Naomi has experience with VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) first hand. Her first born was a c-section and she was adamant about having a vaginal birth with her second. She got to work and deeply researched the topic. She met with her OBGYN that did her surgery to get her opinion on the risks vs benefits. Her doctor said she was a good candidate and that it was more beneficial to have a VBAC than another cesarean. Her doctor’s office did not allow VBAC births so Naomi was on the mission to find a provider who would support her wishes and had experience supporting VBAC births.. She also heard that her surrounding hospitals were not very supportive of VBAC births, but Naomi was determined. She was able to find a midwife that she met with that answered all of her questions with patience and compassion. She was a qualified provider who had years of experience here in the United States and also delivered babies in huts in the Philippines. This was a midwife that only delivered in a birthing center and within her patients’ homes. So Naomi prepared for a home birth. She was able to walk freely in the comfort of her home and labor in a birthing tub and use her shower for comfort. After about 36 hours of labor Naomi transferred to the local hospital for some extra support. After receiving more antibiotics, a walking epidural (she could labor walking around) and later pitocin (made her bed bound) she welcomed her baby boy of 9 lbs 13 oz into the world! The total hours of labor was 40, she pushed for 3 and he was crowning for approximately 45 min. This was a situation where Naomi walked into the hospital without knowing the nurses or doctor. Thankfully she got a good team that met with her, talked with her and supported her. Naomi shared her birthing plan, was adamant about what she wanted and got the vaginal birth she desired. This story plus her other 2 birth stories gives Naomi the understanding that birth unfolds differently each time, education is power, being prepared is important, support is crucial, and using your voice to express your boundaries and desires is empowering. Naomi wants the same for all her clients, especially her VBAC clients.