The Safest and Kindest Birth - Positive C-Section Birth Story
Our very own c-sectionuk resident Physiotherapist and women’s scar specialist, Hannah from HLP Therapy, shares why after a difficult vaginal birth recovery, she knew that having a c-section birth for her second baby would be the safest and kindest birth for her and her little one.
My first son was born via vaginal birth. It was a relatively quick and “easy” birth, but I sustained 3rd degree tears (which had to be sewn up in theatre). My recovery was good on a physical level, but on an emotional level I struggled. We didn’t realise for the first year that my son was allergic to milk, so we had lots of problems with breastfeeding, sleepless nights and rashes on his body. I also developed a postpartum underactive thyroid (which I still take medication for 10 years later). The main problem was that my 3rd degree tears did not heal very well, so much so that I needed everything to be repaired again a year later.
This left me with a lot of internal scarring.
6 months after this second surgery, I herniated my bowel, and needed further surgery. Then I had a very bad miscarriage where I needed surgery to remove the foetus and a “good internal clean out”. When I finally got pregnant (and went full term), a planned c-section was the only choice for me personally. I didn’t want to risk any more tearing and I now had A LOT of internal scarring.
My c-section was straight-forward and enjoyable. I felt safe and in control of my birth. I wish I had had more birth photos taken and I didn’t take any photos of my own c-section scar (which I really wish I had done).
My c-section recovery was tough going, with a toddler and still recovering from previous surgeries and then to top it off I fell over and broke my arm when my son was only a few months old! Yes it was hard, but I still feel it was the best birth for myself and my son to be safe. I made sure I started my scar massage as soon as able and started with my pelvic floor exercises straight away, which all really helped. I asked for a lot of help, and my friends and family were amazing. I look back and realise it was this year that not only pushed me to my limits, but also made me who I am today. I couldn’t be prouder of what I have achieved.
My sons are now 10 and 6 years old. They are my absolute world and literally are the reason I do what I do today – help women recover well from their c-section births. I wish I had had an amazing programme like the c-sectionuk Courses for my c-section birth, preparation and recovery. I know it would have helped so much.
My message to any mum thinking of having a c-section or having just had their c-section birth, is that you are stronger than you realise and your body has never failed you having a c-section birth.
You’ve got this, be proud of yourself.
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!).