C-Section Birth Stories: Toi Registe

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

For my first child, he was breech and positioned looking towards my back. He was head down the first six months and then decided to turn right-side up and stayed.

With my second child, I was given the opportunity to do a vbac but I opted not to because I knew what to expect from recovering from a c-section. Plus, I still had to take care of my 3 year old. Also, I knew I didn't want anymore kids so I figured two birds with one stone.

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

I was surprised at all the prep work that goes into it. It's nothing like on TV. I was also surprised that although it's not painful, you can still feel them jerking and pulling to get the baby out.

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

My husband was paramount in my quick recovery as I didn't have to lift a finger with my first one. He would bring me my medication when it was time, he'd bring the baby when it was time to eat, and he'd even feed me himself if my arms were full.

With being a first time mom who was breastfeeding, it posed some challenges. The lactation consultant was AMAZEBALLS!! She helped me, day or night, even after I was discharged from the hospital. My breastfeeding journey started off horrible but because of her, we made it two years.

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

Don't stress over it! And don't let anyone make you feel like you’re LESS than a woman or a mom for having one...or two.

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

I believe it made my faith stronger. Although I knew pretty early that a vaginal birth was not an option for me, having to put my faith in a team of people, some I'd met, some I hadn't met, to bring me and my child through a safe delivery, was a HUGE deal.

I'm a planner and although with my first, I had a scheduled c-section, he came earlier then planned so I had to have the on call doctor perform the c-section and not my usual doc. Pretty scary!

Name: Toi Registe

Your Business: Bodied by Toi

Find me at: https://www.instagram.com/bodiedbytoi