Cesarean Awareness Advocacy ribbon
Having a cesarean section, especially if it is unplanned, can have surprisingly devastating effects on a woman’s emotional well-being. She may be left with confusing feelings from not having gone through the natural birth process, because the chemicals and hormones that normally kick in following childbirth can be circumvented with a cesarean section. With support and communication, you can work through any negative feelings you may have regarding your cesarean and begin to move toward peace and emotional healing.
Instructions
1. Allow yourself to feel whatever feelings come over you following a cesarean section. There is no need to feel guilty—loving your baby and being thankful for its arrival in your life does not mean you have to pretend to be happy about having major surgery.
2. Talk to other moms about your cesarean experience. Seek camaraderie in cesarean support groups and email lists and from friends who may be able to understand your feelings of discontent about your cesarean section.
3. Seek out counseling if you continue to have a difficult time dealing with the feelings that remain after your cesarean. Locate a counselor with experience in birth-trauma issues if at all possible. Having a therapist who can give you specific ways to deal with your feelings about the cesarean birth can make a world of difference.
4. Get proper nutrition. Eat plenty of lean protein, vegetables and whole grains, especially if you are breastfeeding. Supplement with a quality whole-foods vitamin if necessary. Being well-nourished helps the body and mind heal more quickly.
5. Try natural mood lifters such as SAM-e or St. John’s Wort, or talk to your doctor about medication, if you feel depressed to a degree that interferes with your ability to function normally. The feelings left over from a cesarean section won’t last forever, and you may benefit from the boost in the meantime.
6. Plan an empowering birth for your next baby. Whether you are planning to have a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) or a repeat cesarean section, include touches that will help make it a positive birth experience. This may include educating yourself on avoid another cesarean, bringing your own soothing music and bedclothes, or requesting to not have your arms strapped during surgery so you can hold your brand-new baby immediately following delivery.
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