C-Section Birth Stories: Anna Banks

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

I had an uneventful and healthy pregnancy and was due May 10, 2020. At 40 weeks and 2 days, we scheduled an induction for the following week, but I went into labor on my own about 48 hours beforehand. I had planned on an unmedicated birth but also knew that my husband and I were going to trust the recommendations of the doctors and nurses on staff. After laboring for over twenty-four hours and being admitted into the hospital, I did opt to get an epidural in order to get some sleep and rest. Twelve hours later, I was finally at 10 centimeters and began to push. However, my son did not respond well to pushing. After his heartbeat dropped it was recommended we have a c-section to get him out quickly. I was rushed into the operating room for an emergency c-section and I actually had to be put under general anesthesia.

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

I was surprised to realize how much use your abdominals get during things I wouldn’t realize were related! Like coughing, clearing my throat, laughing - it hurt to do all of these things. I also didn’t realize how attached I had felt to having a vaginal delivery until I did not have one. I have been working on accepting and coming to terms with my cesarean birth.

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

My husband supported me so much. Getting up in the middle of the night with me to wash pump parts, move my pump to the bed, help me out to use the bathroom. We didn’t have much help in the home but friends and family brought us lots of food and had meals delivered so that was one less thing we had to worry about.

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

Allow yourself to mourn the birth you had planned if a cesarean was not planned out in advance. Also, know that you are a warrior and that no one way of birthing a child is better than another. Our experiences are all unique and beautiful.

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

My cesarean was actually the first surgery I’ve ever undergone, so it made me feel like if I went through that, I can go through just about anything.

Name: Anna Banks

Your Profession: Mother

How to Connect With You on Social Media: @annaderdbanks on Instagram