C-Section Birth Stories: Brittany Hedrick

1. Briefly, please share the circumstances that led to your c-section birth(s):

My first baby was sunny side up and stuck after 4 hours of pushing, resulting in a rough emergency c-section. Turns out she was 9 pounds 9 ounces and probably wouldn’t have fit through my narrow pelvic opening. For my second baby, I opted for a gentle, planned c-section, due to his projected size. The chances of uterine rupture and/or him getting stuck were significant.

2. What surprised you the most about having a c-section?:

After my traumatic emergency c-section, the overall pleasantness of my second c-section caught me by surprise. I wasn’t aware that doctors were so open to things like a clear drape, delayed cord clamping, using your own music selection, and immediate skin to skin contact. It was similar to things I would have done with a vaginal delivery and it empowered me to be able to plan some aspects of the birth.

3. What kind of support do you feel you received (from friends, family, healthcare team) after your c-section(s)?:

I had a lot more support after my second c-section since we were able to plan ahead. My husband and mother took a combined 4 weeks off of work to stay home and help me. I received follow up calls from both the hospital and my doctors office, as well as the standard 2 week incision check and 6 week check up. I also relied heavily on MilkWorks to help me establish and strengthen a strong breastfeeding relationship with my baby, something that can be tricky for c-section moms.

4. What’s your #1 piece of advice/encouragement for a new c-section mom?:

My number one piece of advice is to get up and get moving as soon as possible! You don’t need to do anything crazy but the longer you sit and coddle that incision, the worse you are going to feel. You’ve got this mama!

5. How do you believe having a c-section birth(s) made you stronger?:

I feel like my body made the ultimate sacrifice in order to deliver our two rainbow babies safely and that makes me a stronger mother/person. After 3 miscarriages and a few minor pregnancy complications, I was not about to take any more risks during delivery. Some people view the scar, permanently flabby stomach, and overall “unnatural” birth as something to be ashamed of, but I view it as a badge of honor.

Name: Brittany Hedrick

Your Business or Profession: Stay at home mom

How to Connect With You on Social Media: @thehedricktribe on Instagram