Giving birth is one of the most powerful, personal, and transformative experiences a woman can go through. But for many women, their first birth doesn’t go as planned—and the emotional and physical toll can last long after the baby is born. That was the case for Carrie Coppins, who shared her story on the Pain Free Birth podcast. After an unexpected cesarean with her first daughter, Carrie believed God for a different story—and got it in the most powerful way.
In this post, we’ll walk through Carrie’s raw and honest birth journey, how she processed birth trauma, prepared for a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean), and ultimately gave birth at home—on her daughter’s birthday. Her story is one of healing, faith, and reclaiming the power of birth.
What Is a VBAC?
Before we dive into Carrie’s journey, let’s define what a VBAC is. A VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) is when a woman delivers vaginally after having had a previous C-section. Many women are told that once they’ve had a cesarean, they will always need one. But the truth is, most women can have a successful VBAC if they are given the right support, care, and information.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), VBAC is a safe and reasonable option for many women. Yet fear-based messaging, hospital policies, and outdated practices often stand in the way.
Carrie’s First Birth: When Everything Changed
Carrie went into her first birth fully prepared for an unmedicated, natural delivery. She labored beautifully at home and arrived at the hospital already 8.5 centimeters dilated—nearly ready to push. But instead of meeting support, she encountered resistance.
“I really wasn’t in pain at all when I got to the hospital. The nurse didn’t even believe I was in labor. Then everything started to stall.”
Carrie’s labor slowed once she arrived at the hospital. She wanted to move, change positions, and stay active—but was met with restrictions and tension. Eventually, she received Pitocin to “help things along,” even though she had already progressed far on her own. After 23 hours of labor and 3.5 hours of pushing, her baby was stuck and wouldn’t descend past her pubic bone. She was told a cesarean was the only option.
The Emotional Toll of a Traumatic C-Section
Carrie’s emotional reaction to her C-section was immediate and intense. After returning home from the hospital, she walked into the house and saw her birth ball and supplies—exactly how she had left them. She broke down.
“I just lost it. I saw everything and thought, why did my body do this to me? Why did God let this happen?”
She wrestled with deep emotions of betrayal—by her body, by her providers, even by God. Her well-intentioned birth plan had stated “no cesarean unless medically necessary.” And yet, that’s exactly how her birth had ended.
The grief lingered. Carrie sought therapy, turned to Scripture, and joined a women’s Bible study that helped her process what had happened. Slowly, she began to heal emotionally and spiritually.
Preparing for a VBAC: Faith Over Fear
When Carrie found out she was pregnant again, she was excited—but also determined. This time, her baby was due on Easter Sunday, and her estimated due date was the same day as her first daughter’s birthday. She took it as a sign from God that this birth would be different.
Carrie took the Pain Free Birth course, re-read Ina May Gaskin’s books, and immersed herself in birth education, VBAC podcasts, and community. One of her most transformative moments came when she learned about how safety and environment affect birth physiology.
“I realized that just like animals in the wild, our bodies won’t labor effectively if we don’t feel safe. That made so much sense to me.”
This time around, she chose dual care—she continued to see her OB for standard appointments, but she also partnered with a home birth midwife and brought her doula back for the journey.
Facing Fear Mongering and Medical Gaslighting
One of the most frustrating parts of Carrie’s second pregnancy was the fear-based messaging she received from her OBs.
“One OB told me I had a 15% chance of success with a VBAC. Another said I wasn’t even worth calculating.”
At 28 weeks pregnant, she was pressured to choose between a scheduled repeat C-section or an induction date—which they booked for her on the spot. Carrie didn’t feel seen, supported, or safe. But her midwife offered the opposite—warmth, individualized care, and total belief in her body’s ability to birth.
“With my midwife, I felt treasured. She saw me, listened to me, and never made me feel like a liability.”
Labor Begins: A Peaceful, Empowering Experience
At 38 weeks and 2 days, Carrie began having regular contractions. She immediately knew—this was it.
“I told my husband, we’re having this baby tonight.”
Her labor ramped up quickly. She felt calm, focused, and empowered. She labored on the birth ball, in the tub, on the toilet—wherever her body led her. Her doula whispered affirmations, and her midwife gently held space. No bright lights. No shouting. No pressure.
When she finally asked for a cervical check, her midwife smiled and said:
“Your baby is right here. I’m touching her head.”
Within minutes, Carrie gave birth in her own bed, in a dark, quiet room—with her husband catching their baby and placing her on her chest.
A Full Circle Moment: Redemption on Her Daughter’s Birthday
As if the birth wasn’t miraculous enough, Carrie’s second daughter was born on the exact same date as her first—three years later.
“God truly redeemed my birth story. It was the same day, but a completely different experience.”
Carrie said the experience changed everything about how she saw her body. After years of doubt, pain, and questioning, she now saw her body as strong, capable, and beautifully designed.
“I’ve never felt more beautiful in my entire life.”
The Power of Supportive Care
One of the biggest differences in Carrie’s second birth wasn’t just what she did differently—it was the care model she chose. The contrast between her OB appointments and midwifery care was stark.
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OB: 5-minute appointments, no personal connection, high-pressure decisions
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Midwife: Hour-long visits, emotional and spiritual support, genuine belief in physiological birth
“My midwife cared so much, I cried at our final visit. I was sad it was over. That’s how it should be.”
Advice for Women Preparing for a VBAC
If you’re a mom who has had a C-section and are now hoping for a VBAC, Carrie wants you to know:
“You can do this. But you have to trust God with every fiber of your being.”
She encourages women to:
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Educate themselves with courses, books, and birth stories
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Seek therapy if they’re carrying trauma from a previous birth
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Surround themselves with a supportive birth team
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Choose providers who align with their vision
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Surrender the outcome and trust God’s plan
Conclusion: Your Body Didn’t Fail You
Carrie’s story is a testament to what happens when women are seen, supported, and believed. Her first birth left her broken, but her second birth helped her heal on every level—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
At Pain Free Birth, we believe every woman deserves to feel safe, empowered, and confident in her body’s ability to birth. Whether you’re preparing for a VBAC, processing a traumatic birth, or dreaming of a redemptive experience, know this: your body is not broken. Your story is not over.
Resources:
VBAC book: https://amzn.to/4lu4bl5
Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth: https://amzn.to/3TC8w9M
VBAC Resources:
More about Carrie:
Carrie is a wife, mother to two girls—Amie (3) and Maggie (2 months)—and a small business owner. Before becoming a mom, she taught 5th grade at a Catholic school. Today, she runs a creative business designing stationery and signage for businesses and special events, while also offering a bit of social media support on the side. Her work allows her to stay home and raise her daughters, which is her greatest joy. She loves cooking and baking, painting and creating, tending to her chickens and garden, and spending time outdoors with her family. Whether it’s designing custom pieces for clients or harvesting fresh vegetables from the backyard, she brings beauty, care, and intention to everything she does.
Instagram: @licensed_to_carrie
Want to Experience a Faith-Filled Birth Too?
If you’re ready to transform your mindset and birth with peace and purpose, check out the free Unlocking a Pain Free Birth Masterclass. Discover the 3 keys to a Pain-Free birth so you can experience the joyful, supernatural power of birth the way God designed it.
