What if the birth that broke your heart didn’t have to be the end of your story?After preparing for a natural birth with her first baby, Stephanie Andrade found herself transferring from a birth center to the hospital, receiving Pitocin, and eventually having an emergency cesarean. Although there were moments of peace and God’s presence throughout the experience, Stephanie was left processing disappointment, trauma, and questions about what future births might look like.When she became pregnant again, Stephanie knew she wanted to approach birth differently. She researched her options, communicated clearly with her midwife, learned to advocate for her preferences, and ultimately surrendered the outcome to God. What followed was something she never expected. Instead of making it to the hospital for her planned VBAC, Stephanie gave birth at home with only her husband present. Her labor was fast, instinctive, and pain-free, and her body pushed her baby out without conscious pushing.Tune in to hear:How Stephanie’s first birth went from a peaceful birth center labor to an emergency C-sectionWhy learning she had reached 10 centimeters during her first labor mattered when preparing for her VBACHow Stephanie processed the emotional impact of her cesareanThe fears she faced while preparing to give birth after a C-sectionWhy surrendering the outcome to God became a turning point in her pregnancyHow she approached informed consent and hospital VBAC protocols differently the second timeWhy communicating clear preferences with your birth team mattersHow Stephanie prepared to advocate for herself during laborWhy she didn’t realize how far into labor she actually wasThe moment a shower turned into an unexpected home birthWhat it felt like when her body pushed her baby out without conscious effortWhy Stephanie experienced intense pressure, but no ring of fireHow understanding birth physiology helped her stay grounded as her baby was bornThe dramatic difference between her cesarean recovery and natural postpartum recoveryStephanie’s encouragement for women hoping for a redemptive birth after a difficult or traumatic experienceConnect with Stephanie:Instagram: @stephreneeandradeDoors are open for the Doula Certification Program. Grab your spot HERE.CONNECT WITH KAREN:Use code PODCAST to get $50 off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERESubmit Your Birth StoryApply to Come on the PodcastInstagramFacebookYouTubeLooking for a like-minded provider? View the PFB Directory HERE.Want to join the directory? JOIN HEREDisclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding your individual health, pregnancy, birth, or postpartum care. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or Pain F...

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