C-Section Birth Stories: Rebecca Jaros

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

At my twenty-week anatomy scan, my little girl was breech. At this point, it was still so early and I was told not to worry about it and that she would turn on her own. At thirty-five weeks, I was diagnosed with cholestasis in pregnancy and this made my pregnancy high risk. With cholestasis, they monitor you much more closely with weekly ultrasounds, weekly blood work, and non-stress tests. They were not going to let me go any later than 38 weeks. Once I was diagnosed, they sent me for an ultrasound and they found out that the baby was still breech (I hadn't had another since my twenty-week ultrasound).

They decided that at thirty-six and seven they wanted to attempt an external cephalic version (ECV) and if it was successful they were going to induce me right then and there. Before they attempted to turn her they did another scan to confirm she was still breech. They discovered she was footling breech, that they would not be able to turn her, and I would not be able to give birth vaginally. At thirty-eight weeks, I had my scheduled cesarean.

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

I was surprised at how quick it all happened, once they finally finished the spinal. It took them forever since they had to bring in an ultrasound machine to find the right spot and they had to place it much higher than they usually do. After that, it was within minutes they were laying her on my chest. The closing part went by fast because I was so distracted by the miracle on my chest! I also found the recovery wasn't bad after the first couple of days.

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

My husband was my biggest supporter. We told our family we didn't want any visitors for the first week. Then after that, we had weeks of family visiting which was great and very helpful!

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

Enjoy it and embrace it! I was disappointed at first, never knowing what labor feels like, contractions, or that sense of relief and joy after pushing and finally having her in your arms. But the thing is none of that matters. All that matters is you grew and sustained this life inside of you and now you get to continue doing it.

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

I had major surgery while being wide awake. You have to be strong to get through that. I was up walking around within twelve hours of having my abdominals cut and stitched back together. When I start to feel down about it, I think of what my body has been able to do and I realize how strong I really am. I urge everyone to share her story because even just reflecting back on it and answering these questions has helped me realize how strong I really am.

Name: Rebecca Jaros

Your Profession: Canadian Military Fitness and Sports Instructor

How to Connect With You on Social Media: @rebeccajaros