Having a C-section may not have originally been part of a mom’s birth plan—but the surgery is often necessary, with nearly a third of all births in the United States classified as Cesarean deliveries.

C-section births are different than what many moms picture when they first learn they are pregnant, but they are also incredibly beautiful. C-sections save lives and should be celebrated. And whether a mom’s C-section is an emergency, planned or elective it is still a valid and important birth experience.

That’s why we at Motherly are committed to sharing C-section photos and stories—so that mothers know what to expect and society learns to support women who are recovering from surgery while caring for a newborn.

These are the C-section stories the #TeamMotherly community loves and we are so grateful to the mamas who shared them.

13 powerful C-section pictures

This video perfectly explains the anatomy of a C-section 

This video shows you just what to expect during a C-section surgery: cutting through seven layers of skin, fat, muscle and more to reach the baby. It’s an incredible depiction of one of the most physically challenging moment’s of a mama’s life.

The creator of this viral video is Jesse Franks, a blogger, International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN) advocate and mom of three. She previously discussed the video’s popularity with Motherly and says she was inspired by a childbirth education tool she came across years ago.

“People have said that they are thankful it exists, that the actual surgical videos have been too gory for them to watch. One mom said that it was the first time she smiled while imagining her child’s birth,” Franks explained.

This video is incredible.

This video shows babies really do recognize mama right away 

If you’ve ever wondered whether newborns really know their mothers when they’re born, this video will erase all doubt. It captures the magical first moments between a mom and her brand new baby girl. That little tiny arm clinging to mom’s face is enough to melt your heart.

That baby knows her mama.

​The beauty of postpartum bodies is on full display in this brave post 

Whether you’re rocking stretch marks, a C-section scar, a lingering linea negra or anything else, they’re all just proof of one thing: you’re one strong, courageous mama bear.

The caption says it all: “This is my postpartum. Some of you may see this and think, “Why is she sharing this”, and others “Wow, thanks for sharing” and I’m sure lots of other thoughts in between. Want to know mine? “Wow, she has the courage to share a TRUTH so many different women face. Dealing with a scar of victory and loss.” My staples are out now, but as you can imagine the healing and pains are not.”

This post shows the beauty in a mama’s C-section scar

“How can we teach our children to love themselves if we ourselves are constantly putting ourselves down?” It’s not always easy, but being a powerful example of self-love and self-acceptance is one of the greatest gifts you can give your kids.

This mama is making sure her children (and fellow mamas on Instagram) know that a scar is nothing to hide.

“Teach your children that scars and marks are beautiful, and that they aren’t to be ashamed of. Ever since she could point and touch, my daughter has always loved feeling my #csection scar,” she writes.

Motherhood is a miracle, as we see in this photo 

Moms who’ve had C-sections often feel guilty and ashamed, but this gorgeous post has an important reminder: “However motherhood comes to you, it’s a miracle.” And perhaps an even more important reminder? Your baby won’t care how they born—just that they’re loved and cared for always.

“My scar may fade or it may not, but honestly, I don’t mind. I hope it doesn’t completely. It’s a special reminder of just how lucky I am,” this mama writes.

She continues her caption: “There are a few things I am incredibly passionate about, and helping other moms-to-be feel empowered about their c-section birth is one of them. I constantly receive messages and emails from moms who are scared, ashamed or overwhelmed about their c-section delivery and have only ever heard horror stories or been met with negativity. I feel so sad that they feel this way when they should be proud, excited and feel like the badass woman they are. I hope one day women everywhere don’t have to feel the need to justify their birth and can proudly say they are a C-section mama without any guilt or shame.”

“When I look at my scar now, I see my body’s ability to heal, to survive.” 

A C-section scar serves as a visible reminder of what can be one of the best and worst days in a mother’s life. But this mama wants it to serve as a powerful reminder for something else: the physical ordeal you’ve overcome, and the path to accepting what led you there.

“When I look at my scar now, I see my body’s ability to heal, to survive,” this mama writes.

“I see journeys of both the physical and mental variety, with success waiting at the end—even if it wasn’t the end I expected. More than anything, though, I see grace. The grace I finally learned to give myself when plans changed and I adjusted accordingly, emerging stronger than ever before.”

This photo post tells a twin mama’s surprise C-section story

C-sections are common with twins, and this mama shows the pure joy that comes with holding two healthy newborns in your arms—even when you’ve just undergone a grueling surgery.

What started out as a regular appointment turned into a trip to the operating room and a healthy delivery, in all about three hours. Joyful posts like this one could go a long way toward easing the fears and disappointments of mom’s who’ve been told they’ll need a C-section.

“Before I knew it, I went from having 3 hearts beating inside me to the 3 of us bundled up enjoying skin-to-skin before we even rolled out of the O.R.,” this mama writes.

​C-sections can be serious, but are seriously beautiful 

This mama shared the story of developing a life-threatening infection that could have killed both her and her baby had she not been whisked off for an emergency C-section in the nick of time. Your birth plan goes out the window when lives are on the line—but it’s all worth it in the end.

“This photo is the only one taken that day. Definitely not the gorgeous birth photography I had planned for, but beautiful and special to me none the less,” this mama writes.

It wasn’t her plan, but it is still a beautiful birth story and a photo worth sharing and celebrating.

Clear drape C-sections are so powerful 

More and more hospitals are stepping up their efforts to make C-sections a better experience for moms. Some are using clear plastic sheets to keep the environmental sterile, while also letting parents get to experience the magical moment of their baby emerging from the womb.

As Motherly previously reported, photos like this one are “showing the world that this new kind of Cesarean delivery can be absolutely beautiful. By posting these pictures, mothers and birth photographers aren’t just proving that C-section births are just as Insta-worthy as every other way women deliver, but they are also spreading awareness about clear drape C-sections, which are also known as “gentle Cesareans.”

“Birth can bring a lot of big emotions.” 

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but it might as well be a million when you’re looking at a gorgeous birth photo.

This is a moment in time we need to see and celebrate, because “just because a baby needs to be born via cesarean doesn’t mean mama can’t be a participant in her birth experience,” says Motherly’s Digital Education Editor, Diana Spalding, a midwife, pediatric nurse and founder of Gathered Birth.

According to Spalding, author of Motherly’s upcoming book, The Motherly Guide to Becoming Mama (April 2020), making C-sections personal is important: “We need to bring birth back to women. Women need options and choices, autonomy and respect. Becoming a mother is one of the most momentous events in a woman’s lifetime—she deserves to have it be her best birth.”

“This is 9 days into being a mother of two and it wasn’t by any means easy.” 

There are lots of different reasons a mama-to-be might want or need a C-section. But they all share one thing in common: those reasons are no one’s business, and they’re certainly not up for judgment or discussion. This new mom-of-two had a condition that made a vaginal delivery impossible, and a C-section was far from “the easy way out.”

A C-section is a birth, just like any other.

“You are unique and your story makes you who you are today. Your fertility, pregnancy, birth story and parenting styles are your decisions and experiences and no one else’s,” this mama writes.

Looking back on a C-section birth story 

What does this mama see when she looks at this photo? Not her scar, but the love and beauty between a mother and child. A scar may or may not fade over time, but that love only grows more visible.

“Instead of a smiling portrait of us, it’s just a photo of me cradling you gently next to the stitched up #Csection dressing you came from. And here we are now. The C-section scar may still be there, but now I can barely hold you in my arms. You are so busy these days and even more beautiful as I’ve gotten to know you this past year. That smile of yours will change the world,” this mama writes.

You are a warrior, mama

This video captures the joy, the fear and the love and the incredible strength woven into all these C-section stories,

Having a C-section is an incredibly emotional experience on a lot of different levels, but we hope that love, pride, and happiness outweigh anything else. Whether it was in your plans or not, you are absolutely a warrior.

To read more facts on a Cesarean Section, click here: Cesarean section: More than a maternal health issue – PMC (nih.gov)

Facing the Possibility of a C-Section

While many pregnancies progress without complications, there are instances when a C-section becomes necessary. One common reason is when the baby is in a breech position. At around 27 weeks, an ultrasound may reveal that the baby is not in the optimal position for a vaginal birth. In such cases, a decision needs to be made between attempting an external cephalic version (ECV) or scheduling a C-section.

An ECV is a procedure where the healthcare provider attempts to manually turn the baby in utero. However, it carries the risk of causing preterm labor, resulting in an emergency C-section. Ultimately, the goal is to have a healthy delivery, a healthy baby, and a healthy mom. Trusting in the expertise of the healthcare team and the choices made is vital to ease fears and ensure the best outcome for both mother and baby.

Educating Yourself

Fear often stems from the unknown, so one of the best ways to overcome it is through education. Taking the time to learn about C-section procedures, including why they are performed and the steps involved, can help dispel misconceptions and alleviate anxiety. Attending prenatal classes, reading reliable resources, and discussing concerns with healthcare providers are crucial steps in understanding the process and making informed decisions.

Seeking Support

Emotional support plays a significant role in conquering fear. Connecting with other mothers who have experienced C-sections and listening to their experiences can provide valuable insights and reassurance. Online forums and local support groups offer spaces to share anxieties and learn from the experiences of others. Seeking support from therapists or counselors specializing in prenatal care can also help develop coping strategies and work through fears.

Communicating with Your Healthcare Provider

Establishing open and honest communication with your healthcare provider is crucial. Sharing fears and concerns and asking questions about the C-section procedure, recovery, and any alternatives can provide reassurance and a better understanding of why a C-section may be recommended. Feeling heard and understood by the healthcare team can alleviate anxiety and build trust.

Visualizing a Positive Experience

Harnessing the power of visualization can create positive expectations and reduce anxiety. Spending time imagining a successful and smooth C-section experience, with both mother and baby healthy and safe, can reframe perspectives and promote a positive mindset. Practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or guided imagery can help calm the mind and body.

Planning Ahead

Preparing for a C-section can help mothers feel more in control and ease fears. Creating a birth plan that includes preferences for pain relief, post-surgery care, and bonding with the baby can provide a sense of empowerment. Discussing these preferences with healthcare providers ensures alignment with hospital policies and procedures. Planning ahead for the recovery period, including meal prepping freezer meals and considering daily tasks while recovering, can also alleviate stress.

Embracing the Team

During a C-section, mothers are not alone. A team of skilled healthcare professionals is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of both mother and baby. Familiarizing oneself with the roles of the medical staff involved, such as the obstetrician, anesthesiologist, and nurses, can provide reassurance and alleviate anxiety. Understanding the coordinated effort involved in a C-section can help mothers feel supported throughout the procedure.

The C-Section Procedure

Having a clear understanding of the C-section procedure can help ease fears and provide a sense of preparedness. From the moment the mother enters the operating room, the medical team works together to ensure a safe and successful delivery. The anesthesiologist and delivery nurse team play crucial roles in keeping the mother informed and comfortable throughout the procedure. Communication is key, with updates on what is happening behind the curtain and guidance on breathing through discomfort. Once the baby is born, immediate skin-to-skin contact and the involvement of the pediatric team ensure a smooth transition to the recovery room.

Feeling Empowered

Approaching a C-section with a positive mindset is essential to conquer fear and embrace the procedure. The focus should be on the safe delivery of a healthy baby, regardless of the method. Understanding and accepting that every birth experience is unique can help mothers let go of preconceived notions and embrace the journey. The excitement of meeting the baby for the first time and the bond that forms in those precious moments can overshadow any fears or concerns.

Recovery and Beyond

Recovering from a C-section requires patience and self-care. Taking it easy for at least two weeks, and realistically closer to 8-12 weeks, is crucial for a full recovery. Planning ahead by prepping freezer meals and enlisting help with daily tasks can ease the transition to life with a newborn. It’s important to listen to one’s body and not overexert oneself. Slowly easing back into physical activity under the guidance of healthcare providers ensures a safe and healthy recovery.

The Scar and Future Births

One concern many mothers have is the appearance of the C-section scar. While it is normal to be apprehensive, it’s important to remember that the scar usually heals well and becomes less noticeable over time. Each woman’s body is unique, and the healing process may vary. It is also important to note that having a C-section with one pregnancy does not necessarily mean that future births must also be by C-section. Vaginal birth after a cesarean (VBAC) may be an option for subsequent pregnancies, depending on individual circumstances and medical advice.

Q&A Section:

Q1: Why are C-section births necessary, and how common are they?

A1: C-section births are often necessary when complications arise during pregnancy or labor, and they are a common medical procedure. Nearly a third of all births in the United States are classified as C-section deliveries.

Q2: How does Motherly support mothers who have experienced C-sections?

A2: Motherly is committed to sharing C-section photos and stories to provide support and awareness. They aim to help mothers understand what to expect during and after a C-section and work towards building a supportive community for women recovering from surgery while caring for a newborn.

Q3: What does the video explaining the anatomy of a C-section depict?

A3: The video explains the steps involved in a C-section surgery, detailing the process of cutting through seven layers of skin, fat, muscle, and more to reach the baby. It provides a visual representation of one of the most physically challenging moments in a mother’s life during a C-section.

Q4: Who created the viral video about C-section anatomy, and what inspired it?

A4: The viral video was created by Jesse Franks, a blogger, International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN) advocate, and a mother of three. Franks was inspired by a childbirth education tool she came across years ago and aimed to provide an informative and less gory perspective on C-section surgeries.

Q5: How does Motherly emphasize the beauty of postpartum bodies, including C-section scars?

A5: Motherly celebrates the beauty of postpartum bodies by sharing photos that showcase various aspects, including stretch marks, C-section scars, and linea negra. They aim to promote self-love, self-acceptance, and the acknowledgment of the strength and courage of mothers.

Q6: What role does clear drape C-sections play in making the experience more positive?

A6: Clear drape C-sections, also known as “gentle Cesareans,” allow parents to witness the magical moment of their baby’s emergence while maintaining a sterile environment. These photos emphasize the beauty of C-section births, spreading awareness about this approach and challenging stereotypes.

Q7: How can mothers facing the possibility of a C-section overcome fear?

A7: Mothers facing the possibility of a C-section can overcome fear through education, seeking emotional support, communicating openly with healthcare providers, visualizing a positive experience, planning ahead, and embracing the teamwork involved in the procedure.

Q8: What are some key points to consider during the recovery period after a C-section?

A8: During the recovery period, mothers should prioritize self-care, take it easy for at least 8-12 weeks, plan for help with daily tasks, and gradually ease back into physical activity under the guidance of healthcare providers. Patience is crucial for a full and healthy recovery.

Q9: Can having a C-section scar impact future births?

A9: While the appearance of a C-section scar may cause apprehension, it usually heals well over time. Having a C-section with one pregnancy does not necessarily mean future births must also be by C-section. Vaginal birth after a cesarean (VBAC) may be an option for subsequent pregnancies, depending on individual circumstances and medical advice.

A version of this story was first published February 19, 2020. It has been updated.

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