As we round out April which is Cesarean Awareness Month, I wanted to clear up some misconceptions people might have about them. These c-section misconceptions are not helpful to the mother who experiences this major surgery, especially when this was not her intended birthing plan.
A cesarean is surgery. Major abdominal surgery. Planned or emergent this is major trauma to lots of layers of tissues (7!). In the United States rehabilitation is not routinely prescribed to new mothers in the postpartum hours or weeks. ACL repairs, labral tears, hip surgeries are given mandatory instruction, protocols, and 2-3 times a week rehabilitative services of PT, OT and other rehab services that can last 8-12 weeks depending on the level of injury, repair, and recovery time needed.
More often than not, abdominal surgery is untouched, from a rehabilitative standpoint. We are given ideals and goals to meet with little understanding or knowledge of how to get that accomplished when we are not meeting basic tissue healing principles. We need good solid rest/sleep, a variety of nutrients and whole foods, sufficient water intake, a low stress environment to name a few. Which seems nearly impossible whilst caring for a newborn infant when compared with your dads solo total knee repair recovery.
Here are some common c-section misconceptions:
C-Section Misconception: “She chose the easy way out.”
What?! No fetus at 40 weeks gestation understands fire safety 101 or which exit to look for. In fact, there was no exit sign above them, that was a medically necessary procedure to get them here safely or to keep mom safe, healthy, and alive. A route that involves anesthesia, scalpels, and multiple teams of doctors does not seem easy nor should anyone ever have to apologize or be ashamed of that. If you are someone who has been judged I am sorry you had to be in that situation and I am offering these words to let that (non)friend know their outward thoughts are simply not welcome here.
C-Section Misconception: “My Pelvic Floor will be fine.”
Maybe? Maybe not. A PTs favorite answer, “it Depends.” Another fun fact about bodies is that we are unsure how they will heal. We know how we want tissue to heal – well. But that doesn’t always mean we are giving it the space or opportunity it needs to heal well. This baby lived inside a growing uterus for 9+ months (normally), they made a house of it. They opened up the awnings (rib cage), they changed the floor plan (belly widens/abs separate), they flooded the basement (leaking, hopefully not!). It would be safe to say, this tenant is not getting their rental deposit back. All those changes happening inside our bodies are happening to our diaphragm, our ribcage, our core, our back, our spine, hips, and pelvic floor. Like before, they didn’t know there was a second route available and were heading south through that pelvic floor. A lot of new moms are surprised when intimacy is painful when given the all clear, or leaking is still occurring weeks postpartum. Several times you don’t notice something is wrong until you feel soreness, discomfort or even pain in your lower back when lifting your infant or now toddler. All of these things are ‘pelvic floor related’ and best to see a professional and get the help you need when you need it.
C-Section Misconception: “I can never have a vaginal birth.”
Having kids or multiple children is a personal/family decision that is best guided with the help and advice of medical professionals and your entire support team. Understanding your risks, your body’s health within each individual pregnancy is important. Choosing an informed team of care providers, OB, GYN, midwife, doula, mental health therapist, pelvic PT/OT, chiropractor, massage therapist will be helpful in making sure you are at your healthiest during your current or following pregnancies to avoid complications and decrease risk factors. Having an honest conversation and ensuring you are being involved in the decision making process can help guide you toward a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) when that is your goal for subsequent births. Being an informed patient, a strong advocate, and being a part of your care team will help you with the birth you wish to have.
From what I have learned and experienced in the birth world is that your birth is exactly that, YOUR BIRTH. Each new baby will be born in a manner that is as unique as they are. We are all unique human beings, with different personalities and traits. The same is true of the labor and delivery process. During Cesarean Awareness Month and all months, remember to be kind to one another and have grace and gratitude for yourself.
As always, get the help you do need, when you need it, and when you are ready to accept that help.
