I went through what some might describe as a “vaginal C-section.” My baby’s head began to crown, but then doctors had to push him back and perform an emergency C-section instead.
Here’s the full account. I honestly can’t recall how long I was pushing—everything felt like a haze. I do remember they handed me a mirror, and I could see his head starting to appear. Then, out of nowhere, it seemed like every alarm went off. The doctor walked in and said, “We’ll need to deliver this baby through a different route. Do you understand what that means?” I broke down in tears. I knew she was referring to a C-section.
Each time I pushed, my son’s heart rate dropped. Looking back, I’m puzzled why they didn’t try using a vacuum or forceps to help him out. But it was a genuine emergency. The issue was that my epidural hadn’t fully kicked in. When they made the first cut for the surgery, I let out a scream—I could feel everything. The doctor urged the anesthesiologist to administer more pain relief quickly, as the baby needed to come out immediately. On the second attempt, I still felt every sensation. Finally, on her third incision attempt, I was completely numb.
My son was delivered at 5:39 a.m. on December 17, more than 24 hours after my labor began. And despite all that, I eventually had another child. Given what I went through, I think that’s worth highlighting!
