C-Section Birth Stories: Sarah Leeper

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

There were a lot of emotions underneath, but on the surface, our story is pretty simple. I had a scheduled cesarean due to marginal placenta previa that was identified during my 12 scan and did not budge a single millimeter. I had plenty of time to consider (worry about) my potential (certain) c-section. Despite feeling ill from the medication during birth, I was cognizant enough to get skin-to-skin with my son in the operating room and in the PACU. He didn’t need any NICU time, despite being born exactly at term (37 weeks) and we stayed the minimum of 48 hours at the hospital.

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

The fact that I did it at all. Obviously, there was no alternative, but I really did it - I gave birth. If you knew me personally, you’d understand why - even now, at one year postpartum - I find it so astounding. It really is a miracle of life.

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

I would not have been able to manage without the support of my husband and both his and my parents. Even though my son’s birth was routine and blessedly uneventful, I was in a lot of pain and needed help with absolutely everything: from caring for the baby, to cooking meals, to keeping the house tidy, to my own care. My family was my anchor. As far as medical care, I’ll just say this: Postpartum care, in general, is severely lacking in the United States, especially for cesarean moms. I was told I’d be seen in two weeks - and again in four - and sent home with a stack of inadequate printouts that I was too tired and too overwhelmed to read. I had to ask my General Practitioner for a referral to a physical therapist at three months postpartum. Sadly, I didn’t realize prior to giving birth just how much about recovery I’d be responsible for learning on my own. And I have learned a lot - some of which can be utilized at any point - but much of it was far too late.

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

Read everything you can and don’t be afraid of asking too many questions or asking for too much help. The more informed you are, the more you can own your experience; even if, especially if, things seem overwhelming and frightening. Yes, it’s important that you have your baby here and safe but you matter, too. (Also. I’d be remiss if I didn’t add my voice to the chorus: your body did not fail by needing a c-section. CESAREAN BIRTH IS BIRTH.)

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

I can’t begin to count the ways. I’ve never been brave and I have just about the lowest pain tolerance of anyone I know. Yet, there I was: in the most vulnerable position of my life, about to be in the most pain I’d ever experienced in my life; and I made it through to the other side of both. These days I find my routine blood work, dental work, menstrual cramps, etc. - all things that have left me feeling faint in the past - to have much less of a negative impact on me. For some reason though, I still get anxious to make a phone call.

Name: Sarah Leeper

Your Business: Owner of Peaceful Mountain Yoga LLC

How to Connect With You on Social Media: @peaceful.mountain.yoga on Instagram