Completely Unexpected C-Section - Positive Birth Story
Rachel never even considered having a C-Section birth, but after an extended and unsuccessful induction process, she gave birth via emergency C-Section. Despite initial disappointment, she found the experience magical and here she emphasises the importance of preparing for the unexpected and staying open-minded.
My son Luca was born via an emergency C-Section on the 17/09/24, which was anything but my preferred birth plan.
Throughout my low risk pregnancy I was fit and healthy, experienced little in the way of symptoms and worked out throughout, until around 36 weeks. I thought I’d be able to have a vaginal birth and a C-Section never crossed my mind, as I told my midwife that I didn’t want to be induced or have a C-Section.
By 41 weeks, I still had no signs of labour and booked in for an induction for 41+4. I had a balloon catheter inserted for 12 hours (this was harder than the C-Section with no pain relief as I was an outpatient), and then 3 days later, at 42 weeks, I had my waters broken. I was then put on the drip, but 9 hours later nothing was happening, and a C-Section was discussed.
After some tears from me, as I felt like I had failed, I agreed to the C-Section. Not long after the decision was made, we were being wheeled down to theatre. This was when my mindset changed as I knew we were about to meet our boy! Baby had been absolutely fine during the induction on the monitor, but they felt like his head was at an angle that was stopping me from dilating (which they confirmed during the operation), but in theatre, there was not an emergency feel. The room felt quite calm to say this had only recently been decided and I never realised how quickly they deliver your baby. We went down at 4pm and he was born at 4:36pm. Although this was not how I imagined his birth, I still look back at how magical it was seeing him for the first time and still having the skin-to-skin contact with him. I really wanted to breastfeed and was lucky that Luca latched straight away. I am currently 6 weeks postpartum and we are still going strong.
One thing I really wish I had done was to educate myself on C-Sections in terms of the procedure itself but especially the recovery. I only found the c-sectionuk page a couple of weeks ago, so I find all of the tips really helpful now. I used to worry if I had to stay over in hospital as I have no idea what I am doing but all of the midwives were amazing and so supportive.
The recovery was the hardest, as I had no idea what to expect. But after the first 4/5 days, you really do start to feel a lot better. Just embrace the emotions that hit you and keep on top of painkillers. I would definitely recommend laxatives, disposable pants and having your freezer stocked with homemade meals. I kept my scar dry, except for a quick wash with water in the shower, and would let it breathe overnight. I went on short walks everyday from when I felt up to it and feel like it really helped my recovery.
Staying calm, relaxed and open-minded really helped me with the acceptance that this wasn’t going to go as I had imagined and that it’s ok as he was delivered healthy (and really quickly).