My C-Section Story: Joëlle Anello
For many expecting parents, the possibility of having a C-Section can be an intimidating thought! Unequipped with little to no resources or information, the thought of undergoing a C-section can cause feelings of anxiety, fear, disappointment and shame. The reasons are complicated and our friend, Joëlle Anello opens up about her experience with a C-section and post-surgery healing using the C-Section Scar Release Therapy.
Joëlle hopes that sharing her experience will let other expecting mothers know that they are not alone as they plan for their upcoming birthing experience!
{ps. Click here to learn more about her experience with c-section scar therapy and to see what a session looks like!}
To start, would you be able to share how many children you have and how many were born by C-section?
I have a 3-year-old son, born via C-Section.
Would you feel comfortable sharing how long ago it’s been since your C-section occurred and why your little one was born via C-section?
It’s been about 3 and a half years since my C-section. My son was breech, so having a C-section was on my radar as being a real possibility weeks prior to giving birth.
How did you feel when a C-section was suggested?
To be completely honest, I felt very calm when a C-section was suggested as a likely possibility for me. I think it was a combination of it happening with my first child, so no prior experience with Vaginal delivery, and having a set date and time for the C-section that influenced my emotions. The unknowns of giving birth made me very nervous throughout my pregnancy, so I was comfortable that there was a solid plan in place - that is, before I went into labour prior to my C-section date and it became an emergency situation.
How did the surgery go? How did you feel during the surgery itself?
I actually went into labour a day prior to my planned C-section date with a breech baby, so my relaxing plan turned into an emergency situation. At first, I felt very nervous because the doctor performing the surgery wasn’t going to be my own doctor, like in our original plans. In the end, everything went very smoothly, and the doctor who performed my C-section was absolutely wonderful.
I think that knowing that I was going to have a C-section prior to giving birth, and having weeks to prepare for it, really helped with my mindset and sense of calm during the entire situation.
How were you feeling immediately after the surgery?
I remember feeling pretty elated immediately after surgery - no pain and full of happy emotions! It wasn’t until the end of the day as I was sleeping in the hospital that I really started to feel the realities of having such invasive surgery and the discomfort associated with it.
How was your recovery following surgery? Was there anything that helped with recovery?
I remember having a pretty rough 2 days following my C-Section. I was in pain, and the scar seemed so large to me that I couldn’t even look at it.
Thankfully, because I knew that I was going to be having a C-Section, I was able to work with Dr. Aliya in the weeks leading up to the surgery to help strengthen and promote healing. I strongly believe that these wellness practices prior to surgery really helped with my recovery. I was feeling so much better on the third day post-surgery, and was even able to walk to my favourite coffee shop on my own when we got out of the hospital!
Do you feel there is judgment or stigma surrounding C-section deliveries?
If there was any judgment surrounding C-Section directed my way, I was oblivious to it. And even if I knew, it wouldn’t have bothered me. I really think that knowing a C-section would be my reality weeks leading up to birth really helped with being comfortable and confident with the birthing plan.
Why did you consider doing C-Section Scar Release Therapy (besides the fact that your chiro made you! - lol!)?
Even though I’m happy with my C-Section experience, and the surgery outcome and placement, there was always things that bothered me about my scar. Namely the tightness associated with it, which affected everything from my strength to my posture. I felt like I was constantly being pulled forward by it. I also had the C-section “shelf” from the swelling over the scar that I was happy to know could be addressed.
What has your experience with C-Section Scar Release Therapy been like so far?
My experience with the C-Section Release Therapy has been incredible! The procedure itself is so simple and painless, plus the results started to really become visible after 2 sessions. I only wish that I had done this sooner!
Click here to learn more about C-Section Scar Release Therapy and to book your first session!