Honoring Birth Choices: International Cesarean Awareness Month

By Dr. Rubi Singh, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynecologist, Octavia Hospital

Introduction:
Why International Cesarean Awareness Month Matters

April is observed as International Cesarean Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about cesarean births and advocating for informed birth choices. As a practicing obstetrician and gynecologist, I, Dr. Rubi Singh from Octavia Hospital, believe that every woman deserves the right to make educated, empowered decisions about how she brings her child into the world.

Across India and globally, cesarean deliveries (C-sections) are becoming increasingly common. While these surgical births can be life-saving in certain circumstances, it is crucial to ensure that women are provided with accurate information, compassionate care, and a supportive environment throughout their pregnancy and birth experience.

What Is a Cesarean Birth?

A cesarean birth is a surgical procedure to deliver a baby through incisions made in the mother’s abdomen and uterus. It may be a planned cesarean section due to known medical conditions or an emergency cesarean when complications occur during labor.

Common Reasons for Cesarean Deliveries Include:

• Fetal distress (when the baby isn’t tolerating labor well)
• Abnormal fetal positions (like breech or transverse lie)
• Placenta previa (where the placenta covers the cervix)
• History of previous cesarean delivery with complications
• Obstructed or prolonged labor
• Multiple pregnancies (in select cases)

However, not all cesareans are medically necessary. This is why open discussions between healthcare providers and expecting mothers about birthing options and risks are essential.

The Purpose of International Cesarean Awareness Month

International Cesarean Awareness Month is not about discouraging cesarean births, but about:

• Promoting evidence-based maternity care
• Educating families about cesarean indications and recovery
• Raising awareness about the potential overuse of cesareans in non-essential situations
• Providing post-cesarean emotional and physical recovery support

Many women who undergo an unexpected cesarean may feel disappointment, guilt, or even grief if their birth experience differed from what they had envisioned. As a specialist in women’s health, I always remind my patients: your worth and strength as a mother aren’t defined by how you gave birth, but by the love and resilience you show each day.

Post-Cesarean Care: Supporting Mothers After Surgery

A cesarean delivery is a major surgical procedure, and recovery demands careful medical and emotional attention. At Octavia Hospital, we prioritize postnatal care for cesarean mothers through:

• Comprehensive post-operative care for pain management, infection prevention, and wound care
• Post-surgical physiotherapy and guided mobilization
• Breastfeeding support specifically tailored for mothers recovering from surgery
• Emotional counseling and postpartum mental health care — because a mother’s emotional well-being is just as important as her physical health

Empowering Women Through Informed Birth Planning

One of the most meaningful ways to support women during pregnancy is by ensuring informed birth planning. At Octavia Hospital, we encourage expectant mothers to:

• Discuss birth preferences and delivery options during antenatal visits
• Understand when cesarean deliveries are medically necessary
• Prepare emotionally and physically for different birth outcomes
• Advocate for themselves by asking questions and seeking clarity on their care plans

An empowered woman makes empowered choices — and this leads to healthier, safer births for both mothers and babies.

How Delayed Cesareans Can Affect Newborn and Maternal Health

In situations where a cesarean delivery is medically indicated and delayed, it can pose serious risks to both the baby and mother. Some possible complications for the baby include:

• Prolonged fetal distress, where the baby isn’t getting enough oxygen, potentially leading to brain injury or developmental delays.
• Birth asphyxia (a lack of oxygen at birth), which can affect vital organs like the brain, heart, and lungs, sometimes causing long-term health issues.
• Stillbirth in severe cases, if immediate medical intervention isn’t performed.
• Increased chances of neonatal intensive care (NICU) admission — when a cesarean is delayed, the baby may experience complications such as breathing difficulties (like transient tachypnea or respiratory distress syndrome), low oxygen levels, infections due to prolonged labor, or birth-related injuries. These newborns often require specialized medical care, monitoring, and sometimes ventilator support in the NICU to stabilize their condition in the crucial first hours or days of life.

A delayed cesarean can mean that a baby who might have been born healthy with timely intervention now faces a higher risk of complications that need intensive neonatal support. This not only affects the baby’s immediate health but can also impact the emotional and physical well-being of the parents.

For the mother, delayed cesarean increases the risk of prolonged labor complications, uterine rupture, excessive bleeding (postpartum hemorrhage), and infection.

This underlines the vital importance of timely, evidence-based, and well-communicated decision-making during childbirth to protect the lives and long-term health of both mother and baby.

Final Thoughts: Celebrating Every Birth Story

This International Cesarean Awareness Month, let’s stand together to:

• Break common myths about cesarean deliveries
• Promote respectful maternity care for all women
• Celebrate the courage and resilience of mothers everywhere

Whether a mother delivers via cesarean or vaginally, planned or unexpectedly, what truly matters is that she is safe, supported, and respected throughout her journey.

As a doctor and a woman, I salute every mother for her unwavering strength, grace, and unconditional love.

With warmth and care,
Dr. Rubi Singh
Consultant Obstetrician & Gynecologist
Octavia Hospital