C-Section Birth Stories: Melissa Ruest

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

I was overdue and in the hospital being induced. About 12 hours in, I started having some bleeding so they decided to do an emergency C-section.

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

How calm I was. Once they noticed I was bleeding to the time I was in the operating room, I remained calm. I even helped move myself over to the OR bed (they helped with my legs because I had had an epidural). It was crazy and chaotic and the only thing I was focused on was letting them get my baby out.

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

My healthcare team was supportive. They helped me to move around the morning after. The day following my C- section, I was finally transferred to the hospital where my baby was transferred to. She was in another hospital in the NICU for the first few days of her life. Once I was at her hospital, I mostly interacted with NICU staff. They were extremely helpful and supportive. I was also able to see a lactation consultant while the which helped me with breastfeeding early on.

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

Don't be afraid to ask for or receive help. After having a major surgery it can be hard to heal, especially when we have a new little one to care for. Having friends and family coming by to help with things like dishes, laundry, making meals, etc. is so important. It gives you more time to rest and connect with your baby. A lot of times it feels like as moms we have to "do it all" but that's just not true. We need to lean on our family during this exhausting time.

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

I am stronger because that was one of the hardest and scariest days of my life. I could have easily lost my baby. Thank God I was already in the hospital when everything happened. I missed the chance to see my baby being born because I was put to sleep for my C-section. I will always be a little sad that I missed that. But we have made up for that every day since we finally were able to meet. We are attached at the hip and I couldn't picture my life without her.

Name: Melissa Ruest

Your Business: Melissa Ruest Pro Organizing

How to Connect with You: melissaruest.com