Ever wondered what drives women to choose vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC)? In this powerful first part of a two-part series of The Science Chick Report, Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett sits down with Australian midwife, researcher, and author Dr. Hazel Keedle for an honest, eye-opening conversation about the challenges surrounding birth after cesarean, also known as VBAC. Drawing from her own experience, groundbreaking research, and two widely acclaimed books, Dr. Keedle explains why VBAC isn’t just a medical choice; it is a deeply personal and often political journey toward reclaiming power and autonomy.
Together, they dive into the complex mix of triumph and trauma that many people face in maternity care. They talk candidly about birth trauma, debunk some of the most stubborn myths about VBAC, and call out coercive practices that still get in the way of informed choice. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about respectful, trauma-informed maternity care and making sure women’s voices are truly heard, especially in a system that too often tries to quiet them.
Be sure to tune in to Part 2, where Dr. Kendall-Tackett and Dr. Keedle continue this vital conversation and explore practical ways to support women on their VBAC journeys.
In This Episode:
(00:02) Introduction and guest background
(02:08) Dr. Keedle’s personal VBAC story and research motivation
(05:06) Book cover imagery and symbolism
(06:57) Stories of triumph and community
(08:28) Defining VBAC and its importance
(11:21) Women’s motivations for VBAC
(12:31) Birth trauma: prevalence and impact
(13:18) Factors contributing to birth trauma
(16:32) Obstetric violence and blame
(19:22) Comparing models of care
(20:13) Fear tactics and coercion in VBAC counseling
(22:00) Actual risks of uterine rupture
(23:59) Conclusion and closing remarks
Notable Quotes:
(03:37) "When I pushed my baby out, I felt amazing. I felt like I had just, I don't know, I'd won Olympic gold." – Dr. Hazel Keedle
(06:16) "I felt like it was a bit of a secret language that was going on in the VBAC world." – Dr. Hazel Keedle
(11:56) "The biggest reason was to experience birth, to go through that experience and have that experience." – Dr. Hazel Keedle
(16:58) "What's the high expectation is that you get treated with respect. The high expectation is that you make an informed decision." – Dr. Hazel Keedle
(22:31) "If your wife plans a VBAC, you will end up with a dead baby, a dead wife, and a toddler to raise on your own." – Dr. Hazel Keedle
Our Guest
Dr. Hazel Keedle is a Senior Lecturer of Midwifery at the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University. With over 25 years of midwifery experience, she completed her PhD in 2021, focusing on vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). Hazel is the author of Birth After Caesarean and The VBAC Clinician’s Guide. Her work blends research and lived experience to promote trauma-informed, evidence-based maternity care.
Resource and Links
Podcast
The Science Chick Report
Dr. Hazel Keedle
Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett
Mentioned
INOSS Study – Largest European data on uterine rupture (0.22% rate)
Birth Trauma Inquiry – New South Wales, Australia