VBAC during the Pandemic, with Mandy Morine

After having a cesarean birth for a failed induction, Mandy Morine was determined to have a VBAC. She did all the things to prepare and set up an extensive team to support her. Then COVID hit, and Mandy found herself having to adjust to virtual doula support, a closed yoga studio, canceled bodywork appointments, and feeling she was losing her resources. So what happened when her water broke early, and she found herself facing another induction? Check it out.

What we talked about:

• Trusting that things will just happen, without much preparation
• Swelling feet and rising blood pressure
• “Do you still want to try?”
• Cascade of interventions leading to a cesarean birth
• Preparing for a VBAC, even before getting pregnant
• Finding a VBAC supportive (not just tolerant) provider
• Doing all the things to get baby in a good position
• Having to face all the COVID-related changes
• Husband stepping up his participation
• Another induction: will this be the same all over again?
• The triage and admittance process under COVID precautions
• Her doula helps her “keep it together,” virtually
• The importance of having a reassuring nurse
• Progress with interventions
• You’re a 10!
• Using a mirror
• Baby right to her chest
• Postpartum during COVID

Baby snuggles and VBAC happy!

Resources mentioned and other helpful links*:

• Preeclampsia, from the Mayo Clinic
• ACOG Practice Bulletin on VBAC deliveries (.pdf)
• COVID-19 FAQs for Obstetrician–Gynecologists, Gynecology, from ACOG
• The International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN)
• Questions for COVID
• Miles Circuit, at MilesCircuit.com
• The Cook Cervical Ripening Balloon, from MedGadget.com
• The VBAC Link podcast

More VBAC snuggles

Related Birthful podcast episodes

• VBAC Facts, with Jen Kamel
• Place of Birth as Your #1 Cesarean Risk, with Dr. Neel Shah
• The Induction Process, with Toni Golen
• Virtual Doula Support, with Jakki Devereaux
• Preeclampsia, with Eleni Tsigas

About Mandy Morine​

Mandy Morine has been married to her wonderful husband for over six years. They have two sons and a little Maltipoo named Scout. Mandy used to be a teacher (middle and high school English and Social Studies mainly) and has always wanted a big family. She left the classroom when her first baby was born and has been home full-time ever since! She loves reading, listening to podcasts, playing games, and going for long walks with her boys. Mandy is excited to share her stories in hopes that someone else might benefit, the way she has from listening to countless birth story podcasts in the past year.

Check out her blog (New Mom Adventures), or connect with her on Instagram (@MandyM826)
 

Title music: “Vibe Ace” by Kevin MacLeod, from the Free Music Archive / CC BY (edited for length).

Sponsorship music: “Air Hockey Saloon” by Chris Zabriskie, from the Free Music Archive / CC BY (edited for length).