“Cesarean babies are lost souls. They are never truly born, so they can never be grounded.” Sounds shocking, right? This notion was actually conveyed to a cherished client of mine who underwent a cesarean birth. Imagine the impact such words could have on her feelings. Today, I want to address the topic of cesarean births, focusing on the language we use surrounding them.
Recently, I’ve participated in multiple discussions where people claimed that cesarean births don’t qualify as actual births. Each time, I was taken aback. This assertion creates a myriad of painful complications. When parents are asked, “When was your baby born?” they would have to awkwardly reply, “Oh, they weren’t really born.” Children born via cesarean might not even have “birth”days to celebrate. The most troubling aspect is the emotional weight placed on parents who give birth this way.
Some argue that we should alter our terminology to steer birth culture back toward natural delivery. While I agree that a cultural shift is necessary, merely renaming cesarean births will not bring about change. A fellow birth photographer, Laura James, wisely asked, “Is birth solely a physical occurrence, or does it also encompass emotional and spiritual dimensions?” I firmly believe it’s the latter. For many, giving birth signifies the beginning of parenthood, the arrival of a child, and a transformative experience that happens regardless of the mode of delivery. This transformation is what defines birth.
However, I do believe we should reconsider how we refer to cesarean births. Every time I hear the term “c-section” or simply “section,” I wince. Seven years ago, while preparing for my first child and attending a childbirth education class, the instructor—a compassionate nurse—challenged us to rethink our language around surgical births. She urged expectant families to use the phrase “cesarean birth,” emphasizing that if their baby was born via cesarean, it was still a birth and could be a beautiful experience. Her words resonated deeply within me, and as I engaged more in birth work, they became increasingly relevant. Terms like “c-section” feel cold and clinical, often alienating parents from their birthing experience.
As a birth doula, I’ve supported many families during cesarean births, observing how some parents struggle with feelings of disconnection. These parents deserve better. There are numerous ways to enhance the cesarean experience for families (like allowing support persons in the operating room—something that often poses challenges for patients), but one of the simplest improvements is in our language. Let’s simply refer to them as births, because that’s precisely what they are.
I would love to see healthcare providers also modify their language. I’ve heard even the kindest doctors and nurses prepare patients for “sections.” By using the word “birth” instead, they can help parents feel more connected to the moment they are about to meet their baby. This small change could make the experience feel more humane and less intimidating. Perhaps a linguistic shift might also remind other staff members that a significant emotional event is unfolding (like not chatting casually during the birth or making offhand comments about how a newborn looks—yes, I’ve witnessed this). What a simple courtesy we could extend to cesarean parents.
So, as that nurse implored me years ago, I echo her sentiments: let’s be mindful of the language we use when discussing cesarean births.
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In summary, it’s essential to acknowledge cesarean births as valid and significant experiences by changing our language. By doing so, we can foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for all parents.