C-Section Birth Stories: Candice Roodt

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

My first c-section was an emergency. I had preeclampsia and a blood pressure reading of 201/189. On July 31st, 2019, overnight we found out we were going to be parents that day. Hudson Gavin Roodt entered the world at 25 weeks gestation and he weighed 780 grams (1.72 pounds). Unfortunately, Hudson passed away due to complications after just 5 days on Earth. He passed on August 5th, 2019. My second c-section was also an emergency, on August 6th, 2020. I had preeclampsia again, accompanied by HELLP SYNDROME. I needed an emergency blood transfusion to prevent major blood loss. Hunter Hudson Roodt was born at 31 weeks gestation and he weighed 1.3 kilograms (2.86 pounds).

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

Being awake, feeling nothing but pressure and the smell of burned skin really shocked me. The second time around, everything was a lot more “familiar”, as I had Hunter in the same hospital as we had Hudson. Even though I knew what to expect, I was petrified that Hunter wouldn’t make it and that we’d have to bury another son.

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

After our first c-section, everyone was so supportive, sending so much love and prayers our way for Hudson. If love could have made him stay, he would still be here. I closed myself off after my second c-section, as Hunter spent 8 weeks in the NICU and I had to go back to the same place I said goodbye to my firstborn son. Emotionally, it’s the hardest thing I’ve done. It killed me every day never knowing if would I get that phone call and he would be gone too.

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

You did your best; your body did not fail you. You’re still the best mommy for your baby. Take all the time you need to recover and cry when you need to cry. Our babies don’t need perfect moms - they need happy moms.

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

I am forever changed. I realized I cannot control everything, and that’s also ok. I learned that you can be ripped apart, broken into a million pieces, and still put yourself back together to do this thing called life. I also learned that nothing will ever break me more or hurt me more than having to say goodbye to my baby boy. I miss you. Until we meet again. Look after your brother my boy.

Name: Candice Roodt

Your Profession: Sales

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