C-Section Strong®️ Birth Stories: Megan Foster

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

After an easy, unmedicated vaginal delivery with my first, I fully expected the same for my second child. At my 20-week anatomy scan, it was discovered that I had low lying placenta about 6 millimeters (mm) from my cervix. Ideally, the placenta is at least 20 mm or 2 centimeters away to have a vaginal delivery. My doctor wasn’t too concerned and seemed confident it would move and I would be able to have another vaginal delivery. At my recheck ultrasound, it had only moved to 7 mm away. I was scheduled for one final ultrasound to check again at 36 weeks. At my last ultrasound, my placenta still hadn’t moved and a small band was actually covering my cervix. Well, that solved that! No vaginal delivery for me. At my 37-week appointment, I was having prodromal labor with contractions every 3 minutes, but my cervix was still closed so there was no need to rush to the hospital. I was scheduled for my c-section at 39 weeks and we discussed when I should present to the OB ER and that she was the one on call all weekend. We also reviewed my c-section birth plan. As the next few days passed I continued to have prodromal labor. At 37+6 the baby dropped lower into my pelvis and my contractions began to change in intensity. We had my mom come stay with us so someone would be here with our first child if we needed to head into the hospital overnight. My plan was to get as much sleep as possible and if the contractions started to hurt bad enough to prevent me from sleeping it was time to go in. I got about 3 hours of sleep before waking up and being unable to fall back asleep. I eventually woke up my husband and we went in. I was having very regular contractions on the monitor and my cervix had dilated to 1 centimeter and was very soft. My provider was called and she decided that instead of risking me laboring on my placenta any longer she would come in and do my c-section. The nursing staff got me all ready for surgery and we headed over to the OR after chatting with the anesthesiologist. They got me all settled in and nearly all my wishes from my birth plan were able to be honored. Once I received my spinal my husband was by my side the entire time. I requested a play-by-play of the surgery and my OB kept me informed as they went through each layer. When my baby was about to be delivered they lowered the sterile drape so I could watch her be born. Seeing her emerge from my abdomen was incredible!! She cried quickly, was assessed by the NICU RN and respiratory therapist (standard practice), and was brought over to me as soon as she was stable. I was able to have skin-to-skin in the OR and enjoy her right away! When we got to PACU I declined a bath for her and after quick stats were collected and newborn meds given she came right back and started nursing like a champ! I had excellent post-partum nursing staff including an incredible male nurse.

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

How easy the recovery was compared to my previous vaginal delivery! I know, I know… vaginal deliveries are supposed to be much easier to recover from, but that was not my experience. I was much more able to stand, walk, and move around in the first two weeks after my c-section compared to my vaginal delivery. I was doing so well that I was discharged home just shy of 36 hours post-delivery.

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

I had excellent support! My husband was my rock (except for the food poisoning he got while at the hospital). The poor night shift nurse had to come into my room extra to help me pick up my baby since my husband was frequently in the bathroom and getting up made him feel sicker. Coming home, my mom was here and was extremely helpful with our toddler and keeping the house running while we focused on keeping me and baby taken care of.

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

While I never wanted to have a c-section, they truly can be as empowering as a vaginal birth! Take your meds and accept all the help.

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

I knew I was strong after my first birth, but the c-section showed me again how strong and powerful I am! I can heal AND nourish/care for a newborn simultaneously!

Name: Megan Foster, Pharmacist

Country of Residence: USA

Instagram Username: @meganmfoster