Cesarean Awareness Month
April is Cesarean awareness month…
As some may be aware I recently had a cesarean with my second twin that I welcomed into this world on March 29th. This was an unplanned but necessary procedure. Going into this twin pregnancy I knew there was a slight risk that one or both of the boys would be delivered my cesarean. I did all in my power to avoid having a procedure but that just wasn’t that case for baby B.
I am thankful for my education as a Childbirth Educator and experience as a Birth Doula while assisting clients so I was prepared with the steps following up to the procedure as well as follow up care.
Things that I wish to share about my cesarean experience:
Have your ideal support team - Going into this labor I had planned to have my spouse and sister present for physical and emotional support. I also had a plan that if anything was to happen my spouse would stay with one baby and my sister with the other. This was relayed to the birthing team and they honored those wishes. My sister stayed with baby A while my spouse came into the OR with me and he watched over baby B until he was in my arms.
Ask for a family centered procedure if possible - My procedure was necessary but not an absolute emergency. This allowed us to get into the OR in a timely manner but not be completely rushed. I recall those moments as time stood still. My spouse by my side, clear drape present, no restraints, skin to skin and breastfeeding initiated while being fixed up and he stayed there with my until we were in the recovery room.
Breastfeeding friendly positions - Nursing one and two at the same time has its challenges. Being that I had two vaginal births prior to the twins - positioning was not a big deal. This time around I had to position the boys in ways that they were not adding pressure to the cesarean site. The nursing pillow and football hold were key for a good start
Take it slow - I am a very independent person, asking for help took a lot out of my pride but my body thanked me for asking anyways. My spouse waited on me hand and foot. Caring for myself and a newborn set of twins was not an easy task.
Think ahead when it comes to pain management - One to many times I would say out loud “ When was it I was due for relief again”, just for it to be the hour prior and man did I feel it. As someone who doesn’t take medications I found myself slacking in managing my medication schedules.
Sneezing/Coughing - USE A PILLOW. I became sick due to the procedure and was vomiting for throughout and the first 12 hours after. The feeling of my organs falling out was so real. Still to this day I am reaching down and applying pressure to the incision to relieve some of the sting.
Use supportive undies/pants - If your able to tolerate a slight pressure take advantage of supportive clothing. The feeling of support was a relief for me.
Belly Bands - Trust me your organs will thank you later. Though I found that sitting down with the bands on were not the most comfortable; being able to stand after sitting while having that support made the uncomfortable feeling worth it.
The numbness feeling - My first time touching the area around the incision was different to say the least. The whole area was numb. Not like your gums at the dentist numb, this was a whole different sensation. The nerve endings just gone numb. Four weeks post procedure I still feel the numbness.
Continuing my education
Moving forward I plan to keep educating myself on the best ways possible to support my birth doula clients. You never know when your birthing story can change and a cesarean may be necessary.
Not only am I a Certified Birth Doula I am also a certified VBAC Doula. I obtained my VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) training through The VBAC Link. Training thought this company gave me the education/confidence to best serve my clients looking for their most ideal birth post cesarean. I plan to use this same information to serve myself if and when we chose to have another child.
Are you pregnant and had a previous Cesarean? Hoping to have a successful VBAC? Reach out for VBAC Doula support today.
