C-Section Birth Stories: Rebecca Hussey

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

Following an induction (due to being 12 days overdue), the midwives broke my waters (with difficulty!) and I went into established labour. My labour was very slow and long with very painful contractions in my back because the baby was in the back-to-back position. Unfortunately, I was not dilating quickly enough, wasn’t close to the pushing stage even after 36 hours in labour, and the doctors did an ultrasound to discover that the baby was not in an optimal position for birth. They advised that it wouldn’t be possible to deliver vaginally and therefore I would need an emergency cesarean. My beautiful baby was finally born 2 weeks overdue!

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

As my c-section was an emergency, it was very scary. I was anxious about giving birth all along but I never expected to be in this emergency situation. Despite being extremely tired and terrified, my c-section experience was so beautiful. All of the pain had gone away thanks to the amazing spinal block! The theatre (operating room) team was incredible and my baby was born. It was the most magical moment my husband and I always dreamed of. Nothing was taken away from that moment and we shared lots of happy tears over our little bundle of joy. A c-section is still your baby being born and it’s still a momentous incredible moment! I have never felt happiness like I did at that moment.

I was also surprised at how quickly I recovered afterward. The first week was tough, as I had to be very careful about not exerting myself too much (if at all). The first couple of days I couldn’t even change my baby’s nappy. But after that the recovery got much easier - the human body is simply amazing! I am also very fortunate that my scar is healing beautifully. It’s not a horrendous, scary-looking scar like I always imagined I’d be left with after a c-section. It’s a small scar (considering a baby was taken out of there) and it’s in a very inconspicuous place on my body. I love it and I’ll forever wear it with pride.

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

I received good support from the healthcare team on the ward post-surgery. They took care of my baby and me very well. However, I wasn’t overly impressed with the aftercare advice. I was given a leaflet but didn’t really get a huge amount of support. Instead, I did a lot of post-c-section recovery research myself. I have also found online groups such as C-Section Strong™ invaluable to my recovery - it’s amazing to read and swap stories with other c-section mummies!

My husband has been amazing. He is my absolute rock and I can get through anything with him by my side. He took care of me so well and I couldn’t have gone through the whole experience without him!

My family and friends have also been incredible. The coronavirus pandemic has made it difficult as I haven’t been able to see people as much as I would have wanted to, but I’m very lucky to have an amazing support network. It’s extremely important after going through major surgery and having a new baby!

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

Take it easy on yourself. You have just been through a life-changing, challenging experience and now you’ve got to take care of this tiny baby. And just like the amazing woman you are, you’ll do just that. You’ll be a busy mum, feeding and changing nappies around the clock, surviving on little sleep, all while recovering from major abdominal surgery. Whenever you feel disheartened, just remember that all of that makes you a superwoman! The pain will fade over time, the recovery will happen and you’ll always have that beautiful memory of the day you gave birth. Because you did and don’t let anyone ever tell you otherwise! Having a c-section birth and not a vaginal birth doesn’t make you any less of a mother. In fact, it makes you the strongest kind - you have laid down and let yourself be cut open for your baby!

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

Yes! I am proud of myself for being stronger than I ever thought I could be. Proud of my body for growing my gorgeous healthy baby and bringing him into the world safely. Most of all, I’m proud of my scar that will forever be a reminder of the magical moment our boy was born; a reminder of the moment I became a mother.

Name: Rebecca Hussey

Your Profession: Senior Clinical Trial Coordinator in a Clinical Research Team

How to Connect With You on Social Media: Rebecca Hussey on Facebook