Lexi's Cesarean Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

My contractions started early in the morning and were immediately every 3-5 minutes lasting for 1 minute or more. We knew it was real labor but still early because they were consistent for hours, but weren't very strong yet.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

I ended up needing an emergency C-section because baby's head was stuck in my pelvis. However, I did labor for 40 hours without any medication, 6 of which I was at a 9.5 and ready to push. The hardest part of going natural was believing in myself, believing I had the strength to do it.

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

The most helpful thing to prepare for childbirth was taking the Mama Natural class so I knew what to expect. We also hired a doula which was wonderful to have for a first-time mom, I wasn't worried about being unsure because she was there to guide me through what I didn't know.

What surprised you about your birth?

The surprise of my birth was needing an emergency C-section. We didn't plan for this at all, but because my birth team (doctors and nurses included) were so supportive and allowed me to labor for so long I knew when the time came it was the best decision for baby and myself to get baby here safely.

I felt like I knew the technical bits of what would happen during labor and was comfortable with that. There is no way to know how you yourself will react to labor emotionally and mentally, but knowing what your body is doing physically helped me know what I was experiencing was normal and okay and that it would pass and I would get to the next point in labor. It helped me have confidence in my body's ability to birth a baby.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

Massage and movement we're so helpful to manage the contractions. We used heat packs and cold packs and rubbed them on my back during contractions. We also had a rolling pin that was used to massage my back and oil to do hand massage on my back and feet. I also could not sit still during contractions so swaying, bouncing in a squat, rocking back and forth, "dancing" with my husband we're all really helpful.

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

So so worth all the effort! I was overwhelmed with joy holding my baby and was so happy to have him safe and healthy on my arms.

What did you name your baby, and why?

Broc Emerson Rhett. His first name is after a dear friend of my husband. His middle name was picked because we liked the sound of the name and it means "brave". I hope he is always brave.

How did the Mama Natural Birth Class help you in your childbirth?

I felt like I knew the technical bits of what would happen during labor and was comfortable with that. There is no way to know how you yourself will react to labor emotionally and mentally, but knowing what your body is doing physically helped me know what I was experiencing was normal and okay and that it would pass and I would get to the next point in labor. It helped me have confidence in my body's ability to birth a baby.