C-section Mommas

Izzy was a repeat, scheduled C-section due to my previous pregnancy being an emergency. I did look into the option of a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean), but ultimately Sterling and I decided that it wasn’t the right choice for us. I do encourage those of you who want to try for a VBAC to do the research, understand the facts, talk to your doctor, advocate for yourself, and choose what is best for you and your baby.

I know there are people out there who don’t agree with C-sections or see them as “less than” vaginal births, but those opinions flabbergast me when all we should want is for our babies to arrive safely and healthily into this world – and that should be by whatever means are necessary. I agree with mothers having a voice to choose how they’d like to deliver, but I also agree with medical professionals who know when a plan needs to change. You may have the perfect idea of a birth plan, but your baby will arrive in their own perfect way – it may not align with what you thought, or maybe it will, but either way, it will align with what needs to be. (Speaking of plans, though, DO have a plan with your doctor about what to do if you go into labor before your scheduled section. 😆)

Having a C-section does not make you less than. It does not mean you took the easy way out. It means you gave birth a different way. It means you allowed for your body to be cut open, torn apart, pulled out, and sewn back together all because it’s what’s in the best interest for your baby’s life.

And let us all remember – it doesn’t matter if you deliver via vaginal birth or C-section, it doesn’t matter if your baby is born at a hospital or in your home, it doesn’t matter if you choose to have an epidural or not – because none of these things are what make you a good mom. What makes you a good mom is how you raise your children. That’s what tells the story.

Lastly, a piece of advice. As a mom of 2 sections, here is my best tip for recovery: MOVE! Get up as soon as you are allowed and move. Walk. Shower. Move. It’s going to hurt, it’s going to be hard, but it will only be worse the longer you sit and lay. My first C-section I didn’t get out of the bed until someone could assist me, I didn’t get around unless I was holding onto something, I didn’t shower myself, and once I was home I didn’t get out of the living room recliner much at all; I just sat in my aches and tiredness. I truthfully felt like I would never walk the same again, like I would never be able to do the things I did before. (Part of that was the post-partum depression, but part of it was the pain.) The second time I told myself I wasn’t going to let that be the same scenario. So I got up. When people asked if they could assist me, I told them I wanted to do it on my own. I got in and out of that hospital bed as many times as I could. I held on to less and less. I showered myself. Once home, I made sure to be as mobile and “flexible” as possible. I didn’t overdo it, but I did it. I moved. And with that, the recovery was so much smoother. You can wear the belly band, you can buy the special wipes and the peri bottle, you can interchange your disposable underwear for days or weeks on end, but as much as those things will bring you relief (and trust me, that belly band and those undies are LIFE), the best relief will come from moving.

You’ve got this, momma. 💕