Disclaimer: This in no way is diminishing delivery by any other means. I have had two cesarean sections (aka C-section) and went through the mix of emotions that came along with abandoning my hope for a vaginal delivery.
Sine April is cesarean awareness month (who knew) I decided to dig a little deeper into my feelings about having a C-section delivery myself. Having a C-section delivery can lead to many mixed emotions for those mamas that have one. Failure, inadequacy and a sense of sadness are just a few emotions that come into play.
For me it was feelings of not being a good enough mom right from the start because a vaginal birth failed. Not to mention feeling overwhelmed at what recovery will be like now with a newborn. Going into my second Check out my post on What to Expect during a C-Section to learn more.
So for me, all I know is a C-section delivery. But I understand the emotions that can overtake a new mom in those first few days when your birth plan or delivery go array. So I am here to give you 5 reasons why being a C-section mama is badass.
5 Reasons Being a Cesarean Mama is Badass
Scars are cool
You know what I mean. You literally have a battle scar from getting your baby out into this world. And if you worried about how your body will look with a cesarean scar, don’t. The majority of the scars heal relatively fast and are so low on your abdomen you for sure can wear a bikini again.
Recovery is Brutal
Recovery from a C-section is no walk in the park. Not only do you have to care for a newborn immediately after having a major abdominal surgery but you also need to try and pee and cough without feeling like your incision is going to explode. Another thing you have to do is avoid lifting things heavier than a gallon of milk. Add in breastfeeding, sleep deprivation and baby vomit. All of these things make recovery pretty brutal and surviving that makes you one bad ass mom.
Healthy Baby
No matter the reason you got to a c-section it was ultimately because the health of your baby was a concern. At the end of the day you have a healthy baby and a new scar to talk about when you share your birth story with others.
You have Options
Just because you had one c-section does not automatically mean you will have another. Make sure you speak with your doctor but there are options of having a vagina delivery after a c-section. Want to schedule your next c-section while you are pregnant with a subsequent baby? You can do that too. You have options when it comes to delivery the next time around.
Your Delivery is Unique
It may not have been ideal, but ultimately your delivery is unique to you. Whether you labored for a while, failed to progress or had a breech baby what led to your cesarean delivery is unique to your birthing story.
Hopefully this helps some moms feel like the badasses they are no matter what kind of birth you had. Would love to hear your experiences in the comments below!
I think I was more scared of the recovery than the actual procedure.
I ended up having mine all vaginally, but my first was so big that when my induced labour stalled they started to prep me for surgery. Caring for a baby and recovering?!? Badass for sure.
Much love to all the Mamas was that didn’t have their delivery goes as they hoped. It’s such an important moment, and it’s emotionally so hard when things go hay
This is such a beautiful and empowering article all new moms should read. Thanks so much for sharing!
I love this!! Giving birth, no matter how you do it, is bad ass! 🙂
I havent had a csection but thank you for writing this for all the csection mommas! No birth is easy!!