"Birth,By Any Means Necessary"

April is C-Section Awareness Month and Melanin and Motherhood is taking this month to celebrate the “C-Section Mommies” among us!
 
I too am a “C-Section Mommy” and have the most beautiful scar to prove it!  Every time I step out of my shower or in the process of getting dressed, when I see a reflection of that scar, I am reminded of one of the most special days of my life!
 
Having experienced a high-risk pregnancy, resulting in preeclampsia, my c-section was certainly not planned, nor was my daughter’s arrival at 35 weeks and 5 days…. But when she arrived, she was PERFECT!  The timing of the “Most High” is always ON TIME!
 
Ten little fingers, ten little toes, all 4.1lbs of her was healthy! She spent a brief three days in the NICU, never requiring breathing assistance or additional medications.  She came here strong.  She came here a fighter!  In fact, she was ready for discharge before I was!
 
Did I mention she was PERFECT?
 
As I mentioned before, it was not a planned c-section, nor how we “planned to deliver.”  Even with the various health issues I was having, fibroids, high blood pressure, proteins in my urine etc., both my OB and my Maternal Fetal Medicine doctor expected I would have been able to deliver naturally.
 
That rapidly changed, literally in a week’s time of manageable number of protein and relatively stable blood pressure to “okay, you will be delivering by c-section this evening.”  Wait, what????
 
Admittedly I was scared, a c-section wasn’t what I wanted, nor anything I researched because it wasn’t my “birth plan.”   But this was wayyyy bigger than my wants or my plans. 
 
This was a matter of life or death for me and my daughter!
 
Fortunately, I was in the very capable hands of Dr. Patricia Stafford and one thing I knew for sure, with the utmost confidence, was to trust her judgement.  I was truly blessed to have an OB that cared enough to tell you the truth, make the right call and also practiced authentic care and concern. 
 
From a healthcare quality and equity, I was received optimal care from my OB.  So, with this abrupt “change in plans” I received quality care.
 
While this was my experience, I know that there are other mothers who can relate to the good experience, however, unfortunately there are too many black mothers who cannot. 
 
As a patient-advocate and activist, I want the best experience and outcomes for all black mothers!  Melanin and Motherhood fights for that.
 
Motherhood is challenging enough and while we may not all share as candidly our pathways to delivery, for those who are in this elite club for reasons like mine, don’t let anyone judge the way you birthed your miracle!
 
Whether you delivered vaginally or c-section, you brought new life into this world.  You are a miracle worker.  You are a MOTHER! 
 
Be proud of your scar, your sacrifice for the life you brought into this world.  Your “battle scar” is a beautiful reflection of the magnificence of giving birth.
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#nolessofamother #mydeliverymatters #byanymeansnecessary #csection
 
Yours truly in Melanin and Motherhood,
Crystal

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