There’s something about having a caesarean, some of us still feel obliged to explain why we had one.
Some of us feel that obligation within ourselves, at least I do. People find out my first baby was born by c-section and I quickly follow up with “he was breech, wouldn’t budge”.
Some of us feel that obligation from others. While I haven’t been subject to it, I have seen others who are forced to defend the births of their babies, as if, somehow, having a caesarean is a sub-standard shameful method of delivery.
Whatever it is, wherever that pressure is coming from, it’s undeniable that it’s still there.
But barriers are being broken, and perhaps it will be easier for the mothers that come after us.
Birth Without Fear is one of my most favourite Facebook pages. It’s a genuine, heartfelt celebration of birth; all birth.
Yesterday, the page shared the story of Jodie Shaw, and a photo of her surgical scar. Her birth scar.
Jodie writes, “A new day and a what seems to be another new post from someone insinuating that giving birth by cesarean means that you didn’t give birth.
“Can we please just stop!