The Complexities of a C-Section

I knew I wanted a c-section from the beginning. That is
what expecting mothers in London and New York (both cities I've called home) schedule - just like a blow-out or facial. A c-section sounded
like a way to control something that in every other way is full of variables coupled with extreme pain. At least I would have a
date and time I could count on.

When I spoke to my OB GYN at Mount Sinai, Dr. Jodi Shapiro, my c-bubble was quickly burst - unless I had a good reason, I would not have a c-section. It is major invasive surgery and not recommended. So much for that. But I still wanted one and secretly hoped I would have a reason. Breached baby. Placenta previa. Vanity? A month prior to delivery, Stella was standing upright in my womb and I hoped she would stay that way. Alas, she moved around head down to the proper position, a diver ready to swan.

Although I didn't have a scheduled c-section, in the end I did get an
appointment with a time (and finally the c') as my baby was late. She
was due on November 26th and didn't show up. We scheduled to get her
out by inducing me Decemeber 2nd. My partner Ben and I joked that it
was the economy that curbed her enthusiasm, and perhaps she was wanting to work in finance. At that rate, she might wait til 2010 or later if not designated with forced entry.

So I was induced. I was induced til aptly dialated and contracting
after about 8 hours. At this point, my bambino boss decided to slow her
heart rate down three scary times and react adversely to the drip'
(oxytocin) I was on via IV. It was a lot to go through but in the end
my little boss and I were in sync and she did come out via c-section.
Afterwards, I talked to a few other moms who had gone through the exact
same thing. It is not the rarity I imagined it was. (Oxytocin drip,
dialation, contractions, slowed heart rate repeatedly, c-section). I
don't want to seem like I am making light of the c-section. It was a
lot of pain to get over for weeks. But the thought of pushing a
8-pound object out of you-know-where was somehow more unsettling for
me than having my belly cut open. That my bambino was on code red
three times was scary for sure. That the morphine hit-me' top ups
couldn't be plenty enough is beside the point. In the end I will be just fine with some sit-ups. The sub-belly is strange and non-conquerable via
swift walks I have discovered. Little Stella has a perfect little
button nose. Trade-offs!

By Rosalie Ward