Episode 296 Brooke's VBAC with a Subchorionic Hematoma The VBAC Link

“Control what you can control.” 

Brooke’s birth experiences have not been without challenges. She first had an extremely difficult miscarriage during COVID followed by intense bleeding due to massive subchorionic hemorrhages during her other two pregnancies. Her first delivery was a very traumatic C-section from not being completely anesthetized. After that, Brooke committed to doing everything in her power not to have that experience ever again and to do everything she could to avoid a C-section. 

Along with another subchorionic hemorrhage, her third pregnancy presented another challenge when she found out her baby had a bowel obstruction and would need surgery along with a NICU stay immediately after birth. Brooke was disheartened learning that she needed a medically necessary induction, but she was still committed to doing everything she could to achieve her VBAC. 

Her efforts to surround herself with a powerful team paid off. Everyone around her championed her VBAC. Brooke was able to go from the most traumatic birth imaginable to the most beautiful, empowering, and healing birth she literally dreamed about. 

Brooke’s Website
Informed Pregnancy - code: vbaclink424
Needed Website - code: vbac20
How to VBAC: The Ultimate Prep Course for Parents
Full Transcript under Episode Details 

04:36 Review of the Week
07:19 Brooke’s first pregnancy
11:18 Miscarriage
15:01 Brooke’s dream
17:20 Second pregnancy
21:26 Going into labor and getting admitted
28:06 An extremely traumatic C-section
32:53 Third pregnancy
38:17 Bleeding again
43:09 Finding a bowel obstruction in baby
46:57 Switching providers the day before her scheduled induction
50:57 Progressing to complete dilation
54:54 Getting an epidural and pushing for three hours
59:40 15 tips for birth
1:04:22 Control what you can control


Meagan: Good morning, good afternoon, good evening– whatever time it is that you are listening to this episode, I hope that you are doing great. We are excited to get into another VBAC story today from our friend. Okay, so I’m trying to think. Remind me. Are you in North Carolina now or are you in New York City now?

Brooke: No, I’m in North Carolina now, but the story starts in New York City. 

Meagan: The story starts in New York City. She’s in North Carolina now. Her name is Brooke. Tell me a little bit more. You are an educator. You are helping kids read, right? Is this what I’m getting from your website? 

Brooke: Yes. 

Meagan: Okay, so tell us more about what you do. 

Brooke: I worked in New York City public schools for 10 years. I was a teacher, a literacy coach, and an administrator so I have experience both in the classroom and in school leadership. After we welcomed my daughter and after the pandemic, we moved to be closer to family in the Raleigh, North Carolina area and here I’m an education consultant. 

Meagan: Education consultant. Awesome. We will make sure to have your website linked for anyone listening. What type of people would want to go to your website? 

Brooke: I offer a number of services. The first thing that I do is pretty classic consulting in elementary school. I provide literacy support. My expertise is in pre-K through 3rd grade so early reading foundational skills. I help schools with their reading programs. 

But additionally, there’s a big home school community in the Raleigh area. 

Meagan: I saw that on your website. 

Brooke: Yeah, I’ve had a really wonderful experience so far working with families getting set up on their homeschooling journey and supporting parents and caregivers in taking on the teacher role at home. 

Meagan: Awesome. Awesome. I think home school, especially since COVID has really taken off. I know a lot of people, some of my best friends in fact here in Utah even homeschool. It’s a great resource. 

In addition to all of the amazing, great things you do, you have a VBAC story to share with us after a Cesarean that was performed pretty ea