For the Moms Who Have C-sections

As soon as I found out I was pregnant and we told our parents and emailed everyone we knew (before Facebook), I started thinking about delivery. I hoped to have a c-section. Yep, I just said I actually wanted to have a c-section. Left and right mothers share their natural birth stories, but surgery was more comfortable for me. I had had multiple surgeries already, so that route was what I knew.

My mom had two c-sections (my 2 younger brothers) so it was something that I just assumed I would have to have too. Then I started interacting with other pregnant mothers. Mom-friends assumed there was no pain, no effort in having a c-section. You get medicated, just lay there, and the doc does all the dirty work. Ha!

Oh, and receiving all the advice others could offer in the few moments when we passed each other in the canned foods aisle. (What is it about grocery stores that bring out the advice columnist in lovely old ladies?) Sometimes they would find out I was going to have to have a c-section- “Oh, I don’t have to worry about birth classes. I am having a c-section.” To which the normal reply was, “Oh that is too bad.”

I was all prepped and then the docs began their work. My husband sat to my left and held my hand fairly snugly. He leaned in and asked, “Are you ok?” After 5-10 minutes, we got the warning that the camera needed to be ready; baby was coming out! It was really only seconds then. No complications. No pain. My son was born. I was a mother. Then the real work began.

This time around, there was pain and pressure. A lot of pressure! My face turned red and I could hardly breathe when the nurses pushed down on my chest to get my daughter out! I did not expect it.

 C-sections are supposed to be pain free. That is what everyone thinks anyway: “Oh, you had a c-section? That must have been easy.”

 Are our stories as strong? Aren’t we strong mothers too?

Some aspects of having c-sections are easy. With the birth of my twins, the atmosphere in the delivery room was like a party. It was fun! There was Baby A’s team, Baby B’s team, my team, my doctor (who I just love), and we were all excited and hopeful. It was a great experience. I can only hope that I am worthy of the blessings that these children are in my life.

C-sections are not easy. Although during each surgery I have had, my pain tolerance has increased significantly. Moms who have c-sections are sacrificing their body for the life of their babies. Just like the natural birth mommies. If some think that those of us who have had c-sections are not real mothers or strong mothers, that is ok.