In today’s episode we speak to midwife and Calmbirth educator from regional Victoria, Rosie. Rosie has had four very different birth experiences.
This episode has a trigger warning as we do discuss pregnancy loss.
Rosie’s first birth was a medical termination at 23 weeks following a rare diagnosis her daughter was given at her 20 week scan. Rosie tells of the often unspoken guilt and complex grief that comes with this form of loss. The gravity of her experience caused her to reflect on the ways in which the system in general can treat birth and how important it is to acknowledge the emotional aspects of it, whichever form birth may take.
When Rosie fell pregnant again she chose to be looked after by a private obstetrician in a public hospital setting due to the absence of continuity of midwifery led care in her area. Her son was born at 35 weeks in a birth that ended in a Category 1 emergency caesarean at 34 weeks, It was discovered she had developed Chorioamnionitis, an infection of the lining of the membranes. Her son needed to go to special care and Rosie was separated from him for some time.
After this birth Rosie went on to have two VBACs; the first involved an assisted delivery with forceps and her second was a precipitous labour which was documented as being just 26 minutes all up, including the birth of the placenta.
We thank Rosie for sharing her very personal and unique birth experiences and for her honest reflections on all of them. We know her insights from her personal and professional experience will bring comfort and knowledge to our listeners.
Rosie's Calmbirth Education website: https://www.babiesballarat.com.auInstagram: @babies_ballarat_calmbirth
~ Notes ~
Post Natal Depression/Anxiety support: If you or anyone you know is affected by PND symptoms particularly at this time of COVID-19 please don't hesitate to contact the following support networks.
The Gidget Foundationhttps://gidgetfoundation.org.au/get-support/,
PANDAhttps://www.panda.org.au/info-support/pandas-national-perinatal-anxiety-depression-helpline
Beyond Bluehttps://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/get-immediate-support
Copehttps://www.cope.org.au
Pregnancy Loss:https://www.bearsofhope.org.auhttps://rednosegriefandloss.org.auhttps://miscarriagesupport.org.au
**VBAC Birth Stories features women's lived experiences. It is not intended to replace medical advice. Should you have any concerns during your pregnancy please always consult your healthcare provider.
Please connect with us on Facebook or Instagram: @vbacbirthstories
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