LESSONS FROM A C-SECTION

Two weeks ago our lives were forever changed but the birth of our fourth son here on earth.  Jacob entered into our lives in a rather unusual way for us.  We had been planning a homebirth but, due to his breech presentation we had to walk the unchartered path of a c-section.  The surgery, albeit a surprise, was a success and we were blessed with a large bouncing baby boy.

The overall birth experience at the hospital was awesome.  We loved the staff and the treatment that we were all given.  Then, Jacob and I were released to come home.  Oh my, has life been different.  Not good, bad, worse, or indifferent but very, very different. How so?  I’m glad you asked!

The first major difference that I have seen is the healing time that is needed.  After the birth of our other children, including the birth of Samuel into Heaven, I was back to “normal” within a few days.  Not so with the c-section.  At any given moment I can cough, sneeze, or just turn wrong and get a sharp shooting pain on my ride side near where the incision line is.  I’ve been told this is normal, but wow has it been a surprise for me.  As the Mama of five little ones, being uncertain of when pain will strike, it has made me slow down a lot.  Let me say that I am not one that is good at slowing down! In spite of that, this c-section has taught me that I need to slow down and take help when it is offered.

The second lesson that I’ve learned is that my big kiddos are amazing.  All I have had to do is ask and they have jumped to help.  Laundry needs to be thrown into the dryer, no problem.  Jacob needs a diaper, no problem, even if it is a super messy one.  Supper needs to be started, no big deal.  Dishes need to be done, checked off the list.  My big kiddos have been awesome when it comes to stepping up to the plate and helping.  I am forever grateful for that and for them.  I have asked them if the extra work has bothered them, but they look at me like I’m a nut, and snuggle Jacob tighter.  Just one of the many joys of a large family and making baby’s a priority worth loving.

The third lesson that I have learned is that it is okay to say “NO!”  I am not one that says no easily.  Usually I am the one that people call on and ask for help.  Now, I am the one that isn’t answering their phone, is willing to let someone knock on the door, and is even willing to turn a blind eye to the mess on the floor that needs mopping right now.  I have learned that it is ok to say NO, I can’t do whatever right now.  It has been a freeing lesson that has helped me stay somewhat sane.

The fourth lesson that I’ve learned is that I don’t do well being stuck at home or relying on others to help me run errands.  Life has a way of making us slow down and take into account that some days or weeks are not what we think they should be  Having to rely on other’s has been humbling and frustrating.  It has been a lesson in patience and humility.  Nothing can be more frustrating than needing to go to the grocery store and having to wait for four or five hours for someone to arrive to help you, especially when you are down to one roll of toilet paper.

The fifth and final lesson that I have learned is that God’s grace is always sufficient.  On the days that I need grace, all I have to do is ask and pray for it and it is given.  I have had to do this a time or two when I am dealing with the little ones that want to hug Mama and their head hits the incision line at just the right angle to bring her to her knees.  Or when the baby needs to nurse, a toddler has a dirty diaper, one is stuck in the bathroom without toilet paper because my help hasn’t arrived yet, and poor Robert calls to say that he is going to be at least four hours late.  Yes, crying out to God in those moments and begging for grace is the only thing that can help me to survive.  And in those moments where life is insane, the pain is intense, and I don’t think that I can move on; grace is sufficient.

I have learned quite a lot within these last two weeks.  More than any other lesson, I have learned that I can ask God for anything and He will provide at the right moment and the right time, always.  His grace is sufficient, His mercy is everlasting, and His love is all encompassing.  Life can be crazy, but when you slow down you can learn some lessons from your experiences, even if it is a c-section.