The Changing Landscape of C-section Care: Progress and the Work Still Needed

 

While advances in medical care have improved safety and surgical techniques, many parents still experience trauma surrounding their caesarean birth. Midwife Victoria Holyoak, Founder of C-Section UK, shines a light on what work can be done to ensure better emotional, psychological, and physical care for c-section parents.

In the UK, c-section births account for approximately 42% of all births, with both planned and emergency c-section births playing a crucial role in ensuring safe outcomes for mothers, birthing people and babies. While advances in medical care have improved safety and surgical techniques, many parents still experience trauma surrounding their caesarean birth. With 4-5% of mothers developing post-traumatic stress disorder and up to 30% reporting their experience as traumatic, there is still significant work to be done to ensure better emotional, psychological, and physical care for c-section parents.

The Progress We’ve Made

Over the last decade, there have been some key improvements in c-section care that have positively impacted parents' experiences:

  • Enhanced Recovery Pathways (ERP): Hospitals have introduced ERP programmes that help parents mobilise sooner, reduce post-operative pain, and shorten hospital stays. This approach aims to improve overall well-being and recovery for c-section parents.

  • Skin-to-Skin in Theatre: Many hospitals now encourage immediate skin-to-skin contact following a c-section, promoting bonding, reducing neonatal stress, and supporting early breastfeeding.

  • More Informed Decision-Making: There is increasing recognition of maternal autonomy in birth choices. NICE guidelines now state that maternal request c-sections should be facilitated after appropriate discussions, reducing the historic stigma and resistance some parents have faced.

  • Greater Recognition of Birth Trauma: Campaigns and organisations such as Make Birth Better have amplified conversations about birth trauma, helping to break the silence around difficult birth experiences. There is also an increasing focus on trauma-informed care among maternity professionals.

The Work Still Needed

Despite these improvements, many c-section parents still face challenges that need to be urgently addressed:

1. Addressing Birth Trauma and PTSD

The UK’s maternity system remains under strain, with staff shortages and time pressures sometimes leading to rushed, poorly communicated, and distressing birth experiences. Many c-section parents report feeling uninformed, unheard, or unsupported during and after birth, which can contribute to trauma. Better antenatal education on caesarean births (this is why we exist!), trauma-informed training and an understanding of vicarious trauma for healthcare professionals (like the training from Make Birth Better), and improved postnatal psychological support are crucial.

2. Scar and Pain Management

C-section parents are often discharged with little information on scar care, pain relief, or long-term recovery. Many suffer from persistent pain or numbness without adequate guidance on rehabilitation, massage, or physiotherapy. More emphasis on postnatal recovery plans—including access to physiotherapy—would significantly improve outcomes.

3. Better Breastfeeding Support

C-section births can sometimes delay milk production, yet many parents feel they are left to navigate breastfeeding challenges alone. Increased access to lactation consultants and support groups tailored to c-section recovery is vital. We created the infant feeding courses for c-section parents with Midwife Zoe for this very reason.

4. Continuity of Care

Continuity of midwifery care has been shown to improve birth experiences and outcomes, yet many parents experience fragmented care, especially in postnatal recovery. Expanding access to continuity models could make a significant difference in supporting parents emotionally and physically.

Looking Forward

Caesarean births are life-saving and, for many, the safest option. However, improving the emotional and physical experience of these births must remain a priority. By listening to c-section parents, expanding support systems, and implementing trauma-informed care, we can ensure that every c-section parent feels heard, valued, and empowered in their birth journey.

At C-Section UK, we join Make Birth Better in the ongoing joint commitment to advocating for these improvements and supporting parents through education, community, and expert-led courses. Birth trauma is real—but with the right care, recovery, and support, healing is possible.

If you’re a parent impacted by birth trauma, please take a look at our support resources here.

 
Vic Holyoak - C-Section UK