C-Section Birth Stories: Rachel Eleyet

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

I intended to have a vaginal birth with no epidural. Long story short, after 25 or so hours of labor and super strong and steady contractions, I only progressed to 8 centimeters. I ended up having an epidural by that point. My baby was also face up, he pooped in utero, and his heart rate was dipping then going up, dipping then coming back up. Unfortunately, everything I didn’t want ended up happening, and a c-section was mentioned for the safety of my babe. Of course, that was all I wanted - my baby safe and healthy. It’s not what I imagined at all that would happen to me. But I have a healthy baby boy. :)

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

The pain and bloating you’d have for days. How you can’t pick up your baby at first and kind of being immobile. I also became very guilty, upset, and disappointed in myself for having a c-section. But now I totally view it differently and realize how strong us c-section women are!

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

My friends, family, and my doctor were very supportive during this whole process. The surgeon that did my c-section, unfortunately, was a bit of a jerk to me. He came to my hospital room the day after to check up on me (which is nice) but I talked to him and asked him if I could do a VBAC next time (since this was my first child) and he told me that I had to make smaller babies if I wanted to do a vbac....ummmm excuse me my child was 7 pounds 15 ounces and I had Gestational Diabetes too! I told my doctor this and my experience with the surgeon and she backed me up 100%.

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

Don’t be discouraged if a c-section is the last thing you wanted. Also, know that it doesn’t define you and doesn’t make you less of a mom. I had a hard time coming to terms at first with feeling less like a mom. I felt like I did something wrong because it wasn’t the “natural” way or what I had in mind. Just keep an open mind and know that you are stronger because of having a c-section.

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

Initially, I felt so awful that I didn’t have him vaginally and having him miss out on my good bacteria. I think it made me stronger in my confidence as a new mom. I think it definitely made me stronger mentally and physically because of the long hard labor I had before my c-section. It made me stronger in knowing that what makes me a good mom is not defined by my birth story.

Name: Rachel Eleyet

Your Profession: Photographer

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