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 was VERY real.

After a lot of thinking and research, I made the decision to attempt a VBA2C (Vaginal Birth after 2 Cesareans). I did "all the things": I found a Webster-certified chiropractor, a pelvic floor therapist, and a perinatal therapist to process my birth trauma. I switched medical providers twice to find a practice that was supportive of my birth desires. I listened to different VBAC podcasts and joined Facebook groups to hear of positive VBAC experiences. I made a birth plan to let my desires be known to any medical provider I would come in contact with at the hospital. I tried my best to manifest the vaginal birth I wanted so badly. After 38 weeks of pregnancy, an induction, and 21 hours of labor, I ended up with my third C-section.

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. Unfortunately, a last-minute decision to give me Benadryl to help me rest led to a prolonged heart rate decel - which ultimately resulted in my second C-section.

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 whether or not this C-section could have been avoided.

If you are experiencing signs of postpartum anxiety or depression, you are not alone. There is help out there, and there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Please visit Postpartum Support International for mental health resources near you.

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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 need of healing, or maybe there's a mama who has had a positive experience who can offer some wisdom and advice. The "Why" is to show C-section moms that we are not broken, we did not fail and our bodies certainly did not fail us. In fact, our birth stories prove just how strong we really are. We are in this together!