In this week's episode, I sit down with the lovely Ana, a mother of two boys living in Portugal, as she shares her inspiring journey from a medicalised breech birth to a midwife-supported VBAC at home.
Ana’s first birth in late 2019 ended in a caesarean after going to 41+5 with a breech baby and navigating a tough hospital system. Her initial private OBGYN was unsupportive, pushing decisions without much collaboration—until Ana found a new provider who honoured her options and helped her feel seen. Although her first birth ended in surgery, it was the spark that set her on a mission to reclaim birth on her own terms.
With her second baby, Ana took radical responsibility—diving deep into birth education, training as a doula, and choosing a supportive team of midwife and doula well before she even conceived. During her pregnancy, Ana felt like a goddess—nourished, empowered, and surrounded by care that truly respected her.
At 41+5, she went into spontaneous labour and spent 25 powerful hours navigating intensity, pain, and deep inner strength. With her husband by her side and her compassionate birth team surrounding her, Ana vaginally birthed her baby in the safety of her own home—a healing and empowering VBAC journey that she now shares to inspire others.
In this episode, we explore:
✨ Why Ana chose a midwife-attended homebirth after a breech caesarean
✨ The power of birth education and training as a doula
✨ How Ana prepared for her VBAC and stayed grounded during a 25-hour labour
✨ The importance of being surrounded by a supportive birth team
✨ The joy and healing that came through trusting her body and her baby
🎧 Tune in for this beautifully grounded story of self-trust, feminine power, and VBAC victory. Ana reminds us that when we reclaim birth, we also reclaim ourselves.
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Website: www.ashleywinning.com
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Disclaimer: The VBAC Homebirth Stories Podcast is for educational and inspirational purposes only. The stories and opinions shared are personal experiences and should not be considered medical advice. Every birth journey is unique, and we encourage you to research, trust your intuition, and consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care.
The host and guests of this podcast are not liable for any outcomes resulting from the information shared. By listening, you acknowledge that you take full responsibility for your own health and birth choices.