Stephanie's Cesarean Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I didn't go into labor. I had a scheduled cesarean section due to breech presentation after three easy, natural, vaginal home births.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

I didn't go natural this time and was made to feel ashamed about it since I had unmedicated, vaginal home births with my other three children.

What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?

Hypnobabies helped a lot, but this time the most helpful thing was accepting that I was not in complete control of how my birth unfolded. I could only control my own reactions and attitudes.

What surprised you about your birth?

The attitude of the natural birth community that I was doing something wrong and was no longer welcome. I did an immense amount of research and ultimately followed my instincts that my baby needed to be born by cesarean, but found little to no support from anyone besides my providers and other women who had given birth to their babies by c-section.

Just as amazing as it had when I gave birth "naturally." He was finally here, our family was complete, and nothing else mattered in that moment.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

The spinal anesthesia and morphine.

What position did you end up delivering in?

Ha ha!

How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?

Just as amazing as it had when I gave birth "naturally." He was finally here, our family was complete, and nothing else mattered in that moment.

What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?

The chances of having a footling breech baby that won't turn or complete placenta previa or some other issue that means vaginal birth is dangerous (or even impossible) are low, but they are not non-existent. Sometimes these things will pop up unexpectedly and all of the Spinning Babies and chiropractic and prayer in the world won't "fix" them. You aren't a failure for accepting that and making an "unnatural" choice that is the best one for you, your baby, and your family.