C-Section Birth Storie: Sarah Manjarrez

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

I was diagnosed with Vasa Previa, a rare complication, at 25 weeks pregnant.

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

The love, support, and calmness from everyone in the operating room during my c-section. I felt safe and comfortable during what I thought to be the most terrifying moment of my life (having surgery). But it turned out to be one of the best because the environment that I brought my baby into the world was amazing.

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

My entire healthcare team from my primary OB, high-risk doctor, to the nurses in the antepartum, c-section, and postpartum were amazing!! I spent about a week in the hospital; 3 days before my c-section and 4 days after, so that time was spent around so much love and support that I didn’t know I’d receive. This truly impacted my experience as a first-time mom and has made it a beautiful memory.

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

Research your healthcare providers, make sure you feel safe and comfortable enough to voice your opinions. If you don’t, then switch with NO hesitation. This is YOUR birth and you should feel empowered through your doctors.

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

From wanting an unmedicated vaginal birth at a birthing center to giving birth at the hospital with medical interventions was a complete change of mindsets that I had to cope with. Also, accepting the fact that a rare complication occurred in my pregnancy wasn’t my fault and the best option for our lives was to have a c-section. This was something that made me stronger mentally. Being able to accept things that are simply out of our control is powerful. Knowing that without the c-section, not only would I have died but also my baby, makes me so blessed to live in times of modern medicine.

Name: Sarah Manjarrez, Early Childhood Development Major at Fresno Pacific University

Country of Residence: United States

Instagram Username: @sarahh.manjarrez