Whether it's done vaginally or via a cesarean section, birth is birth. The end result is a body that accomplished the amazing feat of growing a baby, and a newborn to hold and love. All pregnancies leave lasting marks; our bellies may never be the same, stretch marks may move in and take up permanent residence, and our breasts — well, let's just say bra shopping can be a challenge. But there's one thing all of us who give birth via C-section have in common: our scars.
Just as no two bodies are the same, no two C-section scars are exactly alike either. The emotions one has about her C-section scar can vary, especially if the C-section was unscheduled or came at the end of a particularly difficult labor.
But just like our birth experiences, our C-section scars are a part of our stories. Rather than seeing them as a symbol of what "went wrong" during labor, we can view these marks as a lasting reminder of our strength, courage, and determination to forever fight for our children. A C-section scar isn't a mark of failure. It's a sign of survival. For anyone out there who's wondering what to expect after her own upcoming C-section, or for anyone looking for a little inspiration in embracing her scars, here are 15 photos of real women's C-section scars in all their beautiful, kick-butt glory.
The First 24 Hours
Oliva White of the popular House of White blog snapped this photo of her C-section scar only hours after delivery to show fellow C-section moms-to-be just what to expect. "Look I know it might not be my best angle (or is it?), but who wouldn't take selfies hours post birth so they can see where they sliced me open and yanked out a whole person?" she wrote on Instagram.
Two Weeks Later
Two weeks post C-section, and this mom is learning to love her postpartum body — scar and all. "For every woman unhappy with her postpartum marks, is another who wishes she had them," the mom wrote with her photo.
C-Section Scars May Change Over Time
In a rare before and after, this mom shows us how her C-section incision looked four days after her baby was born. In the bottom photo, she shows how it's changed at almost seven weeks post-delivery.
Everyone Is Different
In this stunning black-and-white photo taken by photographer Natalie McCain, we're reminded that not all C-section incisions are closed the same way or heal the same way. But they're worth it.
Some Scars Fade
Not all C-sections leave a lasting impression. After nearly five years, this mom's C-section scar has faded so much it is barely noticeable. But, a lot of this depends on genetics and can't be controlled.
C-Section Doesn't Equal Failure
Photographer Natalie McCain and this new mom wanted to remind all women that having a C-section is not a sign that your body "failed." C-sections are just another form of birth, and they should be celebrated as much as any other kind.
A Sign of a Successful Birth
A complicated fibroid and low-lying placenta meant that this mom's C-section scar was done vertically instead of the horizontal incision we're familiar with. It's a great reminder that no two C-sections are alike.
Just Like Any Other Birth
Photographer Melissa Benzel captured this sweet moment of a mom bonding with her baby right after the C-section that brought them together. Her low incision is barely visible to the camera.
No Two Scars Match
This mom and fitness trainer shows us what her vertical C-section incision looks like at six months postpartum. It's a completely different healing process than the more common horizontal incision.
A Symbol of What Moms Can Accomplish
This mom shows her C-section scar and her baby. All C-section scars are beautiful when we remember that they are what made it possible for us to hold our babies in our arms.
A Forever Memento
Two and a half months after her last birth, photographer Stephanie Jones shows off the beautiful scar that will forever remind her of the babies she once carried.
Four Months Later
This bold mom shows how her scar and post-baby body look four months after delivery. The scar is still there but it's faded. A subtle reminder of the amazing thing her body did.
Where Treasure Was Hidden
Two months after her delivery and this mom says she doesn't see her incision as a scar. Instead, she sees it as the X that marks the spot where the treasure that is her son used to be hidden.
Cause and Effect
This mom and her newborn posed together for this raw and honest photo. Almost four weeks post C-section and both mom and baby are doing great! It can be hard to look at our changed bodies as new moms, but that little peanut will always be worth it.
One Year Later
This mom tells CafeMom that her little one just celebrated his first birthday. And so did the subtle scar that marks the day he arrived. Her scar is tiny and barely visilbe one year postpartum, but will always be a reminder of the love she brought into this world.
