How Cesarean Births Affect Mothers
Whether it is determined by doctors or by choice, cesarean births can present complicated feelings for Mother’s. When done not by choice but necessity, some mother’s report feelings of disappointment or shame.
What is a cesarean birth?
Cesarean births are surgical procedures that are used to deliver babies through incisions in the abdomen and uterus. Sometimes, C-sections are planned ahead of delivery due to various reasons.
A lot of the time, however, the need for a C-section does not present itself until labor is already occurring.
Why do C-sections occur?
There are a number of reasons a woman may need to have a C-section, even if it’s not her preferred method of delivery. These include:
· Stalled labor is one of the more common reasons for a C-section. If the cervix is not opening as it should, even after hours of contractions, the mother will need to get a C-section.
· If the baby appears to be under stress during delivery, doctors will often times recommend a C-section. This could be because the baby’s heartbeat changes in a concerning way.
· If a mother is carrying multiples, like triplets, they will need to get a C-section. Even with twins, a mother may need a C-section if the babies aren’t positioned correctly.
· When a mother has a health concern like a brain or heart condition, a C-section may be recommended by her doctor.
· When a mother has a C-section with a prior baby, doctors may recommend having another C-section instead of doing a vaginal birth (VBAC).
· There are plenty of other medical reasons a doctor may deem a C-section necessary, such as abnormalities with the placenta, a prolapsed umbilical cord, or a mechanical obstruction.
How do C-sections Affect Mothers?
In a study conducted by Dr. Kristen Kjerulff in 2018, research found that women who delivered vaginally versus planned and unplanned C-section had different psychological outcomes. Woman who had vaginal births reported feeling proud in greater numbers than the other two. Almost 25% of woman who had an unplanned C-section reported feeling disappointed in their delivery and more than 15% reported feeling like a failure.
There are a few theories for why unplanned C-sections would leave mother’s feeling disappointed. One being that our society uplifts natural lifestyles with lots of organic foods and little western medicine. So in this regard, drug-free or natural births are viewed as superior to C-sections. Sometimes, C-sections are seen as an ‘easy way out,’ in comparison to vaginal births. Women report feeling like they didn’t experience a rite of passage in motherhood.
On top of the societal pressures, a C-section is a major surgical procedure. The recovery is six weeks long and it’s recommended that women don’t lift anything heavier than their baby during that time period. So if a mother has older children, they will not be able to carry them while they are healing from their C-section.
Times of recovery coupled with the jumble of emotions that already occur with childbirth, like postpartum depression, can be tough on a mother. If you’re planning on delivering vaginally, go over a ‘Plan B’ with your doctor before the due date. Just like you would plan for bad weather on your wedding day, plan for unforeseen complications with your delivery. Have an open line of communication with your doctor, especially if they start recommending a C-section. Don’t be afraid to ask why.
Following a C-section, holding your baby shortly after birth and feeding them within 30 minutes can stave of disappointment, according to another study done by Dr. Kjerulff.
Besides pre- and post-procedure practices, a mother can also focus on reframing her mindset if she is feeling disappointed after an unplanned C-section. Having mantras like, ‘I will be stronger tomorrow than I am today,’ can help during the recovery period.
There are also plenty of online support groups for mother’s who have cesarean births. Some health centers even host support groups in person. Keep in touch with your community and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Remember to be patient, healing isn’t linear and it’s okay for mothers to not feel okay.
If you or someone you love is struggling after childbirth, whether cesarean or not , please reach out to us. Our team of therapists is here to provide support and guidance. We look forward to connecting with you.
