Nicole's Cesarean Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

I had been having some sporadic period type feeling cramps all afternoon .When they got stronger and longer I began timing them , and went to the hospital around 11 pm .

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

I went a long ways past my due date , and got a lot of pressure from my OB to induce . He really made me feel bad , and tried to scare me into scheduling an induction .I waited until labor began naturally , but ended up having an emergency cesarean because the cord was wrapped around my daughters neck .

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

I took a hypnobirthing course, and that helped me remain calm throughout pregnancy , really enjoy it , and look forward to labor and delivery . I did a ton of prenatal yoga as well , really stayed active and drank a ton of water I feel like that helped a lot .

What surprised you about your birth?

How different it was from my birth plan ! I had imagined a perfectly natural birth , and ended up with all the interventions . I was really scared of having a cesarean , it was my biggest fear in pregnancy but I'm so glad for the technology that made it possible . I got to bring my beautiful baby home . I'm so grateful for the doctors and nurses at the hospital , they are so good at what they do .

Stay active , drink water , and be prepared for any way your birth is going to turn out . Do the prep work , but know that some things are out of control . Eat healthy , stay calm and be grateful for the life growing inside you.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

Breathing into my belly as difficult as that was during contractions , and imaging them as waves , rising , swelling and dissipating .

What position did you end up delivering in?

I pushed on my back for about 30 minutes , with my knees bent in stirrups holding onto arm bars . When her heart rate dropped I was rushed into the OR for c section .

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

So amazing !! The love I felt for her was indescribably , so impressed with my body for building and carrying such a precious babe .

What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?

Stay active , drink water , and be prepared for any way your birth is going to turn out . Do the prep work , but know that some things are out of control . Eat healthy , stay calm and be grateful for the life growing inside you.