In today’s episode, I interview myself and share the birth story of my first son, Finn. When I was a young woman living in Australia, I was diagnosed with pre-cancerous cells on my cervix and had to undergo two LLETZ procedures. Later, when I became pregnant with Finn, I learned that these procedures had affected my cervix, leaving me with a short cervix and placing me at higher risk of preterm birth. Because of this, I was monitored under consultant-led care through the preterm birth clinic.
At 18 weeks pregnant, my cervix began to open and funnel, and I had to have a cervical cerclage fitted which is a stitch placed in the cervix to help keep the baby safely inside. I share honestly about what it was like navigating that experience, the uncertainty and worry of hoping I would make it to full term, and how that period of pregnancy felt emotionally.
Thankfully, I did go on to reach full term. However, Finn was in the breech position and never turned. I tried everything I could, including techniques like Spinning Babies and two ECV attempts to try to turn him, but ultimately he stayed breech.
In this episode, I also open up about something that can be difficult to talk about: gender disappointment. I share the shame I felt around those emotions and why I believe it’s important to talk about them more openly, in the hope that other women who may be experiencing similar feelings feel less alone.
In the end, I chose to have a planned C-section with Finn, which was the right decision for me. I share what it was like going into that experience and having a caesarean birth.
Please note that this episode shares my personal experience and is not intended as medical advice. Every pregnancy and birth journey is unique, so if you have any concerns about your own health or pregnancy, please speak with a qualified medical professional.
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