C-Section Birth Stories: Rachel Lewis

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

I went into labor two weeks early on the hottest day of the year. I was a bit nervous since my doctor was out of the country and I would have the on-call doctor. This was my first baby, so I knew labor could take a while but I could never have been prepared for the experience I had. I wanted to hold off on the epidural as long as possible so I could walk around the room. My girl was sunny side up and wouldn't turn (hello back labor!) for anything. I eventually got the epidural and I tried every position, with the aid of the nurses, to get her to turn. After a long 37 hours, 4 bags of Pitocin, and lots of twisting and turning, we still had some big issues. She wouldn't turn, her heart rate was starting to dip with contractions, she didn't fully drop, and I couldn't fully dilate. She wanted to make sure she made a grand entrance into the world, on her own time. I was beyond terrified, I never considered it a possibility. It was never discussed with my doctor, I'm healthy and had a healthy pregnancy and just never thought it would happen to me

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

The shaking, oh my goodness! I've never experienced anything like it before and it took everything in me not to throw up. I was surprised how smooth the transition went from "We need to do a c-section" to being in the operating room. I was also surprised by how hard recovery was for me. I had no idea what to expect and was so unprepared. Everything I had at home for recovery was for a vaginal delivery. Also, the swelling - holy moly! I thought I was swollen during the hot months being super pregnant. Nope, you swell beyond imagination after a c-section but it does go away. Not to mention, less than 24 hours being home, I ended up right back in the emergency room. I had a severe allergic reaction to a medication and for an added bonus, a bladder infection. So, on top of the medicine I was discharged with, they added an antibiotic and a steroid to the mix.

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

The healthcare staff was incredibly amazing. The main nurse I had wouldn't leave my side. After her 12-hour shift ended and she went home to her family, I was still on her mind. She called the next day to see how I did and when she found out I was still in labor, she came in 3 hours early for a 12-hour shift. She was my voice of reason, talked me through everything single scenario, and was so kind to my family. My husband, parents, and sister were there almost the entire time. She held my hand as I got the epidural, and as I bawled my eyes out signing the release to do the surgery. She was with me in the operating room until my daughter entered the world.

The anesthesiologist knew how scared I was and talked to me the whole time. He wiped my tears and tried to calm my shakes with warm blankets. He took the very first picture of our family of three with my husband holding our daughter next to me for the very first time.

My doctor finally saw me when she came back to town two days later and just sat and talked to me for what felt like forever. She held my baby girl and had such a personal connection with her. She's incredible and I was so sad not to have her deliver for me.

My family was supportive beyond words. My parents, aunt, and sister were over all the time. From helping with the dog, letting us nap, bringing food and overall being supportive.

Finally, my husband. It’s hard to put into words how much I appreciate him as a husband and father. It was so hard for him to see me in such pain during labor and not be able to do anything. He never left my side and slept on the tiny couch in the room. He took care of our baby and me and he brought two new people home, an infant and a mom for the first time. He ended up taking a full month off work until I didn't have as many restrictions. He was my biggest supporter as I dealt with so many feelings and emotions those first few weeks. I couldn’t ask for a better person to have by my side and I never take that for granted.

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

Talk to someone: Your partner, friend, family, or a therapist. If it's unplanned, it's so incredibly hard to come to terms with. You're not alone in what you’re feeling and don't pretend you're ok if you're not. Accept the help - you will need it. Also, get supportive underwear, I cannot stress that enough! It does get easier, it seems like an impossible thought at the time. Seeing my girl smile, I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.

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

My body did things I never thought it could. I feel like a superhero dealing with everything and coming out with a healthy baby. I'm stronger than I ever knew I could be for myself and for my family. I would do anything in this world for her and I always believe the struggles make you stronger. It takes a really strong person to do all of that and guess what mamas - we did it!

Name: Rachel Lewis

Your Profession: Outreach

How to Connect With You on Social Media: @Rlewis0912 on Instagram