I am Imperfect...but I gave birth anyway
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When people refer to vaginal birth as “natural birth”, it’s annoying because there is nothing more natural than the act of birth in ALL of its forms. EVERY birth is natural. Cesarean birth is beautiful and gruesome too. Whether the baby is coming out of your vagina, your abdomen, in your home with no meds or in a hospital with all the drugs…your body still does all the work. Your body created and carried life, no matter which way you slice it (pun intended).
No one questions why someone births vaginally but when people find out I’ve had cesarean births and the first was elective they usually follow it with one question. “Why?”
I decided around 20 weeks, with my first pregnancy, that a cesarean was the birth experience that I wanted. I had a cesarean for my second son, as well. I’m petite and my petite mother had two cesareans (unsuccessfully tried VBAC). I had a panic attack during my 2nd trimester because I thought I didn’t have a choice.
Find a doctor that won’t shame you and supports you in every way. Some doctors will not perform elective C-sections. I knew I chose the right OB when he responded to me, “Your body, your baby, your choice.” Hell to the yes!
I’ve heard cesarean horror stories. I really didn’t want that to be me so, I prepared as much as possible. Discussing birth with other cesarean moms was HUGELY helpful. Thank you to the amazing women that candidly shared their experience and knowledge with me. I am not a healthcare professional but I have done this twice and swear by the information below that was passed onto me.
Tips for a fast and even pleasant cesarean birth and recovery experience are here!
Bring comforts of home in your hospital bag. These items were key for me: my own pillow, my eye mask for sleeping, a Boppy pillow for breastfeeding, Aquaphor (because dry hospital air), phone charger, a cozy bathrobe and nightgown, really comfy and stretchy clothes and shoes to go home in.
Walk within the first 24 hours. I didn’t want to but got up within the first 12 hours with both births (make sure you request a nurse’s assistance). It’s not fun, you will most likely feel very dizzy but that’s why a nurse is there. The sooner you walk, the better because it signals your body to work on healing. P.S. Get your catheter out around the 24-hour mark too.
Hydrate like it’s your job. Water is life. Keep filling up your water bottle!
Here we go again…WALK 2-3 times a day. Within that first 24 hours, I was just going into the bathroom and back. It still counts. By the second day, I was able to walk to the nursery to get my baby myself.
Accept help. Let friends and family bring food, let them watch the baby so you can get a nap, or just lay naked on your bed and stare at the ceiling and gently rub your incision. Who cares. Just always say, “YES” to help.
Don’t push it. When your Doctor tells you not to lift or do stairs, heed the warning. Don’t risk f*cking your incision up; it’s not worth it.
Hospital mesh panties and pillow sized pads. STEAL ALL OF THEM. Take them home with you. Make friends with a staff member and ask them for more. You think I’m tacky now but thank me later.
C-sections don’t have to be scary; they can be beautiful. With my first cesarean, it took me about eight weeks to really feel like myself again. With my second, I was feeling great in just four! With both births, I discharged a day early because ain’t nothing like your own bed and home, hunny.
Every birth is beautiful!
XO -Heidi
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