C-Section Birth Stories: Amy Robb
1. Briefly, please share the circumstances that led to your c-section birth(s):
Long before I got pregnant, I dreamed of having a natural water birth in the comfort of my own home. I read the HypnoBirthing®️ books, took the classes, and rented the pool. At 37 weeks, an ultrasound revealed my daughter was breech. My heart sank. I cried all the way home from that ultrasound. In the weeks that followed, I tried anything and everything to flip my baby. From inversions on an ironing board to Traditional Chinese Medicine, but nothing worked. I was scheduled to have an external cephalic version (ECV) but the OB insisted I had more time to try other methods before attempting ECV the following week. My baby had other plans and my water broke the day before my rescheduled ECV. That also meant I was assigned a new OB, one who had no training on vaginal breech births. On May 6th, our sweet girl made her debut via c-section.
2. What surprised you the most about having a c-section?:
Prior to my c-section, I assumed my ability to bond with my daughter would be severely hindered. I worried that I'd be in too much pain to hold her; that she wouldn't breastfeed because of all the medical intervention. I couldn't have been more wrong. I snuggled my little one all day, every day. Her favorite place to nap is curled up on her momma. Luckily for me, breastfeeding has been a breeze.
3. What kind of support do you feel you received (from friends, family, healthcare team) after your c-section(s)?:
My husband and my family, especially my mom, have made this recovery and transition into motherhood so much easier. My husband was able to take about a month off after our daughter was born. He took on all the heavy lifting, cooked all the meals (still does!), and changed all diapers. This allowed me to focus on breastfeeding and healing from my surgery. Once my husband returned to work my mom stepped in, coming over most weekdays to help with cleaning, laundry, and dishes. I have been truly spoiled by everyone's love and support.
4. What’s your #1 piece of advice/encouragement for a new c-section mom?:
Don't blame yourself! It can be hard not to question yourself and wonder if you could have done something differently. What matters most is that you were able to bring your sweet baby earthside; not how. Focus on the fact that you did what's best to bring your little one into this world safely.
5. How do you believe having a c-section birth(s) made you stronger?:
Having a c-section made me realize that at the end of the day I can get through anything. Nothing went according to plan the day my daughter was born. My water broke 13 days before my due date. I hadn't started my maternity leave yet. My midwives were unavailable that day, so another on-call midwife was assigned to me. The OB that I had originally consulted with about my baby's breech position wasn't available until the following day. Also, I wasn't getting the natural home birth that I wanted. But I've since realized that I can adapt to changes in an instant and go with the flow, which are key when you have an unpredictable new addition to the family! No matter what happens during your pregnancy and delivery, remember you're a total badass and that you've got this!
Name: Amy Robb
Your Profession: Canadian Cancer Society Transportation Coordinator
How to Connect With You on Social Media: @mrsamyrobb on Instagram