Hello,

I'm a new member and wanted to say hello and share my birth story.

I'm expecting my second child in March 09. I'm hoping for a VBAC
following a c-section with my daughter, Grace, now 3. It took me and
dh almost two years to conceive Grace and my pregnancy with her had
some complications. I had unexplained bleeding throughout, placenta
previa which landed me on bedrest at 20 weeks, and then she was born
premature at 32 weeks. In addition to the prematurity, she was a
double footling breech, so I was told there was no escaping a c-
section. Grace was born at 7am on April 3, 2005. She came out
crying, which was pretty amazing for being 2 months early, and was
4lbs. 10oz. Unfortunately, when she learned to breastfeed at 2 weeks
old, she had trouble regulating her breathing while eating and had to
go on oxygen. She also had GERD. It took her 6 weeks to come home
to us.

Gracie is a very happy and developmentally on target 3.5 year old
now. No one believes she was a preemie because she is 37 inches and
37 lbs! The only small blessing to being separated from her during
the first six weeks is that I was able to fully recover physically
before having to care for her by myself. I can't imagine how other
mamas come home 4 days later following surgery.

So far, this pregnancy has been going fine. I'm planning a midwife-
assisted natural delivery at Children's and have a back-up OB I'm
comfortable with, in case of another preemie.

I found ICAN after doing some research on VBAC in the area and look
forward to getting to know everyone. I hope to make the next meeting
if I can get a sitter.

Have a lovely evening! Jeanette Koncikowski, Blasdell, NY