C-Section Stories: Madison Zimmerman

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

I found out my baby girl was breech at 33 weeks. I was told by my doctor that we would wait until my 36-week appointment before we needed to make a game plan. For the next 3 weeks, I did everything I could to “flip” her. When my 36-week appointment came and she still hasn’t flipped, I had two options: a c-section or try for an ECV (external cephalic version). After much consideration, I opted for a planned c-section to happen at 39 weeks.

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

I was honestly terrified leading up to the morning of my c-section. Even before I was pregnant, I had heard way too many negative things about having one. So, when I found out I had to have the one thing that was definitely not in my “birth plan,” I panicked. I felt like I was going to miss out on the whole birthing experience. What surprised me most is that I felt like I didn’t miss out at all. They monitored my baby and me a couple of hours before, so I was hooked up to machines that they use during vaginal delivery. In the operating room, I still used a modified version of my breathing exercises to remain calm. During the delivery, my doctor announced “here comes the butt, oh here comes the legs,” just like I imagined they would during a vaginal delivery. Then, they lowered the drape and my baby was looking right at me. At that point, it didn’t seem like I just had major surgery, it felt like I had just given birth.

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

My husband has been beyond supportive. One thing that has really stuck with me is when he corrects people that have talked about my c-section. People have said things like, “well even though she’s not having her baby naturally...” he quickly corrects them and says it is natural. There’s no such thing as an unnatural birth. She is being brought into this world naturally just like any other baby.

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

Stay calm and know that your baby is coming into this world in a way that is beautiful and natural. It’s okay to have fears, it’s okay to feel disappointment, but in end, you will be holding your little one just like any other mother out there.

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

My c-section birth made me stronger because I feel like I conquered a huge fear. I am a more confident woman and it now makes me feel like I can do anything. I no longer fear the unknown. Instead, I embrace the challenges ahead of me.

Name: Madison Zimmerman

Your Profession: Former teacher; now a new stay-at-home mom

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