In today’s digital age, people often feel emboldened to share their opinions on the internet, sometimes without fully understanding the complexities of a situation. A casual comment on a friend’s social media post can spark a wave of unwarranted judgment and criticism. But here’s the thing, folks: I refuse to accept your shame.
I am preparing for a scheduled C-section with my upcoming baby, just as I did with my first. And you know what? That doesn’t make me any less of a good mom. Some women choose C-sections for various reasons, and while the rates are indeed high, it’s not our place to question their choices or motivations.
My Story
Let me share my story. When I was pregnant with my first child, I had a detailed birth plan ready for my OB at our 35-week checkup. I envisioned a labor filled with movement, warm showers, and minimal intervention. My doctor was on board until an ultrasound revealed that my son, Leo, was not only breech but also “jackknifed”—his little bottom wedged against my hip, head near my ribs, and feet sticking straight up. It was clear he wasn’t going to make an exit on his own.
I tried all sorts of things to encourage him to turn—lying on an ironing board, with my head down and legs in the air. But Leo was stuck and unable to move. When my doctor finally delivered the news, her demeanor was grave yet reassuring: “I don’t think you’re going to get the birth you hope for; we will need to do a C-section.” Zach and I were relieved to know our baby was safe.
That C-section was no walk in the park. Picture the dramatic final moments of Braveheart, with two nurses pushing and pulling while I was cut open to free my very stuck baby boy. But here’s what you don’t see: when you hastily judge my doctor’s decision, you overlook the intense struggle we faced during that procedure. Afterward, when Zach asked what would have happened in a different era, our doctor quietly replied, “They both would have died in labor.”
My Second Pregnancy
Fast forward to my second pregnancy with Mia. I went into labor at just 29 weeks, and my journey was filled with hospital visits, bed rest, and medication to halt contractions. When my water broke at 36 weeks, my medical team supported my desire for a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). Yet, despite their encouragement, when signs of distress appeared, we opted for another C-section.
Now, with my upcoming baby, I accept that another C-section is likely. I’ve had two surgeries: one with a traditional cut and another with a different technique. I’m not willing to take unnecessary risks that could jeopardize my health or the well-being of my children. I have two sweet boys who want their mom around, and a little girl growing inside me who just wants to arrive safely. How she enters the world isn’t what matters most.
Embracing My Choices
So, internet, keep your shame. I owe my motherhood to a scheduled C-section that was perfectly timed—my contractions were just two minutes apart when I checked in with Leo. We can never truly know the reasons behind someone else’s choice for a C-section, and it’s not our place to judge. The only appropriate response is to celebrate that both mom and baby are safe and together at the end of the day.
If you’re interested in exploring more about family planning or pregnancy options, consider checking out our post on the at-home insemination kit. For those looking into fertility solutions, this fertility booster for men could be a helpful resource. Additionally, Cleveland Clinic’s podcast on IVF and fertility preservation offers valuable insights.
In summary, I stand proud of my C-section experiences. Each journey is unique, and we should support one another without judgment.
Keyphrase: C-section experience
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