We have reached the end of caesarean awareness month and there have been so many wonderful posts.

For my part, at the end of this month I’d like to add an exercise in ownership. You see, this scar will be with you for life. It is yours.

Many women feel pride in this scar, but if it was not in the mental and emotional birth plan it can seem shocking, unsettling and can distance a woman from her body and birth experience.

I feel that the solution is time spent acknowledging what has happened and then moving back into your own body. Knowing that this decision was taken swiftly but perhaps for the best reasons. That for a period of time you felt as though you left your own body and handed it into the care of others.

Once in recovery, baby by your side, the time comes to move back in again. This will start as sensation begins to creep back up your body. Then when you are asked to stand. To move to the toilet once your catheter is removed. And then to shower. This is a wonderful, pivotal moment.

In the shower, with the warm water running down your stomach is the perfect time to begin to peel off the dressings. Gently coax them off and stroke your stomach. Wash yourself softly with great respect. And when you are ready look at where the incision was made. It will seem red and swollen, your stomach will feel harder through the swelling. But look at it all and breathe. Softly and slowly. If there is a mirror take a look at your reflection.

Move back in. It is your body. Your precious, beautiful, life giving body. Take ownership of this space. Take ownership of this journey. Cry if you need to. Smile if you want to. Sing, hold yourself and if your partner is there to support you, allow yourself to be held and loved.

The journey to recovery may take time or it may be swift but throughout, never shy away from your body.

This scar will fade in time to a thin silvery line.
A smile across your lower stomach.