Tara's Unexpected Cesarean Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I had all intentions of doing a home birth. I had done all the research and preparation to have a successful home birth with my number 8 baby ?

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

I got in bath ? at 3:30 pm, water broke at 4:23 pm, pushing, until 6 pm, when I realized she no longer was head down, felt side of body and little arm. So, we did c-section at St Luke’s in Meridian. Born 7.6 lbs. 20 inches at 7:43 pm

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

Having had 7 others naturally and assisting with 3 births during nursing school , I felt confident in my decision to have a home birth, but Lil Kallah~Aijalon Hadassah~Atara~ Jasmine~Lily~Myra~Ella~Rebekah~Isabel Malloy had other plans, she decided to turn herself while I dilated from 8 cm to 10 cm.

What surprised you about your birth?

Realizing she no longer was head down, feeling side of body and little arm was so surreal and yet saddened me at the same time. I knew nothing could prepare me for the potential complications this could bring, so going to the hospital felt like the best decision at this point.
Never dreamed I would have a c-section, especially with number eight and when already 10 cm and pushing for over an hour. Normally, I push 10 minutes ?‍♀️

I would never wish a c-section on anyone. I hope I never have to have one again. The other 7 was so much easier of a recovery ?

What pain relief strategies worked best?

Prayer and breathing

What position did you end up delivering in?

Laying flat, c-section

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

Overwhelming joy?

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

I would never wish a c-section on anyone. I hope I never have to have one again. The other 7 was so much easier of a recovery ?