Birth Stories

Caesarean Births

Whether a caesarean is planned or unplanned, the idea of surgery can be scary. With planning and support, however, many of those fears can be eased and parents can find that their caesarean birth becomes a warm and positive experience.

Liz's story
Liz had the labour she always imagined - she used several comfort measures and had wonderful support from her husband and doula. She coped beautifully and felt strong and in control. But after many hours with no progress, Liz and her husband Jimmy chose to have a caesarean. They found their entire experience positive and affirming.

Jill's story (Ewan's birth)
In the middle of Jill's second pregnancy, it was discovered that she had placenta previa, where the placenta is lying very near to or covering the cervix. Soon after, she began to have bouts of serious bleeding and was hospitalized several times before her baby was born by emergency caesarean at nearly 35 weeks.

Kara's story (Avery's birth)
Kara was planning a vaginal birth after a caesarean (VBAC) for her second baby, but experienced complications during labour and had a repeat caesarean birth. This time, however, her caesarean was a far more positive experience.

Kara's story (Ryan's birth)
Kara's story (Ryan's birth) Expecting their third child, Kara and her husband Alex planned a vaginal birth after two caesareans (VBA2C). After deciding to have an induction one week past her due date, Kara went into labour spontaneously the night before the induction was scheduled, but after labouring all day, Kara and Alex chose a caesarean when the baby was not moving from an unfavourable position. Kara felt happy to have planned a VBAC, even if it did not come to pass. She was glad that her baby had the benefit of labour before the caesarean, and she again made the choices to ensure she would have a positive experience for her caesarean birth.

Lynette's story
Following a very long labour, Lynette had a caesarean for the birth of her first baby. Lynette and her husband found their experience was a very positive one despite the unplanned outcome, because of the quality of information they received from their doula and doctor, and because they had a complete understanding all the options available to them.