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The unseen scars

Abstract:

An unplanned caesarean section is known to have negative implications for the woman and her partner, risking damage to the woman's self esteem and self concept which is widely acknowledged in childbirth literature. My intention in this article is to discuss these implications, and how they can be minimised through appropriate and loving support offered by midwives. As a twenty-two year old primiparous woman, with no previous hospital experience, I underwent an unplanned caesarean section. As a young teenager, I experienced violent sexual abuse. In many respects, the feeling I experienced during and after my caesarean section were the same as those I also experienced as a rape survivor (writing this is also a way for me to let go of some of my "demons".) The shock of an unexpected caesarean section can be overwheliming, and without adequate support or after-care, can precipitate a crisis situation.

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emotional support for women, mode of birth, sexual abuse, unplanned caesarean