During this episode, I connected with Courtney - a Mama of three who has had 3 unplanned C-sections. Her first C-section was a result of being diagnosed with HELLP syndrome. Although her doctors attempted to induce labor, the interventions to manage induction along with the side effects from HELLP syndrome resulted in a C-section under general anesthesia. She attempted a VBAC with her second baby - after an induction at 41 weeks pregnant, Courtney's birth experience also resulted in a C-secti...
Episode 13 features Becca, an amazing Mama of three boys. Becca and I discovered that we had quite a bit in common - on top of both of us having three sons, we have also both had 3 C-sections. Becca's first C-section began as an induction at 42 weeks; her son was experiencing heart rate decels and labor was not progressing. After this C-section, her recovery was complicated due to needing wound care for several weeks. When Becca became pregnant with her second son, she was determined to achie...
Our guest for Episode 12 is Sara, a Mama of three beautiful babies. Sara experienced a vaginal birth with her first child, but, while she was in labor with her second child, she found out - at 8 centimeters dilated - that her baby was transverse. This resulted in her first unplanned C-section, with an internal vertical incision. Sara had a planned C-section for her third baby at 37 weeks due to the nature of the first C-section. While listening to Sara's story, you will discover that her two ...
This episode features a chat I had with Amy about her C-section experience in April 2021. Amy and I were both Science teachers at the same middle school, and I remember when she and her wife were expecting their daughter a few years ago. Amy talked about having her daughter at 32 weeks after being diagnosed with HELLP syndrome. This podcast episode was recorded a couple of months after the death of Tori Bowie, an Olympic athlete who died from complications due to childbirth. It is suspected t...
Our guest for Episode 10 is Elizabeth, a Mama warrior who experienced two vaginal births before needing an emergency C-section at 38 weeks with her third child due to HELLP syndrome. HELLP syndrome, which stands for Hemolysis, Elevated Liver Enzymes and Low Platelets, is a rare, severe type of preeclampsia that affects the blood and liver. It can be life threatening for Mama and baby. Elizabeth discusses a whirlwind of emotions with this unexpected diagnosis during the COVID pandemic, from be...
Are you a Mama that had a vaginal birth with your first child but ended up with a C-section for your second child? Episode 9 highlights Katie's birth experiences: Katie was able to experience a vaginal birth with her first son, but had to have a C-section two years later with her second son at 36 weeks due to having a complete placenta previa. Katie is an RN and was a labor and delivery nurse for over 6 years, and she actually gave birth on the labor and delivery unit that she worked in! Due ...
This conversation with Paige about her C-section journey was beyond eye opening for me. Paige reached out to me on the day that my first episode aired to congratulate me on starting this podcast and the strong need for supportive communities for women who have had C-sections. She also mentioned that she could relate to my C-section stories on such a deep level, because she, too, has had 3 C-sections and attempted a VBAC and VBA2C.Some of the topics that we talk about are choosing and fighting...
This episode is featuring a wife and a Mama of three that is all about empowerment and embracing your body and all the wonderful + hard things it has done to birth your babies. I linked up with my girl, Eleanor, to talk about her experience with C-sections, as well as the community she created for moms.Eleanor's first birth experience was an induction due to pre-eclampsia that led to a C-section. After this experience, Eleanor chose to have two more planned C-sections. Some of the topics disc...
I had the pleasure of connecting with Kimberly as she discussed her C-section that took place 25 years ago. Her C-section unexpectedly took place after being induced and being diagnosed with a "bad placenta". After her C-section, Kimberly struggled with C-section recovery and postpartum depression along with being a single mother after ending a tumultuous relationship with her daughter's father. Some of the topics discussed include the lack of knowledge of what happens during a C-section...
Petra's VBA3C story is one of the best examples of self-advocacy, transformation, and healing in your pregnancy and birth journey. Petra's first birth experience was an "emergency" C-section as a young teen. After having her daughter, Petra had two more C-sections due to placenta previa (2nd C-section) and lack of education and support on having a vaginal birth after multiple C-sections (3rd C-section). When Petra became pregnant with her 4th child, she was determined to have a VBA3C (Vaginal...
The final part of my C-section trilogy takes a deep dive into my third pregnancy + birth experience. I found out I was pregnant with my 3rd baby boy when I was 8 months postpartum, and just a month after my husband and I got married. This pregnancy was a very unexpected, yet welcome surprise for our family. It also turned out to be my toughest pregnancy yet - I was going through it! Severe nausea, severe pelvic and back pain, preterm labor, gestational diabetes, cholestasis... the struggle wa...
My second C-section story is my first attempt at a VBAC (Vaginal Birth after Cesarean). I spent this pregnancy educating myself more about vaginal births and how to avoid a C-section. However, I was diagnosed with another case of gestational diabetes, which led to a scheduled induction. As luck would have it, I went into spontaneous labor the day before my induction. With the help of my fiancé, doula, and a fairly supportive medical team, I was able to make it through 19 hours of labor. Unfor...
This episode is Part 1 of my two-part birth story. My first birth experience was a planned induction which turned into an unplanned, "emergency" C-section. I went into my induction thinking that it would be a straightforward birth, but I ended up feeling blindsided, disappointed, and defeated once I was told that I would need to undergo a C-section to birth my baby. From having difficulty with breastfeeding to experiencing postpartum depression, I was left with a lot of questions about whethe...
This pilot episode discusses my inspiration for creating The C-Spot. After having 3 unplanned C-sections, I have noticed the lack of support + resources available for C-section moms. While there are some women who view their birth story as a positive experience, there are many others who are emotionally struggling in silence after having a C-section. I want to create a safe space where C-section moms can share their birth stories in a judgement free zone. Maybe there is a C-section mom in nee...