by Tara Shafer posted in Pregnancy

I have had three c-sections. I have no regrets about them. There is no part of me that feels as though I missed out on birth. I believe absolutely that births by c-section are every last bit as valid (and natural) as vaginal births.
And while there are sometimes medical reasons for a c-section, I do not think they need to exist in order to "defend" the c-section.
Let's be honest: there is a lingering judgment in certain circles about the validity of birth where c-sections are concerned. Someone once told me that my babies had been "harvested." I was not offended, particularly. I had no peace to make with any c-section. It just seemed a strange thing to say on a playground.
The purpose of my post is not to debate this point. It is only to give voice to my own experience ? as a c-section veteran and as a huge fan. Naturally, I want for all women to have the birth they want. If a vaginal birth is something that feels important to you, then I wish that for you. But vaginal birth meant nothing to me. When my first son was born by c-section, it did not even occur to me to feel as though my experience was "less than."
I have dear friends who genuinely mourned their c-sections. I have deep respect for their experience. And I wish I could ease their burden.
But this is not about right or wrong. Each birth is distinct. Each birth is informed by factors that led up to that moment. There is really no particular need to w...