By Dr Mama-Aso Peprah
A caesarean section, or C-section, is a surgical procedure performed to safely deliver a baby and placenta from a mother’s uterus. Over the past two decades, there has been a significant increase in the number of C-sections performed worldwide, making it the most common surgical operation. While C-sections are typically necessary when the health and safety of the mother or baby are at risk, there are several factors that contribute to the mental load experienced by mothers who undergo this procedure.
1. Language and Stigma: The terminology used in the medical world to describe the reasons for a C-section can inadvertently create feelings of failure and inadequacy. Terms like “poor progress,” “failed induction of labor,” and “maternal exhaustion” imply that something natural has gone wrong, placing the blame on the mother. This burden can weigh heavily on women, leading them to believe they have failed as mothers.
2. Fear and Anxiety: The prospect of surgery and potential complications can be daunting. A C-section is a major operation that requires the mother’s consent, but it also comes with inherent risks. Stepping into the operating room for the first time can be intimidating, with unfamiliar faces and medical equipment. The fear of feeling pain during the procedure adds to the anxiety.
3. Loss of Control: During a C-section, mothers are laid on a table and unable to move, relying on healthcare professionals for their care. This loss of control can be distressing, especially if there is a lack of trust in the medical team.
4. Shifting Expectations: If a mother had initially planned for a vaginal birth, having a C-section can be disappointing. It’s essential for mothers to allow themselves to mourn the birth experience they had envisioned. Exploring ways to manage these emotions, such as attending preparation workshops for expectant parents focused on mental and emotional well-being, can help mitigate this disappointment.
5. Pain Management Concerns: There is a fear of experiencing pain once the anesthesia wears off. Although medications are administered at specific intervals, the uncertainty of breakthrough pain can be unsettling. However, healthcare providers can address this issue by providing appropriate pain management options.
6. Judgment and Stigma: Mothers who opt for a planned C-section often face judgment from both healthcare workers and society at large. Sharing their birth plan often requires a detailed explanation, as they may encounter comments like “you’re so lucky” or “too posh to push.” This added scrutiny can be challenging to navigate.
7. Physical Recovery Demands: After undergoing major surgery, mothers are encouraged to start walking within eight hours to prevent blood clot formation. While this is necessary for recovery, it can be painful and exhausting. Mothers are expected to care for themselves and their wounds while also caring for their newborns, which can lead to feelings of pressure and judgment if they are unable to meet these expectations.
8. Breastfeeding Challenges: Mothers who have had a C-section may experience difficulties with establishing breastfeeding. Factors such as medication and the delayed initiation of breastfeeding due to medical procedures can contribute to this challenge. It’s important to note that breastfeeding is not the sole defining measure of a mother’s success, and support should be provided to help mothers navigate this aspect of their journey.
9. Frustration Due to Physical Restrictions: Following a C-section, healthcare providers advise avoiding activities that could strain the abdominal muscles or disrupt wound healing. However, in reality, it can be difficult to adhere to all these instructions. This can lead to feelings of guilt if the instructions are not followed or frustration if the limitations hinder the mother’s ability to fulfill her domestic, household, and relationship duties.
It is crucial to recognize and address the mental load experienced by mothers who undergo a C-section.
By providing comprehensive support, understanding, and compassion, we can help alleviate the emotional strain associated with this procedure and ensure a positive birth experience for all mothers.
Taking care of you, so you can take care of your baby!
Dr Mama-Aso Peprah and Carmen Levey
References:
- Weckesser A, Farmer N, Dam R, Wilson A, Morton VH, Morris RK. “Women’s perspectives on caesarean section recovery, infection and the PREPS trial: a qualitative pilot study”. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2019 Jul 15;19(1):245. doi: 10.1186/s12884-019-2402-8. PMID: 31307417; PMCID: PMC6631540.
- Kealy, M.A., Small, R.E. & Liamputtong, P. “Recovery after caesarean birth: a qualitative study of women’s accounts in Victoria, Australia.” BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 10, 47 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2393-10-47
- Valentina Tonei, “Mother’s mental health after childbirth: Does the delivery method matter?” Journal of Health Economics; Volume 63, 2019, Pages 182-196,
- Antoniou, Evangelia & Orovou, Eirini & Papatrechas, Alexandros & Arampatzi, Christiana & Eskitzis, Panagiotis. (2022). “Cesarean Delivery and Mental Health”. 10.5772/intechopen.108847.
