South Africans share their C-section experiences

By: Poelano Malema

The #C-section has been trending on Twitter since Tuesday.

Scores of women have taken to the social media platform to share their experiences.

What is a C-section?

There are different methods of delivery. The most common one is the vaginal birth. This is when a child is pushed out of the mother’s uterus via the vagina. It does not require surgery.

Another popular method of giving birth is the cesarean section.

Webmd describes a C-section as a way of delivering a baby by surgery that opens up the mother’s abdomen and uterus.

When is a C-section done?

A C-section is usually done when natural birth might be too risky for both the mother and child. For instance, if you face challenges during labour such as when your baby is in distress or is in an abnormal position.

Most doctors also recommend a C-section when the child is too large for the birth canal. It can also be recommended when you have previously given birth using a C-section.

READ: It’s a boy! Zandie Khumalo gives birth

More women giving birth using C-section

A recent report by the World Health Organization indicates that a C-section births are on the rise.

The health site states that C-section births now account for more than 1 in 5 (21%) of all childbirths.

It also states that the number is going to increase in the coming years.

“This number is set to continue increasing over the coming decade, with nearly a third (29%) of all births likely to take place by caesarean section by 2030,” states the site.

Pros and cons of a C-section

One of the biggest benefits of a C-section is that it can save both the mother and baby’s lives.

When it is scheduled, it also gives the mother the opportunity to prepare emotionally and mental for delivery.

However, despite all these benefits, a C-section births also comes with risks.

WHO says that it is important that a C-section is only done for medical reasons.

“While a caesarean section can be an essential and lifesaving surgery, it can put women and babies at unnecessary risk of short- and long-term health problems if performed when there is not medical need,” states the website.

Dr Ian Askew, Director of WHO’s Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, says unnecessary surgical procedures can pose a health risk for both mother and child.

“But not all the caesarean sections carried out at the moment are needed for medical reasons. Unnecessary surgical procedures can be harmful, both for a woman and her baby,” he said.

Some of the risks highlighted by the health site include; heavy bleeding or infection, slower recovery times after childbirth, delays in establishing breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact, and increased likelihood of complications in future pregnancies.

Women share their experiences

Scores of women shared their C-section experiences on Twitter.

Below are some of their comments.

I walked into my midwife’s office and said “I’m having a c-section, please don’t try to talk me out of it”. I was barely out of the first trimester. Don’t make us victims. We’re choosing c-sections. Whether they’re making money or not is none of my business.

— bantu.azania (@nomhlenhlapho) October 20, 2021

STOP TELLING WOMEN WHAT TO DO WITH THEIR BODIES.
I went through natural labour. Suffered for over 24 hours. I couldn’t dilate. I BEGGED the gynaecologist at Mowbray to take her out NOW. My baby was in distress. I would choose C-Section over and over.

— Whipped Cream Whore (@TwheetyBird) October 20, 2021

I was a victim of this . It caused me to have postpartum depression. I was so sad when I read the false reasons written down by the gyne for why I needed c section. I really wanted a natural birthed .They pretended to induce me when in actual fact the c section was scheduled.

— khanyisa (@khanyi_makahane) October 20, 2021

C-SECTION. It is the only major surgery,where 7 layers are opened, and you are expected to stand 6 hours later,taking responsibility for another person; not to mention the contractions of the uterus to portray,breastfeeding.If you’re a mother via c-section,YOU’RE POWERFUL pic.twitter.com/BzpXNlSVev

— Minister of HIV (@niqita11) October 19, 2021

Yet many think that child birth is a walk in the park 😭😭 i was literally declared dead with zeydan,they tried waking me up for 5 hours bt u would i had epidural for c-section bt ddnt work so I was given anesthesia😢 pic.twitter.com/8ZuuR0f4Ia

— Minister of HIV (@niqita11) October 15, 2021

Image courtesy of Pexels.

Written by: Poelano

c-section birth Children mothers natural childbirth World Health Organisation