Cultural Ideas & Feelings Surrounding C-Sections

Some cultures and religions may hold negative views about C-section births. Women have reported hearing phrases like "the women in the Bible did not have C-sections, why should you?" 

Some women have reported their cultures insisting women who undergo C-sections are selfish and lazy.

Other women also reported a cultural belief that women should endure pain during childbirth and would not accept a C-section, often resulting in the loss of the child's life and the mother's life.

Some women also reported feelings of failure and like a "bad birther" for not having delivered their baby vaginally.  They reported being shamed and being told they did not deliver their baby, but the doctor who performed the surgery did.

These feelings can cause immense distress for the mother and affect the bonding with the baby. It is important to be aware that these views may influence the way the birthing parent feels about their birthing experience. Encourage the mothers to journal their feelings and speak to others about how they are feeling. If the symptoms of sadness and depression linger for more than 2 weeks, it may be necessary to encourage the mothers to seek out help as this can be a sign of post partum depression.