C-Section Birth Stories: Tajuana Paige

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

In the early morning hours of July 21, 2019, I was admitted to the hospital at 40 weeks and 3 days with bleeding because of my placenta beginning to detach. After tests and an ultrasound, they discovered that I did not have any amniotic fluid left. I don’t remember my water breaking and was not having any complications until that day. A few hours later they decided that a c-section was the safest and best thing for my baby and me. My son was born on July 21, 2019, at 9:24 am via c-section and both he and I were healthy.

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

What surprised me the most was the fact that I had to have one. I made a birth plan the day I found out I was pregnant and was determined to have an unmedicated vaginal birth. Also, how quick the actual procedure was - I was in and out of the operating room in under an hour with a healthy baby. I'd also have to say the recovery and the pain following a c-section. Both were intense and hard for me but seven weeks later, I am starting to get back to myself again.

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

I have received amazing support from my fiancé, family, and friends. Everyone has stepped up in the last seven weeks to help out with my recovery and to help take care of the baby when it all seems to be too much to handle. Over the past seven weeks, I have received massive amounts of texts and messages, asking how I'm doing along with the baby. I am forever grateful for the support from everyone in my life that has shown up.

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

Do not be afraid to ask for help as well as accept help when offered. Before having a c-section and even still, I feel very strongly about doing things on my own without help but I have been put in my place numerous times over the last seven weeks because it takes a village to raise a child. Not to mention, it takes a long, long time to recover fully emotionally, physically and mentally after having a c-section. Please be patient and graceful with yourself and allow people to meet you where you are, not where you want to be. Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable because it happened for the right reason and one day soon women will be inspired by your story if you share it.

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

I have been forced to rest so I can heal and ask for and accept help. None of which I was a fan of before having a c-section. Every day, I am becoming okay with being vulnerable with others and knowing that it is okay to admit when I am struggling if I am.

Name: Tajuana Paige

How to Connect With You on Social Media: @teatime.tajuana on Instagram