C-Sections

Do you know that a woman actually told me that I was less of a mother because I had my daughter and son via c-section? Less of a mother because I was medically unable to deliver them naturally. Less of a mother because I was told if I didn't have a c-section, Gabe may not have survived. These are the comments that I think deserve someone getting smacked - though I know it's not the Christian response, I can't help myself.

A friend came to visit us in the hospital right after Gabriel was born. She was planning on having children herself, and she said she knew she'd have enough conviction to not have a c-section. It was almost enough for me to get my post-major abdominal surgery backside out of the hospital bed and throw down.

When we got pregnant with Lily, Tim and I knew we would opt for a c-section rather than trying to have her the v-way. There is no wrong choice, but we felt it was best for our little family. With Gabe, I was in labor for - let's just say a really long time - and never progressed far enough, even with the help of pitocin. By the time I had my surgery, I was pretty tired (that's an understatement) and did not stay conscious. I'll happily give you the full, unreserved version of the story if you want it. He was born at 1:30 AM and I didn't get to meet him until close to 7:00 AM. Second time around, I thought no way am I going to wait 6 and 1/2 hours to meet my little girl.

I was so fortunate to have amazing recoveries both times around - and lots of support from family and friends. Lily's birth was so beautiful, and I do not feel any less a mama because both my peanuts came out a different route than nature originally intended.