Call The Midwife's Helen George: Why I had an elective C-section
"Some people may not understand why I chose this, but it was right for me at the time"
Call The Midwife actress Helen George became a first-time mum 4 months ago – after giving birth via caesarean.
And unlike many women, Helen's C-section was elective: meaning that it was optional, and she’d decided to have it well in advance.
Helen, 33, defended her decision in a new interview with the Radio Times, and revealed the reasons why she'd made it.
One BIG factor was that her role as Trixie Franklin on the popular BBC One show had given her a slight fear of labour.
"It coincided with the fact that I had to deliver her early, but even without that, I would have gone for an elective caesarean because of what I’d learnt on Call The Midwife," she told the magazine.
"Working on Call The Midwife means that lots of people tell you their horror stories about birth.”
Hmm, we can imagine! You don’t even need to be an actress to get unsolicited scary stories in your ear. You just need to be waddling around with a 9-month bump.
In fact, some people seem to take great joy in letting you know just how painful and difficult labour can be.
"I’m not against natural birth, I’m pro whatever you feel is right for you,” Helen continued.
“Some people may not understand why I elected to have a C-section, but it was right for me at the time.”
Indeed, the early arrival of Helen’s daughter, Wren, was not without complication – despite her elective caesarean.
Helen’s final trimester of pregnancy was plagued by an incessant itch all over her body caused by the liver condition Intrahepatic Cholestatis of Pregnancy (ICP).
Not only does ICP cause some seriously uncomfortable symptoms (we feel for you, Helen!), it also causes a build up of bile in your blood, and can result in stillbirth.
In Helen’s case, it caused her to deliver baby Wren prematurely.
“It’s not because I’m “too posh to push”,” she added. “It’s about what I think my body is capable of.
“I’m not good with pain... I faint when I stub my toe.
"Not that a C-section is the easy way out. It’s a major operation. I have a large scar on my stomach. You can’t exercise for a long time and you need help to pick up the baby.”
We have to say, we really admire Helen’s honesty, and we love her stance of ‘do whatever’s right for you’.
Helen knows her own body better than anyone, and from the sounds of things, it had been through a lot in the run up to the delivery.
All we’ll add is that, though these horror stories are out there, it’s important to listen to the lovely ones, and the middle-of-the-road birth stories, too.
And remember that no matter how many birth stories you hear - yours will be all your own, totally unique. We hope it’s a happy one ?
Image: Instagram/Helen George
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