C-Section Birth Stories: Erin Bradshaw

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

At 30 weeks, I was diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes (GD). It led to a slew of complications and I was considered high risk. At 33 weeks, I was sent for an ultrasound to see how big the baby was due to GD and found out my baby was also breech. I was a bit stunned at that time. I had gone from thinking my pregnancy was going to be the same as my mom’s, sister’s, and aunt’s, to one where I was now injecting myself with insulin, being in ketosis, and having a breech baby. By 36 weeks, I had the option to do an external cephalic version (ECV) to try to turn the baby around. It was not successful and due to my many complications, they scheduled a c-section for 38 weeks.

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

Since my c-section was scheduled, I knew when and how it all was going to happen. I was terrified leading up to the surgery and wondered how I had gotten there. My pregnancy and now birth was not what I had in mind; it was like my body had failed me miserably. I was barely keeping it together through the fear, anger, and total shock of what was about to happen.

I was, however, surrounded by medical professionals who were there for me every step of the journey. Upon arriving in the operating room, I was shaking like a leaf. I was greeted with smiles as they surrounded me and walked me through what was about to happen. It felt like I was with family and they were there for me. As a team, they worked so professionally and with joy and it was a remarkable experience. I’m truly grateful to my medical team.

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

My amazing husband really stepped up and cared for our daughter while I recovered with feedings and everything in between. My mom and sister were so helpful too, not only with chores and such but they listened to me express my concerns about being a new parent. I also had an amazing midwife who was so wonderful about listening to me and never did she once push or judge me for my breastfeeding journey. She created a safe space for me to just be okay after all I had gone through.

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

I was so down on myself and my body for not doing what I thought it was meant to do. I mean it’s what a woman’s body was made for right? I had to realize like anything, we really have no control over what the body does. It actually made me laugh at myself to think I was blaming myself for the health complications within my body, and question why I was dragging myself through mom guilt already? I had to re-evaluate what I thought a mother was supposed to be and let go of all other traditional mom things I thought I was supposed to have done. Comparing yourself and your journey to others really is the thief of joy.

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

I really had a lot to contend with, both mentally and physically over the course of my pregnancy. I’m still in shock over what I was up against and proud of how I handled it. Was I scared, angry, and sad? Of course. I had to go deep to find myself within all of the chaos and bring joy to the moments I was afraid of. I had to trust my intuition and lean on those whose experiences could lift up my own.

Name: Erin Bradshaw

Your Profession: Salon Manager

How to Connect With You on Social Media: @irwindoofiekins1985 on Instagram