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Cesarean Emotional RecoveryThere are an almost infinite number of feelings you can experience after childbirth. You could feel relief, happiness, sadness, anger, or even loss and failure for not delivering vaginally.
Disappointment in the DeliverySome women feel disappointed because they had their heart set on a vaginal birth. If you had a cesarean after a prolonged and difficult labor, you may be frustrated that you worked so hard only to end up on the surgical table.
{Photo by Ingorrr} If you feel these things, take the time to work through the pros of the birth experience you had and dismiss the "fantasy birth" you didn't have. After all, is there such thing as a "fantasy birth"? What matters is the prize you get at the end! Every birth should be a cherished memory signifying the beginning of a very specific, individual person. It's the start of that unique child's life, why should the birth not also be unique? If you would like to deliver vaginally next time, be encouraged. VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) is now entirely possible in some circumstances. Your doctor will help you in determining whether your next pregnancy will be a good candidate for VBAC.
Post Partum DepressionFor some women, the emotional return to your pre-pregnancy self is long and arduous.Nearly 1 in 10 women struggle with postpartum depression immediately or several months after childbirth. If you feel this may be you, seek help from friends, family, a church, or even your doctor. Do not suffer silently. Cesarean emotional recovery is not something you should try to do alone. Perhaps your baby is in Intensive Care. Although I personally have never experienced that, as a mother, I know my heart would be aching and my eyebrows perpetually furrowed. When I need comfort I go to my refuge, the God of all comfort and read Psalms 61, 62, 91, 116, and 142.
He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.
As you experience this time of stress, seek peace. Not only will it soothe your baby (who can detect Mommy's emotions) it will help to speed along your own physical recovery.
Feeling Alone? Need Help?Sovereign Grace Ministries keeps an excellent directory of churches that are biblically-based and truth-driven. Find loving support and encouragement to help you with your cesarean emotional recovery through these excellent churches. Click here to find a church in your area.If you live in southeastern Wisconsin or northern Illinois I'd love to invite you to my church! I find my support and encouragement by serving and attending Crossway Community Church in Kenosha, WI. Use the Contact Me page to let me know you want to come and I'll email you back asap. We can even go out to lunch afterwards. I'd love to meet you, your baby, and anyone else in your family!  Cesarean emotional recovery can be a slow process. Keep a journal. Talk to friends. Take regular showers and get plenty of rest. Seek the comfort and support of a strong church.
As relational beings, women require relationships with others. Seek those relationships out, and with their support
(and hopefully their prayers), you will bounce back better and stronger than before.
All the photos on this page can be found at www.flickr.com and
were used according to licensing requirements.
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