April is c-section awareness month and during the month of April, Thrive Postpartum and Couples Therapy will be featuring Mamas who have experienced a c-section birth(s). One amazing thing that has been learned through the interviewing process is how different each circumstance is that led to a c-section birth. No matter how your baby was brought into this world, your experience is valid and important. We would like to feature Mamas who have experienced a c-section as many times these experiences are looked over. Discussing c-section experiences can still feel taboo and uncomfortable. But we are hoping to break down barriers and allow for a safe space for these important stories to be told
This is Chelsea’s story.
1. Please share the circumstances that led to your c-section birth(s).
My son was past his due date so my doctor made a plan to have me induced. Nothing went according to plan the moment I got to the hospital. The Pitocin didn’t help labor progress, my water had to be broken by my doctor, and due to my lack of progress my doctor wouldn’t give me an epidural. Hours after being induced, I experienced a cardiac event. I grew up experiencing heart palpitations so although it was uncomfortable, I was used to it. During a contraction my heart rate sky-rocketed into the 200s. I had a team of cardiologists and residents in my room for over an hour trying to stabilize my heart rate. When it finally stabilized, my doctor encouraged me to have a c-section in case my heart rate increased again. Because I was used to having palpitations I was hesitant to agree. But I was exhausted and trusted my doctor that it was the best route. Looking back, even though I wish I had advocated for myself more, I am thankful I was able to bring my son into this world safely.
2. What surprised you the most about having a c-section?
I honestly don’t remember much about the first month or so after having my c-section. I think what surprised me was how much I wanted things to return to normal. I wouldn’t let myself rest and recover. The pain was also horrible. I was scared to take prescription pain medication but the first night I was home, I was in so much pain I sent my husband to the 24 hour pharmacy to fill the prescription. I am also surprised on how little education and preparation is provided to pregnant mamas on the possibility of a c-section and how to care for yourself afterwards.
3. What kind of support do you feel you received (from friends, family, healthcare team) after your c-section(s)?
Not a lot and that is 100% on me. I never asked for help. I put on a brave face and acted as if I didn’t just have major surgery and had a newborn. That’s the wild thing about c-sections. You have major surgery and are sent home a couple days later with no support. I had my 6 week postpartum appointment but that was it. No information in the hospital on how to care for myself during recovery. It was never communicated to me on how vital it was to rest. I had my son one week and the next week I was back attending my grad school classes. I wish someone told me to stop and rest. My husband helped as much as I’d let him- but I refused most help from him and my friends & family. It is probably my biggest regret from my postpartum days.
4. What’s your #1 piece of advice/encouragement for a new c-section mom?
REST REST REST. I cannot emphasize that enough. Allow yourself time to recover. Think of it this way. If you had knee surgery, or even your appendix out, you’d be expected to rest. You’d be expected to spend time recovering. A c-section is no different. Allow people to rally around you and help. People want to help a new Mama, let them.
Chelsea is proud to be a part of the Thrive team and loves being able to use her
experiences to help her clients