“I was given two options - wait it out to see if I would go into spontaneous labour, or go in for a c-section at 39+4.”

— Ashleigh

Hello Lovely,

What a month is has been over here, selling and moving, and more moving, juggling work, life and a caravan reno... but we are oh so close to heading off for a few months in our van and getting VERY excited!

I will still be offering my online ‘speak to a midwife’ sessions from June, once we’ve (hopefully) settled into van life. Acuneedling and group birth classes will be on pause for a bit (which is a real challenge for me as I adore doing both of these so very much).

But if you’re a little ‘peckish’ in the meantime, Birth Bites - my online, bite sized birth education videos will be coming out very soon! AND Your Online Birth class is available 24/7 to purchase and access straight away:

Purchase Your Online Birth Class

Did you know April is Caesarean awareness month? In honour of this, I have the most wonderful birth story to share with you.

Ashleigh was a beautiful Acuneedling client of mine and we got to have some great chats in the lead up to her birth, she opted to have a Maternal Assisted Caesarean - where she was able to be scrubbed in and lift her baby out of her belly! It is such a beautiful option for women who have decided to birth by Caesarean, and can be both healing and empowering - check out @‌drnatalieelphinstone who has some fab videos of these & is a brilliant advocate for women & birthing people.

That’s it from me, I hope you’re doing well wherever you’re at in your pregnancy or postpartum season.

I’ll leave you with Ashleigh’s words, which definitely brought tears to my eyes reading about how powerful she felt: “Birth truly can be transformational, in whatever way it occurs.”

Best wishes & baby bumps,

Lauretta

Story by Ashleigh

“What led you to having a MAC?

After my first pregnancy ended in a planned c-section, I had my heart set on a VBAC for my second pregnancy. My baby had other plans, and ultimately wasn’t in a great position when I went for my 39 week appointment. I was given two options - wait it out to see if I would go into spontaneous labour, or go in for a c-section at 39+4. I knew that having autonomy was important to me - if I was going to have another planned c-section it was going to be because I chose to, not because my body had ‘run out of time’ to go into spontaneous labour. When my OB was unable to perform a stretch and sweep for the second week in a row, regardless of the fact my baby had ‘dropped’, I knew I needed to feel in control of what happened next. I decided to go ahead with the MAC, which was booked for two days later. I suddenly felt the weight of the world lift off my shoulders - no more uncertainty, I was going to meet my baby and she was coming into the world in my hands. While at first a MAC seemed like the ‘second best’ option to having a VBAC, it turned out to be so much more special and magical than I could ever have imagined.

What was the birth experience like for you?

I entered my MAC in a great headspace - after a pregnancy that felt like it had lasted a lifetime, I was excited and ready to meet my baby. The prep for theatre was a little bit different to my previous caesarean, a little more consideration had to go into the logistics - where my cannula would be placed, when I would be scrubbed in, etc to ensure we kept a sterile field.

The MAC had only recently been introduced at the hospital where I birthed, so the staff were excited to be involved and there was a great atmosphere in the room. The most challenging part for me was the spinal, while not painful it was uncomfortable and took a little time for them to find the spot. Directly after receiving the spinal block, my blood pressure dropped quite quickly and I felt incredibly nauseous and scared.

Although it only lasted for a few minutes, I was very well supported and reassured by my treating team and partner while the anaesthetist quickly administered medication to bring my blood pressure back up and resolve the nausea. After that little hiccup, I felt incredibly comfortable and excited.

The obstetrician scrubbed my hands and arms, and a sterile gown and gloves were placed on me. I was given strict instructions to not touch anything until it was time to meet my baby. Shortly after, I heard a loud cry and my OB lowered the drape. I couldn’t see anything other than the gown that had been placed on me, much to my relief as I was worried I would be able to see the incision itself. My OB guided my hands down to my belly, and I could feel my baby’s shoulders, I hooked my fingers under her arms and guided her up onto my chest. It was exhilarating. In that moment, I felt the feeling I had been chasing when I set my sights on a VBAC - I felt intoxicated by the strength I had to bring my baby safely into the world. I felt powerful, and I was proud of myself and the journey we had taken to get to this moment. She laid on my chest while we waited for the cord to stop pulsing, and then the gown and gloves were removed while my partner cut the cord. Within minutes, she was returned to my chest to do skin to skin - where she stayed for the remainder of the surgery, throughout recovery and back to our room. It was so nice to soak up every second of the golden hour with my baby, it made the experience feel so much less clinical.

What helped you during the birth?

Trusting that everyone in the room had my best interests at heart and that I was safe. I think this comes with continuity of care. For me, this was my obstetrician, but I think a midwife or student midwife would’ve been just as helpful. Having my partner in the room was great, but having a pre-existing relationship with my OB really helped calm my nerves as I knew he understood what my goals and boundaries were around birth. I also felt very supported by the midwife that I had been assigned that morning - I had taken my birth plan with me and gone through my worries, desires and questions with her when we first met that day and it was great to feel like she was onboard with my plan and we were working together to make it happen.

Is there anything you’d like to share with other women around Caeserean birth or MAC?

I think a MAC is a great option for women that want to feel in control of their birth. Whether they have elected for a c-section or circumstances have led them there, the MAC is a way to feel involved and included in your birth. If you’re unsure if your hospital offers MAC and you would like one - ask the question and start some conversations around it to see if it’s a possibility.“

Ashleigh

Thank you so much Ashleigh x

Much love -

*Information shared is of a general nature only and is not medical advice — please see your own care provider for specific and individualised information and advice. All personal strories & photos are shared with permission.

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