C-Section Birth Stories: Miranda Daml

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

Around 32 weeks, we discovered my baby had flipped breech. My doctor thought there was plenty of time for baby to flip back and I tried everything I could to get baby to flip. Around 37 weeks, the baby was still breech and we tried a version to flip her. This was unsuccessful and led to our scheduled c-section at 39 weeks. I was most scared with Covid that my husband wouldn’t be able to come with me into the operating room. My doctor reassured me several times that she would make sure he got to be there too. In my mind, I wanted a low intervention birth plan while also reminding myself that I didn’t know what childbirth was like and it’s okay if things went differently. I think I was most discouraged by the fact that I had to have a c-section because I felt like with the pandemic my “birth plan” was the one thing I could still control. In the end, it didn’t matter. We got to meet our beautiful baby girl and I would have a c-section 100 times over to meet her again and again.

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

I was most surprised by how quickly it all went. I think the longest part was waiting to get to the operating room. As soon as I was numb, it felt like a second and baby was here.

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

I struggled hard with postpartum depression. I won’t lie and I think it’s so incredibly important that women share their experiences. I have watched so many of my friends have babies and I never knew how hard postpartum life was. With that being said, I seriously have the greatest support system out there. My husband always has been my rock and he was the most supportive during this time when I felt like I was failing daily. My mom also made sure that she checked in on me every day for the first 3 months. Fortunately, she was working from home at this time and most days would drive to my house to make sure she could help me any way she could. My OB was also the most AMAZING care provider ever. At my 6-week post-op visit, I completely broke down. Breastfeeding was killing me and I was struggling with that mentally. She validated me and helped me get the extra help I needed. She reminded me that I was the best mama out there for my little girl and having postpartum blues didn’t change that. I also am surrounded by the most amazing friends and family that sent so much food and love our way. I felt so incredibly lucky and blessed to have all the support I did.

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

It’s okay to need help. I was constantly reminded that one, having a baby is hard and two, you just went through major abdominal surgery. It's okay to need that extra support and doesn’t mean you are failing. Be honest with people when they genuinely want to know how you're doing. It’s okay to not be okay and it’s okay to ask for help.

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

I believe having a c-section really made me see birth in a new light. When I got pregnant I remember thinking the last thing I wanted was to have a c-section. I think I felt this way because a c-section seemed scarier to me than a vaginal birth (not sure why both are terrifying lol). I have this newfound sense of “I can do anything” now. Becoming a mom, in general, has given me so much purpose and a new outlook on life. Having a c-section meant I got to safely meet my baby girl and I wouldn’t change it for anything. ️

Name: Miranda Daml

Your Profession: Exercise Physiologist

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