When the birth plan doesn't go to plan - Nics Emergency C-section story
Did you know April is C-section awareness month? In this blog our very own trainer Nic kindly shares her experience bringing her first son George into the world via emergency C-section.
Given your C-section was unplanned (emergency) how did you feel about it post-birth?
Gosh, I really have to take my mind back to over four years ago. I definitely remember going through all the motions of disappointment, and failure in my body to be able to have a vaginal birth which I think came from both societal and internal pressure from myself. I was also extremely exhausted, and hormonal.
I ended up being in labor for three days, had all the drugs under the sun, failed epidurals a 2-hour pushing phase and then the C-section. Going from all of that into recovering from a huge surgery, becoming a mum for the first time and having to learn to breastfeed, being monitored every few hours - it was a lot!
I was completely exhausted but also had that adrenaline pumping through my body and couldn’t stop staring at this beautiful big boy, I was a definitely a bag of mixed emotions.
A few days later, once I had time to process my birth there was definitely some trauma there and wishing things had gone differently. Looking back I wished I had used my voice and advocated for myself more, but hindsight is a beautiful thing and I was doing the best I could in that moment.
What were the most helpful products to help you recover from a C-section?
Having lots of pillows to help prop me up in my bed was super helpful, as you can’t lie flat on your back
A little caddy station set up for when I was feeding! Mine had lots of snacks, I could grab with one hand, my water bottle, lip balm and nipple cream
Adult nappies are also a must! Even though you have a C-section you still bleed a lot after birth
Keeping on top of the medications is absolutely key to keep the pain minimal. I even set alarms for this because that new mum fatigue is very real!
Stool softeners, I used kiwi crush and also a prescription from the midwife to keep things flowing!
This isn’t a product but I think one of the most helpful thing for recovery was asking for help. I was so grateful for our families and friends who helped with the cooking and cleaning and hanging out the washing. Make sure you let your village help you so you can rest and heal.
What do you think is the biggest misconception about C-section birth?
I personally believe it’s that if you have a C-section you are taking the easy way out. So many people make this comment and it’s not only frustrating but hurtful. Let me tell you first hand it is definitely not the easy way out. The procedure itself is huge abdominal surgery and the recovery is a long and slow process.
Birth is birth no matter what way your baby is delivered, honestly I am so grateful that I was in the hospital at the time and had C-section as an option, without it George and I may not be here today - it’s as simple as that.
How did you stay calm during the surgery?
I think at this point I was completely out of my body, I was on all the drugs and gas and had not slept for three days. Ben my husband was incredible, he stayed calm the whole time, held my hand, kissed my head and told me that I had done so well and that we would meet our baby soon (oh my gosh I am crying as I write this). Having a strong support person was everything to keep me calm and to be my voice of reason when I couldn’t be.
What would you tell a new mum whose 'plan' doesn't go to plan and who needs an emergency C-section?
When your baby is in your arms safe and healthy that is all that matters!
You haven’t failed, you are incredible however you bring your baby earth side!
Make sure that you talk about how you are feeling, it is ok to be disappointed that your birth did not go as you had hoped for, but just know you did what you needed to do get your baby here safely. For that, you are so brave and so incredible!
Nic x