In this episode we meet Michal, a midwife and mother to 3 boys who lives with her husband in Melbourne. Michal has had three very different birth experiences. Her most recent birth was only three months ago during the current COVID-19 pandemic where she was treated as a potential COVID-19 patient in labour due to her being ill at the time. Michal experienced a miscarriage before falling pregnant with her first son. His birth was an emergency caesarean despite reaching full dilation - which although she desperately wanted to avoid she knew it was the right decision immediately after he was born. When she fell pregnant again there was no hesitation as to whether or not to VBAC - she was having one. Two years after her first was born she gave birth vaginally to her second son. Although a very fulfilling VBAC there was something she wanted to do differently for her third labour, and this she did. Little did she know she would be giving birth to her youngest son in such an unprecedented time. She speaks about how this pregnancy was riddled with anxiety, particularly towards the end when isolation and lockdown measures set in and she began to feel unwell on top of this. Michal also generously shares suggestions to women who are giving birth at this time, particularly those in Victoria who are currently in lockdown. She recently created an Instagram account specifically to share her experience of pregnancy and postpartum in the hope that other mothers will connect and feel less isolated on their own journey. Search for: @midmumma ~ Notes ~ Post Natal Depression/Anxiety support: If you or anyone you know is affected by PND symptoms particularly at this time of COVID-19 please don't hesitate to contact the following support networks. The Gidget Foundation https://gidgetfoundation.org.au/get-support/, PANDA https://www.panda.org.au/info-support/pandas-national-perinatal-anxiety-depression-helpline Beyond Blue https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/get-immediate-support Cope https://www.cope.org.au Pregnancy Loss: https://www.bearsofhope.org.au https://rednosegriefandloss.org.au https://miscarriagesupport.org.au **VBAC Birth Stories features women's lived experiences. It is not intended to replace medical advice. Should you have any concerns during your pregnancy please always consult your healthcare provider.