C-Section Birth Stories: Diane Ramnarine-Hardyal

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

I was thirty-nine and a half weeks and on a Wednesday at 10 a.m. I had an ultrasound to check amniotic fluid levels and the position of the baby, to determine whether or not induction would be necessary. My OBGYN suggested inducing me at forty weeks. After completing the scan, my husband and I were sent to the Labor and Delivery Triage for further monitoring due to my amniotic fluids being significantly low. I was induced with prostaglandin at around 3 p.m. Nothing happened for six hours (the fetal monitor was removed for about two hours, as requested by the doctor) so they decided to send me home. They told me to return once my water had broken (which made no sense to me, given the fact that I was told there was very little fluid in me), or I if had any contractions. Just as I was getting dressed, there was a shift change and a new doctor came in. She ordered further monitoring before she was able to discharge me. Within ten minutes, she came back in and told us our baby's heart rate dropped about three times in those ten minutes, despite my body not contracting; he was not happy with the gel. The prostaglandin gel was immediately removed and another method of induction was suggested. After hearing all the possible risks for my baby, I elected to have a c-section. I wanted my baby out as quickly and as safely as possible and boy was it quick. I was given a spinal block at 2:55 a.m. and he was out at 3:14 a.m. (after being in the hospital for over twenty-four hours though). His oxygen levels were low, there was meconium present, and his skin showed signs of dry labor, had I chosen to try to deliver vaginally. My husband provided skin-to-skin as I couldn’t. While staring at my husband holding our son, I repeatedly thanked God for my precious baby.

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

First, the process and recovery. I didn’t know what to expect before, during, or after a c-section. I had only read about delivering vaginally. In a split moment, the words, "I want to have a c-section" came out of my mouth when I heard that my baby's well-being was at stake. The next few weeks were brutal. I felt as if my insides were going to tear through my stitches with every step I took. Second, how much pressure and tugging I felt just before my son came out. I remember laying on the operating table, staring at the ceiling tiles as the team was tugging and pulling at my lifeless body, like in a game of tug and war, to get a tiny human out.

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

Family and friends came to visit us but the healthcare team was not the greatest. Above all, my husband took care of our son and me. I would feel the most pain at night. Getting off the bed to go to the bathroom was the worst. He would carry all my weight on his shoulders as he pulled me up onto my feet (I was barely able to move without feeling a pinching sensation) and then tend to our baby. He was a ‘round the clock nurse in disguise.

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

Let your body heal. Your scar may look beautifully healed on the outside but internally, you are not. Give yourself time. You just went through major surgery. I felt disconnected from my child as I couldn't complete my mommy duties. I would breakdown every now and then while others would take care of my baby (it's only natural to feel this way). However, after the hormones died down, I was able to think rationally and became very thankful for those helping hands, as it gave me a chance to focus on getting myself back to 100%.

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

Having a c-section birth has made me stronger emotionally and physically. Emotionally - battling all the hormonal outbursts whenever I wasn't able to care for my newborn. Physically - my body went through its first surgery and the outcome wasn't too bad. Now I am working on getting back in shape and my pre-pregnancy body (or close to it). 

Name: Diane Ramnarine-Hardyal

Your Profession: Administration Supervisor

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