C-Section Birth Stories: Carley Lawson

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

At almost 41 weeks, I was induced since no progress was happening. The medicine to “ripen the cervix” was given around 11 pm that night and sent me into labor by midnight. I progressed fast and everything looked great until I began bleeding profusely around 2 am. Our nurses gave me a check and decided it was from progressing so quickly and let me carry on. Things went great after that. I was given an epidural around 6 centimeters and progressed to 9 centimeters by 7 am. Our room was prepped, parents were called in (my mom and mother-in-law would’ve been in the room for his birth). Hours went by with only .5 centimeters in progress, so I was given Pitocin in an attempt to reach 10 centimeters and start pushing. Out of nowhere, my son’s heart rate started to drop and lowered more with every contraction. Only three contractions came before they called for an emergency c-section. The disappointment I felt is still unmatched to this day since I was so close to the unmedicated, vaginal birth I wanted so badly.
During the c-section, they found that my placenta had torn from my uterus, which caused the bleeding during labor and my son’s heart rate to drop. My disappointment was met with a thankfulness that my baby was, in a sense, rescued.

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

I think I was mostly surprised by our bodies’ ability to endure such a surgery and recover so quickly. Of course, it’s uncomfortable and scary, but women are so resilient. To be cut wide open, a life taken from your womb, sewn back together, and walking within hours while caring for a newborn is insane. Our bodies are incredible.

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

I received the best support and care pre-baby and postpartum. Our nurses were amazing, my doctor was amazing, my husband and family and friends were all incredible in that department. I felt truly cared for.

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

Give yourself grace. With all things postpartum - your body, the events that lead to your c-section, your new baby, all the things. Always give grace.

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

I found strength through healing, as cliché as that may sound. I realized how strong we are to endure the intensity of a c-section and power on as if nothing happened. To have an aching, bleeding belly with little to no energy and still put our babies’ needs before our own.

Name: Carley Lawson

Your Profession: Creative Designer

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