When it comes to bringing new life into the world, every birth story is unique. Yet, amid the anticipation and excitement, there are times when unexpected twists lead down the path of a cesarean section (C-section) and not the normal delivery. And yet, it appears that, in a world that talks about women’s rights and empowerment, there is still a societal perception problem that overshadows the experience of those who have had C-sections and we are talking of countless mothers.
Despite the advancement in maternal healthcare, many women continue to face judgment and criticism for the way they give birth.
Picture a maternity ward, the hum of medical equipment, and a mother-to-be labouring with determination. But as the clock ticks and the contractions intensify, the baby is in distress.
With each passing moment, the diligent medical team sees the need to take action and a decision has to be made quickly to ensure the safe delivery of the little one and also to protect the mother, thus, a C-section is conducted.
This was Madalo Haji’s experience when she went to give birth to her secondborn. But after that experience, people judged her, saying her birth was not as real as that experienced by others.
As the years go by, she feels discriminated against as people still talk about how she gave birth, with women at the forefront of the criticism.
“They say I did not feel the pain of childbirth, it is insulting how they say ndi wakumpeni,” she said. Wakumpeni is a Chichewa word used to describe a child born through C-section, with the other common term being ‘wa pa window’ (through a window).
“I initially felt less of a mother but with time I have recovered,” Haji added.
Childbirth is an experience weaved in a unique story of courage, resilience, and determination.
Think of another room where a mother awaits her turn for surgery, her mind racing with a mix of nerves and anticipation. For her, the journey to this moment has been anything but straightforward. Her healthcare team recommended a planned C-section for the arrival of her first child.
As the surgical team prepares, the mother finds comfort in knowing that this decision has been made with her best interests at heart.
Clara Malunga’s journey exemplifies this experience. In 2013, at the age of 37, she underwent a C-section as advised by her medical team. This was her first child after many years of trying.
Yet, instead of receiving unconditional support, Malunga encountered criticism and accusations of laziness for not opting for a natural birth.
According to Malunga, the criticism at one point made her question her motherhood’s validity.
“Are you too lazy to push? Why do you want to do this? These were some of the questions that I was being asked,” she said.
Despite facing pressure to conform to traditional birthing norms, she courageously followed her medical team’s recommendations, ultimately prioritizing her safety and that of her child over societal judgment.
Women like Malunga and Haji find themselves questioning their capabilities as mothers due to the misconception that C-sections are an easy way out, unaware of the physical and emotional toll it takes.
Yet, in both cases, the factors leading to a C-section are as varied as the individuals themselves. From fetal distress to maternal health conditions, each decision is carefully weighed, with the ultimate goal of bringing the mother and baby safely through to the other side.
The persistent perception of C-section births as “less valid” has contributed to a culture of discrimination and stigmatization, particularly among women.
Being a society where norms constantly evolve, the perception of childbirth stands as a battleground ripe for cultural overhaul.
Malawi is grappling with one of the highest maternal mortality ratios globally. The stigma surrounding C-section births underscores the urgency for cultural shifts surrounding childbirth perceptions.
In the end, amid the flurry of activity and the beeping of monitors, there is a singular focus: the arrival of a new life welcomed into the world with love, care, and the unwavering dedication of those who stand by to ensure a safe and healthy birth.
Midwife Ansely Chakondwa Gama from Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) agrees that people have the wrong idea about C-sections. She however stresses the need to educate patients and guardians on dispelling the myths.
“We just don’t give out C-sections, especially here at our hospital, there has to be a justification as to why the patient needs to go through the procedure,” she said.
“We also engage guardians to understand why the patient has to go through the procedure,” Gama added.
The psychological impact of societal judgment on mothers who undergo C-sections cannot be overstated.
Dr Mwawi Ngoma is a maternal mental health specialist and midwife. While challenging the common misconceptions surrounding C-sections, she highlights the medical necessity of the procedure in certain cases and stresses the importance of dispelling stigmas associated with it.
She emphasized the need for empathy and understanding in supporting mothers through their unique birthing journeys, particularly in combating feelings of inadequacy, guilt, and postpartum depression.
“The confidence of her to be able to interact with others is also important for the baby, so if the mother is not mentally healthy then they cannot be able to interact, play, and bond with the baby,” she said.
Efrida is on the cusp of motherhood for the second time and currently navigates her fears and uncertainties surrounding her mode of delivery.
According to the 23-year-old, the pressure to opt for vaginal birth due to perceptions that C-sections signify laziness is what will push her to look forward to normal delivery.
As she waits for her date of delivery at QECH, she says with help and advice, she is feeling more confident, and ready to challenge what people think about C-sections.
From a human rights perspective, challenging ingrained perceptions and fostering open conversations about childbirth is paramount. In a world that is changing fast, Malunga, Haji, and Efrida show that each woman’s journey to motherhood is uniquely hers, deserving of recognition and respect.
It is time for society to embrace and celebrate the uniqueness of every mother’s journey, rejecting the notion of C-sections as an “easy way out” and instead, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all mothers.
