C-Section Birth Stories: Elizabeth Del Giudice

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

My due date was May 12th, 2019 with no sign of my son making his entrance into the world anytime soon. We tried two stretch and sweeps and a week later...nothing. This lead to an induction via balloon foley on Sunday, May 19th, followed by a 48-hour whirlwind labor that ultimately led to a c-section at 3:30 am on the 21st. I have a small build (110 lbs 5'4" with tiny hips) and my baby was measuring in the 99th percentile from 33 weeks and onwards. He was surely a big boy, you could tell this from the size of my bump. After 18 hours of labor, still at 5 centimeters, we had to make the tough choice. My baby's heart rate was dropping with every contraction, I hadn't dilated past 5 centimeters in over 10 hours, there was meconium in my leaking fluid, the baby was in distress, and this was the safest option for my son. Ultimately, I am able to accept now that biologically, the odds were against us, as his shoulders were so wide that he was unable to move down my pelvis to put pressure on my cervix.

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

The toll that a c-section takes on you mentally, emotionally, and physically is something that no one can prepare you for. The physical is one thing, healing from major abdominal surgery, but the emotional pain is something that I still remember and it cuts so deep...that is something unexplainable. I wanted to be happy, my baby was finally here, but looking at him, all I saw and felt at that time was failure. To add to that, you cannot hold your baby, be mobile with your baby, and move for your baby the way you hope due to the surgery. The mental exhaustion and battle in your mind are relentless and exhausting. I never thought I could find myself in such a dark place from the outcome of this birth, but the beautiful part is seeing myself rise on the other side of things with an acceptance and growth that I am so proud of!

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

I received INCREDIBLE love and support from everyone around me, my husband (my number one!), my family, and my friends. The outpouring of love was incredible. However, the love that I needed the most was from myself, for myself and that was what was missing. I needed to love my new body, appreciate what it had done, be gentle with myself and my thoughts, believe that I was doing an incredible job, and be able to uncloud my thoughts to be open to the love that all of my friends and family were providing me.

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

Your biggest battle will be with your thoughts about how your baby entered the world. This is a battle only you can overcome and only you can win. When you look at your child, I hope you see the gentle spirit in his or her eyes - that is you. I hope you feel the warmth of their breath on your skin - that is you. I hope you smell their sweet newborn bliss - that is you. I hope when they curl their tiny hand around your finger - that is you. You are magic, you grew a child whose spirit will bloom, and one day you will look at them and say "all of me, made all of you."

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

Having a c-section taught me about my inner strength that I never knew I had, it showed me how to be truly selfless. The thought of cutting yourself open for another human is the true meaning of motherhood in my opinion. A mother, before she even knows how to be a mother, will do anything for her child.

Name: Elizabeth Del Giudice

Your Profession: Marketing Manager for Online Brands

How to Connect With You on Social Media: @elle.nove on Instagram