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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I was a scheduled repeat c-section
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I had a c/section, I didn't!
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A-Parker
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Since this was a repeat c/section, I was able to mentally prepare for the delivery and recovery. I learned how my body didn't respond well the last time to certain meds and procedures and wrote up a birth plan stating how I wanted my incision closed and what meds I did and didn't want.
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What surprised you about your birth?
I was able to watch my baby being born this time!
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Absolutely amazing! I had some other complications that required some additional surgery which made me quite nauseous, so I was unable to hold my baby right away. However, my husband did hold her right away and kept her right by my head until I was able to hold her. I haven't let go of her since!!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Due to my c/section delivery, medications!!
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What position did you end up delivering in?
Laying down in the operating room
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Absolutely amazing! I had some other complications that required some additional surgery which made me quite nauseous, so I was unable to hold my baby right away. However, my husband did hold her right away and kept her right by my head until I was able to hold her. I haven't let go of her since!!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
I didn't go natural, I had a c/section, and I'm just as proud of my 3 c/section deliveries as I would be if I had had my babies vaginally!! Often, we mamas think it's the end of the world if we are told that we have to have a c/section...I know I sure did the first time I heard it! Well, I'm here to tell you that it isn't and c/section deliveries can be just as beautiful these days (I wish I could share more than 1 picture!). I just had my 3rd baby via my 3rd c/section. But, what was different this time (and totally cool to me!) was that I was able to WATCH my OB deliver my baby this time as soft "spa music" was playing in the background!!! I know it's not for everyone, but I thought it was one of the most amazing experiences ever!! As one who has seen many births (as a result of my job), watching the birth of your own child is quite amazing!!! I cried the entire time. We had asked some of the L&D staff & anesthesiologist to take some pictures as Parker was delivered & they got some pretty incredible ones! Unfortunately I was in too much pain and too nauseous to hold her right away (the anesthesiologist tried his best & gave me what he could without putting me under, but my uterus had attached to my abdominal wall, requiring more surgery than just the c/section), but my husband held her the entire time they were finishing up the surgery. I was finally able to hold her as we wheeled out of the OR and back to our room, and I haven't let go of her since (she'll be 7 wks old tomorrow!)! I could not have asked for a more incredible, wonderful & amazing experience thanks to my OB and the L&D staff.
