C-sections: Fact vs. fiction on this common birth procedure

Allison Jackson, MD

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Giving birth by C-section means that you’ll undergo significant abdominal surgery, meaning you’ll need a little more time to recover than those who have a vaginal birth. That much, at least, is true. However, many of the “commonly known facts” about C-sections aren’t facts at all, but instead myths that stubbornly stick around.

OB/GYN Allison Jackson, MD, debunked some of the most common myths about C-sections.

Myth #1: C-sections are “easier” than vaginal births

“There is nothing physically or emotionally easy about undergoing a C-section,” said Dr. Jackson. “Especially for those who experience urgent, unplanned C-sections due to fetal or maternal health complications or distress.”

The common suggestion that C-sections are ‘easier’ or ‘don’t count’ as giving birth is simply a persistent cruelty.

Some women may prefer the feeling of control that scheduling a C-section birth ahead of time gives them, as far as being able to know what day and time they’ll give birth and plan for that, but even the simplest and easiest C-section is still a major abdominal surgery, with its own risks and recovery requirements.

Myth #2: Once a C-section, always a C-section

“This was a pretty common saying within obstetrics back in the 1960s, but it isn’t really true today,” said Dr. Jackson.

Currently, most OB/GYNs know that a trial of labor after C-section (also called TOLAC) is safe and beneficial for mom and baby under the right circumstances. Vaginal birth after C-section (VBAC) is no longer as risky as it used to be, as the surgical technique and technology used during C-sections has improved.

When able to be done safely, women who give birth vaginally after a C-section are able to avoid a repeat of major abdominal surgery and have lower of rates of complications, as well as a shorter recovery period, than those who have repeated C-sections.

“The reason I note that TOLAC/VBAC is safer for women under specific circumstances is that there are situations that lead to the need for repeated C-sections, in which case a VBAC would actually become riskier,” said Dr. Jackson. “That’s why OB/GYNs tend to calculate your risk, and if you have a high chance of success, TOLAC can be a reasonable option.”

Myth #3: C-section babies have more trouble breastfeeding

“Nope. Flat out not true,” said Dr. Jackson. “Giving birth by C-section does tend to delay the initial skin to skin time for mom and baby, sometimes called the ‘golden hour,’ that we try to encourage right after birth. However, that skin to skin time and bonding period is going to be a priority for your care team as soon as it’s safe.”

In fact, the operating room team is going to be encouraging mom’s support person to hold the newborn right up next to mom, so she can see her baby and have that moment as the surgical team finishes up the procedure.

“Once mom is recovering after the surgery, breastfeeding is encouraged and supported,” said Dr. Jackson. “If you have trouble getting breastfeeding started, please feel reassured that some difficulty with getting the right latch, or a delay in milk coming in after birth, is very common for moms after vaginal birth, too.”

A lactation consultant can help you with finding a comfortable position to breastfeed in and giving you advice on how to keep up a positive breastfeeding relationship at home.