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 Susanne’s story.

Please note there are details in this birth story that may be considered distressing to some.

1. Please share the circumstances that led to your c-section birth(s).

I had a pretty uneventful labor until I got to pushing. Immediately when I began, my daughter’s heart rate dropped to the 20s. At one point we couldn’t find it. After basically pushing my daughter back up into the birth canal, I was quickly rolled back into the OR and she was out within minutes. When delivered, it was discovered that the umbilical cord was tightly wrapped around her neck 3 times. Basically, as I was pushing, the cord was strangling her. I’m so thankful for c-sections, because without them, I’m not sure my girl would be here!

2. What surprised you the most about having a c-section?

My recovery, especially the first handful of days, was incredibly painful. There are so many things you don’t realize you use your abs for! Getting out of bed for the first time was a struggle. My sister shared with me that it gets significantly better each day and I was surprised that before too long, the pain from the c-section was minimal. You will feel better!

3. What kind of support do you feel you received (from friends, family, healthcare team) after your c-section(s)? 

My sister had 3 c-sections so I was so thankful I could relate to her and have someone to talk to. I was thankful for the doctors and nurses who took such great care of me. Overall, I had a ton of support and I know that is not always the case. Birth trauma and birth disappointment are a real thing (even if both mama and baby are healthy) and sometimes it hits weeks or even months later. When I became pregnant with my second daughter, I was thankful to find a provider who helped me process my c-section birth and helped make the best game plan for me moving forward. 

4. What’s your #1 piece of advice/encouragement for a new c-section mom?

Whether your cesarean was an emergency or planned, you are amazing mama, and you birthed your baby in a beautiful way. If you’re in a situation where you’d like to grow your family and would like a vaginal birth, it is absolutely possible! Find a supportive provider and advocate for yourself. Rather have a repeat c-section? There are a lot of ways you can personalize that experience as well.