In this episode we hear from our host Steph, whose first birth began as spontaneous labour with her waters breaking on her due date. Twelve hours after her contractions first began she was briefed at the hospital and told induction was recommended as the risk of infection to the baby was too great. After being in active labour for over 8 hours and reaching full dilation on only gas she was told if her baby was not delivered soon she would need to be taken for an emergency caesarean. She was physically exhausted, angry and completely deflated - but this was just the beginning of what would end up being a traumatic first birth experience for both her and her husband including a stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
Listen to how in just over two years she went on to have a successful unmedicated VBAC by using a combination of hypnobirthing methodologies to overcome her previous trauma, including a pregnancy loss in between her births. Steph is passionate about advocating for women to feel control of their birth process, no matter what the outcome.
**VBAC Birth Stories features women's lived experiences. It is not intended to replace medical advice. Should you have any concerns at all during your pregnancy please always consult your healthcare provider.
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