April Is C-Section Awareness Month
April is C-section Awareness Month, and how fitting considering I gave birth by C-section in the month of April to my miracle baby at the beautiful young age of 49.
My C-section birth story is one that is very unique and profound for me considering I was giving birth to my first and only child. I’m a C-section mama, and no, my body didn’t fail me! The fact that I had a scheduled C-section didn’t have anything to do with my age but had everything to do with the fact I had a myomectomy 5 years prior. The myomectomy was to remove a fibroid tumor located in the top of my uterus where implantation begins and to give birth vaginally would have been a risk factor for me and my baby.
So, what is a C-section?
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, a “Cesarean section, C-section, or Cesarean birth is the surgical delivery of a baby through a cut (incision) made in the mother’s abdomen and uterus. Health care providers use it when they believe it is safer for the mother, the baby, or both.”
What you should know about having a C-section ::
Not all c-sections are planned as some are considered emergency surgery.
For the first few weeks, you should avoid lifting anything heavier than your baby.
Keep the items you need close and move slowly when getting up and moving around.
Have someone drive you around town for the next 2 weeks. While you should not operate the vehicle yourself, you can ride passenger. Remember to wear your seatbelt!
Walking is a great form of exercise to keep active after having a c-section. Wait until your physician gives you the all clear to start more rigorous activity (typically at the 6-week check up).
Oftentimes, emergency C-section mothers are more likely to experience postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety. If you think you may be experiencing PPD/PPA, talk to your pediatrician or OBGYN.
Plan ahead if you can ::
Read about C-section scar massages! It can help in healing and scar appearance. Talk to your physician about this at your 6 week visit.
Make freezer meals, get help with housework and laundry. Make sure you have comfortable clothes to wear for recovery.
Find a mom group that fits for you. Local Facebook groups of Mom Walks is a great way to get out of the house and make new mom friends.
A birth whether natural or via medical intervention is what it is – a birth! It’s an amazing accomplishment by any woman.
I personally didn’t experience any complications before, during or after my C-section and for that I am extremely grateful to GOD and to my awesome team of doctors to whom I will forever be grateful to. I will cherish my daughter’s birth into this world.
To each and every mother, I applaud you for who you are; plain a simple “Mom”😇
