C-Section Birth Stories: Jaden Campbell

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

I was induced due to high blood pressure. The day after my induction, they broke my water and started me on Pitocin. I made it to about 6 centimeters and I asked for an epidural. The first epidural didn’t work on my left side. About 20 minutes later, the anesthesiologist came back and tried again. This time he tried for about 1.5 hours. During that time I was having crazy contractions and trying to sit still while he was inserting the epidural was very hard. The anesthesiologist decided to give me a spinal to help me relax and be pain-free for a little. Luckily the spinal worked. I could feel some contractions but not half as bad. About half an hour after I received the spinal, it wore off and the epidural never kicked in on my left side again. My whole right side was still frozen. This caused me to have to be on the bed the whole time. The anesthesiologist came back for a third and final try for the epidural. At this time my body was exhausted. Once again the epidural didn’t take on my left side and I was passing out from the pain. My body had so much medication in it and I was just exhausted. I almost felt “drunk”. Everything around me was spinning and nothing was making sense. I made it to 9 centimeters but It was decided that I would go in for an emergency c-section.

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

The recovery was very rough. Having to recover from labor and a c-section was harder than I thought it would be.

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

My family was a great support system. My mom came to help out when I was still recovering and my husband had to return to work. My husband really stepped up. With this being our first baby, he had no idea what to do but he was wonderful! My friends supported me as much as they could. My healthcare team was amazing during my hospital stay. My OB supported me and checked in on me every day that I was at the hospital. The nurses were so supportive and helped my husband and me learn.

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

Don’t be afraid to ask for help and don’t overdo it. You just had major surgery and your body needs time to heal.

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

I didn’t know how strong I was until I had a c-section. I didn’t know what my body was truly capable of.

Name: Jaden Campbell, Educational Assistant

Country of Residence: Canada

Instagram Username: @jadennnwilliamss