Whether you slice it this way or that way, child birth is hard. The birth experience that each woman goes through is unique to her. Many women believe that women who are opting for C section are going for an easy way out. Others believe it to be the last resort only chosen for the safety of mother and the child. Whatever the case, misinformation about C section among women is really common. Let’s bust some of the common myths around C section.
Myth no.1: If you have C section once, you are always going to have it
This is a common belief that if you have one caesarean delivery, it means all your future pregnancies are going to end up in C sections. This is not true. As a matter of fact, 70 percent of the women actually get to have vaginal births in their future pregnancies. For instance, if there are recurring indications of a contracted pelvis, then you need to have C section done but if it indicates fetal distress, then you can have vaginal delivery. The whole process needs to be closely monitored.
Myth no.2: The recovery period for C-section and natural delivery is the same
You need to take rest after giving birth whether it is vaginal delivery or C section. However, in case of C section you need more rest and relaxation. Women with C section can leave the hospital after three to five days and have a minimum recovery time of four weeks. On the other hand women with vaginal birth leave the hospital in a day or two and need a recovery time of one to two weeks. You also need to stay away from vigorous exercise and avoid lifting heavy objects.
Myth no.3: you can’t breastfeed after C section
It is your personal decision to bottle feed or breastfeed. In case you wish to breastfeed, having a C section doesn’t have any effect on your ability to do it. All you need is a little patience. Breastfeeding doesn’t become impossible. It does take C section mothers a little longer to begin breastfeeding compared to those who do deliver vaginally. You might be in pain after C section. You can try different ways to hold the baby and practice the one you are most comfortable with.
Myth no.4: Complications and risks from C section aren’t that much different from natural birth.
A woman who is undergoing a C section for the first time is three times more likely to suffer from serious complications compared to a women giving birth naturally. The complications may include major infections, kidney failures, blood clots, heart attack and sever bleeding.
Myth no.5: Women who have C sections miss out on bonding with their babies after birth.
Many women with C section are actually able to bond with their baby shortly after birth. Yes, it is true that few parts of your body become very sensitive to touch after a C section but this doesn’t mean that the procedure becomes an obstacle when it comes to skin to skin contact between you and the baby. You can take your time looking for a position that makes both of you comfortable. After all, there is plenty of skin available to make contact with the baby apart from the scar.
