podcast, I had the privilege of speaking with Carmen Rocha, a childbirth educator and VBAC advocate who has supported countless women on their VBAC journeys. Together, we explored what it takes to prepare for a VBAC both mentally and physically, as well as how to navigate the medical system to achieve your goals.
Whether you’re considering a VBAC or simply want to understand more about this option, this episode is packed with wisdom, inspiration, and actionable advice.
What is a VBAC, and Why Does It Matter?
VBAC refers to a vaginal birth after a previous cesarean delivery. For decades, the common adage was, “Once a cesarean, always a cesarean.” However, that belief has been debunked as outdated. With the right preparation and support, many people can safely deliver vaginally after a cesarean.
VBAC is more than just a medical choice—it’s an opportunity for healing and reclaiming control over your birth experience. For many, it symbolizes the ability to trust their body and rewrite the story of their birthing journey.
“After my VBAC, I felt like a firecracker had been lit in me. It was an overwhelming feeling of joy and power, and I knew I had to help others feel the same.” – Carmen Rocha
Preparing for a VBAC: A Holistic Approach
Preparation for a VBAC involves much more than physical readiness. Carmen emphasizes that the journey to an empowering VBAC starts with your mindset, continues with your body, and is solidified through advocacy.
Mindset and Inner Work
A strong mindset is crucial. Many people pursuing VBAC carry doubts because they’ve never experienced a vaginal birth. Others may feel burdened by trauma from past births or life experiences. Carmen underscores the importance of addressing these mental and emotional blocks through inner work.
Heal Past Trauma: Reflect on your previous birth experiences or unresolved feelings from other parts of your life. Carmen uses visualization and inner child work to help clients release fear and build trust in their bodies.
Reframe Fears: Replace fear-based beliefs with empowering ones. For instance, if you fear tearing or complications, shift your focus to the resilience and strength of your body.
Visualize Success: Carmen’s visualization techniques go beyond traditional hypnobirthing. She guides clients to imagine themselves actively birthing their baby, feeling the emotions of holding their baby for the first time.
“Our bodies store trauma, and unless we create safety within ourselves, labor can stall. Mindset work isn’t optional—it’s essential.”
Advocacy and Support
Navigating the medical system can be challenging, especially when pursuing a VBAC. Some providers are supportive, while others may be hesitant or overly focused on risks.
Find the Right Provider: Seek a care team experienced in VBACs. A doula familiar with VBACs can also advocate for you and help you navigate challenges.
Understand Risks and Benefits: While the risk of uterine rupture is often cited, Carmen highlights that cesareans come with their own risks, such as increased recovery time, surgical complications, and limits on future pregnancies.
Tune Into Your Intuition: Ultimately, evidence is just one piece of the puzzle. Carmen encourages clients to trust their intuition and make heart-based decisions.
The Power of Trusting Your Body
One of the most profound takeaways from this episode is Carmen’s emphasis on rebuilding trust in your body.
For some, this trust is shaken after a cesarean, but Carmen reminds us that our bodies are incredibly capable of healing and achieving a VBAC. She shares stories of clients who overcame self-doubt, trauma, and even skeptical providers to achieve their goals.
“Your body isn’t broken. With the right preparation and support, you can tap into your innate power and have the birth you desire.”
VBAC Advocacy in the Medical System
Both in the UK and the US, VBAC advocacy often involves navigating a system that sometimes prioritizes cesareans. Carmen discusses the importance of advocating for your goals while balancing medical advice with your intuition.
Stand Your Ground: If faced with fear-based tactics (e.g., discussions of stillbirth risk without clear evidence), ask questions and seek second opinions.
Personalized Over Protocols: Remember that studies and protocols are based on averages, not your unique body and situation.
Build a Supportive Team: Surround yourself with professionals and loved ones who affirm your decisions and build your confidence.
This episode is an empowering guide for anyone exploring VBAC as an option. Carmen Rocha’s inspiring story and actionable advice remind us that birth is not just a physical process but a deeply emotional and spiritual journey.
Whether you’re preparing for your first VBAC or supporting someone else on this path, the lessons shared in this episode will equip you with the tools and confidence to move forward.
Birth Your Way
VBAC is about more than just vaginal birth—it’s about reclaiming your story, healing from the past, and stepping into your power. By preparing your mind, body, and heart, you can create an experience that aligns with your deepest desires.
“Trust your body. Trust your baby. And trust that you have the power to create an extraordinary birth experience.” – Carmen Rocha
Tune In Now!
Listen to the full episode to dive deeper into Carmen’s insights and learn how to prepare for an empowering VBAC. You can also connect with Carmen on Instagram at Quantum Life and Birth.
Your birth, your way. 🌟
Resources and Mentions:✨ Clear Your Birth Fears Guide
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