When Theresa Shebib and I embarked on a small survery about cesarean section mothers, we never imagined it would skyrocket so nearly 861 mothers worldwide.  Starting as a simple project of two cesarean mothers, . . . → Read More: Post Cesarean Feelings Survey Initial Results]]>

This is the first of a series of blogs written by Danielle Elwood summarizing the results of the Post Cesarean Feelings Survey.

When Theresa Shebib and I embarked on a small survery about cesarean section mothers, we never imagined it would skyrocket so nearly 861 mothers worldwide.  Starting as a simple project of two cesarean mothers, and a passion for internet blogging we threw together a survey with 16 questions that peaked our own interests about other mothers experiences.

Over night the project grew a mind of its own multiplying in size a number of times. The information, numbers, and comments.  Much to our surprise many women were more open and honest than we expected. It was amazing to see the impact of social media today on this project.

What became even more shocking to us were the replies, numbers and information we were able to obtain with this project.  I will go question by question reviewing and sharing some of the results through various posts, but first before getting into each individual question, and the comments and experiences listed, I would like to give a general overview and release of the actual poll results.

Starting with question #1 : How many Cesarean Births have you had?
1 Cesarean – 67.4%   580 mothers
2 Cesareans – 23.5%   202 mothers
3 Cesareans – 6.5%    56 mothers
4 Cesareans – 2.6%   22 mothers
1 mother skipped this question

Question #2 – Your Cesarean Birth was :
Elective or Planned : 14.8%   118 mothers
Unplanned : 39.5%  316 mothers
Emergency : 21.0%   168 mothers
Repeat Cesareans :  15.1%   121 mothers
(First was unplanned cesarean, scheduled subsequent cesareans)
First Birth was Cesarean, VBAC attempt or other births : 5.6%   45 mothers
Always attempted vaginal birth, always ended in cesarean : 3.9%   31 mothers
62 mothers skipped this question

Question #3 – If Elective or Planned, What was the reason?
Previous Birth was Cesarean, Doctor Recommended :  33.9%   112 mothers
Knew what to expect, was the birth I wanted: 10.3%  34 mothers
Fear of labor & Natural childbirth : 2.4%  8 mothers
Previous Traumatic Birth, Cesarean was Less risky : 6.4%  21 mothers
No VBAC Support or availability : 5.5%  18 mothers
Other : 56.1 %  185 mothers
531 mothers skipped this question

Question #4 – What Support did you have During Labor?
Midwife : 18.2%  152 mothers
Doula : 9.3%   78 mothers
Spouce/Partner : 90.7%   758 mothers
Family/Friend : 37.0% 309 mothers
Hospital Staff : 49.2%  411 mothers
25 mothers skipped this question
*Note, mothers were allowed to choose more than one option

Question #5 – Would you describe your experience as :
Wonderful : 27.7%   227 mothers
Empowering : 7.4%  61 mothers
Frusterating : 26.7%  219 mothers
Traumatic : 46.8% 384 mothers
Disappointing : 45.5%  373 mothers
41 mothers skipped this question
*Note, mothers were allowed to choose more than one option

Question #6 – Do You feeling like you were in control and respected through the process?
Yes : 37.4%   318 mothers
Somewhat : 35.3%  300 mothers
No : 31.4%  267 mothers
10 mothers skipped this question

Question #7 – Were you happy with your birth support team?
Yes: 71.1%  601 mothers
No : 28.9% 244 mothers
16 mothers skipped this question

Question #8 – Do you feel adequately informed about interventions, medications, and complications during labor?
Yes : 41.1%   350 mothers
No : 28.3%  241 mothers
Somewhat : 21.6%  184 mothers
Does not apply : 8.9%  76 mothers
10 mothers skipped this question

Question #9 – Do you feel you were adequetely informed about the risks of a Cesarean section?
Yes : 51.5%   434 mothers
No : 48.5% 408 mothers
19 mothers skipped this question

Question #10 – How do you feel now about your cesarean section?
It was necessary, greatful we are all ok : 48.2%   406 mothers
It could have been avoided : 25.4%   214 mothers
I wish I had made difference choices that may have not resulted in a Cesarean : 30.6%  258 mothers
Neautral/No strong feelings : 6.0%   51 mothers
It was a traumatic experience : 31.8%   268 mothers
I am angry : 22.8%   192 mothers
18 mothers skipped this question

Question #11 – Did you discuss your experience with family and friends?
Yes : 90.8%  768 mothers
No  : 9.2%  78 mothers
15 mothers skipped this question

Question #12 – Please rate your physical recovery in 1 – 10 scale.  1 being easy, 10 being difficult, painful, with compications.

1 – 16.0 % 136 mothers
2 – 12.9%  110 mothers
3 – 12.2%  104 mothers
4 – 7.0%   60 mothers
5 – 8.7%  74 mothers
6 – 8.1%  69 mothers
7 – 9.9%  84 mothers
8 – 11.5%  98 mothers
9 – 7.0%   60 mothers
10 – 6.7 %   57 mothers
9 mothers skipped this question

Question #13 – Please rate you emotional recovery in 1 – 10 scale. 1 being no issues, 10 being difficult, or PTSD.

1 – 17.9%  152 mothers
2 – 10.2%  87 mothers
3 – 7.5%   64 mothers
4 – 5.5%  47 mothers
5 – 8.7%  74 mothers
6 – 7.1%  60 mothers
7 – 11.8%   100 mothers
8 – 13.5%  115 mothers
9 – 7.7%  65 mothers
10 – 13.3%   113 mothers
12 mothers skipped this question

Question #14 – Did you seek counseling or other support?  (Support group)
Yes : 27.8%  234 mothers
No : 66.7%  561 mothers
N/A : 5.5% 46 mothers
20 skipped this question

Question # 15 – How do you plan on birthing your future children?
Elective/Repeat Cesarean : 23.3%  196 mothers
VBAC : 49.3%  416 mothers
Home Birth : 22.8%  192 mothers
Water Birth : 12.1%  102 mothers
No more children : 26.6%  224 mothers
18 mothers skipped this question

Question # 16 – Would you consider having a VBAC?
Yes : 77.5%  628 mothers
No : 22.5%  182 mothers
51 mothers skipped this question

On top of all the questions we included a box to add any additional comments, in which 302 women used to comment about their experiences and even made comments about the survey itself.
In the following posts, we will start to break this information down question by question providing quotes and comments from the real mothers who took the survey, and opinions on the numbers, and what they say for birth, especially cesarean birth today.

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The Cesarean Feelings Survey was created by two cesarean moms; Danielle Elwood, Doula, Momotics.com and Theresa Shebib co-founder of www.HealthyBabyNetwork.com

Reflective and affirming thoughts or spoken words can help you focus on what your body CAN do, what is natural and beautiful . . . → Read More: Birth Affirmations: Can They Prevent Cesarean Sections?]]>

If you search online for birth affirmations you will likely find lengthy poems, guided imagery information and many sites referencing “The Secret” but birth affirmations can still be powerful tools while being a simple practice.

Reflective and affirming thoughts or spoken words can help you focus on what your body CAN do, what is natural and beautiful about childbirth and affirm the strength you have in you to get though labor. 

Can affirmations reduce the chance of a cesarean section?

Well, birth is unpredictable so no one can guarantee any specific outcome however according to Can Birth Affirmations Help Prevent Cesarean Section? “The pain of labor often causes a chain reaction in women that can ultimately lead to a cesarean section, even though the mother could have had a normal, healthy, natural birth. Often, pain and doubting one’s ability can cause women to opt for epidural anesthesia. When given an epidural, a woman is unable to push effectively and so, is given pitocin in order to stimulate contractions.” This may lead down a path of even more medical intervention and ultimately a cesarean.

If we focus on the phrase “doubting one’s ability” then the role of affirmations may serve the purpose of reminding a woman of her strength and ability, not allowing doubt to creep in and giving mom the best chance of getting through the more challenging labor moments.

Here are some simple affirmations to memorize or write down as a reminder when you need it.

• I embrace birth as a miracle that my body can handle.
• I believe in my strength and ability.
• I feel the strong waves of labor and know that everything is as it should be. Labor is progressing.
• I trust my instinct.
• I trust my body to give birth just as my body knew how to carry this baby throughout the last nine months.
• Keep breathing, relax and accept the power I have in me.
• I am strong and can do this. I trust my body to give birth.
• Soon I will hold my new baby.
• I do not fear labor. It is natural and I am able to get through this. 
• I am strong, healthy and in control.  

Write down the words that would empower you. Most importantly surround yourself with supportive, encouraging, loving people that will help you experience the birth you want.

Your birth experience may end up being different than you expect but going into it with positive energy, awareness and focusing on the amazing, life-altering event you are experiencing may allow you to feel more empowered and in control. If fear of pain, fear of the unknown (totally normal for moms in labor) and self-doubt creep in, re-focus and ask for the emotional support you need from your support team and try to appreciate the miracle of birth.

There are many things you can do to reduce the chance of having a cesarean birth. Please read Things You Can Do to Avoid an Unecessary Cesarean from the International Cesarean Awareness Network to help you avoid a cesarean birth and  insure that your birth experience is as healthy and positive as possible.

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If you would rather listen to meditations or affirmations, you could download Pregnancy and Labor Meditations from NaturalChildbirthEssentials.com or Relaxation for Expectant Mothers by Nancy Hopps available through Amazon.com

For more information on Epidurals, please visit the International Cesarean Awareness Network and read Epidurals–Real Risks for Mother and Baby 

To help you convey your birth preferences to your birth team, print and fill out this two-page birth plan.