C-Section Birth Stories: Hannah Pritchard
1. Briefly, please share the circumstances that led to your c-section birth(s):
I had been in prodromal labor for FOUR days. I was having contractions 2 minutes apart, but not dilating or progressing at all. Even after being given Pitocin, my body took over 18 hours to cooperate. After finally dilating all the way and pushing for 3 hours, my son's head got stuck. They rushed me into an emergency c-section. The anesthesiologist was busy at the time, so it took 1.5 hours before they began. That 1.5 hours was the longest time of my life - my son was essentially almost all the way out of me. I could feel EVERYTHING and there was nothing anybody could do.
2. What surprised you the most about having a c-section?:
Not being able to get out of bed after and care for my baby. I was devastated. I hadn't done any research on c-sections prior to having one, so I was really unprepared emotionally and physically. I felt so helpless afterward. I was scarred physically and emotionally. I also was totally unprepared for the PTSD I would experience regarding the trauma we went through. I suffered from anxiety and panic in the hours, days, and weeks to follow. The idea of "bouncing back" was non-existent to me. It was the most strenuous thing my body had ever gone through. I didn't feel like myself again for weeks and weeks. I battled shame daily, feeling like I failed my baby and myself. I had placed having a ‘natural birth’ on a pedestal and having the c-section told me lies that I was a failure. I am now 100% at peace about my c-section, but it was rough for a LONG time.
3. What kind of support do you feel you received (from friends, family, healthcare team) after your c-section(s)?:
I did not have anyone close to me who had a c-section, so it was difficult for a lot of people to understand what I was going through. My husband was there for me in the dark hours right afterward and he continued to support me in the weeks and months to follow. Even when he didn't have words, he was physically there for me. My mom was so helpful with tangible things right after birth, too. I couldn't do simple things like get up from the couch while holding my baby. That seems long gone now, but I needed so much support directly after. It was hard for me to be candid and honest with family and friends about what I was experiencing. Sometimes I didn't even know how to describe it. Between the physical trauma, baby blues, hormones, and postpartum anxiety, I was in one of the most complex seasons of my life. For a while, I wanted to hide in shame and not let friends enter into the mess with me. As time has gone on, though, it has been freeing to shed the mask and let friends in. The doctor who performed the c-section (who had to come in on-call in the middle of the night) was incredibly kind. I am so thankful for her. She checked on me many times after and explained everything in detail. Because I thought I'd have an unmedicated vaginal birth, I had seen a midwife my whole pregnancy and she was ready to deliver my baby boy until the emergency c-section happened. She was SO sweet and stayed with me the whole time, even though she didn't have to. Most of all, though, I had to rely on God more than ever in the whole process. He carried me through and I owe ALL of the credit to my savior.
4. What’s your #1 piece of advice/encouragement for a new c-section mom?:
My biggest piece of advice is to not believe the lies that you are somehow "less than". You are SO strong and your body did an AMAZING thing. Regardless if a c-section was your plan or not, it is a powerful part of your story and a key piece of your motherhood journey. Don't leave it out of your story. Don't hide your scars, physical and emotional. Also, do not feel shame about seeking help and absolutely do not feel shame about the way you’re feeling.
5. How do you believe having a c-section birth(s) made you stronger?:
I realized that oftentimes in life, things will not go as I planned. I went into birth with a DETAILED birth plan and almost none of it happened. There is nothing wrong with birth plans at all, but I feel like now I am more capable of facing anything that comes my way. I am more equipped with the coping skills to be knee-deep in the unexpected. I am stronger because I had to be for my baby.
Name: Hannah Pritchard
Your Profession: Stay at Home Mom & Writer
How to Connect With You on Social Media: @hannahmepritchard and @discoveringgraceblog on Instagram.