Meditation For Unexpected Cesarean Or C-Section

If you've had an unexpected Cesarean or C-section and are struggling with birth-related emotions, this meditation is for you. Everyone's birth story is unique. No matter how you give birth, you will always have a special bond with your child. This meditation aims to reinforce that bond and help you find your center.

You can listen to it right after birth during recovery or several months or years later and you will still receive the benefits of this practice.

Your guide, Shalaka, created this meditation on completing one year after her own C-section to mark the occasion and support other moms.
Music was created by Varun Shah, who is a fellow parent and supported his own wife through her birth journey.

Transcript

Hi there,

This meditation is for mothers who had an unexpected c-section and may be struggling with difficult emotions regarding childbirth.

The aim of this practice is to leave you feeling centered and bring your focus inwards.

Usually a seated position is preferred for meditation,

But if you've had your surgery recently,

Position yourself however you feel comfortable.

You will still receive the benefits of this meditation.

Begin with taking a few slow,

Deep breaths.

Deep inhale and a slow,

Deep exhale.

You may be holding some tension in your neck and shoulders.

As you exhale,

Gently relax them.

And on your next exhale,

Relax your jaw,

Your arms,

And your fingers.

Now bring your attention to your belly.

Gently place one hand on it.

Notice if your belly moves,

Moves out as you inhale,

And restores itself as you exhale.

Gently feel the rhythm of your breath and try not to force anything.

Just allow yourself to relax and tune into this rhythm.

We hold a lot of emotional tension in our hips,

Sadness,

Fear,

Worry,

Or even grief.

Inhale and relax your hips and your pelvis,

And then just let go of any stiffness in your legs and your feet.

Take a long,

Deep inhale,

And then as you exhale,

Let go of any lingering tension in your body.

Notice your body now.

If you're feeling any pain at all,

Allow yourself to get a bit more comfortable.

Pause if you need to.

But if you're feeling a little relaxed at this point,

Notice how your body feels.

How does it feel when your muscles are relaxed?

Take a mental snapshot of this feeling.

This is the first step towards feeling centered.

Your body supported you and your child throughout your pregnancy.

It's been through a lot.

Take a moment to appreciate this,

And perhaps even thank your body as it supports you now with your breath.

As you feel your belly expand and restore itself,

You get to witness the rhythm of breath that your body creates every single day.

Now take a moment to think about your pregnancy,

And as your belly expands,

Remember that this is the same breath that your baby could feel inside you.

This rhythm of life is what connects you together.

If you notice any undesirable thoughts about your birthing experience,

Simply acknowledge them.

Allow them to dissipate as you bring your attention back to the hand on your belly.

Focus on this gentle rhythm for as long as you can.

But if your mind starts drifting,

Just allow it,

Just for a bit,

And then nudge yourself back to the motion of your breath.

This is your center.

Whenever you find yourself drifting to undesirable feelings,

Allow them to be as you bring your attention back to your breath,

The breath that connects you to your baby.

Let this be your positive connection to your birth story.

With this feeling of gratitude and connection,

Take another deep inhale and sigh it out.

Thank you for letting me be your guide today.

Reviews

Two weeks post surgery and listening with Baby on my chest… breathing together and healing. Many thanks; I know I’ll be listening again soon