E10: A Midwife Hospital VBA2C with Gestational Diabetes and Suspected Big Baby with Laura Stimson

Less than 3% of people labor after two cesareans in the US. Laura Stimson was one of those people. After having her first cesarean for twins and an elective repeat cesarean during COVID, she really wanted to experience a vaginal birth after two cesareans (VBA2C). A chance conversation with a midwife at a dinner party opened her eyes to what was possible. She learned that hospital midwives in her area of Downriver Detroit, Michigan attended VBA2C and made her plan. Laura shares with us what she learned along the way as she navigated gestational diabetes and a suspected big baby including her top tips for parents, what she wishes she knew, and how her births transformed not only how she viewed herself and her body, but how she engages with healthcare. She says, "After 2 caesareans (which I never wanted) I was finally able to have a successful VBA2C! I would love to share my journey, ups and downs, and how I finally was listened too!" There is power in sharing our birth stories. Join us for Laura's. Source for 3% statistic: Dombrowski, M., Illuzzi, J. L., Reddy, U. M., et al. (2020). Trial of labor after two prior cesarean deliveries: patient and hospital characteristics and birth outcomes. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 136(1), pp.109-117. https://doi.org/10.1097/AOG.000000000... 02:12 VBAC Climate in Downriver Detroit, Michigan 07:27 Having a Cesarean During Covid 17:26 Concerns About Shoulder Dystocia 18:19 Why Some OBs Don't Support VBAC 23:16 What She Would Have Done Differently 23:54 Free Downloadable Resources 24:47 Chance Meeting Plants a Seed 26:07 Missed Opportunities to Build Trust 28:06 Why She Hired a Doula 30:59 The Power of Sharing Our Stories 31:16 Did Anyone Mention Cesarean Risks? 32:19 Advice for Those Planning VBACs 33:31 What She Wish She Knew 33:55 How She Now Engages With Healthcare 34:43 What is Her Message? 35:37 How Her Births Changed Her 36:53 Her Victorious Photo 39:44 Cesareans Can Be Empowering Too 41:33 Advice: "My Doctor Won't Let Me" Want to suggest a guest we should interview, topic we should discuss, or share your birth story? You can at https://vbacfacts.com/podcast! Evidence on: Induction or Cesarean for a Big Baby - Evidence Based Birth® https://evidencebasedbirth.com/eviden... Dombrowski, M., Illuzzi, J. L., Reddy, U. M., et al. (2020). Trial of labor after two prior cesarean deliveries: patient and hospital characteristics and birth outcomes. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 136(1), pp.109-117. https://doi.org/10.1097/AOG.000000000... The Truth About VBAC™ for Families - VBAC Facts® Course https://vbacfacts.com/tav VBAC Facts® Professional Membership https://vbacfacts.com/membership Vaginal birth after two cesareans (VBA2C): An overview of the evidence - VBAC Facts® Article The Truth About VBA2C: Risk, Rates, & Outcomes - VBAC Facts® Continuing Education Training Music produced by (Analogue)/(prod. Analogue). Instagram: @prod.analogue