Stop saying c-sections are the easy way out: “There’s NO easy way to birth”

One mum’s had enough of the “easy c-section” misconception, and her passionate Facebook post about the reality of delivering a baby this way is striking a chord with others.

The easy way out?

Brilliant blogger Sophie McCartney of Tired ‘N Tested recently shared some home truths on caesarean deliveries. (Maybe you already know Sophie from her Ed Sheeran inspired Smell of You video? Or her Fleetwood Mac parody?)

Sophie’s aware that some folk call c-sections “the easy way out” and, as a woman who experienced an actual c-section, she’s just not having it. Further, she’s keen to acquaint those dismissive people with some gosh-darned actual facts about this important – and major – procedure.

  Read more on c-section births:

• Jessica Biel’s struggle after emergency c-section
• 6 thoughts every mum has before a scheduled c-section
• Mum shares c-section feels

Jokes aside …

Not only are c-sections most definitely not an easy option, they can be a challenging and at-times confronting experience for mums on the cusp of meeting their babies. Sophie says the c-section procedure is shrouded in misconceptions.

“A friend of mine, yet to embark on parenthood, recently joked that when she gave birth she would be opting for the ‘easy way’ out – choosing a cesarean over natural,” Sophie explained, noting that she didn’t blame this not-yet-informed friend for believing the hype.

“This got me thinking … well first I laughed a sort of psychotic serial killer-esque laugh – but then I started contemplating. Is it really the easy way out?”

A date with Destiny

Sophie’s daughter Destiny was born via c-section after 45 minutes of trying to push her out – at the end of a gruelling 16 hour labour. She explains the reality of her own birth and it’s so very far from easy.

“There seems to be an odd assumption that having a C-Section is some sort of magical and pain-free alternative to natural childbirth,” she writes on Facebook.

“Granted, if it’s planned you can eliminate contraction pains and a lot of the vomit / poo indignity that goes with a natural labour – but you still have to undergo major surgery… AWAKE (in most cases).”

“Rummaging in your trunk”

Along with the feelings of anxiety that surround a change in plans or any surgery, there’s the physical sensations and aftermath to adjust to. Nothing easy here.

“Yes, there’s a big blue sheet,” Sophie says, “but what the heck is happening on the other side of it?! Two people rummaging in your trunk as though they’ve lost their phone down the back of a sofa cushion, is unpleasant at best.”

“And once it’s over, and you’ve gone through the horror of not being able to feel your legs for a couple of hours – what then? Well, regardless of it being planned or emergency – everyone is still very much in the same painful, catheter, and bloodied surgical stocking filled boat.”

Image via Sophie McCartney of Tired ‘N Tested/Facebook

“No time for laying around”

Then there’s the adjusting to the idea that a vaginal birth wasn’t possible – which Sophie says she really struggled with – AND the push to recover, to contend with.

“A c-section is also one of the few major operations you’ll have where less than 24 hours after going under the knife, you’re hurled out of bed and sent for a walk and a shower.”

“You’ve got a child to look after woman, no time for laying around and feeling sorry for yourself. Brutal.”

It’s never easy

In the end, Sophie points out that no birth can EVER be easy.

“Hate to be the bearer of bad news folks, but I’ve come to the conclusion there’s no easy way to birth … What goes up must come down, albeit nine months later and slightly heavier – there’s just no getting away from pain, scars, complications, and a hefty dose of indignity.”

That said, it’s the final adorable prize that matters most, however they arrived, or as Sophie reminds us: 

“If everyone comes out of it healthy, happy and alive – who really cares?” INDEED.