March 18, 2020

5 | Andrea's waterbirth VBAC following an elective caesarean due to Gastroschisis; Public Hospital, NICU, Hyperemesis Gravidarum, Calmbirth

46 minutes

In this episode we speak with Andrea who had a planned caesarean with her eldest child due to a condition called Gastroschisis, where her baby's intestines were growing externally while in utero. Successful lifesaving surgery was performed on her newborn immediately following her caesarean. The neonatal intensive care unit became like a second home following the birth as their hospital stay got extended to three and a half months due to her baby developing a golden staphylococcus infection. Six years later Andrea returned to a public hospital setting armed with knowledge and research determined to have an unmedicated water birth. Andrea suffered from Hyperemesis Gravidarum in both of her pregnancies.
Listen to how Andrea prepared for the birth she sought to achieve despite facing some resistance from the hospital, which had a policy of no water births for VBAC.
~ Notes ~
NICE - National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (UK)1.19 Previous caesarean section recommendations:
https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng121/chapter/Recommendations#previous-caesarean-section
**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.
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