“Cesarean-born children are lost souls; they’re never truly born, so they cannot find their place.” Have I caught your attention? This misguided notion was actually told to a cherished client of mine who experienced a cesarean birth. Can you imagine how those words weigh on her heart? Today, I want to delve into the topic of cesarean births and, more importantly, the language surrounding them.
Recently, I’ve participated in conversations where individuals argued that cesarean birth isn’t “real” birth. Each time, I was astonished. Denying that cesarean delivery is a form of birth leads to significant emotional turmoil. When parents are asked, “When did your baby arrive?” they might have to respond, “Oh, they weren’t actually born.” This denies cesarean-born children their birthdays and, most troubling, adds an emotional burden to those who give birth this way.
While it’s true that we need to revitalize birth culture, I believe merely changing the terminology will not spark the necessary revolution. A wise birth photographer, Sarah Thompson, once posed the question, “Is birth just a physical event, or does it also encompass emotional and spiritual dimensions?” I firmly believe in the latter. For many, the essence of birth lies in welcoming a child into their lives and undergoing a profound transformation. This transformation is birth, no matter how a child enters the world.
However, I think we should reconsider our terminology regarding cesarean births. Every time I hear the term “C-section” or “section,” I feel a twinge of discomfort. Seven years ago, during my first pregnancy, I attended a childbirth education class where a nurse encouraged expectant parents to use the phrase “cesarean birth.” She passionately reminded us that even if a baby is born via cesarean, it is still a birth and can be a beautiful experience. Her words resonated with me, and as I’ve immersed myself in birth work, their truth has become even clearer. Terms like “C-section” and “section” feel cold and clinical, distancing many parents from their birthing experience.
As a birth doula, I’ve witnessed families struggle with this disconnection during cesarean births—many, not all, but too many. These parents deserve more respect. I could elaborate on numerous ways to improve the cesarean experience, such as allowing support persons in the operating room—a frequent issue for those with doulas—but one of the simplest changes is in our language. Let’s refer to them as births, because that’s exactly what they are.
I urge healthcare providers to also reconsider their phrasing. I’ve encountered the kindest doctors, midwives, and nurses preparing patients for “sections.” However, simply using the word “birth” when discussing a cesarean can help reconnect parents with the reality that they are about to meet their baby, reinforcing that they are giving birth. This small shift can make the experience feel more personal and less intimidating. In fact, a change in language might even remind other medical staff that a significant emotional event is about to take place. (For instance, please refrain from making offhand comments about how newborns resemble “angry aliens”—yes, that happened to a client of mine.)
So, as that nurse implored me years ago, I too ask everyone to be mindful of their language when discussing cesarean births.
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In summary, it is crucial to change the language we use when discussing cesarean births to affirm their significance. By doing so, we can alleviate unnecessary emotional burdens on parents and honor the profound experience of birth, regardless of the method.