Beyond the Scar: Laura's Story | Bristol Newborn 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. 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. Laura's honest and incredibly touching caesarean birth story, highlights the strength, resilience, and power of mamas who have experienced a c-section. Laura, you are an incredible woman and I so incredibly proud of you.

Laura's Story: Learning to Love My Body Again

First-time Bristol mum, Laura wanted to share her caesarean birth story as part of the Beyond the Scar project, with the hope that her experience would help other mamas planning or recovering from a c-section. Laura also knew taking part would support her on her own journey of healing and acceptance.

Facing My Biggest Fear: An Emergency C-Section

Like many expectant mums, I was terrified of giving birth. But I did everything I could to reshape my mindset, to calm my fears and prepare myself mentally and physically for the birth I had envisioned. For 24 hours, I laboured and felt like I was managing it really well, staying focused and pushing through the intense waves.

But then, everything changed and I found myself needing an emergency c-section. It hit me hard. After all the preparation and hard work to stay calm, I couldn’t avoid what I had feared most.

The Emotional Aftermath: Struggling to Accept My Birth Experience

The physical recovery from the c-section, though challenging, has been far easier than the mental healing. That’s what I really want to share—the emotional journey that comes after an emergency caesarean because it's not just about the scar on your body. In those first few weeks, it was difficult to accept how my body had brought Isobel into the world. I felt disappointed, like I had failed at something many women manage to do ‘naturally’. My scar was a source of sadness, frustration, and regret. I couldn’t touch it, let alone feel peace with it. And the stretch marks added to the frustration, reminding me that my body no longer felt like my own.

Finding Peace: A New Perspective on My Body

But, slowly I beginning to find peace with my birth. With time and patience, I started to see my scar and my body differently. I started to realise that this scar wasn’t a symbol of failure, but of strength. It was the mark of a mother who did whatever was necessary to bring her baby safely into the world. It wasn’t an end—it was the beginning of a new chapter.

Six months in, I’m finally starting to feel more at peace with my birth experience and I am learning to love my body and my scar again. I still have hard days, but I’m learning to honour my body for what it has done. My scar is a reminder of the day I met Isobel, of the love and challenges that brought her to me.

Sharing My Story: Healing Together

This project is a big part of my healing, and sharing my story is helping me move forward. I hope that my experience can help other mums feeling the same way. The healing process is long and winding, and it’s okay to feel all the emotions. Our scars don’t define us, but they are part of our story.

Support for Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond

To all the other mamas who are healing, we see you. When we are deep in the trenches of motherhood, 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 (pregnancy and mama and baby yoga classes, breastfeeding support, birth and postnatal doula support)

Jess - Oyster and Olive (birth trauma resolution, aromatherapy support, monthly parent meetups with Kula Doula, doula support)

Rebecca - Bristol Birth Support (postnatal pilates, birth and postnatal doula support, postnatal recovery massage)

Soraia - Mae Birth Space (hypnobirthing classes, birth and postnatal doula, postpartum cook, monthly parent meetups with Kula Doula)

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.