C-Section Birth Stories: Liz Stefan

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

I had pregnancy-induced hypertension, my baby was breech, and my fluids were low. It was quite the trifecta! I had a c-section scheduled, but after an ultrasound a week before the scheduled date, my doctors decided something wasn’t right. I received a call at 6:00 pm from my OB that night telling me my fluids were way too low and that I needed to be the hospital at 1:00 pm the next day. They pushed my c-section up five days!

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

How good I felt afterward! My anxiety leading up to the c-section was sky-high. I was so afraid I wouldn’t be able to care for my baby because of the pain I’d be in. I felt SO much better (physically) than I had ever imagined.

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

The support I received afterward was unbelievable! My friends and family really came together and helped me (and my husband) so much. Not only did I have a newborn to care for, but I was also recovering from major surgery. My baby blues were VERY real so it was good to be surrounded by people and love.

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

Try not to listen too much to other women’s experiences. I did and I was so terrified. Way more scared than I should have been. My doctor is amazing, and the procedure and my recovery were so different than I expected. Everyone’s c-section story is different. Just because someone had a bad experience does not mean you will! Reading stories of encouragement and hearing how amazing our bodies are and what they’re capable of is all you need to read!

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

When I learned that I had to have a c-section, I felt like I was being robbed of experiencing “normal” childbirth. Sure, I didn’t deliver vaginally, but I still birthed a human! I had major surgery to bring my baby into the world, and was up and going the very next day to make sure my baby had everything that he needed. If that doesn’t make me strong, I don’t know what does!

Name: Liz Stefan

Your Profession: Office Coordinator for an Optometry Practice

How to Connect With You on Social Media: @Lizzzzie29 on Instagram