A successful VBAC, an Aussie birth perspective, obstructed labor, and episiotomy complications

This week, Merelise is joined by her friend, fellow podcast host and Australian “twin”, Clare Hambridge. Clare shares the birth stories of her son and daughter and in particular, how her experience as an emergency nurse really colored her perspective on pregnancy and birth. During Clare’s first birth she experienced cervical swelling likely due to her baby being in a “stargazer” position. This swelling resulted in an obstructed labor diagnosis and ultimately led to a decision to move to a C-section. Even though a C-section wasn’t what she hoped for, Clare had the foresight to prepare her C-section preferences just in case, and that prep resulted in her still being able to have a peaceful and personalized birth experience. When she became pregnant with her second baby, she knew immediately that she wanted to have a VBAC and so she found a provider aligned with her goal and excited to support her vision for her second birth. After a few hiccups, Clare had her beautiful VBAC, thanks to her own advocacy, as well as a supportive and skilled team, dedicated to helping her through the process. Throughout the episode, Clare weaves in education around the differences in the Australian midwifery-led model vs the US obstetric-led model of birth. They also chat about fainting husbands, posterior babies, hypo-birthing, intrusive thoughts, perineal massage, big baby worries, and so much more. This episode is PACKED full of so much birthing-goodness! Resource Links: Follow Love Patty Podcast on InstagramLearn more about HypnobirthingWant to be a guest on Arrivals? Contact Merelise here!Follow Arrivals on InstagramFollow Merelise on InstagramDisclaimer: This podcast contains general information and discussions around health and related subjects. This information and the other content provided in this podcast and any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is this information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.