It seems like every other day, there’s a post suggesting that having a cesarean means you didn’t truly give birth. New mom, Sarah Collins, recently shared a powerful image of her c-section scar, aiming to silence those who believe surgical births aren’t real. “I had a sizable fibroid resting on my cervix and a low-lying placenta, resulting in a c-section that’s anything but ordinary. But regardless of what anyone thinks, I brought my baby into the world,” Sarah asserts. “Before you judge someone’s method of delivery, consider their circumstances. Most likely, they didn’t choose this path willingly, so why would anyone opt for major surgery and a six-week recovery?”
That’s a valid point.
If you’ve had a c-section, let me tell you something—you’re remarkable. It’s not something that crosses your mind often, is it? Society tends to downplay our extraordinary experiences as mothers, especially when it comes to childbirth. If you express fear about the process, you’re told to toughen up. If your birth didn’t align with your expectations, you might feel guilty. And if your delivery involved a c-section, some might say you took the easy route. We’ve heard it all, and as mothers, any hint of complaint often earns us the title of “martyr.”
But let’s dismiss that notion.
You don’t need a scar that resembles a battle wound to acknowledge the immense challenge you faced. Here’s a reminder of what you’ve accomplished:
- You endured the anxiety of a needle being inserted into your spine.
- You focused on a medical sheet, your organs exposed, holding your breath in anticipation of your baby’s first cry.
- You lay on that OR table, trembling yet fixated on the miracle that was about to happen.
- You were wheeled to recovery, waiting to regain feeling in your legs while a new life depended on you.
- You summoned strength from muscles that had been cut through, just to hold and feed your newborn.
- You stood up from a bed where fresh stitches were healing, determined to prove you could walk and take your baby home.
- You handled pain from a significant incision with nothing more than over-the-counter pain relief.
- You returned home, tending to your newborn every few hours, even when getting out of bed felt like an insurmountable task.
- You shed tears from the overwhelming challenge of it all, feeling guilty for your struggle even amidst the joy of new motherhood.
- You reassured your partner while downplaying the seriousness of your surgical experience.
- You might have even avoided looking at your scar, feeling a mix of fear and pride.
You’ve been through an incredible journey. It’s perfectly okay to acknowledge that. It’s natural to feel proud of navigating this experience. It’s also completely valid to feel pain and sadness while recovering from major surgery—all while caring for a brand-new little one.
So, C-section mom, if no one has told you this yet… you’re truly incredible.
For more insights on motherhood and fertility, check out our post on fertility boosters for men at Make a Mom. Additionally, for authoritative information on insemination, visit Intracervical Insemination. And don’t miss the valuable resources on pregnancy and home insemination found at Cleveland Clinic’s podcast.
In summary, C-section moms deserve recognition for their strength and resilience. The journey may be tough, but it’s essential to appreciate the incredible feat of bringing new life into the world, regardless of how it happened.