C-Section Birth Stories: Kaylee Henry

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

After nine months of preparing my body and mind for a vaginal delivery, our little boy had other plans. At 38 weeks, my little one was still breech and we were scheduled to have a c-section. We spent several hours on Tuesday at the hospital registering and getting initial blood work done. Our c-section was scheduled for Thursday morning. However, he decided to surprise us again and my water broke at 12:30 am on Wednesday morning.

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

I was terrified because I had never even broken a bone, so surgery wasn’t something I was looking forward to. I had more fear about the actual c-section and didn’t think much about postpartum and postop. It was a lot more difficult than I expected because of the pain of standing and simply trying to lift myself in bed. I feel strong because within days my body started to feel better after being cut open on a table to bring my little one into the world.

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

My husband was phenomenal. He helped so much, especially while we were still in the hospital and I couldn’t get up to change him or swaddle him because I was in so much pain. He got me everything I needed and helped in every way he could.

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

You can do this! Your body needs to heal, so don’t overdo it but make sure you get up and start moving ASAP. You just brought life into the world and had major surgery. You are a badass!

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

I feel so proud of myself for adapting to unforeseen circumstances and embracing the way my child would come into the world.

Name: Kaylee Henry

Your Profession: Development Director for foster home (Girls’ Haven)

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