55 | Shelley's VBAC with COVID19 following a planned caesarean due to HSV1 Genital; Genital herpes, covid, breastfeeding, private hospital and public hospital

In this episode we chat to Shelley, a mum of two from Adelaide. Shelley reached out to us shortly after having her baby because she wanted to share the unique circumstances surrounding her first birth and VBAC. Shelley lives with Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Genital, it is classified as a type of STI, and because of the stigma this carries Shelley could not find any stories from women who have navigated pregnancy and birth with this condition. 

It is estimated that three-quarters of Australian adults are infected with HSV1.

Shelley talks about how her genital herpes affected the outcome of her first birth, and although a very empowering and positive caesarean she still held the desire to have a VBAC for next time. Unlike her first birth genital herpes didn't play a role in the outcome of her second birth, however being covid positive at the time her body went into labour certainly did. Shelley got covid twice during her VBAC pregnancy.

Although her VBAC didn't go the way Shelley envisioned- there was intervention there- she felt in control the entire time due to the preparation she had done during her VBAC pregnancy. Shelley also shares how she had a positive breastfeeding journey with her second baby, which wasn't the case with her first baby.  

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~ Notes ~

Books:

The Birth Map by Catherine Bell
Birth Skills by Juju Sundin with Sarah Murdoch

Pregnancy Loss:

Https://www.bearsofhope.org.au

Https://rednosegriefandloss.org.au

Https://miscarriagessupport.org.au

**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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