43 | Kasey's drug-free VBAC following an emergency caesarean due to a Bandl Ring; Induction, Posterior and Obstructed Labour, Epidural, Breastfeeding struggles, Allergies, Episiotomy, Public Hospital

Today we hear from Kasey who lives in Melbourne with her husband and two daughters. In her first birth she experienced the rare complication of a bandl ring and was taken for an emergency caesarean despite reaching full dilation.

We speak about what it's like to be a young mother in your twenties when your peers are all doing different things and how this can affect friendships. We also speak about her challenges with her oldest baby's allergies and breastfeeding and what a difference the right support and education can make.

In her second pregnancy Kasey was determined to go into labour spontaneously and avoid an induction completely, as her experience with it in her first birth was not a positive one. Kasey talks about the pressure she faced to book in a second caesarean even though she was perfectly suitable for a VBAC.

Knowing that she was being met with resistance Kasey talks about what she did differently to ensure she had the best chance of avoiding another caesarean.

~ Notes ~

Bandl's Ring:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Bandl%27s+ring

M. Reyad & M. Quinn (2008) Pre-term uterine constriction rings and their consequences, Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 28:4, 447-448, DOI: 10.1080/01443610802138106

**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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