Renee’s birth story
Not quite a VBAC
I spent 9 months preparing for a VBAC. Gratefully, I was accepted into the Wollongong Hospital MGP program and despite my issues delivering my first child (which ended in an emergency caesarean), my wonderful midwife was supportive of my decision to try for a natural birth. I did a lot of research, completed an online hypnobirthing course and listened to countless podcast episodes of VBAC Birth Stories and Australian Birth Stories.
Unfortunately things didn't go as planned. Similar to my first pregnancy, bub’s head never engaged and my cervix was zipped shut! After going 10 days past my due date, I was induced using a Foley catheter which left me labouring alone for the night. My waters were broken the next morning (alongside a fainting husband!) and I was straight onto a fit ball, knowing I really needed gravity on my side to get that head down. Despite syntocinon running through my veins, bub stayed high and his bouncing head clipped the cord. Suddenly the sound of his heart rate stopped and doctors piled into the room. On went a glove, lube and a hand…ouch! Although they were able to move bub off the cord, a vaginal birth was off the cards. Off to theatres it was.
My "emergency caesarean" was nothing like the emergency I experienced with my first. It was much more calm. I was personally introduced to every doctor and nurse in theatres (trust me there were a lot of them) and we even had a bit of a joke while everyone was getting their things sorted. Although my husband was not allowed in for the initial part, my midwife was there to hold my hand while they inserted the spinal block and she gave me encouragement the whole way through. My husband was warmly welcomed into theatres and was there when I needed him the most. He held me when they tugged and pulled and I cried and cried, and then finally they pulled Freddie out into the world. I didn't enjoy the caesarean, however I felt supported. Unlike my first, Freddie was given delayed cord clamping, and although he had to go briefly to the paediatrician, he was given to me soon after where we had skin on skin and he had his first breastfeed. These small things made a world of difference to me, and I have my midwife to thank for advocating for what I wanted.
Preparing for the birth you want is essential. Even if it doesn't go to plan, knowing your options and being informed can make all the difference. As it turns out, it is unlikely that I will ever have a vaginal birth (as I was told by my surgeon). However my birth 'planning' didn't go to waste. I walked into that hospital feeling confident. I knew my chances of a VBAC were slim, but I was willing to give it a try and I had strategies in place if it ended in a caesarean. With the support of my husband and midwife, I was still able to achieve many of my wishes.
Birth may not be glamorous or perfect, but my gosh it is magical. Freddie, I love you.
Written by Renee Jennings
