Giving birth can be a daunting prospect for a first-time mother. But the thought of an emergency c-section can turn mild anxiety into terror. And as the name suggests – EMERGENCY C-SECTION – when your birth becomes a Caesarean-section, there can be little time to prepare.
Here are five things to remember about an emergency c-section from my own personal experience.
1. Expect the Unexpected...
Birth plans are possibly the most unhelpful thing to have if you end up needing an emergency c-section. My own birth plan was extremely simple – get the baby out of me with us both in one piece. It made it a lot easier mentally to undergo a theatre birth because I never had a ‘perfect picture’ birth to lose – Note here – it did not make it easy, just slightly easier. Anyone can need a c-section for any number of reasons. So, at the top of your birth plan, remind yourself of your main goal here: a healthy mum and a healthy baby. Keeping your end goal in mind can help with all the twists and turns of labour and delivery.
2. It will hurt...
Unfortunately, there is no getting around this one. There should be no pain during your c-section – but there may be a bit of tugging, pushing and pulling. Your doctors and nurses will check you can’t feel anything before they start the procedure. And after having contractions endlessly without a break, I can’t tell you how relieved I was when the epidural went in. So, give yourself permission to enjoy that bit.
The following weeks (let’s say on average four), you will be sore. Very sore. Bending, lifting, walking, sneezing (please don’t even try to laugh), sleeping. It will all hurt. But this is what you did to bring your baby into this world. Be proud of your pain. You had a hard road and you aced it.
3. This is just one part of motherhood...
Pregnancy and giving birth is just one part of motherhood. A nice big dollop of sickness, stretching pain, Braxton Hicks, being kicked constantly from the inside… The uncertainty, the worry, the physical and mental stress. And I’m afraid it doesn’t stop there.
But on the upside, it doesn’t stop there. Your birth is not the end of your story. It’s not something you have failed at. It’s just one part of it. It can be rocky, bumpy, emotional and terrifying. But it does not define your story.
4. Your baby is not disappointed...
If you are stressed, suddenly finding yourself in a medical theatre, numb (inside and out), just imagine how your baby is feeling – being pulled out of it’s nice, warm, cosy bath where they can always feel you and hear you. So regardless of how they are born, they are just looking for you. To be back in your arms, to have their hand held or even just to hear your voice. You are their solid link to this outside world. And regardless of how you feel in that first moment of meeting, however inadequate you are feeling – they are not disappointed in you.
5. You are not alone...
NHS Inform says that about 1 in 3 deliveries are by c-section. Around 17 in 100 births are by emergency caesarean. That means for every 100 mums, 17 of those delivered their newborn by c-section. 17 women underwent major surgery that was unplanned to give their baby the best chance of life. 17 mums experienced the same pain, the same terror, the same judgement. So, the chances are you will probably know someone who has had to have an emergency c-section. Chat to them; share your story today.
For More Information about Emergency C-Sections.
Please seek professional or medical help if you are worried that you may have depression or PTSD as a result of your emergency c-section. Many midwives and health visitors have been trained to recognise postnatal depression and have techniques that can help.
Click here for more advice.
Our Newborn Stories...
Click here to read our story starting with Experiencing an Emergency C-Section – a Baby’s Point of View and followed by Experiencing an Emergency C-Section – a Mum’ Point of View.
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