Educating Herself a Lot on Cesarean Helped Danielle During Her Hospital Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I thought I would share my birth story, even though it wasn't "natural" in terms of my other two births.
I had my first son at a birth center with 27 hours of natural childbirth
I had my second son at home in half the time and it was a beautiful experience.
However, with my third son I found out I had complete placenta previa, meaning my placenta was completely overlying my cervix and unless it moved, I would not be able to have my son vaginally because he and I would hemorrhage and the prognosis would be fatal for us both.
Unfortunately, my placenta never did grow away from my cervix and I had to face the idea that my son Finn would be born much much different than his brothers. However, through an amazing OB, labor & delivery staff, an anesthesiologist that was willing to give me the bare minimum because I don't take any medications EVER...I had the best "unnatural" birth a mom could ask for.
I have learned through my experience that every birth is beautiful and my cesarean was no exception. I think it is important for a mom to know her options, be educated, and be the advocate for her and her child in any situation. I am thankful to have a community who lifted me up in thought and prayer and a spouse who never doubted my strength even with my immense fear of surgery.
Finn was born 36 weeks and 6 days. He was born at 8:50 am. Surgery itself was smooth and uncomplicated. Recovery was the tricky part.
If I could have done it all over again differently, I wouldn't have. Going through what I did with Finn made me the mom I am to all of my boys today <3

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

There was the problem for me of not getting to go all natural. I envied the woman who would tell me they were able to have all of their children vaginally. I welcomed the journey of unadulterated vaginal birth. That was a loss I had to mourn for sure.

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

I educated myself a lot on cesarean. Talked with women who had to go through it as well. I learned what I could opt out of and I made sure that come surgery day I had taken the best care of my body through nutrition, yoga, meditation, and building my faith that everything would be as good as it could.

What surprised you about your birth?

I made it through surgery with a lot of bravery. I am proud of myself for knowing that I did what was best for my baby and my body and didn't let my ego get the better of me. Sometimes, God shows us what we are made of by making us face our worst fears.

Educate yourself. Don't let others' stories dictate your feelings around your choices.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

With my first two births, I saw pain as not a hinderance, but a tool or a way for my body to communicate to my mind what was going on and what I needed to do to bring my boys into this world.

What position did you end up delivering in?

First two births were in the tub, however, I loved being on the toilet during transition.

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

All three births left me feeling like I was in heaven meeting my boys for the first time! It doesn't matter how many times you birth a baby, overtime is the first time!

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

Educate yourself. Don't let others' stories dictate your feelings around your choices. Above all, sometimes stuff really does happen, and you do have to do things "medicalized". Be humble and respect your babe and your limitations.