Positive c/s stories are welcome here too

iris427

I just saw another post on here where someone said she did not want to share her positive c/s story on here out of respect for those who had negative or traumatic c/s experiences.

I don't want anyone on this board to feel that way.  Please feel free to share your birth story (or stories) with the rest of us, no matter how the birth went.  There is no right or wrong way to feel about your birth.

Personally, I like hearing positive c/s stories because it reminds me that even if I don't have a VBAC, I can have a wonderful birth next time.   

userdeleted

"Personally, I like hearing positive c/s stories because it reminds me that even if I don't have a VBAC, I can have a wonderful birth next time."

Yes, this is so true. A good friend of mine was pregnant at the same time as me, and we were both hoping for a VBAC. She did end up with a RCS, but she says that it was a wonderful experience - far better than her previous one - and a healing experience. I think what made the difference for her was switching to a provider who was more respectful and compassionate. 

smiling76

Absolutely!!!  Thanks for posting this and I hope others follow. 

I know for me I'd love to hear about repeat c/s---what made it a repeat and how was the actual c/s and recovery with a toddler?  I think it would help to calm some nerves because reality is VBAC is definitely not guaranteed. 

margeincharge2

This is a great idea.

smiling76

laura_belle:

To be honest, I think the thing that helped the most is that I did not have a rigid birth plan in place.  I knew what I wanted and I was informed, but I didn't script every minor detail. (Not to say anyone with a bad experience did.)  I think this helped prepare my mind for a c-section once it was determined it was necessary. 

Also, once it became clear it a c/s was inevitable we proceeded with the procedure.  We did not wait until it was a life or death situation.  I had not been laboring tirelessly for hours.  My mind and body was relatively fresh and the doctor had time to do her thing.  That helped in the physical recovery.  I compare it to having major surgery right after a marathon.  That would be harder to recover from.

I will do a full birth story at some point but the Cliff Notes version is that my water broke and DS had not even dropped.  My amniotic fluid was very dark and contained high levels of meconium.  After dialating to 10, DS still hadn't budged but his heart rate was erratic.  We have a family member with a birth injury and this weighed heavy in our minds.  We chose to proceed with a c-section instead of forcing DS further down the canal. 

I had a reaction to the pitocin and they had to administer a second drug that knocked me out.  My son had to be intubated to clear his lungs but he was otherwise healthy.  No NICU time and he was with his father the entire time from the point of his birth until I held him.  He nursed beautifully. 

Even though I did not immediately get to hold him, I knew it was for his health.  Even if I had delivered vaginally, I would not have gotten to hold him immediately.  His lungs were the top priority. 

Congrats on a healthy baby and thank you for sharing your story.  I'm with you--not setting anything rigid---go with the flow because you never ever know.  Did they say why your son didn't get down the canal?  Was it the cord??  Just curious. 

spark&echo

I think the world needs more positive c/s stories.  I'm always open to hearing them.  Post away, I say.