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 Melissa’s story.

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

My whole pregnancy I felt “off”. I had a lot of sickness and pain and was quite miserable. In the 3rd trimester, my symptoms changed to rapid weight gain and severe swelling. At 35 weeks, at the urging of some coworkers, I called my OB went in. I was diagnosed with pre-eclampsia. For the next 3 days I was in and out of the hospital until I was diagnosed with severe pre-eclampsia and they decided to induce me. I wasn’t induced long before they became concerned about my increased upper right quadrant (URQ) pain and decided it was time for an emergency C-section. 

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

Having an emergency C-section left me surprised, bewildered, scared, and feeling helpless. I was most surprised with how quickly things progressed from being induced to being cut open. I didn’t have much of a chance to be in labor. I felt so much URQ pain that I didn’t feel the pain of my contractions. As odd as it may sound, I felt the experience of labor was robbed of me. There was no comfort in the room. It was sterile and everyone was prepared to save my life and the life of my baby, not make sure I was comforted. I remember calling out that I needed to throw up multiple times and finally the anesthesiologist answered and told me “just turn your head.” My husband was in the room, luckily, but I was so out of it, I don’t remember much. My birth story is traumatic, fuzzy, and full of medical interventions. After birth, I was diagnosed with Pulmonary Hypertension and HELLP syndrome (Hemolysis, Elevated Liver Enzymes, Low Platelets), which is a rare and life threatening complication of pregnancy. 

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

Unfortunately I don’t feel like I received the support I needed from my healthcare team throughout my pregnancy and birth. I had some supportive nurses, which was helpful. Everything was so rushed, as I’m sure it needed to be to save my life. Even after birth I had to advocate for myself to get scans that I felt I needed. My husband was incredibly supportive. But I sent him to the NICU in a hospital an hour away to stay with our daughter as I was separated from her. My mom stayed with me the 4 days in the hospital. After 4 days I was released with no explanation, no resources, no support, just some follow up doctors visits, BP meds, and to return if my BP was over 140/90. 

After my experience, I joined Facebook support groups for survivors of pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, and HELLP syndrome. I’ve learned so much. I also decided to become certified in perinatal mental health. As a therapist myself I always loved working with general Women’s Mental Health Concerns. But after this experience, I knew I wanted to work in the perinatal/maternal mental health world as well. 

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

This is a very shortened version of my traumatic birth story. A majority of mamas that have C-sections have been through traumatic childbirth. If I could offer any support for a new C-section mom, it would be to let you know that You Are Not Alone. I have been through a lot of therapy to work through my birth trauma experience. My advice is to seek out a perinatal mental health certified therapist that is trauma-informed to work through your experience. Even if you feel you weren’t traumatized by your experience, it can be incredibly helpful to work through the grief that ensues with a birth that does not go according to plan. I am grateful for the ability to get to the point where I know my body didn’t fail me, it saved me and my baby. An emergency C-section is a part of that story. 

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 Allison’s story.

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

At 39 weeks and 3 days my water broke around 8pm. I wasn’t contracting and I hoped to have an unmedicated birth. I convinced my doctor to give us a few hours before starting induction. Nothing was happening so around 11pm I took an induction pill, and around 3am I got an epidural. I was able to relax but I wasn’t dilating as quickly as they liked, so they decided to start me on pitocon. The baby’s heart rate kept dropping so they cut back on the pitocin. Around 3pm, my doctor was talking to me about a c-section but I asked him to give me more time. At 5pm, I finally dilated to 10cm and began pushing. From the exhaustion of labor and the baby being stuck on my pelvic bone, I was practically begging to be taken to the OR. My team all agreed it was time to go, and my baby girl was born at 8pm. 

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

I was surprised by a few things! The quickness of the surgery, the unexpected tugging and pulling you feel, but mostly the pain post surgery. It was very traumatic for me both emotionally and physically. I did not prepare myself for the possibility of a c-section so I was very unprepared on what that experience would be like. I later went to therapy to process my entire labor story. 

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

I had excellent support from everyone post c-section. My healthcare team was very compassionate as I felt I failed in my birth plan. They checked on me frequently in the hospital and were very supportive in my wishes postpartum like breastfeeding, walking, etc. My family was a huge help. My mother also had c-sections for all of her children so she was a great help with anything I needed, as well as offered advice on recovery. My husband barely let me lift a finger and tended to all the things I couldn’t do physically, while making it possible to fully mother our child in the way I wanted. Our friends did a meal train. The support was wonderful! The pain emotionally/physically was not. 

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

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Let others cook, clean, help with the baby where they can (like diaper changes, rocking, bathing, etc), and take things slow. Your body will tell you when it’s ready to resume normal life. 

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

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 Alexis’ story.

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

My first c-section was my daughter and was overseas in Japan.  Pregnancy had gone super smoothly so I decided to be seen and deliver at an off-base Japanese women's health clinic. The clinic was more holistic and med-free vaginal births were prevalent there (higher risk births and planned c-sections were done at the nearby hospital). 40 weeks came and went with zero issues and the OB agree to let me go to 41 weeks. I went in at 41 weeks and everything still looked great, but she was concerned that my daughter might be too big to deliver. I agreed to be induced at 41 weeks and stayed overnight while they administered pitocin. It did not induce labor and they monitored the both of us. We agreed that we would try again at 42 weeks if I didn't go into labor before then. Went back at 42 weeks and they attempted pitocin again. Two rounds later and labor had not started nor was I dilating past 1cm. They decided to insert some seaweed sticks into my cervix that would absorb moisture and expand, thereby helping me dilate and hopefully start labor. I was having non-productive contractions throughout all of this. The sticks ended up breaking my waters so then we had to be constantly monitored. It was pretty clear by that point that I was not going to further dilate nor were the contractions going to move her down. My daughter started having decels and that was the first mention of a C-section. My husband and I had never considered one since the pregnancy had went so well. Once we agreed that a c-section would be best, the entire staff came together to do an emergent c-section and my daughter was born at 42.1 weeks. Regarding pain relief, I was not given anything stronger than Tylenol and ended up staying 4 or 5 days in recovery.

My second child’s birth was in Pensacola, FL at the Naval Hospital. My OB was amenable to a trial of labor after cesarean, but also encouraged me to schedule a C-section at 40 weeks, which I decided not to do. He also would not induce me due to my prior C-section. I ended up having strong and consistent contractions a couple of days before 41 weeks. I labored most of a Friday afternoon and evening and once the contractions got closer together we drove the hour to the Naval Hospital. They checked me and I was only dilated to a 2. They advised that we walk around a bit to see if things changed and I ended up at a 3. They would not admit me at that point, even with my prior c-section, and sent me home to labor further but wanted me to return a few hours later to be checked again. We ended up going to a friend's house that was much closer and I tried to rest while having very painful and close contractions. We returned to the hospital mid-Saturday morning and no progress. We went to another friend’s house and labored through the day, I experienced very painful and close contractions until my waters broke that evening. We returned to the hospital and an epidural was placed so I could labor longer. I labored for another couple of hours but had no further dilation than before, so we decided on a repeat C-section because I was exhausted and not making any more progress. After laboring roughly 35 hours, my son was born via repeat C-section. Pain management was much better with standard narcotic and OTC meds.
My third c-section experience was with my twins in Bethesda, MD at the Naval Hospital. I had an uneventful pregnancy with the exception of more swelling. Given my medical history and the twin pregnancy, I was to deliver no later than 38 weeks. My OB thought I would likely go into labor on my own, as many twin pregnancies trigger earlier labor, but I was pretty sure I wouldn't and I didn't. My son and daughter were born via repeat C-section (scheduled) with no complications. I also chose to have a bilateral salpingectomy (removal of Fallopian tubes) at the same time.

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

Regarding a C-section, I would say I was most surprised that very little was discussed about the actual prospect of it during my first pregnancy. We had literally done zero research on it because it wasn't even in our realm of possibility since my pregnancy with my first daughter was going so well. I think  had I better known all the possible outcomes I would have felt more prepared and felt better about having the first c-section.

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

As a military family we very much relied on our friends after all three c-sections, especially the first since we were in Japan. Shortly after my daughter was born, my husband had to go on a short deployment and I was left alone with a colicky newborn and our pets, in an off-base residence. We received so much support and many warm meals during that time. Our friends really were lifesavers. Since we were stateside for the second and third C-sections, we did eventually have our family visit for a short period and they were great with keeping the older kids preoccupied so my husband and I could focus our attention on the babies. We still leaned on our military friends and some very special "civilian" friends who were around for the day-to-day, but we did a lot by ourselves.

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

My best piece of advice for potential and/or new c-section parents is again, just inform yourself of all possible outcomes when it comes to the birth of your child. If you know you will be having a C-section, figure out what might be best to have on hand at the hospital to help with your recovery. My top two musts were a belly band and Depends Silhouette underwear. Please advocate for yourself in the hospital (such as adequate pain management) and once you're at home (mental health support or lactation consultant). Remember that a healthy baby is the ultimate goal and in the long run it really doesn't matter the route they take to get here. You still did an amazing job making and carrying and bringing them into the world.

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 Nicole’s story.

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

I was induced with my first pregnancy at 39 weeks. My body was receptive to the Pitocin, and I almost immediately started dilating. The contractions became intense but as soon as I got an epidural, I was able to relax. Once I was fully dilated I pushed for almost 4 hours straight. My daughter got stuck in the birth canal and I ended up needing an emergency c-section. So many people began to file into my hospital room to get me ready for surgery. My c-section went smooth and everything was fine with baby. My 2 subsequent children were then planned c-sections due to my initial c-section.

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

Honestly, everything. I was not prepared for how I would feel after such a major surgery. I could not even bend over to get myself dressed after my first shower; my husband had to help me. I am a very independent person and I was not expecting to have to rely on others so much. However I was mentally prepared for my other 2 c-sections and it is so much easier to have a planned c-section vs an emergency c-section. I was in a different mindset and I felt that those recoveries were so much easier.

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

My husband was my #1 support. He was literally there for anything I could ever need. My parents were also very helpful for my second and third c-sections. In the fact they would watch the toddlers for me so I could focus on the newborn. Having someone there to help is key in making sure your recovery goes smooth. My OBGYN was wonderful as well and was always there to answer any questions I would ever have.

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

YOU ARE STRONG! YOU ARE WORTHY! I feel like “all natural” births are all the rage lately and while I can see how that could be empowering, it discounts those who simply can not have that experience. Having a c-section (whether planned or not) does not discount you as a mother. Having a c-section is a major surgery, and it takes strong women to get through them like we do. Do not let anyone EVER discount you just because you had a surgery. It takes a lot to recover from that. Also - always ask for help, or accept help, when offered. You need to rest and take care of yourself. You’ll have plenty of time to be Superwoman later once you are fully healed.