Jill Duggar C-Section Revealed After ’19 Kids And Counting’ Star Suffered 70 Hours In Labor Before Birth Of Son
Jill Duggar is now revealing that she had to undergo an emergency C-section after the popular co-star of 19 Kids And Counting suffered through a painful labor. But despite 70 hours of fear and pain, she’s still counting her blessings over her newborn son, reported People.
Rejoicing with her husband Derick Dillard at the arrival of Israel David, Jill revealed that she originally planned on a completely natural home delivery in Arkansas. But beginning with the long delay after the expected March 24 due date, her plans rapidly fell apart.
“His birth didn’t go as expected,” admits Jill now. “But having him here – it’s worth all of it. I wouldn’t do anything differently.”
The baby was born April 6, and fans were eagerly checking the family’s Facebook page daily. Jill and Derick regularly posted updates, as Jill tried all types of remedies.
“I told myself first-time moms often go a week and a half over,” she revealed, even gobbling up spicy food at one point to see if that would help.
But even when her water broke, the suspense had just begun when Jill learned that she had strep B, which required antibiotics into her body from an IV.
But the 23-year-old still wanted to have the baby at home, agreeing to go to the hospital only when she had struggled through 20 hours of labor and detected a potential sign of complications. That warning signal came when she noticed meconium, which can signal problems with the unborn baby.
“I was praying to God to give me strength. I was really scared and nervous, but I was praying.”
Even at the hospital, Jill refused a hormone called Pitocin to increase labor and pain meds. But then when the baby had moved into a dangerous position combined with an uneven heart rate after Jill had suffered through 70 hours of labor, she and Derick agreed to a C-section.
Israel David was born at 11:49 pm weighing nine pounds, 10 ounces. And Jill doesn’t regret a moment of her suffering.
“I love our birth story because it bonded us so well. I still haven’t changed a single diaper. Derick has been changing them all.”
As the Inquisitr reported, fans had initially speculated that Jill had a C-section after the family shared photos showing that Derick was wearing hospital scrubs. However, neither the family nor Jill revealed the surgery until now.
Jill also shared her pride in the way that Derick has stepped up to the diaper plate. He’s changing poopy diapers like a champ and proving to be a master at burping.
The couple wanted a home birth because Jill felt it would be more peaceful and loving, according to the Daily Mail. She also had desired to use a birthing pool.
“I think home birth is really special because you are in your own environment. You don’t have to pick up, move and have that stall labor. I am looking forward to having the calm, intimate setting of being home,” said Jill before the complications forced her to change her birthing plan.
[Images Via Facebook.com/Duggarfamilyofficial]
