C-Section Birth Stories: Tricia Stanley

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

My story might be a lot different from others. I had a very calm, amazing birth experience. My boy was in the frank breech position, so my doctor asked me if I wanted to try an external cephalic version (ECV) to try to flip him. I weighed the pros and cons and decided to let nature take its course and declined. Sure enough, he remained in that position, so I was scheduled for a c-section on March 22nd.

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

I found the recovery completely manageable. The pain was not as bad as I thought it would be. I’m not saying it’s easy by any means but I was expecting a more traumatic experience. I was afraid to look at my scar for almost two weeks and when I did I could not believe how minor it was. It looked fantastic! Overall it truly was a beautiful experience. Ed Sheeran’s song “Perfect” even played while my boy was born and now I have a scar to remind me of the most perfect day!

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

The key is to have lots of help. It’s tough getting out of bed and you want to bend down as little as possible. It would have been too much for my fiancé on his own. We were lucky that it’s our only child so we didn’t have other children to look after. My mother and mother-in-law took turns the first two weeks with cooking and household chores. My fiancé actually took seven weeks off work and was by my side the whole time. It was amazing seeing the way he was caring for me, his new son, and running the household. I really am the luckiest girl in the world, not only to have had his help but to have that time to bond together as a family. All the care I got from Nurses and Doctors at the hospital was also so above and beyond. I really had all the support I could have wished for.

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

I did have a planned c-section so I’m lucky for that but having a c-section is totally fine! In the grand scheme of things, I’m SO happy that I had one. I also ended up having an almost 10-pound baby so I could not imagine pushing him out. I also didn’t have to go through contractors and hours of labour. When I got the epidural, I instantly felt nauseous so make sure you tell the anesthesiologist, because within minutes it went away. Ask for an extra pillow for your head during surgery. Do not be scared, ask for help, drink LOTS of water, take your pain pills, rest but also walk, and practice calm deep breathing. Also, if you’re able to, see a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist or a Postpartum Doula.

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

Everyone knows that taking care of a newborn is challenging. I did it also while recovering from major surgery. I have a new love, respect, and confidence for myself which has only helped me to be a rockstar Mom!

Name: Tricia Stanley, Film Industry

Country of Residence: Canada

Instagram Username: @Trishbstanley