The VBAC Homebirth Stories Podcast

EP170 | Tiffanie’s Story from Preeclampsia to Freebirth (HBAC)

In this episode, I sit down with Tiffanie, a mother of two from Mt Isa, who shares her raw and powerful birth stories—two very different journeys that shaped her into the woman and mother she is today.

Tiffanie’s first pregnancy was planned as a freebirth, but at 38+4 weeks she developed preeclampsia so severe she was losing her vision for up to ten minutes just from standing up.

When she presented at the hospital, doctors told her she was on the edge of eclampsia—her liver and kidneys were shutting down—and a caesarean was her safest option. What followed was an incredibly tough start to motherhood, with Tiffanie sent to ICU and separated from her newborn for 30 hours due to a covid patient being in ICU at the same time.

Her second pregnancy, however, was completely different. Choosing a wild pregnancy with just one ultrasound at 21 weeks, Tiffanie leaned into her intuition, knowledge, and body wisdom. Determined not to repeat her first experience, she focused on prevention and balance:

Following the Brewer’s Diet with an emergency protocol
Using Celtic salt shots and water to regulate her blood pressure
Staying strong and active with F45 training throughout pregnancy

At 42+3 weeks, Tiffanie went into spontaneous labour and birthed her baby at home in a beautiful freebirth. Her baby was born sunny side up, and with the loving support of her husband and sister-in-law Sarah by her side, Tiffanie welcomed her baby into the world on her own terms.

This episode is a powerful reminder of the strength it takes to reclaim trust in your body after trauma, and the importance of preparation, nutrition, and support when navigating birth after preeclampsia.

Enjoy this podcast episode!