A Mom Is Trying To Change The Stigma Around C-Sections After Being Told She's Not A 'Real Mom'

When Sunny went into labor with her son Axel, she was informed by the doctors that complications had arisen and that she would have to give birth via emergency C-section as opposed to a natural birth; a misnomer if ever there was one.

"I was progressing with my dilation and it looked like everything was on track for a natural birth," Sunny explained in an interview with The Daily Mirror.

Sunny is quick to point out that a C-section was never a part of her original birthing plan. She never came in with the mindset that she was going to have major abdominal surgery that day.

However, in light of what the experts were telling her and to ensure the safe arrival of her son, Sunny did what was best for the baby and decided to go ahead with the C-section.

The entire ordeal was incredibly stressful for both parents and Sunny was elated upon hearing the news that her son would indeed be alright. However, that joy was quickly replaced with a myriad of negativity and judgment — the vast majority of which, ironically enough, came courtesy of other mothers.

"I had no idea of the onslaught of comments that were to follow in regards to the C-section," Sunny recalled. "There are really negative attitudes surrounding it."

"I've had other people tell me that I've had the easy way out, that I didn't do anything and just laid there," Sunny recalled. She became fixated on the hurtful comments, not wanting to continue yet somehow unable to stop.

"They told me I didn't really give birth to my baby," Sunny said flatly. "The worst comment I received was from someone who said 'how can you call yourself a mum? You didn't give birth to him.' That really hurt."

According to an article published in USA Today, 31% of all births in the United States are done via C-section. Some hospitals have even reported that as many of 60% of all births that they perform in a given year are done in this manner.

For someone to even suggest that a woman hasn't given birth or isn't a real mother simply because she didn't have a vaginal birth is both ludicrous and offensive.

"It is so disheartening to hear that so many mums have been made to feel like they are somehow less than other mothers because they had a C-section," Sunny explained.

The stigma needs to stop. At the end of the day, all that should matter is that these women are bringing new life into the world. The manner in which they do it should be of no consequence to anyone but themselves.

Sunny is also quick to also point out that in most cases when a C-section isn't planned ahead of time, it's done as a last resort to save the life of the baby/mother. "Everyone's story is different," Sunny wisely states. "As long as a baby is born happy and healthy, nothing else matters."

Have you or someone you know ever been judged for having a C-section? Leave a comment and share your experience.