C-Section Birth Stories: Gemma Scott

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

I was diagnosed with preeclampsia at 32 weeks and the blood flow to the baby dropped off at 34 weeks. Therefore, an emergency c-section was done.

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

The speed of the procedure!

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

My partner, although he feels he did nothing, was amazing throughout the whole process. He supported me in every way possible and more (apart from not being able to find the correct granny pants in the shops for me haha).

The healthcare team was awesome - I felt so safe and completely understood everything that was going to happen to me.

Family and friends visiting in the hospital. I had a post-op blood clot in my bladder and subsequent acute bladder retention. I had to spend some time in the hospital following the c-section with a catheter. I was scared for my little girl in special care and I was in pain and unsure if my bladder would recover. I was unable to be at home and get my baby’s room and other things ready. Since she was born prematurely, I had nothing ready for the hospital - everything was out of my control but my friends and family sorted everything out for us!

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

Listen to advice about loading your body post-op: it has been through a lot and even if you’re feeling great, don’t start lifting and exercising at high intensity before advised to and make an appointment with a women’s health physiotherapist. Just because you didn’t have a ‘natural’ birth your pelvic floor is still weak and needs to recover!

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

The fear which I experienced when I found out that I was unwell and that my baby could be at risk, made it so obvious very early on that I would do anything for my little girl. The love I felt for her even before she entered the world was immense. I was ready to fight for her and do what it took to get her into the world safely, even though it was daunting to have major surgery.

Name: Gemma Scott

Your Profession: Physiotherapist

How to Connect With You on Social Media: @gscotty21 on Instagram