C-Section Birth Stories: Breanna Friedersdorf

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

I was induced on a Friday and my contractions started around 8 pm. I labored unmedicated for 14 hours and only dilated to 2.5 cm so I requested an epidural. I had 3 epidurals that failed, my oxygen levels were dropping, and my heart rate elevated. I got a fourth epidural that was actually a spinal (what is used in c-sections) around 18 hours in and this one finally worked! At this point, our little guy was having decelerations. They monitored us for a short while and made the call for a c-section. Fortunately, it was the right call. I had uterine tearing that nearly ruptured my uterine artery. If I hadn’t had a c-section, I would have had life-threatening hemorrhaging. Westley Gray was born on Saturday 11/17/18 at 4:22 pm.

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

A few things...how quickly things went. It was roughly 7 minutes between being told I needed a c-section and being cut open. How disorienting it all was. I thought I would be more alert given that I was conscious (it could have been exhaustion as well). Finally, how hard it was to come to terms with my entire labor and birth experience.

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

Healthcare - very little. Every exam after the fact was so quick and I could barely get a word in.
My friends and family were amazing. My sister stayed with us for 3 weeks to help while I recovered.

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

Let yourself feel every emotion. I tried to fight it, especially because everyone said “at least you have a healthy baby”. That made things harder for me. Once I let myself grieve what I didn’t get to have with my labor and birth I finally started to heal emotionally. Also, prepare in advance for miserable constipation. Haha!

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

Definitely amazed by myself when it comes to healing from such a major surgery and traumatic labor experience. I have learned so much about labor and birth since my experience. I feel empowered in my new knowledge. I feel stronger in speaking up for myself and others. It has motivated me to become a doula and I started class in March! 

Name: Breanna Friedersdorf

Your Profession: Licensed Massage Therapist

How to Connect With You on Social Media: @mamaneedstovent