The Birth Hour - A Birth Story Podcast 1000| IVF, Postpartum Preeclampsia, and Redemptive Repeat Cesarean Birth Story - Lauren Phillips
Aug 21, 2025
Lauren Phillips, an environmental lawyer and community organizer, shares her heartfelt journey through IVF and postpartum preeclampsia, shedding light on the emotional struggles of C-section recovery. She emphasizes the importance of community support and mental health for expectant mothers. Abigail Bertelsen, founder of Zenith Health, discusses innovative tools designed to help women access evidence-based pregnancy information. Together, they advocate for improved maternal health outcomes and share insights on the significance of informed healthcare.
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IVF To Avoid Inherited Disease
- Lauren conceived via IVF after genetic testing flagged Wilson's disease in her partner's family. She and her partner created embryos and transferred a Wilson's-free embryo that stuck on the first try.
Lengthy Induction Led To First C-Section
- Lauren underwent an intense induction with Foley, Pitocin, and membrane rupture and labored 36 hours without progressing past 5 cm. The team recommended a C-section due to stalled labor, rising blood pressure, and fetal decelerations.
Postpartum Preeclampsia Near Miss
- Around day five postpartum Lauren felt strange pulses and vision change and checked her blood pressure, which hit the 140s/90s. ER evaluation led to a diagnosis of severe postpartum preeclampsia and treatment with magnesium sulfate.