Giving birth by cesarean section can be either a personal choice or a medical necessity – regardless of the reason, the birth is just as important and meaningful as a vaginal delivery ♡

What does a cesarean section entail?

A cesarean section, or C-section delivery, is a surgery where the baby is delivered through an incision in the mother's abdomen instead of through the birth canal. It can be planned in advance due to medical reasons or decided urgently if complications arise during an ongoing labor.

Why is a cesarean section performed?

There are many reasons why a cesarean section may become necessary. Sometimes it can be due to the baby's position, such as when the baby is in a breech position. Other medical reasons can include multiple births (twins, triplets, etc.), a previous cesarean delivery, or certain medical conditions in the mother. Some also choose a planned cesarean section for personal reasons.

What does a cesarean section feel like?

For many women, the thought of a cesarean section can feel frightening, especially if it was not planned. It is a surgery, and with that comes concerns about pain, scarring, and recovery afterward. But there is also a sense of anticipation and hope of soon holding their child in their arms.

When the surgery begins, the woman is usually awake but numbed from the waist down. Many women describe the feeling as a light pressure or pulling sensation when the baby is lifted out. The moment the baby's first cry is heard is often just as emotional and powerful as in a vaginal birth.

Recovery after a cesarean section

Since a cesarean section is a surgery, the recovery requires a bit more time and care than after a vaginal birth. The first hours after the operation are often spent in a recovery room where staff monitor the woman's condition. It may take a few hours before the anesthesia wears off and the woman can move again.

After a cesarean section, it is common to stay in the maternity ward for 2-3 days, some stay longer. Regardless of whether you give birth by cesarean section or vaginally, you will have what is called lochia after the birth. It resembles a heavy menstrual flow in the first few days and then gradually decreases. Before leaving the maternity ward, you usually discuss the cesarean section with a midwife or doctor and go through thoughts and questions.

It is important to remember that every woman is unique and recovery time can vary. It is also common to experience pain at the incision site and a feeling of fatigue in the days following the operation. But with proper pain relief and support, recovery can be smoother. Something that works very well to reduce pain in the scar after a cesarean section is to use an ice pack, such as this one: Ice Pack Gel Pack.

How do I care for my cesarean section scar?

How to care for my cesarean section scar is a common question among women who have undergone a cesarean section. Undergoing a cesarean section means you have had surgery and that several different layers of tissue have been cut through to finally reach the uterus where the baby is located. The doctor cuts through the skin layers, makes an incision in the uterus, delivers the baby, and then checks the placenta before stitching you up again. Since a cesarean section is an abdominal surgery, some rehabilitation is needed for some time afterward.

As soon as the cesarean section is done, the wound begins to heal, and even though it heals quickly at first, it can take a long time before the wound is completely healed. It may also hurt in the abdomen and around the wound, but it is still important to move around. After about two weeks, you can move around almost as usual again and it is okay to carry the baby, but otherwise, avoid heavy lifting in the first few weeks. Avoid bathing, shower instead, eat fiber-rich food, and drink plenty of water to avoid constipation.

Every birth is worth celebrating ♡

Giving birth by cesarean section is a different but equally significant birth experience. Just like in a vaginal birth, there are challenges, but also moments of joy, relief, and gratitude. Regardless of how a baby comes into the world, every birth story is unique and worth celebrating. A cesarean section is a reminder of the strength, courage, and love that mothers possess and the technology and expertise that medical teams contribute to ensuring a safe arrival for every newborn.