C-Section Birth Stories: Damaris Reyes

1. Briefly, please share the circumstances that led to your c-section birth(s):

On January 26th, 2017 at 37 weeks and 5 days, I went in for my regular prenatal appointment. When my doctor checked me, she said I was 3 centimeters dilated but told me not to worry, this didn’t mean I was in labor or that the baby was coming anytime soon. Boy was she wrong. At 10:45 p.m. that night, my water broke and we headed to the hospital. My birth plan was to have no epidural, no meds, nothing. I really wanted to prove I was strong enough. At 1 a.m. I was fully dilated and everyone in the room was so surprised by how fast I progressed. One nurse said, “Ok, it looks like we’re gonna have a baby soon!”. I remember being SO excited because up to that point, I had no meds, even though I was in the worst pain of my life, and I felt so strong. I pushed and pushed until about 3:45 a.m. when I was informed that the baby was in distress. We tried a few things like getting me on my side and putting on an oxygen mask. Finally, at 4 a.m. my doctor told us one more push and if the baby doesn’t make any progress a c-section was needed because baby could really be in trouble. Well, a c-section was needed and at that point, it was 4 a.m. and I was SO tired. I wasn’t even scared for myself anymore, I was scared for my baby. At 4:36 a.m. I heard his cry and I never felt so relieved.

In September of 2017, we found out I was pregnant AGAIN! I knew that this time I really didn’t want another c-section. On May 28th, 2018 at 37 weeks and 3 days I went into labor again! I went into the hospital but my doctor was not on call. I was very upset because we had talked about an unmedicated, vaginal birth and the doctor on call was very pushy for another c-section. So I decided to have another c-section since I did not want to try vaginally without a supporting doctor. This time I was very scared because I was actually aware of what was going on. I was very anxious throughout it all. But at 11:40 am my second baby boy was born, making my boys 16 months apart.

2. What surprised you the most about having a c-section?:

I was surprised that I had a c-section two times. I was surprised at the amount of pressure you still feel and all the side effects of the anesthesia.

3. What kind of support do you feel you received (from friends, family, healthcare team) after your c-section(s)?:

My family was the absolute best and so very helpful. Anything I needed, they were there. I was never alone and even when my significant other couldn’t be there, someone else was always there with me. From helping me shower, making sure I ate, and taking care of my oldest son when the youngest was born. That type of care continued when we were sent home and I’ll be forever grateful for that. The nurses were the best too, keeping up with my medications and always checking in with me.

4. What’s your #1 piece of advice/encouragement for a new c-section mom?:

My advice would be to keep up with the pain medications and follow your instructions so you can heal quickly. My encouragement would be that you’re just as strong as any other mama. You did this and you should be very proud of yourself!

5. How do you believe having a c-section birth(s) made you stronger?:

Being a mom alone has made me so strong but being a c-section mom of two babies close together is another sense of confidence I have. Whenever I’m going through something rough, I always think to myself “You’ve brought two awesome kids into the world - you can DO anything.”

Name: Damaris Reyes

Your Profession: Medical Assistant

How to Connect With You on Social Media: @Dahmaris_dahrlene