The Truth About C-Sections: A Real, Honest Look at Cesarean Births
Birth is birth. Whether you push for hours or undergo surgery, bringing life into the world is an incredible feat. Yet, C-sections tend to carry a stigma—a feeling that it’s somehow ‘less than’ a vaginal birth. But here’s the truth: there is no ‘easy way out’ when it comes to birth. Whether planned or unexpected, a C-section is a major event, both physically and emotionally. And let’s be clear—C-sections are not the “easy way out.” They can be just as challenging, if not harder, than vaginal births, and they do not make anyone less of a mother. Every birth journey is unique, and a C-section takes incredible strength and resilience.
Why Might You Need a C-Section?
Some C-sections are planned, while others happen in the moment when things take a turn. These situations often come with difficult choices, medical interventions, and emotional processing. Here are some reasons a C-section might be recommended:
Fetal Distress – If your baby isn’t tolerating labor well (like if their heart rate drops suddenly), a quick delivery via C-section might be necessary. This can be terrifying for parents, who may suddenly go from laboring to an urgent surgery in a matter of minutes.
Breech or Transverse Position – If your baby is bottom-down or lying sideways and can’t be safely turned, a C-section is often the safest option. This can be especially difficult for mothers who had their hearts set on a vaginal birth but must prioritize safety over birth preferences.
Placenta Issues – Conditions like placenta previa (where the placenta covers the cervix) make vaginal birth unsafe. These situations often require strict bed rest before birth, adding another layer of difficulty and anxiety.
Previous C-Section – While VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) is possible for many, some cases make another C-section the safer choice. This decision is often met with mixed emotions, especially if a mother hoped for a different experience this time around.
Multiple Births – Carrying twins, triplets, or more increases the chances of needing a C-section. With multiple babies, the risks are higher, and birth plans can change suddenly based on how labor unfolds.
Labor Stalls – If you’ve been in labor for hours and aren’t progressing, a C-section might be necessary to safely deliver the baby. For many, this can feel like an exhausting and emotional rollercoaster, making the transition to surgery even more difficult.
What Happens During a C-Section?
A C-section is a surgical procedure, but the process can feel surprisingly quick, yet emotionally overwhelming. Here’s what to expect:
Prepping for Surgery – You’ll get an IV, a catheter (which you won’t feel after the anesthesia kicks in), and a spinal block or epidural to numb you from the waist down. This process can feel impersonal and clinical, adding to the emotional weight of the experience.
The Procedure Begins – A curtain is placed over your belly, and your partner or support person can usually sit beside you. You might feel pressure or tugging, but no pain. It can be unsettling to feel movement but not pain, and for many, the experience is surreal.
Baby is Born! – Within 5-10 minutes, your baby is out! You might hear a cry right away or experience a brief delay as the baby is checked. Some moms feel an overwhelming rush of emotion, while others need time to process what just happened—it’s all normal.
Closing Up – The next 30-45 minutes are spent stitching everything back together. It’s surreal knowing your baby is here while the team finishes up the procedure. Many mothers report feeling a mix of joy, exhaustion, and anxiety during this time.
My Personal C-Section Story: When Things Don’t Go as Planned
My C-section was scheduled, but things did not go to plan. What was meant to be a controlled, straightforward procedure turned into something far more complicated. I experienced severe complications that led to blood transfusions. My body wasn’t responding well, and to make matters worse, due to blood pressure issues, I had to endure part of my immediate recovery without pain medication. The pain was beyond what I ever could have imagined. Every movement felt like fire, and I had no choice but to endure it.
Adding to the difficulty, my epidural had to be placed twice. Each attempt was filled with discomfort and anxiety, and by the time it worked, I was already mentally drained. As someone with PTSD from sexual assault, my triggers were in overdrive. I didn’t want anyone near me, let alone touching me, and yet, in that moment, I had no control over what was happening to my body. I felt trapped in a medical setting where my mind was screaming, but my body had no choice but to endure. It was a deeply isolating and vulnerable experience, one I never could have fully prepared for.
I struggled immensely, not just physically but mentally. My mind kept flashing back to past traumas, making an already intense experience feel even more overwhelming. I wasn’t just recovering from surgery—I was battling my own past while trying to be present for my newborn. The disconnect between what I had imagined and what actually happened was difficult to process.
For anyone who has had a C-section that didn’t go as planned, I see you. I know the fear, the pain, the isolation that can come with it. And I know how hard it can be to process an experience like that while also caring for a newborn. You are not alone. Your experience is valid, your pain is real, and your strength is undeniable.
Final Thoughts: You Are Stronger Than You Think
C-sections may not always be the birth we envision, but they are still a powerful, life-bringing experience. Whether you planned yours or faced an unexpected turn, your strength in bringing your baby into the world is undeniable. It takes incredible courage to go through surgery while knowing your body is being opened up, to push through the pain of recovery while also caring for a newborn, and to navigate the emotional weight of an unexpected birth outcome.
No birth is easy. No birth is ‘less than.’ And no matter how your baby arrived, you are a mother who did what she had to do for her child. You are just as much a mother as anyone else, and your birth story is just as valid and powerful. That is something to be proud of.
If you’ve had a C-section, what was your experience like? Let’s talk about it—because every birth story deserves to be heard.
Elle Daniels
Doula and Childbirth Educator
Additional Resources for C-Section Moms
If you’re looking for more information, support, or personal stories about C-sections, here are some valuable resources:
Books:
The Essential C-Section Guide by Maureen Connolly and Dana Sullivan
Delivering Mamas: A Cesarean and VBAC Support Anthology by VBAC Facts
Cut, Stapled, & Mended: When One Woman Reclaimed Her Body and Gave Birth on Her Own Terms After Cesarean by Roanna Rosewood
Podcasts:
The Birth Hour – Real stories of C-sections and birth experiences
The VBAC Link – Support and education for those considering a VBAC
All About Pregnancy & Birth by Dr. Nicole Rankins
Articles & Websites:
International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN) – www.ican-online.org
Evidence Based Birth – www.evidencebasedbirth.com
Cesarean Section Recovery Tips – Various online medical and parenting blogs
Connecting with others who have gone through similar experiences can help normalize C-section births and provide much-needed support.
