Thank you to Marissa for sharing her story about her nerve injury during childbirth and her experience having a baby after her injury. We so appreciate your willingness to share with our community and wish you and your beautiful family the best.
When I gave birth to my firstborn in 2022, I experienced femoral nerve damage in both legs. I was completely numb from the waist down, a mix of fear, confusion, and anger overwhelming me. Despite the joy of having a healthy baby boy, I was baffled by how this could have happened to me. Had I been paralyzed after birth? I had never heard of such a thing! The doctors were at a loss, but luckily, my aunt stumbled upon this Facebook group for me. I immediately joined and began seeking help and answers. After six months of twice-weekly physical therapy, and the ongoing support from my partner, I was finally able to walk again.
As I prepared for my second pregnancy in 2024, the fears resurfaced. I knew I could not go through the struggles of nerve damage again. So once again, I looked to that same Facebook group for information. Educating myself empowered me to advocate for myself. I printed off information about femoral nerve damage and I gave the printouts to every nurse that came into my delivery room. I had decided on an epidural, so I discussed my previous damage with the anesthesiologist and requested the lowest possible dosage. My goal was to be able to move my legs the whole time, and I achieved that goal. I had printed out different positions you could be in with an epidural. I gave them to my nurses and also put them to where I could see them so I wouldn’t forget. I used a peanut ball and rotated from side to side every 10 minutes until I was fully dilated. After I was fully dilated, I labored down for about 45 minutes before I started pushing. I pushed three times and my baby girl was here! I was able to get out of the bed and walk to the bathroom about an hour after she was born. I am so grateful for this group that supplied me with what protocols to follow to have a different birthing experience the second time around. I am also extremely grateful for my partner for being there with me, supplying support, through it all. It gave me the confidence to advocate for myself. Motherhood for the second time has felt so validating! I’m so blessed to have two beautiful, healthy babies.
Nerve Damage from Childbirth 