Julie’s first pregnancy was normal and healthy until week 35, when her baby was diagnosed as Intrauterine Growth Restricted (IUGR). Due to this diagnosis, her providers suggested an induction at 37 weeks. The induction was challenging. The baby did not tolerate labor and the various interventions well, and it ultimately ended in a c-section. She had a healthy, although small, baby girl. They then had to navigate the grueling schedule of triple feeding to ensure her daughter was getting enough nutrients to grow, but went on to successfully exclusively breastfeed for 14 months. The birth experience was definitely not what Julie had hoped for, and was determined to try for a VBAC when she had a second child.
Julie got pregnant with her second daughter, sooner than planned, at 10 months postpartum. During her second pregnancy, she was doing everything within her control to hopefully have a low intervention vaginal birth with hospital midwives. However, at 29 weeks, she suddenly started bleeding excessively. She immediately knew that something was wrong, and was taken by ambulance to the hospital. It was quickly determined that she had a placental abruption. Within 3 hours, Julie’s second daughter was born via emergency c-section, under general anesthesia. The surgery had complications, which led to a longer than typical c-section recovery. The baby was healthy for her gestational age, but required a 64-day NICU stay before she could finally go home. Julie was also able to exclusively breastfeed her second daughter for 17 months, but did face challenges with pumping, a sleepy preemie, and bottle refusal.
Julie Bromage Bio
Julie lives in Winooski, VT with her husband, two daughters and their dog. She has a background in events, hospitality and logistics, and currently manages her family’s rental properties. Julie loves sharing good food, skiing, being outside, and spending time with friends and her large extended family. You may connect with her on instagram @jurbbrom.
Resources
- Expectful app – I really liked their week by week mediations and their hypnobirthing course
- @bemybreastfriend on Instagram was such a wealth of knowledge for exclusive pumping when I was thrown into that situation with a preemie
Local Vermont Resources:
Aeroflow Breastpumps
Today’s episode is sponsored by Aeroflow Breastpumps. Aeroflow has helped millions of new and expecting parents discover the breastfeeding and postpartum essentials covered by their insurance including breast pumps, maternity compression, and lactation education & support.
They take care of everything – including all paperwork, working with your insurance company, and explaining your options to get these free essentials shipped straight to your door. Aeroflow offers all major breast pump brands including Medela, Spectra, Motif, Lansinoh, Ameda, Elvie, Willow and more.
All you have to do is go to the Aeroflow Breastpumps website and fill out their free and easy Qualify Through Insurance form. Be sure to go to aeroflowbreastpumps.com/birthhour so they will know we sent you! Bonus — use the promo code “BIRTHHOUR15” in their online shop for 15% off all supplies and accessories.