Hospital VBAC following previous Placental Abruption
Emily shares the story of her second baby, a VBAC in hospital, following the difficult premature birth of her first baby.
My previous birth was the total opposite to what I’d envisaged birth to be. 36 weeks, heavy bleeding, placenta abruption, emergency c section and a long stay in hospital. That was back in 2019 and to be honest it put me off ever doing it again.
Fast forward to 2022/2023 and I’m pregnant for the second time and physically and mentally prepared. I was consultant led but determined to have a VBAC. I went with the flow while researching and preparing myself for a VBAC. I bought your course, essentials oils diffuser, made a playlist and bought a TENs machine. I had images in my head of my perfect birth. I wrote down my birth preferences for VBAC and c section so that everyone knew what I wanted. All my scans came back fine and consultant was happy for me to try VBAC. Although he wanted sweep at 38, 39 and induction at 40. I was happy with this arrangement.
At 36 weeks pregnant my little girl was hit with a sickness bug and on top of that I had started bleeding. Panic. It was a bloody show but it made me anxious. I had a few days of cramps and braxton hicks. I tried to ignore it as I was nursing my daughter and husband with the worst sickness bug.
37+3 weeks and it ramped up. Contractors every 10/15 minutes. I carried on with my day, walking, cleaning and bouncing. By the time my husband came home from work I wanted to get into my safe cocoon. I went upstairs, essential oils on, curtains drawn, bouncing on the ball, listening to my playlist while I ate ready salted crisps- bliss. I had a bath while I breathed through contractions.
But by 2.00 in the morning I was panicking. I’d coped all day but know I felt overwhelmed and lonely and started to freak out - I wasn’t coping. My mum came over to look after my daughter and we were off.
We reach the hospital. Bright lights and the radio blasting in MAU - oh no this won’t be good for oxytocin!! I was examined and was only 2 cm- I was gutted! They admitted me because of my previous experience with the abruption.
I walked the corridor of labour ward. Bounced on the ball and had a bath. By 6.30 am I was struggling!! Teary and tired. Midwife examine and I was 4 cm and could go up to labour ward. My husband joined and I asked for pain relief. Diamorphine. I slept and woke as I contracted. Holding my husbands hand and making some pretty strange noises I got through the contractions. I stayed hydrated and walked when I felt like it. By 10.30 am diamorphine was wearing off and I was getting restless again. Midwife check - 6cm. My waters were bulging so I consented for her to break my waters.
Straight away i needed a poo! Midwife got me a commode and I sat next to my husband - within a few minutes I was screaming and pushing. Baby was on its was!
She was born by 11.33 and placed straight on my chest, with only a few grazes. We were left in the room where we got to spend some time together as a three. I was able to breastfeed her straight away. We were discharged in 6 hours and got to go home to introduce Harper to her big sister. It was totally amazing and I never thought I’d have the experience.
Your course gave me the confidence to choose a VBAC when many people were telling me to book a c section. The techniques I learnt meant I could manage the pain, thank you so much
If you would like to prepare for birth like Emily did, sign up to our online Hypnobirthing & Antenatal course