C-Section Birth Stories: Danielle Prahl

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

I actually had a unique experience in that I have a rare autoimmune disorder that can affect healing of the vaginal tissue when exposed to trauma, so because of that I was advised by my physician to have a c-section. He said that he wasn't sure what the healing process would be like for me in a vaginal birth and that it was smarter to play it safe.

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

I expected that I would get to see my child right away; I'm not sure why. When they actually pulled her out, they walked her briefly by but they didn't "show" her to me up close, they didn't lay her on me. I had to wait until they stitched me up and took me into the recovery room. My little baby was crying and all I wanted to do was hold her but the nurses had to check me briefly to make sure I was "ok" enough post-surgery to hold her. That was very difficult - the waiting to hold her that most moms get to do right away.

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

My healthcare team was great in giving me support. You can't get up right away afterward so when your baby is crying you have to let dad or family pick her up and hand her to you or call for a nurse if that's not available for whatever reason. It was nice that they encouraged me to ask them for help while also pushing me to recover by getting up when it was safe, walking, etc.

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

My advice and encouragement is to take it slow during the recovery time. Spend the time in the hospital if you can or allow someone else to help your family when it comes to making meals, doing the heavy lifting, etc. Know that it's ok to feel out of sorts and you aren't any "less" for HOW you have your child. Getting them into the world in general is hard no matter what.

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

I think it made me feel vulnerable obviously and to have to require support from others. That is not something that comes naturally to me at all.

Name: Danielle Prahl

Your Business: Online Business and Launch Expert

Find me at: danielleprahl.com