Kate's Cesarean Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I had to be induced at 38 weeks due to high blood pressure. I was induced on Saturday. They started with cervadil over 12 hours which did nothing (I was still just 1cm). The doctors then tried a second round of cervadil for 12 hours (no change). Next they used a balloon to try and dilate me in conjunction with pitocin for 18 hours (still no change!). At that point they wanted me to have a c-section but I resisted and was told I could wait until morning to speak with the head of the department but that I was considered a failed induction and with my high blood pressure it wasn’t safe to stay pregnant. It was now Monday night. At 5:30 am Tuesday morning before the head of the department arrived my water broke. I was so relieved and certain that I must be progressing. Nope! Still 1cm. But my doctor said they would start the pitocin again. All day long nothing was happening. Then, at about 8 PM, my water broke again-yes, again. I didn’t even know that could happen! Apparently, the first time may have just been the upper portion of my water (the second time there was a LOT of water-like they had to come mop the room!) Then things really started moving. Mind you, even though I had to be induced, I continually declined any pain medication even though I was told I would need it with the cervadil, balloon and pitocin. I started getting intense contractions and within the span of a few hours they were coming fast and hard- about every 10-20 seconds and really painful. At about midnight my doctor came to check me and with all of the contractions (which were basically constant and which I couldn’t talk through) I was certain I must be moving along. STILL 1cm!!!! At that point, my doctor said there was just no way I was going to progress and there was nothing left we could do or try. So, I cried my tears and came to terms with it and my son was born at 2:12 AM on Tuesday via gentle c-section. I still grieve the fact that I was unable to have a natural vaginal birth. But, my doula and the doctor said they never imagined anyone could last as long as I did through the things I did with no medication and keep reassuring me that there simply was no other option.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

The intensity and speed of the contractions with the pitocin.

What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?

Hire a doula

What surprised you about your birth?

How little control you have over any of it

The Birth Course helped me to be strong and confident in my decisions

What pain relief strategies worked best?

Breathing through the contractions and using different positions

What position did you end up delivering in?

Unfortunately I ended up with a c-section after 3days if labor and 2 failed inductions

How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?

I couldn’t help but cry with joy and relief

How did the Mama Natural Birth Class help you in your childbirth?

It helped me to be strong and confident in my decisions