C-Section Isn’t a Dirty Word
When I became pregnant, I quickly learned that pregnancy can be a social minefield. Every parent has different opinions about how to prepare for the birth, what an expectant mother should (and shouldn’t) eat, how the spouse should be involved in the pregnancy, and even HOW babies should be brought into the world. It’s overwhelming if you try to listen to everyone, and discouraging because opinions vary wildly.
In the vocal cadre of opinion-sharing mommies, “C-section” can be a dirty word.
For my first pregnancy, I ended up having an emergency c-section, a situation which played out like an exciting episode of E.R. A dozen doctors and nurses swirled around me, machines beeped, and a head doctor barked out terse orders. The surgery was traumatic, but the result was worth it: a healthy baby boy.
For my subsequent pregnancies, my doctor recommended having scheduled c-sections. These scheduled surgeries were completely opposite of the frenetic flurry of an emergency c-section. The most traumatic part of a scheduled c-section? Having to completely disrobe in the world’s most brightly lit operating room.
The rest of my scheduled c-section process was fun! I was drugged up enough to be able to enjoy the birth process as an impartial spectator (with the additional sensory experiences of feel-o-vision – I could feel the pressure of the baby being pulled out of my body, but no pain at all), but not so drugged that I couldn’t be mentally present for the event. I was able to talk with my husband during the 30 minutes it took to deliver the baby, as well as listen to the doctors chat. Instead of E.R., I was now in an episode of M.A.S.H., with Hawkeye cracking jokes about delivering babies.
I loved having a scheduled c-section because it took a lot of the uncertainty away from the birth process. I knew what day (and time) I would have the baby. I could wake up, put on makeup, get to the hospital, leisurely prepare for the surgery, and then an hour later, emerge from the operating room with a baby in my arms.
When it comes to giving birth, whether the process is natural or medicated, traditional or c-section, ignore the vocal horde, and focus on the facts. Other people’s opinions don’t matter. What matters is that you get through the process and get to bring your baby home at the end.
Childbirth is such an incredible moment, and I’d love to know what went through your mind when you held your baby for the first time? By replying, you will be entered to win an exclusive Million Moms Challenge Gift Pack, which includes an iPad2, a custom-made Million Moms Challenge pendant and a $50 donation in your name to Global Giving.
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This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Million Moms Challenge. The opinions and text are all mine. Contest runs October 17 to November 13, 2011. A random winner will be announced by November 15, 2011.