C-Section Birth Stories: Brock Staples

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

My water broke at 4 am on October 16th. I went to the hospital and I was 2 centimeters dilated and later I received an epidural. I pushed for 2.5 hours when my doctor realized I had a protruding tailbone that he wasn’t sure the baby would be able to pass. Then my baby was in distress and before I knew it I was wheeled back to the operating room to attempt a forceps delivery. It wasn’t successful, so I was quickly prepped for an emergency c-section. Once they began the c-section, I could feel the cuts that were being made and had to be put under general anesthesia. My baby was delivered via c-section and was immediately sent to the NICU due to “humming”. My baby was 9 pounds and made a quick recovery and was only in the NICU for 1 hour. I woke up in recovery where I had to stay for 2 hours before being transported back to my room. Those were the longest 2 hours of my life not being able to see or hold my baby boy. However, once I did finally see him, it was all worth it.

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

Unfortunately, since I was able to feel the procedure since it was an emergency c-section, that was the most surprising part. However, I was also surprised at how quickly my body recovered from the c-section which I realize is not the case for everyone.

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

I had so much support at the hospital from my nurses and doctors. I was constantly checked on to ensure I was healthy and safe. My husband and family were also a huge support and I wouldn’t have been able to do it without them. They helped me so much with the recovery process - not only physically but mentally as well.

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

You are strong and brave! A c-section is a major surgery that you are willing to go through to bring your precious baby into the world healthy and strong! It is all worth it in the end and you are a warrior. C-section moms are the strongest moms that I know, and I am proud to be one myself.

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

Going through an emergency c-section made me so much stronger as a woman. I now know that I am strong and after going through a c-section, I can conquer anything! Having the c-section made me realize that I am not in control, the Lord is and he made me realize that he doesn’t give us anything we aren’t strong enough to handle, even if we don’t realize it at the time.

Name: Brock Staples

Your Profession: Recreation Therapist

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