C-Section Birth Stories: Krysta Miksik

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

This was my first pregnancy and I had planned for an unmedicated, vaginal birth. It was January 2021 and COVID restrictions were still strict. Upon arriving at the hospital, my husband and I were taken to a small room with bright fluorescent lights where I was tested for COVID. I was told that since my membranes had been ruptured for more than 12 hours with no contractions or dilation, the doctor would want to start Pitocin asap and I may need an antibiotic to prevent infection. I asked all the right questions and was informed that this would be the best practice and the safest option for my baby and me. I was also told that my doula would not be allowed in due to COVID restrictions. After an hour, my COVID test came back negative and we were allowed to go to a birthing room. We were not off to the best start but I continued to remind myself that I was in good hands and there was no wrong way to birth a baby.

I was started on Pitocin immediately and the contractions started shortly after. I labored like this from 9 pm to 9 am. The pain was agonizing. After 12 hours, I was at 4 centimeters. I decided I needed to rest and could no longer labor like this and I asked for an epidural. After receiving it, I labored for 3 more hours and was at 8 centimeters. I could not believe it! Then my body decided it was done. I labored for another 6 hours with no changes. At this time, the conversations with the nurses and doctors started changing and a discussion of a c-section started happening. I knew it was a serious possibility. My husband was discouraged and concerned as he said, "This wasn't our plan." I said to him, "Well, plans change and now this is our plan." Of course, I was nervous and scared too but I had to listen to the doctor and most importantly my body. I had been in active labor for 21 hours with no sleep or food. I wasn't quite ready to call it but I was tired physically and mentally. The doctor wanted me to continue to labor as she thought I may get to 10 centimeters.

We exhausted all of our options for the next 3 hours with no changes. I remember thinking, "Even if I get to 10 centimeters, I don't think I have the energy to push for hours." The doctor said that the safest option for myself and babe was a c-section and I was in a place where I just wanted to move forward, whatever that looked like. I was 24 hours in and ready to meet my baby. After making the decision to have the c-section, things move very quickly. The c-section was successful and quick. Directly after, I went into some sort of shock. My body was shaking uncontrollably. I shook for 1 hour afterwards. The nurse had to pry open my mouth as my jaw was locked and I was clenching my teeth. I felt like my bones were crawling out of my skin. I was unable to hold my babe for over an hour. My husband said the shaking was the scariest part for him because he did not know how to help me and I did not know how to help me. It was rough and scary but we made it and I am happy the babe and I were both healthy.

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

Once I decided to have the c-section, the speed at which everything happened surprised me, and the fear I felt was surprising. I was transferred to the OR room and then to another bed where I knew I was spread eagle for 5 strangers dressed in blue standing over me. I remember hearing one of them say, "Grab her leg." I could feel my leg had fallen off the table. There were loud noises and lots of chatter. Someone placed oxygen over my nose and placed an essential oil-soaked pad by my nose and said, "this will help with nausea." I kept asking for my husband and was told, "He's coming." The doctor said she was going to pinch me and wanted to know if I could feel anything. I could not. I remember her saying something about starting and then my husband appeared by my side. Within seconds, I was not feeling well. I kept saying, "I’m scared. I don't feel well,” on repeat to him. I was in a state of frozen fear. I just wanted it to be done. I felt lots of pressure and movement in my abdomen and I could hear the doctor grunting. Then I heard the doctor say, "Look at all that hair!" and the staff celebrating. Then she lifted my baby over the blue curtain and I looked up and started crying.

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

Due to COVID19, my husband was the only person allowed in the hospital. He was amazing. He was there for me every step of the way and assisted me with anything I needed. The staff was excellent. I never had to wait if I put on my call-light. Staff was there pronto if I needed them. They made sure I was pain-free and that my needs were met. I had no complaints about the OB staff.

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

You will regain your strength back to what it was prior and you will be able to do all of the things you did before.

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

I don't think it made me stronger but it allowed me to grow as a person. It taught me that sometimes life does not go as planned and that's ok. Plan B is just as good as Plan A.

Name: Krysta Miksik, Stay-at-home-mom

Country of Residence: United States

Instagram Username: @krysta.kae