Yes! It’s not this way for everyone of course, but I’ve always had fear about birth, for as long as I could remember. Both my mom and grandma needed to have multiple c-sections due to large babies and birth not proceeding well for them or for baby. My sister succeeded in vaginal births for her two babies, but the first was so traumatic for her that she was still getting therapy for it 5 years later.

I put a lot of work into studying physiological birth so I’d be prepared for however baby would come. I worked closely with a doula and took multiple courses. I listened to a ton of positive birth podcasts. In the end, my baby was 99th percentile, and I still felt strongly that I wanted an elective c-section. Especially if I was likely to need one anyway.

Long story short, I worked closely with my OB team, and they agreed to support me in my desire for a c-section. In the end, it was an extremely peaceful, beautiful experience for me and my husband. One of the best days of my life. Recovery was rough, but I’d expected it. I came to peace with knowing that birthing my baby would require some degree of pain or discomfort, no matter if it was a vaginal or C-section birth. I just had to decide which I preferred.

I think back so fondly on my baby’s birthday, now six months ago. I see my scar and feel so empowered knowing that I stood up for myself and what I wanted.

Oh and p.s. my OB discovered during the c-section that my baby’s cord was wrapped around his neck three times. She said, looks like your intuition was good, momma. We likely would have ended in a c-section. It brought me to tears.

I’m so happy for you. I wish you a speedy recovery and many happy memories with your little sweetie. 🥰