Do you use the phrase “gave birth” while referring to your c-section?
I’m still coming to terms with the reality that my baby son was born by c-section (27 hours after a difficult induction), so I understand I’m a little sensitive about this. I also never want to imply that I had a vaginal birth in case people believe I’m trying to distort what happened. So, with that said, should I declare I “gave birth”? Is it only that my son was born?
I hope it’s allowed to remark, I just have to add that I gave birth vaginally, and I would never in a million years believe a c-section mother saying they gave birth was incorrect or a deception.
Your kid may not have been pushed from your body, but they were ripped from it, and you gave birth to new life in the same way I did, but in a different manner.
I know this wasn’t the objective of your statement, but describing the baby was “pulled” from your body is so vividly descriptive. 
That kid was completely pulled out of me.
Oh yeah, I was unprepared for the tugging. I felt no pain, but the sensations were really uncomfortable.
‘You’ll feel some pressure’. Yeah, right 
. I don’t think I’d describe someone fumbling about in my abdomen as pressure, but you do, bebe. (Seriously, I’m simply glad my little meatball has arrived!)
I would not describe it as pressure. Given that most persons doing the treatment have never experienced the pleasure, I suppose it’s understandable. They also took my right ovary during the treatment, which I do not suggest (0/10).
It felt like someone was digging through their purse for lost keys before ultimately ripping them out. Except, you are the handbag, and the keys are a baby!
Haha, I often tell people that my baby was pulled out by his ankles (which is true—I had an emergency c-section after nearly two days of labor, and his head was really stuck. He even had bruised legs from being pulled out).
OP, I’m very open about my c-section, so I usually say “gave birth via emergency c-section,” but it never occurred to me that I might be misrepresenting things by just saying “gave birth.” Failed inductions leading to emergency c-sections are definitely giving birth on hard mode! Take care of yourself (and that pelvic floor, oof).
Oh, love, you brought life into the earth. You gave birth. Hugs.
I needed this for me. I frequently question my (unplanned) experience and still have leftover trauma that I need to work through. It can be quite weighty.
I’m having a C-section in 8 weeks, and reading this comment made me cry. Early in my pregnancy, I realized that different people have varied perspectives on this… But you are correct… I’m bringing life into the world.
Yes, and the baby’s 40 weeks of development are more important than the particular technique by which they exit!
Absolutely. I’m also having twins, so I need to do what’s best for both me and the babies. Thank you!