In a bad or traumatic birth, we often hear people describe feelings of fear, disempowerment, a loss of control, and like they haven’t been heard or listened to. This can be alongside them and/or their baby being in actual or perceived danger, but it isn’t always. The impact that a care provider’s words and actions can have to creating or mitigating a bad birth cannot be underestimated.

Whether you are planning for a caesarean birth from the outset, or you are faced with an in-labour emergency caesarean, there is much you can do to feel confident and empowered in your journey to having your baby, as well as improving your physical and emotional recovery afterward.