Cesarean Awareness Month
It is almost the end of April and it also happens to be Cesarean Awareness month. A month where I want to celebrate and show appreciation to all the mamas who are brave women. Those who have a scar to show for it. What many need to know is this surgery is by no means the easy way out of childbirth. We are just as much of a mother as the next woman. All too often I hear birth shaming comments about c sections like the “easy option” or not the “proper way” to give birth and the most shameful “not woman enough.”
Deep down it hurts and kills me to be seen as this woman who failed to give birth the “normal” way. Because I also grew and carried healthy babies like any other mother out there. I felt those contractions. I had the first skin to skin. I had the chance to breastfeed my baby an hour after. That deep intense love for them will still be there.
No one tells you how painful the process can be. These are the truths about what cesarean moms go through.
C- Section Moms are Strong
I fought hard with my first child to have a natural birth. I went hours without epidural because I thought that was what I was suppose to do, the natural “strong” way to birth a child. The ideal birth plan I had in my head was out the window. When I finally gave birth twenty four hours later via emergency c section it was a big blur at first. One thing for sure, it was not what I had planned and not what I expected as a first time mom.
People failed to forget that this is a major abdominal surgery, it takes around 12 weeks to recover and some of the effects can last a lifetime. Perhaps we don’t take in consideration how terrifying this surgery can be and what comes to follow. C-Section moms are strong because they come to a realization in understanding that birth is not going to come easily or naturally, in spite of their best efforts. Because it is simply just out of our control.
Recovery is not easy
Imagine yourself trying to learn how to walk all over again. As silly as that sounds, that’s exactly what happens. Your legs have been numb for so long. Getting up for the first time will require some assistance. I remember crying the first time as my nurse helped me get up from the bed. I was shaking and moving very slowly. My lower stomach muscles felt every inch of pain. I tried my best to lean on the sides of the hospital bed for support because I just could not do it. It is a slow and intimidating process.
You don’t know how much you use your stomach muscles until you have a cesarean. It hurts just to laugh, sit up, and can make breastfeeding hard when trying to hold your baby if you lean him/or her too close to your stomach for support. It is painful adding pressure to your muscles after they have been cut open. Holding on to your abdomen to protect your incision scar is always helpful for some small comfort whenever I felt the need to cough or sneeze. Just remember your body needs time to fully heal. It takes a longer time for us cesarean moms.
Birth is Beautiful
Looking back I am proud of how I gave birth. One via emergency c section under general anesthesia and one via a scheduled c section and my last one was unexpected as my water broke days before my plan cesarean. Although I was in active natural labor on my own and a few centimeters dilated I also ended having to deliver via c section again to avoid complications. It took me a while to come to terms with it. But I did what I had to do to bring my babies into the world safely. Women should not be judged for doing that. If anything a woman bringing life to this world is amazing. That itself should be celebrated.
Each birth story is beautiful, unique, and special.
Embrace your scar
See it as a the reminder of what you went through to create and bring life to this world. Not as a failure but a symbol of the ultimate accomplishment woman can do.
You can read more on Luke’s birth story here
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A C-section is major surgery and the recovery is no joke. Everyone’s birth story is precious and should be celebrated!
-Jennifer
https://maunelegacy.com
thanks for those encouraging words Jennifer
Oh yes I agree! I had a C-section and it was the hardest time ever!
I’ve not had C sections but my daughter did. End result is a beautiful baby and motherhood, no matter how that baby is delivered. I appreciate your insights and perspective.
I almost needed a c-section and I was so afraid because it is major surgery. I know it can be a tough recovery from what I have heard. All that matters is having a healthy baby and mama afterward.
My mom had a C-section! Thank you for sharing your and Luke’s story.
In my opinion, you go through more having a cesarean which makes you an actual warrior princess. I know c-section moms are looked down upon but it makes you a remarkably strong woman having gone through that.
I give you props mama, I thought recovery from natural childbirth was hard, but an abdominal surgery is no joke!
Thank you for sharing! My c-section was unplanned middle of the night style when my water broke with my twins at 33 weeks. And you are so right – the recovery is SO TOUGH! OMG! I had to put a stool next to my bed because it sits a little higher and getting in and out of bed was very hard and felt like I was going to rip open my scar every single time. Oh and that said scar is still numb – 8 months later.
I had an emergency C-section with my first. It was so different than what I had “planned”, but it was so special and perfect. Wouldn’t change a thing!
Sarah http://www.morethemarier.com
I had a c-section with my twins. I was prepared and it was planned. The first few days were really, really difficult and moving was so painful, but then the recovery wasn’t really bad. I’m please with the whole experience!
Thanks for the advice. We recently just discussed children and I’ve learned that preparing for and delivering a child is no joke! Thank you for creating a space where I can learn more about the journey.
Beautiful post. I have two children and a normal delivery feels like an obscure thing. I could imagine how hard a c-section can be. Thanks for sharing!
I love this post! You are amazing, and a C-Section is a beautiful part of you and your baby’s story. I had a c-section with my first and knew nothing about them — I was convinced I would never need to go that route. It was safer for my daughter and nothing else mattered at that point. I had my second daughter naturally, and I agree the c-section recovery was much more difficult. Thank you so much for sharing your story.