Embracing the Safest Option - Positive C-Section Birth Story
A breech baby and uterine anomaly eventually resulted in a calm and well prepared c-section birth for stephanie and her partner. Read their story to find out what helped them feel comfortable and ready for a c-section, despite not initially planning on having one.
I have a congenital uterine anomaly - this is a separate uterus, where the uterus is divided into two by a septum, creating two cavities, meaning in effect - two uteri and two cervices. This meant additional monitoring throughout my pregnancy was required, with the measurement of both cervices carried out at regular intervals to ensure that there was no shortening of the pregnant cervix, which may have indicated pre-term labour.
Baby had assumed the breech position from early on and with all the will in the world it was not looking like she would or could turn of her own accord, and ECV (External Cephalic Version) was not advised due to the uterine anomaly. We had hoped that during the course of the pregnancy she would turn, or indeed turn at the very last minute.
We had taken part in Midwife Vic’s Hypnobirthing course with the hope that we would have a vaginal birth, using all the information and tips Midwife Vic had taught us. We were fairly easy going and our preference would have been to have a water birth, but if this was not possible, we were happy to be led by the midwives and doctors on what would be the safest way for baby to enter the world.
The most valuable things that we learned and took on board from the Hypnobirthing course was the impact oxytocin has on labour, the benefits of being UFO (Upright, Forward, Open) and using the acronym BRAINS when making any decision.
We were armed with a plethora of information obtained from the Hypnobirthing course and this mentally prepared us for many possible birthing journeys, as well as what actions to undertake to effectively utilise the body and brain's abilities to have the most positive birth and how your birthing partner can best support you throughout your birth.
When taking part in the Hypnobirthing course, Vic informed us of c-sectionuk’s online C-Section Courses, so we jumped at the chance to download these, taking into consideration baby’s breech position and the potential we may end up having a c-section. The Prep, Birth and Recovery Course Bundle provided us with a wealth of extremely useful information and knowledge on the preparation, birth and recovery, specific to a caesarean section. Upon completing the courses, we couldn’t have felt more prepared for the upcoming birth, whether it would be a vaginal birth or a c-section.
The most valuable things that we learned and took on board from the c-sectionuk C-Section Courses was what to expect in theatre, including the amount of people that would be present, what the steps before the C-Section and the steps afterwards would be, and that using the C-breathing Hypnobirthing technique would still be effective and enable us to find a moment of calm when we needed it. We were then clear of what to expect each step of the way and felt extremely well prepared.
As time went on it was clear that it was unlikely that baby would turn, and with that in mind, a caesarean section was discussed with our obstetrician and it was advised that an elective c-section at 39 weeks would be the best option for us and baby. Although this was not our preferred option initially, we knew that we had to take into account baby’s safety, position and the uterine anatomy, and hence we were in agreement for the suggested elective c-section.
We arrived early in the morning and were checked in and attended to by the most incredible team of midwives. The morning quickly flew by watching Harry Potter to pass the time, and soon enough we were scrubbed up and heading down to theatre.
Within what felt like minutes the anaesthetic was administered and soon baby would be born.
No one could have prepared us for how quickly it felt and before we knew it she was here. The theatre and all those in it felt like a Formula 1 pit stop crew — everyone had their assigned jobs and tasks and it was the epitome of efficiency. We felt included and communicated to throughout the entire experience.
We couldn’t have had a better experience thanks to both the Hypnobirthing and C-Section Courses, the midwives and obstetricians.
We cannot recommend the c-sectionuk C-Section Courses and Midwife Vic’s Hypnobirthing Course enough, and even if a c-section is not preferred or planned, these courses will help and provide you with so much comfort and a wealth of information should a c section be needed, either elective or emergency.
Have you had a positive c-section birth that you’d like to submit to our Positive Birth Stories page to help other parents feel more confident? We’d absolutely love to hear from you!
Please click here for info on how to send us your story (and photos from your birth if you're happy to do so!).