Delivering my baby by C-section was, for me, something that would be only done in an emergency — if the baby’s heart rate was falling during labor or something else serious that would have threatened my baby or myself.
I delivered my first baby vaginally, and I intended to do the same for this one. My due date is March 21, 2011, and I have already started reading my “Hypnobirthing” book that got me through the beginning of labor with my first. I hadn’t ruled out having an epidural again, but if things happened too fast, I wanted to have some relaxation tricks up my sleeve.
At 35 weeks last week, I was already ½ centimeter dilated! This didn’t alarm me because I walked around for the last two weeks being 3 centimeters dilated with my first child. But, I was excited that things were happening. My body was planning on birthing this baby!
But, things have recently taken a turn in a different direction…
You see, at my 20 week sonogram the doctors found that I had a partial placenta previa, which means that the placenta was partially covering my cervix and not leaving enough room for the baby to come out. There would be plenty of time for the placenta to move in time for birth. And, according to my neonatalogist, 95% of these do move.
I wasn’t worried because I had the same exact situation with my first pregnancy, and the placenta moved out of the way. So, I’ve been completely nonchalant about the whole issue.
I’ve been going for sonograms to check on the whereabouts of the placenta every 5 weeks. And, it’s been inching itself away. At 30 weeks, it was only slightly touching the edge of my cervix. So, it was on its way out!
Then, at 35 weeks, the final check….it hadn’t moved since then. So what does this mean? The neonatalogist said that if I had a vaginal birth I could bleed profusely if the placenta got forcefully pushed during birth.
WHAT????
He wanted to take the baby out by C-section the following week.
WHAT??? (again)
This really blew my mind. Who wants surgery? I had such a tough time conceiving this child (IVF with genetic testing) that I was looking forward to having a somewhat normal birth.
I was really disappointed. Only because I had been mentally preparing for my birthing experience and thinking about my last birthing experience a lot to get myself ready.
Many of my friends had to have C-sections for one reason or another, and they were fine, so I’m not deathly afraid of them. It just wasn’t what I was expecting, so I had to change my mind-set.
What’s most important to me?
A healthy baby.
And, after that?
A healthy mother that can take care of the healthy baby and her 3-year-old sister.
The doctors will do one more check of my placenta the day before they schedule a C-section for the first week of March, when I’ll be 37 weeks along. But, they told me to get into the mind-set that I would be delivering by C-section because the placenta has to move 2 centimeters for them to reverse their decision toward a vaginal birth.
So, I’m nervous, but remaining not too nervous. Many people and many friends have been through this procedure before. I know I can do it. I plan on doing acupuncture to keep me calm beforehand and to help me heal from the surgery afterwards. And, I will get to stay in the hospital for a few days longer to recover.
It’s not the birth I had hoped for, but in the end, the anticipation of meeting my new daughter is FAR greater than how she gets delivered. At this point, I’ll do whatever it takes to meet her!
From 1996-2007 (the latest time period for these statistics by the US Government’s Center for Disease Control) the C-section rate rose 53% and accounted for 32% of births in the US in 2007. Are C-sections common in your country? If you have delivered a baby, how did you deliver?
This is an original World Moms Blog post by Veronica Samuels. Veronica can be found on her Facebook Page, on Twitter @VeronicaSamuels and contributing to Jersey Moms Blog.
For statistics on C-section birth rates in the United States go to:
http://www.usatoday.com/yourlife/parenting-family/babies/2010-08-31-csection31_ST_N.htm
Photo credit to http://www.flickr.com/photos/isafmedia/5382774586/. This photo has a creative commons attribution license.
Jennifer Burden
Jennifer Burden is the Founder and CEO of World Moms Network, an award winning website on global motherhood, culture, human rights and social good. World Moms Network writes from over 30 countries, has over 70 contributors and was listed by Forbes as one of the “Best 100 Websites for Women”, named a “must read” by The New York Times, and was recommended by The Times of India. She was also invited to Uganda to view UNICEF’s family health programs with Shot@Life and was previously named a “Global Influencer Fellow” and “Social Media Fellow” by the UN Foundation. Jennifer was invited to the White House twice, including as a nominated "Changemaker" for the State of the World Women Summit. She also participated in the One Campaign’s first AYA Summit on the topic of women and girl empowerment and organized and spoke on an international panel at the World Bank in Washington, DC on the importance of a universal education for all girls. Her writing has been featured by Baby Center, Huffington Post, ONE.org, the UN Foundation’s Shot@Life, and The Gates Foundation’s “Impatient Optimists.” She is currently a candidate in Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs in the Executive Masters of Public Affairs program, where she hopes to further her study of global policies affecting women and girls. Jennifer can be found on Twitter @JenniferBurden.
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Hi Veronica,
I had one natural birth and two emergency c-sections. The c-sections both came after long and very painful labours so they were a relief. The only thing I can suggest is to take *lots* of arnica drops just before and afterwards (I guzzled some each time I fed)I swear I healed a lot quicker than most people post c-sections. Good luck. Will be thinking of you. Karyn
Oh yes, I have heard of arnica around here too. I havent tried it personally. But they are claimed to be very effective though.
Karyn and The Alchemist,
After reading what you wrote about arnica, I swiftly tracked a natural foods store down that sold it and then talked to my doctor. She advised me not to take it before the surgery in the case that it could thin my blood, since bleeding at birth is my issue. But, she said that I could take it the day after my surgery. Thank you so much for tip — I love trying these kind of things, especially when they work!
Without my international moms friends, I wouldn’t have known about it! I love this blog!!!
Veronica Samuels 🙂
I haven’t had a c-section, but a good friend of mine who had planned a home-birth ended up with an emergency c-section. I was hoping she wouldn’t be too disappointed, but she surprised me by being completely ok with it. She said she was surprised that no-one had told her that a c-section could be a beautiful birth too. I hope yours is as good an experience as hers was, if it proves necessary. Best of luck!
(Oh, if I recall rightly, c-sections account for about 25% of births in NZ, so fairly common here).
Hi Kate!
It will be interesting to compare the two types of birth. I feel so in shape and healthy and I was looking forward to taking on birthing. But, now that reality has set in, I’m getting more comfortable with my fate. I just can’t wait to meet this new little girl who we tried so hard to get now!!
Thanks for sharing about New Zealand C-section rates, too! I hope you are doing well, and thanks for keeping up with the blog — I love reading your comments! 🙂
Veronica Samuels:)
I had a natural birth, no epidural, and I seem to remember that a doctor called the “operation room” asking them to prepare for an emergency c-cection, but then the doctor with the suction thing arrived and apparently “saved the day”… no c-section required. I believe they are much more common now then previously but I don’t have any numbers or statistics related to it though. Best of luck to you! 🙂
Asta,
Thank you for sharing your birth story! You never know what’s going to happen, do you, when it comes to birth? In the end, we get our babies, and that’s the goal, right? I think I can do this! I can’t wait to take care of my new little girl soon!! 🙂
Veronica Samuels 🙂
Like you said, in the end what matters is a healthy baby and a healthy mother. Good luck 🙂
I did not have a C section, but a painful(even with epidural) and eventful labor. And yes, C sections are on the rise here in India too.
The Alchemist,
That’s my goal. I can’t believe she will be here so soon. I’ve been waiting tooooo long!
Thank you for sharing your birth story and information about C-sections in India!
Veronica Samuels 🙂
Veronica! I’m totally thinking about you today! Good luck and I can’t wait to hear your birth story and see pictures of your sweet BABY!!
I know *exactly* what you mean about a change in plans and expectations- that really throws us off! I had 3 vaginal births, but all 3 were induced and the last two were too fast for an epidural. Ouch.
Hang in there, Mama and keep your eye on the prize: YOUR BABY!! XO
Galit,
Thank you! And, thank you for sharing your birthing experiences, too — wow no epidurals!
I will work on getting you ladies pictures!! 🙂
Veronica Samuels 🙂
I had a vaginal birth even though I had been expecting a c-section, on account of the fact that I was labelled a ‘non-co-operative patient’ by the doctor. The reason: I was extremely reluctant to let the doctor examine me, even to check the growth of the baby. I simply could not stand the doctor examining me down there. But by God’s grace, I had a vaginal birth.
Fire Crystals,
So interesting!! If you ever feel comfortable writing about it, I’d love to hear more about your experience one day — more about your feelings and reluctancy to have the doctor examine you. It is not always the most pleasant experience, and I can see why you might be reluctant!
Glad that your baby was fine in the end! 🙂 I’m looking forward to your first post on the blog soon!
Veronica Samuels 🙂
I would be nervous, too, but keeping your focus on the goal of healthy baby, healthy mommy will get you through it. That is the bottom line and most important thing. I am thinking about you and I know you and your little girl will do great. Sending lots and lots of love!!!!!
Maggie,
Thank you!! It’s getting easier the more time I have had to think about it. I can’t wait until recovery is over, and I can start really bonding with her!
Veronica Samuels 🙂
I’m thinking of you today, Veronica! I’m sure everything will go great! You do realize that soon we’ll all be pestering you for a birth story and some pictures!
Both of my kids were delivered vaginally with no epidural. Epic pain, but what I got at the end of it was totally worth it.
Kirsten,
Ok, I’m on it!! 🙂
Ugh about the pain!! But, you got two really cute little boys, so worth it!!!
Veronica Samuels 🙂
I think the fact that you get to stay in the hospital longer with your new daughter will be a big blessing. I wish I had stayed the maximum amount of time allotted with my first daughter. I didn’t, and I regret that decision.
What I found was that, even though hospital food isn’t the best, they take care of you, clean your room, bring you whatever you want, whenever you need it.
For my second child, I stayed the full two nights and am so grateful I did, especially since I had a three year-old daughter at home. I had more one-on-one time with my new baby, something I did not get again once we were home. I also loved having my meals brought to me, dishes cleaned up for me and medicine and supplies brought to me when I wanted and needed them.
That said Veronica, even though this isn’t the birth you planned in your head, there are small blessings that come with it. Use the time alone, recover, let people take care of you so you can take care of your new angel!
Absolutely agree with you Courtney. It’s a frustrating 6 weeks or so at home not being able to do *anything* after a c-section so make the most of any time being waited upon. 🙂
Courtney,
That is great advice — I won’t rush recovery. And, it will be a little nice to be taken care of. 😉 I can’t wait to have the strength and be recovered to really bond and take care of my little girl!! (And, keep up with my big girl!)
Karyn — yes, this is good advice!!! Thanks again!
Veronica Samuels 🙂
Veronica – I was pumped to deliver vaginally for both my births and ended up with two c-sections after my due dates. It was ultimate disappointment for me. But as you say, the most important thing is a healthy baby and mom 🙂 And a planned c-section is SO much better than an emergency one…things will go smoother and you will have the chance to hold the baby right away (which didn’t happen to me with my first c-section because the baby was in distress).
Plus, as I mentioned to you a few days ago, you will still be able to wear a two-piece bathing suit because the scar is so low and horizontal 🙂
Eva,
You rock on the two-piece bathing suit comment. I can’t wait to have the time in my life again to make that bikini a goal again!! 🙂 Thank you for relating!
Veronica Samuels 🙂
It’s funny to me how some women actually WANT to have a c-section, and others want nothing to do with it. How different we all are! I think you have the right attitude about it – what’s most important is the health of you and the new baby. You’ll do great!
Kally,
So true! We are all so different. I love learning from everyone. I remember learning in business graduate school (I did a year but never wanted to finish my MBA!) that the key to a corporation was to be surrounded by a bunch a different people who thought in different ways. I think that can very well be the key to mothering, too. I’m so glad we have this group of international moms together. I am always learning something!
Thanks for the cheering on, too!
Veronica Samuels 🙂
Wow! My sister-in-law had a c-section along with a gazillion other friends of mine, and mommy and baby are fine and healthy! When life gives you lemons, just make lemonade. I always thought I would get pregnant sooo easily, it never even occured to me that I would have trouble conceiving, so I too was distrought to find out I was going to need IVF to conceive. But we did it, and we are so happy. It’s the outcome that’s important…how you got there just makes you who you are today! GOOD LUCK and please keep us all posted. You’ll do fine! Kiss that baby for me when she arrives! 🙂
Nikki,
You’ve got the right spirit! Lemonade it is! 🙂 Thanks for being here through my entire IVF to baby journey! I really appreciate it!! 🙂
Veronica Samuels 🙂
So excited for you, Veronica! While I had 2 vaginal births, the vast majority of my friends all had c-sections. It is soooo common, especially for people who already had one once, for a variety of reasons. But as someone noted above, every birth is beautiful! Soak in all the beauty of the day and your new little one. That’s what you’ll remember long term!
Thinking of you from here! Though I expected to have a C-section and could have elected to have one, I was secretly hoping that my little ones would come on their own. After 8 weeks on bed rest, I delivered both vaginally…though I nearly had a C-section for Z, after F was born. And then my tiny girl arrived – feet first! After all the drama, everyone was healthy. And that’s what matters. Sending good thoughts your way – not long now…
Thinking of you from here! Though I expected to have a C-section and could have elected to have one, I was secretly hoping that my little ones would come on their own. After 8 weeks on bed rest, I delivered both vaginally…though I nearly had a C-section for Z, after F was born. And then my tiny girl arrived – feet first! After all the drama, everyone was healthy. And that’s what matters. Sending good thoughts your way – not long now…
Wishing you all the best Veronica, my thoughts are with you. After having a prem baby (who’s now fine) I was hoping for an easier time with my second but had gestational diabetes and they don’t like you going to term in the UK as it increases the risk for baby from my understanding. At 36 weeks he was in breach and they didn’t want to turn him so C-section was mentioned. I got it into my head I really didn’t want it a C-section so tried everything over the next fortnight, including reflexology, and, luckily for me he did co-operate and turn so I gave birth vaginally at 38 weeks with just gas and air (they wouldn’t give me anything else despite requests as I hadn’t had anything else with my first!!! End result well worth it though). I think your attitude will ensure you have a great birth experience whichever way. Enjoy your new addition!
At my 30 week appointment, our baby was still head up so our doctor told us that if the baby doesn’t turn, he would be delivered via C-section. That night when I came home I wept. I really wanted as natural a birth as possible, and I hated that it may not be the case. I ended up having a scheduled C-section, my water broke early, but I didn’t actually go into labor, I was admitted in the hospital and scheduled for surgery two days later. I was really blessed with an amazing doctor and great hospital staff. My surgery and recovery was a breeze. From all the blogs about C-sections that I have read, it appears that moms who go in to labor and have an emergency C-section often have harder recoveries (both mental and physical) than moms who know they will be having one ahead of time. Good luck to you!
At my 30 week appointment, our baby was still head up so our doctor told us that if the baby doesn’t turn, he would be delivered via C-section. That night when I came home I wept. I really wanted as natural a birth as possible, and I hated that it may not be the case. I ended up having a scheduled C-section, my water broke early, but I didn’t actually go into labor, I was admitted in the hospital and scheduled for surgery two days later. I was really blessed with an amazing doctor and great hospital staff. My surgery and recovery was a breeze. From all the blogs about C-sections that I have read, it appears that moms who go in to labor and have an emergency C-section often have harder recoveries (both mental and physical) than moms who know they will be having one ahead of time. Good luck to you!