Breech but Relaxed - Positive C-Section Birth Story
From initially hoping for a water birth, to having a breech baby and opting for a c-section, first-time mum Ellie shares the story of her relaxed, informed and empowered c-section birth.
Our journey to a C-Section started after my 12 week blood test, where we were informed I had something called Low Papp A - this is to do with the placenta (and can affect growth of baby). This meant we had more growth scans to keep an eye on our little man.
At 24 weeks pregnant my blood pressure started rising and I started to have funny turns. From then on I was having regular blood pressure checks. From 34 weeks I was placed on blood pressure tablets to keep it stable.
Because of my Low Papp A, we had an appointment with our obstetrician at 35 weeks. He checked our little boy's growth and also checked my blood pressure. This is where we found out that our boy was breech and I still had high blood pressure. We discussed that even if he did turn to head-down, that it would be recommended to get induced at 39 weeks.
Our next scan at 36 weeks confirmed that our baby was still in the breech position. We were sent up to the ward to see the doctor and talk through our options. I was given the choice of trying to turn our baby or to have an elective C-Section. This was the first time myself and my partner had discussed having a C-Section as we had hoped for a water birth. After much discussion we opted for a C-Section.
The next day I had to go back up to the hospital to have my blood pressure taken. We talked about my decision to opt for a caesarean and discussed my worries and nerves, as I did not feel prepared in the slightest. I had done no research, and my hospital bag was fully packed ready for a vaginal birth. Then we discovered c-sectionuk!
Myself and my partner spent the next couple of weeks watching the C-Section Prep, Birth & Recovery courses. These were so perfect as we could watch them in the comfort of our own home with a cup of tea. The videos are nice and short meaning that you’re not overloaded with information. There were no questions left unanswered after watching the videos and it made us very excited and prepared for our C-Section.
Every step of the way we kept referring back to the videos so we knew what to expect. Because of the information we had, it meant that nothing was a shock and we knew what was going on, why and what our options were.
Neither one of us could believe how relaxed the whole experience was!
Our perfect little boy is here and I cannot recommend these courses highly enough! I truly believe everyone should do this course whether you’re planning on having a C-Section or not.
Have you had a positive c-section birth that you’d like to submit to our Positive Birth Stories page to help other parents feel more confident? We’d absolutely love to hear from you!
Please click here for info on how to send us your story (and photos from your birth if you're happy to do so!).