What would it feel like to go into labor fully prepared for your VBAC - and then have your baby flip breech in the middle of it? That's exactly what happened to Kathryn May, a VBAC Lab student and stay-at-home mom of two from Charlotte, NC.
After a traumatic first birth that ended in an unplanned C-section, Kathryn was determined to do things differently the second time around. She switched to a VBAC-supportive practice, brought her husband fully into the process, and walked into labor informed and ready. Things were progressing beautifully - until a routine check revealed something no one expected: baby James had flipped breech.
Kathryn's story isn't about getting the birth she planned. It's about what happens when you're prepared enough to handle it when the plan changes anyway - and still walk away feeling like you were part of every decision, confident, and empowered.
In this episode:
- Why Kathryn's first C-section left her feeling like things were "happening to her" instead of with her
- How to spot red flags with a provider who isn't truly VBAC-supportive (and why body language matters as much as their words)
- Getting her husband trained as an active advocate, not just a bystander
- The moment her midwife said, "I don't feel a head" - and what came next
- How Kathryn made her unplanned C-section feel informed and participatory instead of traumatic
- Why "you can refuse anything, but should you?" became her guiding question in the moment that mattered most
If Kathryn's story hit home for you - especially if your own birth didn't go the way you planned - be gentle with yourself. Whatever happened, you showed up, and that matters.
Share this episode with a mama preparing for her VBAC or preparing for birth. Hit subscribe, leave a review, and help us reach every mama who needs to hear this.
Connect with Kathryn:
Follow her on Instagram @drkathrynmay
More from this episode:
Join The VBAC Lab or explore The Calm Labor Birth Bundle
Helpful Timestamps:
- 00:00 VBAC Lab Student Birth Story
- 01:56 First Birth C-Section
- 05:26 Switching to Supportive Team
- 10:45 Labor Begins at Home
- 15:32 Baby is Breech
- 18:09 Redemptive C-Section Plan
- 20:16 Baby James Arrives
- 26:36 Advice for VBAC Moms
- 28:26 Why Education Matters
Join The Calm Labor Birth Bundle - everything you need from bump to baby! Use code POD50 for $50 off!
Over 15k mamas have used our classes to prepare for a birth that they love 🤍
⭐ Download immediately ⭐App available ⭐Life-time access⭐
Connect w/ Trish:
On Instagram
On YouTube
For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services
