Everyone’s birth story is unique, I’m blessed to be able to share ours here.

Before the C-Section

My first pregnancy was an emergency C-Section. There was nothing that could have prepared me for it. But I’m glad I decided to do it because it meant that my baby and I would be safe. My water broke while I was in the Labor and Delivery waiting room. I decided for a spinal epidural when I got to 5cm while laboring (my choice). While I was laboring, I developed a vaginal infection (common but something we all try to avoid). I started having a fever and chills that were uncontrollable.

The Doctor told me my options at 9cm (we needed to get to 10cm before they’d let me start pushing) and my baby’s heartrate was in jeopardy. I could continue to wait to get to 10cm, but we wouldn’t know how long that would be. Or we could opt fo an emergency C-Section to ensure me and my baby will be safe. Obviously, I picked the choice that was best for me to ensure we were all safe. I was overwhelmed and overstimulated but the nurses and Doctor’s helped get me through every step of this process.

My second pregnancy was a scheduled C-Section (7 days before my due date). Coincidentally, I started having contractions that night. The nurses all tell me about how completely different it is than the emergency ones but there are some similarities. I’m more mentally prepared now going into my second one. I’m admitted and prepped. We wait for the Doctor to give the nurses the green light. The time of the scheduled C-Section surgery can change dependent upon other pregnant moms also in labor who may require attention during our scheduled time.

Luckily, ours went as scheduled. The nurses walk me into the OR. I sat up on the table. I hunched over and hugged the nurse for the spinal epidural. And I laid down on the OR table. During this preparation, my husband is getting his safety gown on. Once I’m numb, the surgical team go through their last run through before they start on my procedure. My husband comes in and they get started.

During the C-Section

During the procedure, I felt a lot of pressure, no pain due to the anesthesia but tons and tons of pressure and a lot of movement in my abdomen, obviously. I vomit through most of the procedure such like I did during my first one. I was able to see my babies over the curtain both times once they’ve arrived. It takes about another hour to close me up and take me back to our room.

After the C-Section

I’m back in our Labor and Delivery Room for several hours before a room in the Mother and Baby area is available. During this recovery time, my body is trying to recover and get back to equilibrium. I felt very sick, feverish, shaking, and nauseous afterwards during both C-sections. I was able to hold the baby for short periods of time because of these symptoms. It does pass after a few hours. Then, we’re moved to the Mother and Baby Area and stay for another two days to recover.