C-Section Birth Stories: Zarina Melamed
1. Please share the circumstances that led to your c-section birth(s):
I went into labor naturally at 12:15 am on June 24, 2020. I was actually asleep in bed, and woke up to the feeling of peeing myself, only to realize it was my water breaking! My son had been head down for almost my entire pregnancy and we planned for an unmedicated, vaginal birth. Didn’t really ever consider a c-section; we just said if it has to happen, then so be it. When we got to the hospital, I was hooked up to so many different things that walking/standing through contractions was so uncomfortable. One of the many things flowing through the IV was Pitocin, and I was afraid of this. From all of the birthing classes I took, induction methods scared me the most; especially Pitocin, but the doctor insisted.
I also planned for an unmedicated birth, but by 6:00 am I was screaming and crying from the labor-like contractions I was having. I was only four centimeters dilated, so I begged my husband to call the nurse and ask for an epidural. They were so strong and so close together, I couldn’t even get the words out properly. After the epidural, I rested. The nurses had me switching from laying on my left and right sides periodically with a peanut ball.
At my next cervical exam, the resident doctor called for my OBGYN to come immediately for her to do an exam herself and conclude the same thing. In the process of switching from laying on my sides, my son turned over completely and began to descend face first. His eyes were pressed against my pubic bone and the doctor was able to feel his mouth and nose during the exam. A specialist came to try and turn him but had no luck. It was then they told me that I had to have an emergency c-section within a few minutes or risk my son losing sight from how hard he was pressed against my pubic bone.
2. What surprised you the most about having a c-section?:
Recovery was harder than I ever imagined. From swelling and abdominal pain to the multitude of emotions I felt for not being able to hold my son for more than a few minutes at a time or not having my milk come in for multiple days...this was the most stressed I had ever been in my life.
3. What kind of support do you feel you received (from friends, family, healthcare team) after your c-section(s)?:
My husband was an absolute saint. Like I said above, we really had no plan or information on c-sections in general. So he learned on the go and picked up all the slack. He even went as far as helping me take my pants and underwear off to sit on the toilet, and assist me in the shower since I was in a lot of pain the first few weeks especially!
4. What’s your #1 piece of advice/encouragement for a new c-section mom?:
Feel all of your emotions. The good ones, the bad ones, and every other one in between. Especially if your c-section came as a surprise to you as it did for me; every single feeling you have is valid. Sometimes it’s not as simple as, “at least your baby is here and healthy.” Having a mentally and physically healthy Momma is important, too!
5. How do you believe having a c-section birth(s) made you stronger?:
The birth trauma and postpartum depression and anxiety I’m still experiencing from my c-section have helped me be more firm about the things I want or don’t want. It has helped me see clearly who is really there for me, with both friends and family. It has helped me realize my potential as a mother and wife, especially. It was and still is a traumatizing experience for me, but I have learned so much about myself through this process, and I am a stronger woman today because of it.
Name: Zarina Melamed
Your Profession: Registered Behavioral Technician
How to Connect With You on Social Media: @zarinabmelamed_
