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Hey there, C-Section Mama! You’re absolutely incredible!
By: Lisa Turner
Updated: Jan. 6, 2020
Originally Published: Oct. 17, 2016
“Another day, another post suggesting that if you’ve had a cesarean, you didn’t really give birth,” writes new mama Emily Davis. She recently posted a picture of her c-section scar to remind those who think surgical births don’t count that they should think again. “I had a fibroid the size of a grapefruit resting on my cervix and a low-lying placenta. Trust me, my c-section scar is no ordinary scar. But regardless of what you think, I brought my baby into this world,” Emily explains. “So next time you judge someone for their method of delivery, take a moment to consider that they might not have had a choice. Why would anyone opt for major surgery and a six-week recovery if they could avoid it?”
That’s a valid point.
Have you experienced a c-section? Guess what? You’re downright amazing!
You probably haven’t thought about that, right? Why should you? Society often tells mothers that nothing they do is remarkable, especially when it comes to childbirth. If you’re scared of the experience, it’s time to let that go. If your birth didn’t go as planned and you’re feeling down about it, you’re being selfish. If you had a c-section, you took the “easy way out.” We’ve all heard those comments because as mothers, if we dare to express our feelings, we’re labeled as “martyrs.”
Well, forget that noise!
You don’t need a scar that looks like a road map to acknowledge that you’ve faced something incredibly challenging. Here’s a little reminder of all the things you’ve accomplished:
- You’ve stayed still while a doctor inserted a needle into your spine.
- You’ve stared at a medical sheet, fully aware that your organs were out in the open, all while holding your breath waiting to hear your little one’s first cry.
- You’ve laid on that OR table, shaking like a leaf, but still focusing on the new life being brought forth from your body.
- You’ve been wheeled back to recovery, anxiously waiting for the feeling to return to your legs, all while having a brand new human to think about.
- You’ve summoned the strength to lift yourself from the bed to hold and feed your child, using muscles that were just cut through and not yet healed.
- You’ve bravely gotten out of bed with a fresh incision, all to show you could walk those steps and take your baby home.
- You’ve managed the pain of a major incision with nothing but over-the-counter pain relief.
- You’ve come home with your newborn, catering to their every need even when simply getting out of bed felt like an uphill battle.
- You’ve shed tears because the experience was more challenging than you imagined.
- You’ve felt guilty for struggling when you should just be enjoying your new baby.
- You’ve downplayed the seriousness of major surgery to reassure your partner.
- You’ve been hesitant to even look at your scar.
You’ve been through a lot, and you’re a badass! It’s perfectly okay to recognize that. It’s alright to feel proud of what you’ve accomplished. It’s normal to experience pain, sadness, and frustration while recovering from major surgery, all while caring for your little one.
So, C-Section Mama, in case no one has told you lately… you’re truly a badass.
If you’re looking for more support in your parenting journey, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination at WomensHealth.gov. And if you’re interested in learning more about home insemination methods, visit Intracervical Insemination for some insightful posts. Plus, for top-notch home insemination kits, check out Cryobaby’s combo kit.
In summary, C-section moms are often underestimated, but the strength and resilience it takes to navigate this experience is nothing short of extraordinary. Celebrate your journey, embrace your scar, and know that you’ve done something remarkable.