The C-Section Stigma

It was my first baby. I had a normal pregnancy and after bearing intense labour pains for 8 hours, the doctors announced an emergency C-Section; delaying of which according to them, would either result in the loss of my life or the baby’s.

Never had I imagined in my wildest dreams that I would undergo a caesarean. My mother and sister all had vaginal deliveries. So I thought I would too. During my pregnancy, I never equipped myself with information about this type of child birth.

But Alhamdulillah, when destiny chose this for me, I accepted it wholeheartedly. After keeping the baby inside me for 9 months, I just wanted her in my arms. I couldn’t afford to lose her.

Alhamdulillah it was a successful and an absolutely unexpected Caesarean. Never did I, to date, grieve about it. I strongly believed it was Allah’s decision for me. Maybe I couldn’t bear the pains of normal delivery, I always told myself. Though it’s effects are long lasting, I always considered it better than being child-less.

But the mindset of the people around us is not always the same. Women who had faced Caesareans know how they are looked down upon, adding much to their already existing trauma.

It’s not that C-Section moms don’t feel pain and are lucky to forego labour. It is a life changing experience and also requires a longer recovery period. The majority of such circumstances arise out of emergency and usually it is not about considering an easy way out.

I don’t intend to promote it, neither do I suggest to opt for it in situations under one’s control. But if it is predestined for you, there is no use grieving about it. Do not try to develop a sense of failure or shame about yourself.

Submit yourself to the will of your Creator.

By Umm Zain