EP40 - Josi's VBA2C (breech, positive elective caesarean, feeding difficulties, twins, short birth interval, repeat elective caesarean, SCN, public hospital, private midwife, ECV, VBA2C)

In this episode, we speak with Josi, who shares her experiences across four pregnancies from a breech caesarean, to an unexpected twin pregnancy complicated by HELLP syndrome, to finally planning and achieving a VBA2C.

Josi walks us through her first birth after moving from Germany, navigating an unfamiliar maternity system, an unsuccessful and painful ECV, and an overall positive planned caesarean, somewhat initially complicated by a botched spinal. She then describes falling pregnant with twins while breastfeeding her first baby, shifting into high-risk care, and the rapid chain of events that led to their early arrival and NICU stay.

She speaks candidly about the months that followed, managing feeding complications, sourcing donor milk, recovering from major surgery, and caring for three children under 16 months without much local support.

Years later, a surprise fourth pregnancy prompted her to re-evaluate her options. With fears about another spinal and limited support for VBA2C at her local hospital, Josi sought private midwifery care, changed hospitals at 30 weeks, and prepared thoroughly for a vaginal birth. When her baby turned breech late in pregnancy, she navigated her options again, ultimately going ahead with a successful ECV before going on to have her VBA2C.

Josi’s episode offers a clear look at the practical decision-making, self-advocacy, and system navigation involved across very different pregnancies and births, and how this path changed her career trajectory into doula work herself.

Josi would like to thank her midwife, Meg, from It Takes a Village midwifery (https://www.facebook.com/ittakesavillagemidwifery) for taking her on so late, driving across the country side for over 2 hours to get to her chosen hospital and believing in her.

Find Josi at www.instagram.com/nurturedby_by_josi

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