April is C-Section awareness month, but I prefer to think of it as an appreciation month to the strong Mommas who have experienced a Cesarean Section, which I like to call, a Belly Birth. There is sometimes the thought, that a C-Section, is not actually birth, and sometimes it can feel that way. Especially to someone planning on having a natural vaginal birth, and that sense of loss and even failure can be consuming in those beginning months. To really look at this, I feel like we need to look at what birth means. Does it mean the passage through the pelvis, into the vaginal canal and finally out into the world, as if the vagina was some magical portal ( I mean it is pretty amazing, but I wouldn’t go as far to call it magical)? Or is birth the beginning of new life, a new baby taking those first breaths and crying that first precious cry, and someone gaining the title of parent and promising to sacrifice and love this child, no matter what. That is what I think birth really is.
The way we word things, often shape our perception of them. The phrase C-Section, or cesarean can sound so cold, and not at all like what you want to picture when bringing your child into the world. But, at least to me, the phrase Belly Birth, makes the procedure seem warmer, and not as scary. Yes, it is birth, and if it has to happen due to medical complications that arise, than it is a wonderful option to saving mommy and baby. So, I have changed my wording, to show that in my mind, the only difference between a Belly Birth and a Vaginal Birth, is the passage the baby takes. Everyone’s birth story and journey is different, whether baby comes out vaginally, or comes out through an incision, and we need to embrace every parent as just that, a parent. Someone who has, and is willing to sacrifice their sanity, space, sleep etc. to raise a tiny human.
Though a Belly Birth is sometimes not a part of your plan, it helps to have an idea of what could happen, and the options that are available to you if you need one. Some options include having music playing during the procedure, having a partner or support person, like a doula, there holding your hand during, and you can ask to have the screen lowered so you can see your baby be born. Skin-to-skin is also able to happen in the OR as long as both mommy and baby are doing well. The skin to skin can help encourage the body to produce the love hormone, oxytocin, which helps in milk production (if you are planning on breastfeeding) and helps with bonding. Make sure to ask your care provider what options are available in your area, and make sure they know what your wishes are should this be necessary for your baby’s birth.
No matter how your baby was born you have sacrificed your body for this child and that is amazing! Belly birth, vaginal birth, bottle fed, or breastfed, you do the best you can for this baby and that is all that the baby asks for. You are the best momma for this child, and as long as you love and take care of this baby, you are doing a great job. Never let anyone belittle you just because you have a different experience than them. We are all parents, and every child, every birth and every parenting style will be different from one tiny human to the next, and we all need to support each other.
That being said, if you know someone who has experienced a belly birth, tell them that they are doing a great job and have done an amazing job birthing their baby. Birth is birth, and you mommas are all so very brave. If you are reading this and have experienced a belly birth, than well done momma, well done!
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