C-Section Birth Stories: Chantelle Koebel

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

I was attempting a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) after my first baby, who was born via emergency c-section. I went into labor on my own at 41 weeks. I labored the first 30 hours, pushed for 4.5 hours with babies head eventually half out. Then he got stuck and went into distress and he was pushed back up the birth canal. I was rushed into another emergency c-section. During the surgery, while trying to get my baby out, the surgeon ripped my uterus further than anticipated causing me to bleed out internally. I spent 5 days in the hospital with a banged-up baby and blood transfusions for myself.

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

How fast things move when it’s an emergency. I truly believe a lot of my experience from my first emergency C-section is blocked from my memory but with my second one I was much more aware. They just do - there’s no waiting until you’re ready, it just happens.

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

My husband, doula, and midwives were amazing. My friends, particularly those who actually don’t have children empathized a lot with me due to the trauma surrounding the birth and the life-threatening complications I endured afterward.

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

Speak up! So many moms say this! But I never got to hold my firstborn until hours later and it still haunts me. I was very adamant that my second baby was placed on my chest. The surgeon listened and within 2-3 minutes of being born, the baby was on my chest. I also stated that my baby would NEVER leave my line of sight, as I was alone in recovery when I had my first. This time around, my baby was kept with me the entire hospital stay and didn’t once leave my side/sight.

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

I’m still working through that. I struggle to find how I was strong through it all, considering how much of a mess I was. I so desperately wanted my baby to be born into my arms instead of in an operating room. I struggle to accept my scar (it didn’t heal properly). I have a few friends who remind me of my strength and how I was literally laid down and cut open while awake in order to save my baby and my life.

Name: Chantelle Koebel

Your Profession: Photographer

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