C-Section Birth Stories: Natalie Williams

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

It was difficult for me to have a successful pregnancy. Before the birth of my daughter, Evelyn, I had 4 early miscarriages. I was tested for multiple things, but nothing could explain my miscarriages. After my 4th miscarriage, I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (UC). That is the suspected cause of my multiple miscarriages. After I got my UC under control, I got pregnant again a year later. Everything was normal through the pregnancy until 36 weeks. I went in for a routine check-up and my previously normal blood pressure (BP) was high. My kidney function was also off and I was so swollen. Three days later, I went in for another BP check and it was even worse. I headed straight to labor and delivery with a preeclampsia diagnosis and the induction process began that evening. I had planned on having a drug-free, vaginal birth. I wanted to be in control of it all. Well, two days later and my stubborn cervix wouldn’t dilate more than 3 or 4 centimeters. I have some scar tissue from a LEEP procedure that the doctors blamed. On the third night, my vitals started to falter and my doctor said we needed to get the baby out now. By that point, I had already abandoned my need to feel in control and felt at peace knowing we were finally at the finish line and my daughter would soon be in my arms. Everything went smoothly and my strong, healthy baby was born. If I choose to have another baby, the only item on my birth plan will be for the baby to be born. :)

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

How fast it all happens. Since mine was an emergency c-section, I felt like by the time I started to wrap my head around it, it was already over.

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

I had wonderful support from my husband, family, and doula. My healthcare team was also great. Before the procedure, my anesthesiologist walked us through everything and made small talk with my husband and me to put us at ease. During the surgery, he told us everything that was happening and what to expect next. He even took my husband’s phone after she was born and took photos and videos of us. I’m eternally grateful for him.

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

You did something amazing. Be proud of your body and your birth. It kills me that some women feel like they were “robbed” of an experience because they didn’t have a vaginal birth. It should be an experience we are proud to have had; it brought us our babies.

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

Oh my gosh, I had to let go of so much control. I think that helped me transition into motherhood, too. There are so many things you can’t control. I look at my scar and am reminded of what my daughter and I survived and it makes me feel like such a badass.

Name: Natalie Williams

Your Profession: Marketing Director/Artist

How to Connect With You on Social Media: @n.v.williams on Instagram