EP28 - Freyja's VBAC (insulin dependent gestational diabetes, induction, big baby VBAC, macrosomia, birth during COVID, tongue tie, autonomy, empowerment, self-advocacy)

In this beautiful episode we get the opportunity to listen to Freyja's 2 incredible birth stories! Listen in to hear a beautiful recount and reflection around the births of her two gorgeous, big baby boys!Her first birth was a difficult one, occurring amongst floods and during COVID and involving an induction due to insulin dependent gestational diabetes and suspected big baby. Ultimately Freyjas' first birth resulted in a caesarean due to 'failure to progress' at 7cm dilation. Freyja recounts her feelings surrounding her birth and all of the hardship in her community at the time of her birth due to surrounding flooding, as well as birthing in the time of COVID. She talked through the journey through processing her first birth experience and how she navigated working towards her next birth, a planned VBAC! Freyja's next birth story is one of triumph, joy and empowerment, involving lots of self-advocacy, flexing her autonomy and pushing forward even when her birth team shifted and changed. Freyja vulnerably shares how she navigated discussions with doctors, balanced the risks of a VBAC with another suspected big baby and also advocated for herself both leading up to and during labour. She talks about the challenges and mindset shifts that led to her VBAC and discusses the importance of educating herself, building strong support systems, advocating for her birth choices and listening to other women' stories as a form of education and inspiration. This episode is full of reflection and information, and Freyja's story is an inspiring reminder that every birth journey is unique and that, with the right support and mindset, women can reclaim control and autonomy over their birthing choices. We hope you love listening as much as we loved interviewing Freyja!Please join us on our journey to bringing you all kinds of VBAC stories from across the country from here on in by subscribing and following us on social media, @australianvbacstories on Instagram and Australian VBAC Stories on Facebook. If you enjoyed this episode, we’d love to rate or review, and tell your friends!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/⁠⁠Thank you for tuning in to our podcast.