Birth stories - C-section after failed induction

Birth stories - C-section after failed induction ^Featured

Bonnita (25) planned a natural birth. She was induced at 39 weeks and ended up having a c-section.

Although she wasn’t prepared for the outcome of the birth, she says the c-section wasn’t the “horrid nightmare some people say it is”.

“I’d do it all over again. I’ll be honest, I was a tad depressed, because I just see it that God created women to give birth naturally and I couldn’t. For weeks I felt low, like a failure. The one thing we were created to do, I couldn’t. But I realized, no matter how I gave birth, my son is healthy. He has all 10 fingers and toes and that is all that matters. I’ve also accepted that if I am expecting again, baby number two will also be born via c-section. I have made peace with it.”

Researched extensively

Before Bonnita’s due date, she did a lot of research. “I researched on natural birth, c-section, induction etc. I even looked at videos to see how either happened, but I think the videos just made me more nervous than I already was.”

Induction not uncomfortable

The day she went in for an induction, was a Tuesday. “I went to the hospital at 19:00. My first set of two induction pills were given to me at 21:00. The second set was given at 03:00 and then the third set at 07:00. The pills were not uncomfortable for me. The induction was my gynae’s choice, not mine. I didn’t think it would be as bad as some people say it is. I mean, everybody differs. But I personally wouldn’t agree to an induction again. I was given a drip and catheter at around 11:30, after the induction didn’t go as we had hoped it would.”

Horror c-section stories

She was taken to the operating room for a c-section and remember being very scared. “I thought this is it. God please be with me, keep us safe. Everyone’s horror c-section stories were popping up in my head. I was so nervous and scared. But I trusted my doctor and prayed that God would be with every medical person in the room, that no mistakes would be made and that my doctors’ hand would be guided while he did what he needed to do. On the bright side, I was excited, because I was so close to finally meeting my son!”

Unfounded fear

“My fear was unfounded. I didn’t feel the epidural being done. I was completely numb. I was amazed at how fast everything happened. The doctor cut me at 12:00 and by 12:03 MJ was born. When they pushed on my tummy twice to push MJ forward, I felt a bit like an elephant trampled on me. I had no bad or negative experience. The whole experience surprised and amazed me. It was nothing like anyone described. I think my husband not passing out really amazed me, even after he got splattered with a bit of blood, he held my hand, told me to look him in the eyes and breathe even though he took a peak now and then. I was so relieved when it was over and just wanted to hold my son, but I had to wait til I got to my room.”

After effects

“The anaesthesia made me itch horribly. Most surprisingly, the catheter was the worst out of everything for me. Yes, I had some pain when I had to walk for the first time, but the catheter was worse. At the end of the day, everyone handles things differently and that sort of helped me. Who said that because someone else had a horrible experience, it had to be mine as well? I just stayed positive. I had a big support group of friends and family that kept me positive. They were amazing during everything. I have researched VBAC’s but I am not sure I want to go that route. My next baby will be born via c-section again.” – Jana Engelbrecht

Baby’s weight: 3.11kg @ 39 weeks

Labour lasted: 13 hours

Birth Date: 21 December 2011.

Birth stories - C-section after failed induction Featured

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Birth stories - C-section after failed induction ^Featured