In this episode, we are joined by Rachel, who shares her triumphant journey of achieving a physiological VBAC against challenging odds. Having undergone a caesarean almost three years prior, she discovered at 37 weeks into her second pregnancy that her medical notes deemed her "not suitable for VBAC." Undeterred, Rachel changed hospitals at 38 weeks, advocating for herself throughout her pregnancy.
Rachel's first birth was marked by a cascade of interventions and coercive measures by medical professionals designed to instil fear and doubt in the birthing process. In contrast, her VBAC journey emphasises the transformative power of informed decision-making, education, and self-advocacy in birth. Unable to get on the MGP, Rachel guaranteed herself continuity of care by creating her own beautiful support team, with her husband, doula, and student midwife.
Rachel's story exemplifies the incredible strength of women, and demonstrates how education, self-belief, and the right support team can transform pain into power.
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Resources that Rachel mentioned in this episode include:
The Great Birth Rebellion podcast Core and Floor Restore free birth classes VBAC Australia Facebook page VBAC Birth Stories podcast Spiritual Midwifery by Ina May Gaskins
Rachel's Birth Plan Template: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1RAsK-5vOBLdInR-ZtHCwoAlYdKFZiFNI
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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.
If you enjoyed this episode, we’d love if you could rate, review, and tell your friends!
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.
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