Episode 441 Dr. Hazel Keedle, PhD Returns + The Clinician's Guide to Better Birth After Caesarean

We’re thrilled to welcome back Dr. Hazel Keedle from Sydney, Australia! Dr. Keedle is a researcher, midwife, Director of Midwifery Academic Programs and Senior Lecturer at Western Sydney University back to discuss her book, A Clinician’s Guide to Birth After Cesarean, released in August 2025.

In this episode, Hazel shares insight from her years of research into VBAC experiences and clinical care. She talks about birth and the “Olympic coach” analogy, how providers can balance risks between VBAC and repeat cesarean, and the best ways to use research in your decision making.

Hazel, Paige, and Lily also unpack the importance of removing terms like trial, fail, and success to better honor every story. Hazel also graciously offers her personal perspective on how clinicians can process difficult outcomes and still show up with compassion, empathy, and belief to help every mother birth the way she desires.

The Clinician’s Guide to Better Birth After Caesarean

Birth After Caesarean: Your Journey to a Better Birth 

The Birth Experience Study

The VBAC Link Podcast Episode 209 

Dr. Keedle’s Publication - Debriefing Women’s Birth Experiences

The Perinatal Experience of Women With a History of Intimate Partner Violence 

The Ultimate VBAC Prep Course for Parents

Online VBAC Doula Training