EP26 - Caitlyn's planned VBAC, repeat caesarean experience (induction, COVID pregnancy, lockdown, NICU, PPA, PPD, Postpartum Rage, short pregnancy interval, cord prolapse, CAT1 emergency caesarean)

We’re so excited to bring you this episode with the wonderful Caitlyn, who shares her incredible birth journey and the lessons she's learned along the way. Her story begins with the traumatic birth of her eldest daughter in 2020 during lockdown, which set her on the path to pursue a VBAC with her son. 

Despite her hopes for a more straightforward, peaceful experience, her son’s birth did not go as planned, as she faced a cord prolapse after her membranes were ruptured, which ultimately resulted in a CAT1 emergency cesarean. While the outcome could have been far more difficult, Caitlyn reflects on how the situation was much smoother and less traumatic than it could have been, and how kind and considerate treatment from care providers makes all the difference in a woman’s birth journey.

Now, Caitlyn is expecting her third baby and, once again, she’s holding onto her dream of a VBA2C. In this episode, she opens up about her experience navigating these challenges, the emotional rollercoaster of working towards a VBA2C, and what she’s hoping for in her upcoming birth.

Her story is one of resilience, hope, and the power of learning from each experience, and we know you’ll find her honesty, strength, and humour incredibly inspiring.

Join us as Caitlyn takes us through her birth journey, with all its ups and downs, and her ongoing hope for a beautiful, healing birth this time around.

Please join us on our journey to bringing you all kinds of VBAC stories from across the country from here on in by subscribing and following us on social media, @australianvbacstories on Instagram and Australian VBAC Stories on Facebook. 

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If you are feeling that you might benefit from mental health support after listening to our podcast, please reach out to one of the organisations below:

PANDA ⁠https://panda.org.au/⁠

Gidget Foundation ⁠https://www.gidgetfoundation.org.au/⁠

COPE Australia ⁠https://www.cope.org.au/⁠

If you've experienced mistreatment or disrespectful care in your pregnancy, birth or postpartum and are seeking advocacy support, please contact one of the following organisations:

Maternity Choices Australia ⁠https://www.maternitychoices.org/⁠

Maternity Consumer Network ⁠https://www.maternityconsumernetwork.org.au/⁠

Thank you for tuning in to our podcast.