All of my research preparing for my birth was based on a vaginal delivery and recovery. None of the birthing classes and online courses that I took even touched on the possibility of an emergency cesarean, let alone what to expect from a planned one.
I was so not prepared for the mental and physical toll that would accompany my c-section. No one tells you how hard the recovery is. No one tells you how much gas pain you will have from the surgery...agonizing, knock-the-wind-out-of-you pain. I cried so much from the pain. I cried before my daughter’s first pediatrician appointment because just sitting in the car and breathing hurt. Walking hurt. Laying down hurt. Why did I know none of this?
Breastfeeding seemed impossible. I nearly gave up. I exclusively pumped for the first month because I just couldn’t handle it all.
& Amongst all the physical pain, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of inadequacy for not having a vaginal delivery. As ridiculous as I knew it was, I felt insufficient. No one tells you that you will cope with the grief of not having a “natural experience” with birth.
I am so incredibly grateful for modern medicine and that my body could be cut open to bring my child into this world safely, but MAN was I clueless on c-sections. To all the c-section mamas out there: you are STRONG, you are BRAVE and you are not alone in your experience. 💛
My full birth story is on my YouTube. As crazy as it was, it is a story that I never want to forget the details of. Please share your c-section stories below!
#csection #mommyblog #cesareanawarenessmonth #csectionisbirth #emergencycsection #birthstory #shareyourstory #momsofinstagram #newmom
