Experiencing a birth that didn’t go as planned can leave many parents feeling confused, disappointed, or even traumatized. Whether you had a cesarean birth you weren’t expecting, faced unexpected interventions, or felt unsupported during labor, your feelings are valid. In this post, we’ll explore how to begin healing after a difficult birth, how to process and reclaim your birth story, and when it might be helpful to seek additional support. If you're struggling to make sense of your experience, this guide is for you.

Let's kick things off by making one thing clear: a cesarean birth is STILL A BIRTH!

None of that “C-sections aren’t natural” or “it’s not a real birth” b.s. here, thanks!

While the hope for many is to have a vaginal delivery, cesareans are a common surgical procedure that can help bring baby earthside when it is unsafe to do so otherwise. Sometimes a cesarean birth (also known as a C-section) is planned ahead of time for different medical reasons or it can be emergent after a tried vaginal delivery is deemed too risky for mother or baby to continue. Whatever the reason may be, a doula can still provide support if you find yourself preparing for a cesarean.