EP36 - Imogen’s VBAC (hospital birth, private midwife, cascade of intervention, hospital MGP, COVID, special care nursery, vaginal hematoma, feeding difficulties, advocacy, support)
Description
In this inspiring episode of Australian VBAC Stories we chat with Imogen, a mum of two, currently expecting her third baby, who shares the journey of her beautifully redemptive VBAC birth. After a difficult first birth that started with an induction at 41+6, Imogen found herself overwhelmed by an intense labour. Despite planning for a natural, hospital birth with the support of a private midwife, she was unprepared for how quickly things escalated once the Syntocinon drip was started, leaving her feeling disempowered and disconnected from the process and heading down the cascade of intervention, leading eventually to a caesarean.
Determined to have a different experience, Imogen made informed choices in her second pregnancy and received care through a Midwifery Group Practice (MGP) at her local public hospital. The continuity of care and deep trust she built with her midwife gave her the confidence to advocate for herself, trust her body, and birth on her own terms. Her VBAC was not only a healing experience, it was also profoundly empowering, shifting her entire view of birth and what’s possible when women are well supported.
In this conversation, Imogen reflects on what she learned between births, how she mentally and emotionally prepared for her VBAC and the power of being surrounded by a supportive, women-centred model of care. Her story is raw, uplifting, and a powerful reminder of how birth can be a catalyst for growth and self-trust.
Imogen is a SAHM of 2 with another on the way, trying to raise her family with mostly holistic intentions. She shared some beautiful resources in this episode which included:
- Sammy from @kind.er_counselling for chatting all things birth trauma.
Jess from @holistic_lactation_consulting for breastfeeding help.
@lotuschiropractic_ + @morningtonchinesemedicine
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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/
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