C-Section Insights from Frank Members
A blog post to acknowledge the emotional experience of going through a surgery while also giving birth and the incredible physical recovery that comes along with it.
In honour of C-Section awareness month we decided to interview Frank members who had undergone c-sections themselves in hopes to share the real, the frank, the lived and very varied truths about c-section deliveries. Thank you to everyone who participated. This post is not intended to fear monger whatsoever, but please do feel free to contact us directly, or leave a question in the comments below.
Interview Questions & Answers
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The first time I had an unplanned, emergency C-Section, the scariest part was not being mentally prepared for what that meant. It wasn't something I had prepared myself for in the slightest. Being in the OR, the sounds, the lights, the anesthesia and numbness in my body was a lot to take in and process. For my second, elective C-Section, I wasn't scared because I had the opportunity to shape my experience into one that I felt more in control over, and I knew how to care for my scar a bit better the second time around.
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The disappointment of not giving vaginal birth (I have always REALLY wanted to experience it) and the fear that I may never get to since VBACs can be complicated.
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In my case, it was an emergency c-section so the scariest part was to have to wrap my head around having major abdominal surgery in a short period of time and having to consider all the associated risks quickly.
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My c-section wasn’t planned, so after a very long labour that stopped progressing making the decision to have a c-section felt like another scary decision that came after several other hard/scary things I had already made it through as a part of my labour.
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I wish I kenw more about the surgery when going into the OR. I did not know my options and I missed seeing my baby coming out of my body (I would have asked to drop the courtain they put so you don't see how they cut). I would have also asked the medical staff to not chat about their day, things like this. Regarding the recovery, I was quite on top of the pain management and the movement part due to my training but I completely ignored my pelvic floor. Overall, my abdomen healed ok but I had PF issues persisting past 12 months postpartum.
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The birth class prepped me pretty well but if I didn’t do that 1 hour session I think I would have been alarmed by the sheer number of people in the room. And like the tugging and how much I was shivering from the drugs.
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My recovery was really challenging- more so than anticipated because I had the combo of a very long labour and then major abdominal surgery (c-section). I think recognizing that that is was a c-section is (major surgery) gave me grace for myself as I struggled more to care for myself and my baby. Having lots of support around to help me and my baby was essential.
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I honestly felt entirely prepared. I guess I wish I learned side lying breastfeeding sooner into my recovery because that would have been easier on the core.
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The birth class prepped me pretty well but if I didn’t do that 1 hour session I think I would have been alarmed by the sheer number of people in the room. And like the tugging and how much I was shivering from the drugs.
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For the first time in recovery, I wish I had known how imperative it was to really REST. I wish it was really emphasized in our culture to take the time. I underestimated the healing time.
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Frank is an amazing resource! It has helped me get familiar with scar mobilization and foundational core work. I didn't do anything like that with my first C-Section and I have found it to be really helpful this second time around.
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Yes, my pelvic floor physiotherpaist at that time showed me how to mobilize the scar and that helped a lot. I was also really careful with movements that engage the core and listen to my body to not go too far too quickly.
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Yes, the OB who performed it told me about it when she discharged me and my amazing pelvic floor physio helped perform and teach me massage, needling, and cupping. Being shown by the PF physio was most helpful. Learning I could easily cup at home was new to me.
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No!
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Gentle finger massages
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The highlights has been enjoying movement again, challenging my body in healthy ways and practicing daily gratitude for the joys my body has brought me.
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Starting pelvic floor physio before birth made recovery easier and also I was comfy with my physio when it came time to do postpartum recovery work.
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Honestly I felt like a (planned) c section was a very wonderful experience. It feels very controlled and calm. You are not in control of much really but your partner, anesthesiologist and you feel like a nice little team. The recovery was tough for a while but I have to imagine it’s tough across the board. I feel like with your help I was able to get my core engaged fairly quickly (faster than I would have been able to get any leaking under control if I hadn’t had a C-section).
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It was much harder than I thought it would be! When people tell you to chill after, you have to do it! I am the most eager active person and the recovery feels long at the time but looking back is no time at all. Be pampered!
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My highlight is that despite having a c-section there is also a recovery part for the pelvic floor that cannot be ignored.
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There is no good or bad way of birthing a baby. Slow down, take care of your body.
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My advice would be get real friendly with your core and your pelvic floor, the earlier the better! Being able to connect to that is really the foundation.
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My physio told me the biggest factor in my recovery being quick and successful was how much I rested in the first 6 weeks post. I don’t mind the scar at all but don’t love the “shelf” that it creates, it’s pretty much the only negative other than vag birth fomo. My partner didn’t get to cut the cord since it’s a sterile environment which was a bit of a loss, and I also didn’t get to see my placenta because I forgot to ask in the flurry of the OR.
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C sections are so common and I had no idea! It gets way better so give it time.
The following photos were sent in by Frank members and I think it’s a really beautiful representation of scars over time. Our body has an incredible and innate capacity to heal itself. That being said, a few tips of how and why to mobilize scar tissue can make a huge difference in how scars remodel themselves to be stretchier, more mobile, and less adhered to the layers above and below. Many individuals admitted wishing they’d taken more photos in the early days to be able to see just how much the scar had improved!
0-2 Month Scars
2 - 6 Month Scars
1-2 Year Scars
On behalf of Frank, thank you SO much to everyone who participated in this month’s post. Your words, and images help others better understand what to expect, what to strive for and how to better prepare themselves.
If you’ve recently had a C-Section or are looking to support your pregnancy and postpartum recovery,
Rachelle Bonneville
Founder of Frank
