Beyond the Scar: Stefanie's Story | Bristol Family Photographer

Caesarean Section Awareness Photography Project

Beyond the Scar is a heartfelt photography project that emerged from countless conversations with mamas who have experienced a caesarean section. Despite knowing that births via C-section are on the rise (according to the NHS around 1 in 4 pregnant women in the UK has a caesarean birth), I was astonished by the sheer number of friends and clients who have welcomed their little ones through either a planned or unexpected C-section birth. And yet, generally speaking we don't talk about caesareans much, do we? So, I felt it was time to do something meaningful to change that!

All birth stories deserve to be seen and heard and the Beyond the Scar project aims to spark conversations by providing mamas with a safe space to share their caesarean birth (and post-partum) stories. Through beautifully honest portraits of Bristol mamas who share their unique caesarean birth stories, Beyond the Scar highlights the strength, resilience, and beauty of mamas who have experienced a caesarean birth, one story at a time.

A huge thank you to all the mamas who have taken part in this project for having the courage to revisit their experiences and share their very personal journey of motherhood and healing. Together, I hope we can raise awareness of caesarean births to help mamas feel informed, empowered, and heard.

Stefanie's Story: Embracing a Journey of Motherhood and Healing

The Anticipation: A New Chapter Begins

During my pregnancy, I was lucky to have a straightforward experience physically, but emotionally, I faced a whirlwind of nerves and anxieties. As an independent, career-driven woman, the thought of how motherhood would change my life was daunting. I was overjoyed to be pregnant, but I couldn’t shake the thoughts racing through my mind: Would I take to motherhood naturally? Would I lose the sense of self I had worked so hard to build?

A Decision to Embrace: Elective Caesarean Birth

Caspar, my baby, was breech throughout my entire pregnancy, and as we passed 36 weeks, my husband and I made the thoughtful decision to proceed with an elective caesarean section. I knew it was the right choice for us, but that didn’t stop the anxieties from creeping in. I was aware of the stigma surrounding caesarean sections, particularly elective ones, and feared how others might perceive my birth experience.

But, as with all things in motherhood, plans quickly changed when I went into spontaneous labour two days before my scheduled C-section. Labour progressed until just after midnight when Caspar made his entrance into the world. Despite my initial anxieties, I found comfort in the care provided by the medical staff, and the presence of my husband by my side, holding my hands as I underwent the procedure.

The Reality of the 'Baby Blues'

After two days of joyous, if sleepless, recovery in the hospital, we returned home with Caspar, and that’s when the weight of early motherhood truly set in. What should have been a time of pure bliss was instead overshadowed by a severe case of the 'baby blues'—a term I now feel is far too gentle for the depth of emotion I experienced. I was overwhelmed by a sense of loss, found myself in near-constant tears, doubting my abilities as a mother, and feeling as though we had ruined our lives.

It was only through my own research that I began to understand the hormone crash behind these feelings, and how my personality traits made me more susceptible to this struggle. It frustrates me that this information wasn’t covered during my antenatal appointments—knowing more might have better prepared me for the emotional challenges ahead.

Reclaiming Motherhood: A Healing Process

Now, three months into my journey as a mother, I’m finally beginning to feel a stronger connection with Caspar. Yet, there’s a lingering sadness, a sense that the precious first few weeks of motherhood were taken from me by the overwhelming emotions I faced.

These photos, taken as part of the Beyond the Scar photography project, are a way for me to reclaim my early motherhood experience in a positive and powerful way. They are more than just images; they are a testament to my strength, my vulnerability, and the love that has grown between me and my baby despite the challenges.

My story is a reminder that every birth is a unique and deeply personal journey. Whether through a natural birth or a caesarean, planned or spontaneous, what matters most is the love and connection that grows between mother and child. And sometimes, it’s the scars—both physical and emotional—that make the journey all the more beautiful.

If Stefanie's story resonates with you, I invite you to spark your own conversations about your caesarean birth story. Together, we can begin to break down the stigmas and support each other in this wild and wonderful journey we call motherhood.

Support for Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond

When we are deep in the trenches of motherhood, at times parenting can seem like a lonely place, can't it? It is useful to remember you are not alone. Whether you find it helpful to chat to a friend, a family member, your health visitor or a stranger on the other end of a phone call, I always encourage mamas to reach out for support BEFORE hitting crisis point.

Online Information and Support

Tommy's

Birthrights

Doula UK

Bristol Doulas - Bristol is fortunate enough to have a wealth of fantastic pregnancy, birth and postpartum support. Here are just a handful of the doulas I have been lucky enough to work alongside.

Kim - Birth Body Breath

Jess - Oyster and Olive

Rebecca - Bristol Birth Support

Soraia - Mae Birth Space

Talk to a Professional

Charlotte - Made to Motivate (pregnancy and scar massage, therapeutic coaching, Holistic Core Restore)

Charlotte - Poppy and Jack (pregnancy and postnatal hypnotherapy and mental health support, Mama Brunch Club monthly meetups)

Your Mama Community

Finding support through mum friends (old and new) is so important to your wellbeing. Join one of the free mum meetups taking place in your area to connect with your tribe. I've found Facebook and Instagram are a great way to find out what is out there.

Kind Words