Like many expectant mothers, Raquel Maldonado looked forward to the act of giving birth to her baby girl. However, the weeks leading up to the baby's delivery didn't quite turn out the way she'd hoped.
At 32 weeks pregnant, Maldonado was told by her doctors that her baby was in breech. She and her husband discovered that it was illegal for midwives to deliver breech babies in California. This meant she would require a C-section to ensure her and the child's safety.
Maldonado was horrified at the thought of having a C-section. She believed the process would take motherhood away from her — that she wasn't really giving birth to her baby, so she wasn't really a mom.
Still, she knew she had to go through the process. When she took a photo of her scar, Maldonado had a shocking realization about what it means to give birth.
See her stunning message below.
[H/T: TODAY]
The last few weeks leading up to Alexa’s birth, I was scared. I was terrified of this surgery. I was afraid of this scar and the long-term effects it would have on body and my mind.
I was worried I would feel inadequate, like I didn’t give birth to her. So many different fears lingered, but SO many other mamas told me it would all be OK.
And it is. I don’t feel as if I was robbed of a birth or like less of a badass. This scar proves that I am indeed a #badassmama!
This surgery was not an easy decision for me. It pushed me to educate myself, to open my mind, to let go of my perfect expectations. I had everything I wanted during my birth.
We had skin to skin in the OR, we saw our daughter being birthed (actually have the video of it), my husband cut the umbilical cord, they delayed cord clamping and most importantly, our baby was safe and beautiful and my doctor respected every decision we made.
I couldn’t be more proud of this scar. I couldn’t be more proud of myself.
And all those silly fears disappeared as soon as I realized I was having the baby I prayed for and the birth experience I hoped for.
Please SHARE this inspiring message to mothers: It doesn’t matter how you gave birth to your baby, motherhood is defined by the love for your child and little else.
