C-Section Birth Stories: Gillian Thomson

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

With my first baby, I was induced at 40 weeks because of preeclampsia. My swelling was very bad and blood pressure was rising. I had three pessaries and labored for three days with little progress. They performed an artificial rupture of membranes but I never dilated past 6 centimeters. My baby girl was distressed and I was rushed in for an emergency c-section. Both my daughter and I had sepsis after the procedure and were kept at the hospital for a few days.

I had an elective c-section in July 2019 with my son, as my first one was an emergency. I have cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD) and no one was sure if my son would be able to be delivered vaginally. It was a risk I couldn't take after the traumatic experience with my daughter.

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

With my first c-section, I was surprised that I could feel tugging in my belly - it felt like someone was doing the dishes inside me!

I was absolutely terrified the second time around because I was more present and aware of what was going on. I couldn't sleep for days leading up to it. I was surprised at how amazing my body did to heal after two lots of major invasive surgery. I am forever thankful.

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

My husband has been my rock. When I got home from the hospital, he was my other set of hands. I could barely walk and he did everything for us. He helped me into the shower and sat with me quietly when I broke down in tears and couldn't face the pain any longer. I owe him everything. My friends and family were very supportive but looking back now I realize I suffered from postnatal anxiety and traumatic thoughts.

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

My advice is to give your body time to heal and treat it well. I am rewarding my body with lots of nutritious food in return for the amazing job it did to carry and birth my babies. I love every inch of it, my tiger stripes and my jelly belly. I am forever in awe of the home that carried my children safely. Take it easy and listen to your body. Housework can wait. Cuddling with your baby is the most important thing. You are a warrior for coming through a c-section.

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

Having two c-sections made me realize the strength my body has to heal from major surgery and breastfeed my babies. I am a true warrior and will never forget the sounds of the surgeons operating on me during theatre (operating room). As I lay there shaking and terrified for my baby to be in my arms, the surgeons stopped for a moment to order their lunch. "I'll have the baked potato and cheese today please" I heard. This made me smile and realize, this is their job and to them operating on me is not a major thing. It's something they do every day to bring babies into the world. Forever grateful to our NHS in Scotland.

Name: Gillian Thomson

Your Profession: Primary Teacher

How to Connect With You on Social Media: @gillian33thomson on Instagram