C-Section Birth Stories: Brooke-Lynn Woodworth

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

At my 40-week appointment, my OB noticed that my son only had two small pockets of amniotic fluid left surrounding him. We decided for the safety of my baby, induction would be in our best interest. I was told to wait by the phone and I would get a call regarding the induction schedule. The next day, on July 2nd, I felt like I was leaking amniotic fluid but I wasn’t sure. So that night I went to the hospital where I was registered to have them check. The nurse told me I waited too long for the test to work on me but luckily my OB was the one on call that night. He performed an ultrasound and saw only one small sack of fluid remaining. With that, he had me put on the waitlist for inductions the following day.

At 12 p.m. on July 3rd, I was told to be at the hospital at 12:30 p.m. to begin the induction process. With me not being effaced or dilated enough, the doctor started me on Cervidil at 2:30 p.m to soften my cervix. From 2:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., my son had two major drops in his heart rate due to the contractions. With the Cervidil, the contractions were like minor period cramps so the doctor feared active labor would be too hard on the baby. He decided to call it - I would have a c-section. At 11:35 p.m., my son was born with his cord wrapped around his neck and not breathing. They were able to get him to breathe and a few minutes later I was able to see my precious little boy. Had we gone through vaginal delivery, he would not have made it.

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

I think the entire process of the c-section surprised me. Because I had prepared for a vaginal birth, I only really knew the basics of having a c-section. It amazed me that my IV in my hand hurt more than getting the spinal block. I was also in shock at how fast the actual procedure was. I felt like they barely had me on the table for 3 minutes before they were announcing, “baby’s out.”

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

I am a single mom. I knew that would be my situation from the very beginning of my pregnancy so I didn't have a partner. Instead, I had my mother. My mom stayed in the hospital with me and helped me out so much within the first month. I truly only was able to sleep because of her. My son was colicky and had to be held constantly in the beginning and I couldn't have done any of it without her. I had various friends and family reach out and visit but my mom really was my number one supporter.

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

LISTEN TO YOUR BODY. It does not matter if this is your first or eighth pregnancy, listen to your body. If I hadn't gone to the hospital on the 2nd, my induction wouldn't have been scheduled until the next week due to the Fourth of July. My OB’s office was closed that Thursday and Friday and so I wouldn't have gotten a call until the following Monday. Had I waited until my body was in active labor like SO many suggest you do, I would have lost my baby. It would have shattered my heart. Because I listened to my body and didn't take no for an answer, I get to wake up and be a mother to my son every single day. Your instinct is there for a reason - listen to it.

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

I’d never had a surgery before and recovering from a c-section was not a walk in the park. I pushed myself, and my body, more than I ever knew I was capable of the first month of healing. I didn't know I was able to do the things I pushed myself to do until I was doing them. I am physically, mentally, and emotionally stronger due to the fact that I had a c-section.

Name: Brooke-Lynn Woodworth

Your Profession: Substitute Teacher

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