Doctors Reveal 7 Common Beliefs About C-Sections That Are TOTALLY False!

Becoming a mother is an experience that cannot be described in words. The love, the care, and the anticipation we feel in the months of pregnancy are perhaps some of our most cherished memories, forever. But, as the time of delivery comes nearer, anxiety about what’s going to happen starts increasing at a feverish pitch. This is even truer in the current scenario in India, when the rate of C-section deliveries is rising, but so is the societal stigma around getting a caesarean…

Did you also have a C-section delivery? You’ve probably been told that once you’ve had a caesarean delivery, you will have no say in your future pregnancies. While some people think that a C-section is easier and devoid of pain, others tell us horror stories about the permanent damage or side-effects of C-section on the body. But what is the TRUTH?

Over time, several misconceptions about C-sections have spread in our society. What we often don’t realise is that many of these rumours associated with a caesarean delivery are just lies and bear minimum to no facts within!

Common Indian C-section Delivery Myths As Told By A Doctor

7 C-section Myths That Everybody Believes – Busted By Doctors!

We have put together a list of 7 such myths about C-sections that have been busted by doctors! So, if you had/might have a C-section, or know someone who did, please make sure you believe only what’s true!

1. ‘Bonding Between You and Your Baby Will Be Difficult’

Many people believe that since mothers are under the effect of anaesthesia during caesarean childbirth and are unable to see the child, the bonding between them doesn’t build easily. This is far from the truth! The maternal bonding in C-section births or normal deliveries remains just the same.

In fact, most hospitals or maternity units encourage the practice of ‘skin-to-skin’ contact as soon as possible post-delivery. The bond between a mother and her child does not depend on which body part the baby exited from!

2. ‘Breastfeeding Should Not Be Done After a Caesarean Delivery’

According to medical professionals, the method of delivery has very little connection with your ability of nursing your baby. It is a common belief that a mother should not breastfeed after C-section as there are chances of the stitches opening up due to movement. But increasingly today, more and more mothers are able to or allowed to breastfeed as soon as they go into the recovery room. Medical care is advancing every day, so there’s a huge chance you’ll be able to nurse just fine after your caesarean delivery.

3. ‘C- Section Deliveries Aren’t Painful’

While it is true that pain during the procedure is minimal, C-section moms can experience significant pain for up to 2-6 weeks post the operation! The procedure is less painful than a vaginal birth, yes, but the recovery can be very painful and difficult.

Note: Temporary back pain due to the epidural, the healing of the incision scar, and the stitches require extra attention. If you’re facing problems with this, please consult the doctor.

“So you didn’t actually give birth, technically, huh?”

A couple of my mom-friends have heard this comment. People, it’s high time we realise that giving birth is the act of bringing forth life, regardless of how it happened. So don’t take that experience away from C-section moms. Don’t belittle their endeavour and/or their success. – Noopur Bajpai
Read this honest and painfully true account on some of the harsh things C-section Mothers hear from people by mom blogger Noopur Bajpai here.

4. ‘Opting For a C-Section Makes You a ‘Selfish’ Mother’

The manner in which your baby comes into this world certainly doesn’t define you as a mother! Most mothers during pregnancy are faced with advice against, or fear of, a caesarean. However, what’s important to always remember is that the ultimate objective should be to deliver a healthy baby and for YOU to remain healthy in order to look after your baby. Sometimes, the C-section procedure could be the only way to protect you and your baby in case of a serious complication! It is completely alright if you had to undergo the procedure. What matters is that your baby is with you – healthy and happy.

5. ‘You Will Need To Exercise Excessive Dietary Control Post Childbirth’

Elders in Indian households often advise mothers to follow certain dietary restrictions like avoiding milk, ghee and rice post the procedure. It is believed that these food items can hinder the healing of scar tissues. However, this is false. Doctors recommend you go on a normal and a healthy diet within two to three days after the surgery.

That said, it is definitely important to observe some precautions after C section (as also after normal delivery), such as eating nutritious food and keeping yourself hydrated.

6. ‘You Will Not Be Able To Walk For Days’

Being bed-ridden is often cited as one of the most debilitating C section complications. However, the truth is that women are able to get out of bed the very next day post their caesarean delivery! Yes, the mobility is reduced as compared to a normal delivery. The scars due to surgical incision are painful while recovering, especially when you twist, get out of bed or sit on a chair. But as long as you exercise care and precaution and ensure not to put any weight or pressure on the scar, this is only temporary.

7. ‘Once a Caesarean, Always a Caesarean’

This is perhaps the most popularly held belief about C section risks and benefits. It is believed that once you’ve had a caesarean delivery, you will never be able to have a normal delivery. Your second pregnancy will also lead to a C-section delivery. However, this is completely misguided information.

Statistically speaking, the American Pregnancy Association states that 60-80% (roughly 3 to 4 out of 5) women who have previously undergone caesarean birth can successfully give birth vaginally. The major risk lies in rupture of the scars; however, that only happens to one in 200 women. Moreover, the decision to have another C-section depends on how the first surgery shaped up, and the status of the current pregnancy. So, no, having a surgical delivery does not necessarily imply that your future deliveries will be the same.

As a mothers, no matter what kind of delivery we had, we should be proud of how we’ve grown the baby from an embryo and safely brought him/her into this world. Don’t let these c-section myths dampen your spirit of motherhood!