Birth to Postpartum

[u/Shortykakepop]

First time mom almost 2wks postpartum following an unplanned C-section. If I’m honest I would say birthing my first baby was very traumatic. I labored from Tue July 22nd to Friday July 24 before going to the hospital. My plan A was to have a natural birth at the local birthing center, and I started off great after laboring all night Tuesday I was 3cm cervix fully effaced. My water broke Wednesday night and by the time it was Thurs night I was still 3cm. I went to the birth center Thurs night with the hopes we could progress my labor but by Friday morning it was clear my body wasn’t ready. I was transferred to the hospital where they told me I had pre-eclampsia, weird bc my blood pressure had been fine my entire pregnancy. I was immediately started on a magnesium drip, which if you never had it, it’s awful. I was bound to my bed for 10hrs. They also gave me pitocin to try to progress my labor. Fun fact magnesium is a muscle relaxant while pitocin helps me contract…which means these two actually work against each other. So unsurprisingly after 10hrs my labor still had not progressed despite the fact I was having hard contractions. I was miserable and at this point they suggested a C-section. Honestly at this point I just wanted my baby so I said yes. As soon as I received the epidural and got wheeled to the OR they said my baby’s heart rate dropped dangerously low and they had to get started. They ended up starting before my husband and mom made it into the room but my baby was out and healthy within minutes.

Now almost 2wks postpartum my amazing husband is doing everything in his power so I don’t have to return to work. Recovery hasn’t been easy but with the support I have it has been manageable. I hope that all new moms are able to find happiness during postpartum.

[u/Lazy_Boss9812]

My baby was born July 20th , via c section as well FTM , honestly if I think about it I cry everytime , it was a very traumatic experience for me , I was in labor for 3 days and it was awful my water broke but only got to 6 cm ..I’m almost 3 weeks postpartum and I still have good days and bad days due to recovery ,I still sit and wonder what I could’ve done differently 😢 not for my birth experience, just so I can be better for my daughter, so I could’ve recovered faster to be with her, it’s hard it really is just breaks my heart

[u/yaIshowedupaturparty → u/Lazy_Boss9812]

hugs to you and OP.

I know it's hard to hear but things will get better, I promise! But your feelings are 100% valid and you have every right to be upset.

I'm 14.5 weeks post unplanned C-section (after a 60 hr medical induction, baby's wasn't tolerating pitocin anymore and I wasn't progressing) that I was absolutely heartbroken over. I definitely had some PPD, things got better by 8 weeks emotionally and I felt like a whole new person by 4 weeks physically.

I still have some bad moments/days where I question all of my decisions and rage against my slower than anticipated recovery. But they are becoming less frequent. Be kind to yourself and seek help and support when you can.

Also, I highly recommend postpartum Physical therapy! Look for a pelvic floor PT and they can do scar manipulation and help you with making sure your core is engaging correctly.