In this episode of the Building Birth Confidence Podcast, Katie dives into the experience of dealing with the uncertainty of birth—an aspect that many find difficult, especially after a previous traumatic experience. She shares valuable strategies for navigating the unknown with a calmer, more prepared mindset and provides tools to help you feel more at ease with uncertainty. Whether you’re worried about how your birth may go this time or are struggling to manage fears of the unexpected, this episode is here to guide you toward feeling more secure and confident.

Introduction
Why uncertainty in birth can be particularly challenging after trauma and why our brains are naturally drawn to focusing on potential dangers.

Embracing the Unpredictability of Birth
Ways to focus on what can be influenced—like creating a flexible birth plan and building trust with your care team—to feel more in control.

Understanding Uncertainty from a Psychological Perspective
Why we crave certainty, especially after trauma, and how learning to tolerate uncertainty can reduce anxiety.

Techniques for Managing and Accepting Uncertainty
Tools like reframing thoughts and using worry diaries to build resilience and manage anxiety around birth.

Preparing for a Positive Birth Experience Despite Uncertainty
Mindfulness and grounding exercises to help stay present and avoid getting lost in “what if” worries.

Strategies for Tolerating Uncertainty
Practical tips for breaking down the birth process and visualising a positive experience to reduce stress around the unknown.

Regular practice of these techniques will strengthen confidence and prepare for a positive birth, even if things don’t go exactly as planned

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Free Guide: [How to Write Your Birth Plan] – A free guide and customizable template to help you create a birth plan tailored to your needs.

Connect With Katie

• Instagram: @birthcarewithkatie
• Facebook: Birthcare with Katie
• Website: Birthcare with Katie

Listen & Subscribe: If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe, leave a review, or share it with someone who might benefit from these insights on managing birth’s uncertainty. Sharing helps others find support on their journey too!

In this episode, Katie explores how to create a birth plan that truly empowers you, especially if you’ve had a difficult or traumatic birth experience before. A birth plan is more than just a document—it’s a way to communicate your needs, boundaries, and preferences to your care team. Katie walks through the key elements of a birth plan, including birth environment, emotional needs, pain management, and handling interventions, with tips on how to advocate for yourself and ensure your voice is heard. She also discusses planned cesarean preferences and postnatal care.

Timestamps:

• [00:00] Introduction: Katie introduces the podcast and explains how a birth plan can help parents regain control and feel more empowered, especially after previous trauma.
• [02:44] Why a Birth Plan Matters: The importance of a birth plan as a communication tool, even if your last plan didn’t go as expected.
• [03:45] Key Elements of an Empowering Birth Plan: Customising your birth environment, emotional needs, pain management, and flexibility in planning.
• [08:58] Planned Caesarean Preferences: How to make your planned caesarean feel supportive and personalised.
• [10:32] Postnatal Care Preferences: Tips on planning for postnatal care, including skin-to-skin, feeding support, and managing your post-birth environment.
• [11:40 How to Communicate and Advocate for Your Birth Plan: Strategies for ensuring your birth plan is respected and followed, including communication tips with your care team.
• [15:03] Recap and Final Thoughts: Key takeaways to help you feel more in control and confident about your birth plan.
• [16:08] Free Resource: How to Write Your Birth Plan: Introduction to Katie’s free birth plan guide and template, specifically designed for those navigating birth after trauma.

Resources:

• Free Guide: https://birthcare.ck.page/free_guide – A free guide and customisable template to help you create a birth plan tailored to your needs.
• Instagram: @birthcarewithkatie
• Website: Birthcare with Katie

Thank you for listening!
Thank you for tuning into today’s episode. If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, or share it with someone who might benefit from this kind of support. Sharing helps us reach more parents who need this resource.

For more tips and resources, follow Katie on Instagram @birthcarewithkatie or visit Birthcare with Katie. You can also download Katie’s free birth plan guide and template to make this process easier for you.

Next Episode Teaser:
Join Katie in the next episode where she’ll be discussing strategies to manage the uncertainty of birth and learn ways to accept the uncomfortable truth that birth is unpredictable, see you in the next episode.

In this episode of the Building Birth Confidence Podcast, we dive deep into the different birth options available to you—whether you’re considering a vaginal birth, a VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Caesarean), or a planned Caesarean. Hosted by Katie, a mental health midwife, antenatal teacher, and hypnobirthing instructor specialising in pregnancy after traumatic birth, this episode is designed to provide evidence-based information and emotional support to help you make informed decisions that feel right for you.

We’ll explore the pros and cons of each birth option, share practical advice on how to navigate discussions with your maternity care team, and offer trauma-informed insights to help you feel more empowered, confident, and prepared for your upcoming birth.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• What VBAC is and who might be a good candidate
• The benefits and risks associated with VBAC and Caesarean births
• How to approach a vaginal birth after a traumatic experience
• Tips for making informed, confident decisions about your birth plan
• How to prepare for a change of plans and cope with the unexpected

Timestamps:

• [00:00] Introduction: Welcome and Overview of Birth Options
• [03:43] What is VBAC? The Pros, Cons, and Key Considerations
• [05:58] Planned Caesarean Birth: What You Need to Know
• [08:44] Vaginal Birth After a Traumatic Experience: How to Heal and Prepare
• [11:00] Making Informed and Confident Birth Choices
• [13:32] Outro: Take Care and Continue the Journey to Birth Confidence

Resources Mentioned:

• RCOG Guidelines on VBAC Success Rates Birth after previous caesarean | RCOG
• Birthrights - Birthrights - your human rights during pregnancy and maternity care
• NICE Guidelines - Recommendations | Caesarean birth | Guidance | NICE
• NICE Guidelines - Intrapartum Care - Overview | Intrapartum care | Guidance | NICE

Connect with Me:

• Follow me on Instagram: @birthcarewithkatie
• Share your thoughts or ask questions—your feedback helps shape future episodes!

Thanks for Listening! If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe, leave a review, or share it with someone who might benefit from this information. Together, we can make the birth experience more empowering for everyone. See you next time!