19 | COVID-19 Birth, Doula restrictions - Jessica's VBAC with an epidural following emergency caesarean after induction for high blood pressure; Public Hospital, Private Hospital, Meconium in waters, Hypnobirthing

In this episode we chat to Jessica who lives with her husband and two children in Torquay at the start of the beautiful great ocean road in Victoria.

Jessica reflects on how she made the decision to not make a birth plan for her first birth and just go with the flow, but knowing what she knows now she wished she had prepared herself a bit better- a sentiment that rings true for many of us.

Her first birth ended in an emergency caesarean following an induction at 40 weeks for high blood pressure readings.

For her second birth, she knew she wanted to do things differently and hired a doula to support her in a private hospital setting and this time made a birth plan. However, things didn’t quite go to plan. With the emergence of COVID-19 during her pregnancy this meant that her doula was no longer able to support her in labour while in hospital. Although disappointing at first Jessica didn’t allow this to deter her spirits and she decided to keep her doula on to support her in labour at home alongside her husband until it was time to head into hospital.

Jessica’s story is a great example of how birth can still be an empowering and positive experience, even if your birth goes in a different direction to what you had intended it to.

~ Notes ~

Post Natal Depression/Anxiety support: If you or anyone you know is affected by PND symptoms particularly at this time of COVID-19 please don't hesitate to contact the following support networks:

The Gidget Foundation

https://gidgetfoundation.org.au/get-support/,

PANDA

https://www.panda.org.au/info-support/pandas-national-perinatal-anxiety-depression-helpline

Beyond Blue

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/get-immediate-support

Cope

https://www.cope.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.

Please connect with us on Facebook or Instagram: @vbacbirthstories