C-Section Birth Stories: Rebecca Feges

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

With my first, I was in labor for a long time, I think I was going on 12 hours! After Pitocin and an epidural, I didn’t progress past 4cm and then his heart rate started going all over the place. They repositioned me and gave me an oxygen mask. After a while, my sweet doctor came to my bedside and put his hand on my shoulder and said he was worried about the baby and we needed to go to the operating room. Six years later, I switched doctors and we were trying diligently to make my next delivery a VBAC. Ironically, it ended up almost the exact same scenario as my first, minus the Pitocin. Lots of labor, little dilation, and non-reassuring fetal heart rate.

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

Being able to “feel” someone moving around my guts! It’s not painful exactly, just a totally weird sensation.

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

I received the most support from my family. Several women in my family had multiple c-sections so they were super helpful in the postpartum period with cooking, cleaning, etc. With my second I had a really tough recovery after leaving the hospital and I felt like my doctor and her nurses could have been more supportive.

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

Seek referral for pelvic floor physical therapist! I was ultimately diagnosed with pelvic organ prolapse and diastasis recti. While these aren’t necessarily c-section specific issues, I feel like the recovery after a c-section can make them harder to recognize early on. Also, don’t feel like you have to tough it out - it’s okay to take the pain medication! Finally, get come good c-section recovery underwear. You won’t regret it!

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

I was extremely emotional, anxious, and down right scared going into surgery with both of my c-sections but especially my first, of course. I think I was made stronger by having to overcome that fear to end up with an amazing consequence - sweet, healthy baby! I think it also taught me to stick up for myself and not accept negative comments about the birth method I experienced. I also tell myself, “if I can go through and recover from two c-sections, I can do this [insert regular life difficult task] too!”

Name: Rebecca Feges

Your Business or Profession: Registered Dietitian

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