Rosie Buckley - @rosiewithapen
Caesarean birth is often talked about as one type of pregnancy story. Sometimes a C-section is an emergency or a last resort, but this isn’t always the case.
For many families, it may be planned well in advance or something which is medically necessary. Either way, it’s one part of a much bigger story about how families are formed, and it deserves more discussion!
In reality, C-sections can be part of many different paths to parenthood, including fertility treatment, surrogacy, and same-sex couples.
Maternity data from NHS hospitals in England for 2024–2025 shows that 45% of deliveries were by caesarean section. That’s a huge percentage, which reflects why inclusive birth conversations matter now.
With C-section awareness month being in April, now is the time when we can make all parents feel seen and heard.
What Does Caesarean Awareness Month Mean To You
Caesarean Awareness Month not only provides the opportunity to start more inclusive conversations, but also the chance for people to reflect on their own experiences.
"I had an emergency C-section in 2023, and having articles and stories to read and celebrate caesarean sections makes me so happy. It makes you feel seen and part of something. When you have an emergency caesarean, the postpartum period can feel daunting. It’s not something you're necessarily prepared for, but I wouldn't change my experience for the world.” - Phillipa, age 25
“Caesarean section awareness month means acknowledging that my planned C-section was not "the easy way out" but a brave and thoughtful choice. It was the moment I became a mother, and that makes it just as beautiful as any other birth story.” - Leah, age 27
“A reminder of the life of my twins and my own that would not have been possible without the great team that performed the operation in the middle of the night.” Anonymous, age 54.
How C-Section Births Vary
People Who Have Gone Through Fertility Treatment
When people talk about fertility journeys such as IVF or IUI, the conversation often stays focused on treatment and pregnancy milestones. However, there is another important factor in this journey that shouldn’t be overlooked, and that’s birth.
For people who have gone through fertility treatment, feelings toward a C-section can differ.
For some parents, a C-section can feel like just another medical step in their journey. In some cases, it can give parents control and reassurance through careful planning. Some parents feel a mix of emotions at once, such as relief and uncertainty at the same time.
Surrogacy Journeys
Surrogacy is another way to become a parent, and this birth experience can mean a lot to many people at once. Surrogacy may involve not only the physical experience of the surrogate but also the emotional experience of the intended parents.
In some cases, a C-section may be medically necessary. In other cases, it might be planned to help intended parents be clear about timings, making sure they’re present for the arrival of their baby.
Decisions around delivery can also involve balancing medical advice with practical considerations to support both the surrogate’s health and the intended parents’ involvement.
Either way, healthcare professionals should make sure everyone involved feels supported. Early conversations between healthcare professionals, surrogates, and intended parents can help make sure everyone’s on the same page.
Same-Sex Families in Birth Conversations
C-sections also happen within many same-sex family journeys. However, these experiences aren’t always included in mainstream birth conversations. Some families involve a birth mother and a non-birth mother.
Some are navigating surrogacy, and others involve donor conception. In all of these cases, the experience of a caesarean can be influenced not just by the surgery itself, but by whether parents feel respected.
Inclusive care is also important. This can include the wording used by professionals and how both parents are acknowledged before, during, and after the baby is born. Making assumptions like “mum and dad” can feel invalidating, and instances where a non-birth parent is overlooked in a conversation can feel exclusionary.
Recovery Is Part of the Story
Because a C-section is a major abdominal surgery, recovery is a big part of the postpartum experience.
Healing requires rest, but also patience, because it doesn’t happen overnight. The person who gave birth might appreciate help from loved ones while they heal. This could involve cooking meals for them, helping with household chores, and assisting with baby care.
C-sections are part of many people’s birth stories.
Society needs to move away from one-size-fits-all ideas about what birth or family should look like, and recognise that everyone’s journey is different. More inclusive conversations can help people feel seen.
BABYGO®
BABYGO® sells a range of amazing products to help parents during pregnancy and postpartum, as well as a wide range of items for babies.
Explore their website to find out more and learn about how their products can help you and your baby.
Rosie Buckley - @rosiewithapen