10 Things Nobody Told You about Cesarean Birth!

In today's video I wanted to highlight some of the things you might not be aware of if you welcome your baby via abdominal birth. 1/3 of babies in the United States are born via cesarean section, but most of us don't prepare or learn much about them when educating ourselves for labor. Here are some pieces of knowledge that I think might be useful for you to know whether preparing for labor or a scheduled, repeat cesarean birth.
Any other tips you would like to share? Definitely share your wisdom and experiences in the comments down below!

Dr. Little's fb group with my VBAC webinar and tons of other useful labor and postpartum resources search: Women in Motion Wellness Community Group

[aggoddess]

I was in labor for 2 days after induction wasn't really working. I went in on a Friday night and by Sunday morning I finally made it and was fully dilated. I pushed for 4 hours. She never came. I got an infection and the doctor said they had to take her. I felt like an absolute failure. I never had surgery in my whole life and it was very traumatic. Afterwards, I felt disconnected from my baby because I couldn't do the things I wanted to with her due to being bedridden. It took many weeks for me to adjust and not feel so terrible. C section Moms deserve so much more validation for what they go through <3

[loveland]

Friendly reminder: anyone watching this channel more than likely enjoys babies. Please feature Rosie as much as you want/need.

[masondissick]

Having not had any family and due to the complications of my pregnancy, relying solely on my husband's income of which we could not afford to miss a single day of.. you alone gave me so much support and 2 years later I still watch your videos and tear up. I cannot possibly thank you enough for making me feel so safe and empowered about the scariest year of my life. All the love and best wishes to you and your beautiful family!!! ❤❤❤

[reesurgent]

I’m glad I watched this… I ended up having an emergency C-section on Friday at 31 weeks due to a surprise diagnosis of preeclampsia and HELLP, had 3 seizures on the way to the hospital and they needed to get the baby out. They completely knocked me out and had him out in under 15 minutes.

[Aquaghost]

I know the uncertainty of whether or not I could call it "birth" was something I struggled with, and it's reassuring to hear the validation and affirmation even over a year later that I did indeed give birth. Thank you.
And also, look at the little bald head! Such a cutie that baby is!

[rinamorgan]

Holy cow is this video underrated. I learned so many things here that I haven't read or heard anywhere else! Thank you especially for tips about the weird/unpleasant sensations that can come as a surprise to first-timers.

[Lostfalls]

Love this ❤️. I also liked how you differentiated between “unplanned” “urgent” and “emergency”.

My first was a crazy heart shattering twin birth - successful vaginal birth then emergent c-section due to abruption. They were planning on moving forward with a c-section anyways because my beautiful baby A had passed in the delivery room and baby B was in distress (having decelerations and not recovering from them well at all) so they were already prepping but not ready and suddenly my nurse saw something (lots of blood I’m assuming?) as she stopped talking to me and ran to get my OB who had temporarily stepped out. They both came back in immediately and he told me that I was abrupting and baby was coming out now. He looked at my anesthesiologist and told him I needed to be numb in 60 seconds or put me under. He didn’t even blink and I was numbing up. They started cutting as others were still hassling with the drapes and curtains. She was caught in the upper segment as a bandals ring had formed so instead of doing a lot of pushing on me he had to ‘T’ the the incision to get her out — but she was still out amazingly fast. Then it was nuts my alarms were going off her alarms were going off people were yelling at each other and it was just terrifying. I didn’t get to see my survivor again for 24 hours… and then not for awhile after that blood loss made me very very weak.

My second and third c-sections were much better. But oddly all uniquely different. I’m so glad you talked about them, some ladies like to treat us like we didn’t give “birth” or “had it easy” in some way and it always breaks my heart because of course that’s not the way I wanted it to go…

[JAH-iuyh]

My anesthesiologist & her assistant were awesome! They did make me & my husband feel supported, and took those precious first pictures for us while I couldn’t think of anything else😵‍💫

The ‘rummaging in the purse’ analogy is oddly true haha.

[evd]

I had an urgent c-section back in May. Definitely was not what I wanted. Thank you for the reminder that it's ok to feel two opposing emotions at the same time. I'm thankful my son is alive and well because of the quick decision and action of my medical team, but I'm still a little disappointed that I didn't have a vaginal delivery. I would love to watch a video on how to do scar mobilization and desensitization. Mine is still very sensitive.
Thank you so much!
Also, love the short hair!

[ShannaCarlson]

I had mine with a planned c-section and I wouldn't have had it any other way. There was no stress, no crazy truck baby situation, no surprises. The team was 10/10 amazing. If anyone is birthing in or near Seattle, WA, I highly HIGHLY recommend the team at UW Medicine!!

[Na.itlitzabete]

I’m so glad you recommended taking a picture of the scar at the hospital - it gave me such peace of mind as I healed in those first few weeks. Also, no one told me about scar mobilization in healing and it was so important! I did regular massage in the shower when I was soapy, after it had healed, and it made a big difference imo.

[bribri]

One to add, THE GAS, I was in tears of pain before I requested medication and a hot pack. It helped a ton

[OfficialNissa]

Loving your new look!
Beautiful!

Just delivered my first baby via c-section due baby being breech at 39wks. I expected it to be much worse than what it actually was.

Great experience! & a healthy baby boy!

[lorilogan]

My anesthesiologist was so wonderful! I had no idea he'd be such a support and was so grateful for it.

[elizabethadileewyman]

I had a true emergency C-section due to cord prolapse and my daughter did not survive. I had only 30 minutes with her alive, although she was living for 2 hours, because an hour was spent putting me back together.

I have serious issues with people claiming they had an emergency C-section because their baby was breech while in labor- sorry toots that isn’t an emergency or even an urgent.

[kptrynasurvive]

I will *never* be upset by a Rosie cameo 😂❤

[Lostfalls]

And you’re absolutely spot on about VBACS some hospitals are really supportive some not so much. Some of them (like mine) support them but really don’t like them on “nonstandard uterine scars” from the previous c-section. Some of them support VBACS but they have to move along accordingly to their little guide and if things start taking too long or straying from what their idea of a standard VBAC is then they want to jump to repeat c-section MUCH sooner than if you were just having a regular repeat vaginal birth. So you really have to KNOW where you’re provided and your hospital stands on VBACS before going in.

[tayloravalis]

I had an actual emergency c section. I had gone in for a routine NST and couldn't get heart rate to stay properly. A nurse pressed a button and suddenly about 10 people were in the room. I had a few mins to call my husband to tell him to rush there now. Luckily my babies heart rate came up just enough for them to attempt a spinal quickly so I didn't have to go under but was told that was what was likely going to happen. Was very happy to not have to go under as it was scary enough. There was no fluid left and the cord was wrapped around baby. But she's here now and completely healthy. Would much rather of had a vaginal birth like I did with my first if I could have this recovery is rough!

[oliviabird]

I had what my Welsh NHS hospital called a “crash cesarean” after cord prolapse when we went into theatre for forceps…I cannot believe how quickly you amazing medical marvels work. Saved my baby and me after we both had dipped HRs. God bless you all!!!

[murshidanishat]

I had an emergency c section due to cord prolapse. I was put under general anesthesia. Recovered fairly quickly but for me it took me a while to come in terms with psychologically. Extremely grateful to all the medical professionals who were incredible in taking care of me and helping to bring my joy and wonder in this world.