"Waking up on life support in the ICU less than 12 hours after delivering my daughter was never something I expected. I was in and out of consciousness that night piecing together what had happened and trying to manage my pain. Women are often told the risks of a [vaginal birth after Cesarean], but I don’t believe I fully understood the risks of a repeat C-section. I simply didn’t realize this could happen to me. Coming to terms with the trauma of a massive postpartum hemorrhage and lifesaving emergency hysterectomy has been challenging, but I share my story because I want women to know they are not alone and that they don’t have to live in isolation. I am extremely grateful for my medical care team and I want those in the medical profession to know that an ounce of compassion goes a lot farther than anyone realizes."

- Marianne, North Carolina