C-Section Birth Stories: Hannah Oliver

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

I was diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes at 26 weeks. All growth scans were normal until 34 weeks when the baby suddenly measured in the 99th percentile with his head and tummy measuring too high (common with diabetes). So the doctors started to recommend I consider being induced at 38 weeks. Keen to avoid any issues and being heavily pregnant in the height of Australian summer meant I was happy to proceed with the induction.

I spent 17 hours contracting to only reach 2 centimeters on the maximum amount of drip and the doctor asked me to consider a c-section. We knew this could have been an option and so had included a c-section in our birth preferences. Therefore, I felt positive about agreeing to the decision and VERY excited about stopping contractions!

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

What a positive experience it was! The surgical team was absolutely amazing. They had piano music playing, they were all super supportive and the atmosphere was really light-hearted. Two of the doctors held my hand and reassured me during the spinal, and another doctor insisted on taking photos for us. My husband said it was almost like a party atmosphere when he came in!

I was also surprised at how the recovery went. I expected to be practically bed-bound for weeks but found after a few days moving around was much easier and it felt amazing to go for a walk without a heavy, pregnant belly after a few days!

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

The hospital was great - I stayed three nights and left with lots of info and advice. My husband was an absolute dream and covered all the heavy household chores for us. Friends dropped off food (an absolute dream in those early days) and took our dog for walks.

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

Try to make it a positive experience. Include it in your birth preferences and research your options. That definitely helps it feel less scary if you end up choosing or needing to have one. Listen to the doctors’ advice for recovery and pain medication.

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

If I had refused and continued waiting to see if I could dilate further I think I would have ended up with an extremely long labor - as once they turned off the drip my contractions just stopped. He also came out posterior, so there is a chance I would have ended up needing the c-section in a more rushed situation and the exhaustion and emergency response may have been a much more traumatic birth experience.

Name: Hannah Oliver

Your Profession: Administrator

How to Connect With You on Social Media: @hannaholiver11