One in four mums every year have to give birth by caesarean section, figures show

One in four mothers each year are compelled to undergo a caesarean section, and a recent study reveals that nearly all of them (96%) face significant concerns immediately following the birth. The primary worry for those who have had this major surgical procedure is the reliance on others for assistance with their newborn during the recovery period (58%). Additionally, over half (54%) of the 500 UK mothers surveyed who have given birth through C-section express concerns about the level of pain they will experience afterward.

Other anxieties include the ability to properly feed or change their baby, with 47% feeling anxious about lifting their baby comfortably and 43% worrying about responding quickly to their cries. About 8% express concerns about falling in love with their child after the operation, and 15% worry about difficulties in bonding. Despite these challenges, 88% of the mothers state that their C-section experience had no impact on their long-term relationship with their child.

The research, conducted by Essity, highlights that having a C-section makes the early days of motherhood more challenging than expected for many mothers, with nine in ten admitting they would have struggled without help. Julie Cummings, of the hygiene and health company, emphasized the need to address post-partum care and provide alternative approaches, particularly for women facing complications or infections.

The study also revealed that one in three mothers were prescribed antibiotics after their C-section, and 21% experienced an infection, delaying recovery by more than 2.5 weeks. Additionally, 64% of the surveyed mothers were surprised at the extent of movement restriction after birth, with planned C-section mothers feeling more practically prepared (74%) than those who had emergency procedures (24%).

Lucy Woodhouse, a mother of three, shared her experience of complications after the birth of her second child, emphasizing the challenges and fears associated with post-operative care and recovery.