cesarean awareness month - april 2022
As much as we hope birth will go exactly as planned, that is rarely ever the case. In 2019, 31.7% of all births in the United States were by Cesarean section, or C-section, which is more than double the rate recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Perhaps you scheduled a C-section because that was what made you feel safest. Maybe it was a decision made in a life-threatening situation. Regardless of how it comes to pass, your birth is valid and your experience is important.
In honor of Cesarean Awareness Month, I spoke with Krystle Howald, co-founder of Expecting and Empowered. Expecting and Empowered is a woman-owned company whose mission is to “empower ALL women to thrive both physically and mentally from pregnancy through postpartum.” Krystle is a physical therapist and mother to three children, all born via Cesarean.
INTERVIEW
Question: In the "Let's Talk: C-Sections" blog post on your website, you mention that pregnancy and delivery don’t always go as planned. How was your emotional recovery after your C-sections?
Krystle: My first baby was breech so prior to my C-section and on the day of delivery I had a lot of grief for the vaginal birth that I had hoped for. It can still make me teary eyed thinking about the vaginal births that I never got to have. I still have not fully recovered from having a different birth than I had always envisioned. My second birth, which was supposed to be my redemption VBAC, ended in a C-section as well and I felt robbed. My medical team decided that after 39 weeks my placenta might not be able to handle a vaginal delivery. Now after looking into the research on this, I don't believe they had a good basis for this decision but it was enough to scare my partner into wanting me to have a C-section. My third I was the most at peace with since I knew I would be having a C-section from the very beginning.
Question: In the article you also mention that you attempted an external cephalic version (ECV). What was that experience like?
Krystle: Everyone's experience with an ECV is different. I was very hopeful going into mine but very early in the procedure you could tell it was not going to be successful. Personally it was not as painful as I had been told it could be and was definitely just a short term discomfort for me. Looking back I wish I would have had worked with a women's health PT to loosen up my hips and pelvic floor and then worked with a chiropractor to help create more space for my baby to flip naturally. We have successfully helped every mom who has come into my clinic with a breech baby flip their baby.
Question: Armed with the experience and resources from your first two births, how did you feel going into your third birth? Were you hoping to attempt a VBAC?
Krystle: The medical team never gave me an option to attempt a VBAC with my third birth. I do think it is very rare for a medical team to attempt a VBAC after two prior C-sections.
Question: From your Instagram post “5 things you didn’t know you could ask for during a C-section” it looks like you were able to have a gentle Cesarean. How was that experience?
Krystle: I felt lucky enough that I had the information to discuss my wants and desires with my OBGYN prior to my C-section. We provide so much C-section information at Expecting and Empowered because we believe every C-section mama deserves to have this information. Even with this information it is still a very strange experience to just lay there while the medical team does their thing and then all of a sudden have a baby appear.
Question: I’ve found mixed emotions online about the terms “belly birth” and “abdominal birth.” Some people find the terms empowering while others feel the phrases downplay the magnitude of such a major surgery. How do you feel about them?
Krystle: I don't personally have a strong opinion about this. C-sections bring about SO many emotions for people that are often left unprocessed. Doing the work to process the emotions of your C-section is the most important work you can do to recover.
Question: What is your #1 suggestion for recovery after a Cesarean? What would you make your highest priority?
Krystle: Let people help you! You want to take it easy for 2 weeks but during this time you should be doing things to begin your recovery process including resting, icing, eating anti-inflammatory foods, hydrating, and gentle movement.
Thank you Krystle for taking the time to share your experience and knowledge! Below are some of Krystle’s favorite resources for people who have already had a Cesarean or anyone who may be preparing for one, as well as some informational sites.
RESOURCES
Expecting and Empowered C-section Recovery Box - Krystle recommended!
A C-section is a major surgery that requires care and attention to ensure a safe recovery. Expecting and Empowered has thoughtfully designed this box to support you during the acute recovery process so you can prioritize your health.
Expecting and Empowered “Let’s Talk: C-Sections” Blog Post - Krystle recommended!
This blog post touches on what to expect the day of your surgery, helpful products for recovery, activity modifications, and scar management.
Bao Bei Bloomers - Krystle recommended!
High-waisted maternity and postpartum support bottoms that offer unique core support to alleviate pre and postpartum discomfort.
International Cesarean Awareness Network
Information about Cesarean birth, VBAC, and support groups.
American Pregnancy Association
Information about vaginal birth after Cesarean (VBAC).
Evidence Based Birth
Up-to-date research on Cesarean birth, VBAC, breastfeeding, and newborn procedures. The podcast includes discussions on all of these topics.
