C-Section Birth Stories: Brittany Willard

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

I was 30 weeks pregnant with boy/girl twins. My boyfriend and I had decided to find out their genders right away because we felt that having twins was way too much to prepare for without having the stress of making sure things were gender-neutral. The only part of a birth plan we had was that I was most likely having a cesarean due to this being my first pregnancy and my doctor wouldn't deliver them vaginally unless baby A was bigger of the two and they were both head down. It was a Friday afternoon and I had been pooping for 2 days straight and thought I had a stomach bug, as this was February. I went to get up off the couch and my water broke. As a nurse, I knew right away what was happening, but I kept trying to deny it. I called the OB (obstetrician), who then advised me to go on over to the hospital. From there I was transported by ambulance from my local hospital to one 45 minutes away that has a NICU. They planned on keeping me on bed rest for another few weeks. The following night I delivered both babies via emergency cesarean. I dilated so quickly that baby A was coming, but was folded in half and trying to come out vaginally. I remember being rushed down the hall to the operating room where they started my epidural and waited for the doctor to arrive.

My babies were then born officially at 30 weeks at 9:39 pm and 9:40 pm with my little man (baby A) weighing in at 3 lbs. and 15 inches and my little girl (baby B) weighing in at 3 lbs. 9 oz and 17 inches. They were both assessed quickly and were taken to the NICU. I didn't see my babies until after midnight for the first time.

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

I honestly could not believe how tired I was and how much pain I had. It was great having the adjustable bed while in the hospital, but when I was discharged I couldn't get in or out of bed by myself. Getting in and out of the car to drive daily to see my babies was painful as well and I was exhausted by the time I got to their room to see them.

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

The NICU staff was amazing. Even though I technically wasn't their patient, they were very helpful and offered me things, like carrying bags, getting me beverages, etc. My boyfriend was very helpful. I would get up extra early so he could help me out of bed before he would leave for work in the mornings (since he needed to continue to work so he could have more time off after they came home from the NICU) and he would load the car with my stuff that I would take to the NICU to help keep me busy while there.

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

Take it easy. It's easier said than done with a newborn, but it is major abdominal surgery, so accept the help that is being offered to you. Do not be afraid to ask for help. Also, having a c-section is not the easy way out and it is still giving birth!!!! Don't let anyone tell you otherwise! You are birthing a human being and it is difficult and scary no matter how it is done!

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

I have never really been through pain in my life. Not any true physical pain anyways, and I really had to learn how to do things again almost. I know that I can get through anything now. I can now also endure "the unknown", because of the uncertainty of what was going to happen, because although we had scheduled a c-section, it still didn't go as planned with them being 10 weeks early. Just knowing that I birthed two tiny humans was an eye-opener and made me stronger as well.

Name: Brittany Willard

Your Profession: Registered Nurse

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