Hi All,

I really related to Nikki Lee's story of the mother with the c-section.  I wanted 
to share with all that I had a planned c-section because my daughter was 
breach.  I have no idea what a contraction feels like, and I still don't feel like 
I "gave birth" to my daughter, and she is 2 1/2 years old.  When I talk about 
the day she was born, I feel very uncomfortable saying "the day I gave 
birth".  I am also very dissapointed that I don't know what a contraction feels 
like (some mothers say I'm lucky, I don't think I am!) and am disappointed in 
my entire birth experience.  I was planning on a completely unmedicated birth, 
and got the exact opposite.  The hospital I "delivered" at was absolutely 
wonderful, and did everything they could to turn Emma head down.  They 
were very supportive of breastfeeding, and had an IBCLC available at all times 
of the day (I was CLC at the time, hadn't taken the exam yet!)  So, I don't 
put any fault on the hospital for my birth experience.  It just didn't end up the 
way I wanted.

On another note about VBAC's.  I want another child, but am so reluctant 
because I don't want another c-section.  My ob-gyn practice wants to, and 
once did, perform VBAC's, but the hospital won't allow it any more.  If I have 
another, I plan to "beg" them to allow a VBAC, not sure if it will do any good 
though!

Nikki had a great point when she said "I wonder how many mothers have this 
feeling after a technologically driven birth.......and who feels safe enough to 
admit it?"  If I feel this way 2 years later, one has to wonder how many 
mothers are out there struggling with the same feelings?  This mother Nikki 
talked about did everything she could to breastfeed her baby, but I have to 
wonder how many give up breastfeeding because they are suffering such 
depression over their birth experience.

All great points to think about when working with a mother who had a c-
sections.  These are things I never would have connected, so I am thankful to 
Nikki for making me aware of this.

Jamie Huddleston, IBCLC
who is still breastfeeding the 2 1/2 year old infant born via c-section!

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