C-Section Birth Stories: Megan Pfaffenberger

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

I had gestational diabetes with both of my pregnancies. With my first baby, I was induced at 41 weeks and progressed to pushing. My son had a severe deceleration and wasn’t recovering. I ended up having a c-section under general as he needed to get out ASAP and the epidural couldn’t be boosted in time. With my second baby, I wanted full control and worked through my postpartum post-traumatic stress disorder (PPTSD) with my OB and therapist. I had a beautiful, healing gentle c-section. It was everything I could have dreamed of and wanted.

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

The loneliness. I was the first person in my family to have a c-section, let alone one under general anesthesia. I felt completely isolated with my birth experience and had a hard time sharing what happened. I had taken natural birth classes and felt like I had failed or done something wrong. I became jealous of people have seemingly “easy” vaginal births. The sting of people talking about hearing their baby’s first cry was unbearable.

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

My husband was my #1 support. He couldn’t be in the room when I was put under and had to meet my son alone. We never imagined that to be a possibility. He was there for me every single night making sure I was okay. He did all diaper changes for the first few weeks and helped me heal. He was the one who suggested I seek professional help with my trauma.

My therapist saved my relationship with myself as a mother. I did Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) sessions to process my trauma and felt little anxiety on the day of my second birth. Finally, my OB was very attentive to my needs for my second baby and even briefed the surgical team on my first birth prior to my gentle c-section. There was so much emotion in that operating room that morning. True happiness!

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

You are not alone. All your feelings are valid. Take time to process them. One big thing that has resonated with me - this is just a season. In a few years, friends will be done having babies and your mind will be taken over with sports and school. The “birth” talk will die out and no one will care how your baby exited your body.

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

My first c-section truly saved my son’s life. I felt strong knowing I made all the right decisions to keep him with us. I felt strong as a mother before I could look into his eyes.

My second c-section saved me and my relationship with myself. I was in 100% control of the situation and took ownership of birth which had felt stolen to me before. Hearing my daughter’s first cry was the most breathtaking moment of my life and truly helped heal what I had lost before.

Name: Megan Pfaffenberger

Your Profession: Tech Industry

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