15| Clare's VBAC Part 2: 4kg Bub, Vacuum assisted delivery, PPH, Episiotomy, First 40 days, meal prep, Snoo review.

Welcome to part two of Clare's positive VBAC story. We carry on from Clare labouring at home, where she found the TENs machine a great pain reliever. Clare explains how her contractions  were very manageable this time, compared to her posterior labour that she had in her first pregnancy with George. Clare speaks again on the preparation she did to keep Bub in the 'optimal position for birth'. After only 2.5hrs of active labour, Clare presented to hospital, where she was 7cm dilated! She utilised the birth pool, medical gas and TENs machine for pain relief, however, opted for an epidural at 9cm in prep for the 'pushing phase'. Bub became a bit stressed post epidural, and it was decided to do active pushing with a vacuum assisted delivery. Clare experienced a 1.8L PPH (postpartum haemorrhage) to which she was completely asymptomatic, and Bub needed a little assistance with breathing and low blood sugars. Clare talks us through this experience, stating she was never worried or scared, feeling well educated and empowered through all her decision making. Postpartum, Clare's planning involved meal prep and asking her Mum to stay with her for the first 40 days. She talks about nurturing herself with the Flow State vitamins and how much easier it was looking after a newborn not having to recover from major abdominal surgery this time. Clare's gives us a review on the Snoo bassinet, Uppa Vista V2 pram and ergo 360º baby carrier. Clare also made the decision to come off her anti anxiety medication 4 months postpartum, where she  puts her good mental health down to multiple factors, including delegating and asking for help, being willing to accept help, and having an amazing birth and postpartum team. As always please reach out if you have any questions, we love hearing from our Patty's. Thank you for listening, Love Patty xx

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