'C-Section is the Easy Way Out,' and Other Myths Debunked

Let's face it: Some moms who gave birth via Caesarean section (C-section) feel their birth story is lesser and unworthy of sharing. Society often glorifies "natural" or vaginal delivery, but is it really the only valid form of birth?

Every childbirth is a brave and beautiful story, says Mindy Lagdameo, a C-section mom of two. Known as Coach Mindy, she is the country's first and only certified C-section recovery and return to exercise specialist. 

In an interview with Smart Parenting, Coach Mindy shared that having been in the fitness industry for over 20 years, she found herself unprepared for the recovery after an emergency C-section in 2015. This prompted her to study postpartum rehabilitation and corrective exercise abroad and create her own program called Mamafit.

Her approach isn't just about "bouncing back" but about rebuilding physical strength and a sense of self after childbirth. Since then, Coach Mindy has helped over 1,200 moms, including celebrities like Jessy Mendiola and Iya Villania, reclaim their strength and confidence.

Debunking common myths about C-section birth

1. C-section is easy, and it's the easy way out.

Coach Mindy stresses that a C-section is still birth—no less brave, no less valid. Some moms also had difficult surgeries and long recoveries. "Giving birth is giving birth, period. No matter how you did it, it was beautiful and hard," she said.

2. C-section moms don't have pelvic floor issues.

Many believe only vaginal births cause pelvic floor dysfunction, but that’s not true. C-section scars can affect pelvic floor function, too. Pelvic issues, like leaking when sneezing or pain during sex, can happen to any mom, regardless of how she gave birth, Coach Mindy explains.

"You did what you had to do for your baby and your family—and that’s something to be proud of." —Coach Mindy Lagdameo to C-section moms

3. You can't move for years after a C-section.

Quite the opposite. You need to move after a C-section and start moving right after the surgery with a guided rehabilitation program. She explained that a C-section mom's scar has seven layers, and if moms don't move, those layers will stick together, which causes scar tissue and adhesions. These contribute to the bulge or rounding of belly (also called mommy pooch), back pain, and pee leaks.

4. Wearing a binder is enough to restore core strength.

While external supports like binders can help in the early healing phase, they cannot restore core function independently. She emphasized the importance of a tailored rehabilitation process to safely and effectively regain core strength following surgery.

What is diastasis recti, and how do you know if you have it?

Diastasis recti, or abdominal separation, is common after pregnancy, including C-section births. Diastasis recti happens when the abdominal muscles (your six-pack) separate due to stretching during pregnancy.

"Every single pregnancy will result in a diastasis recti because that's just how your body works. The extent just varies," Coach Mindy explains. Around six weeks postpartum is the best time to check if you still have diastasis recti.

^{Coach Mindy's journey towards healing after a C-section inspired her to help fellow moms}

If your diastasis recti is minimal—meaning the gap between your six-pack muscles is small—the body will naturally try to heal and pull those muscles back together during recovery. However, some moms need to engage in targeted exercises to help close the gap and restore core strength. Statistically, 70 percent of moms will continue to have diastasis recti even years later. 

Common signs of diastasis recti

• A persistent “mommy pooch”
• Bulging or doming of the stomach during sit-ups or daily movement
• Back, neck, knee, or foot pain
• Leaking (incontinence) during coughing, sneezing, or running
• Poor posture
• Bloating or digestive issues

Coach Mindy developed a 12-week progression program that has helped thousands of moms, even those whose kids are already in high school.

More than just physical healing

Beyond the physical recovery, how can moms care for their mental and emotional well-being after a C-section?

"It's very difficult for us to start anything physically if mentally and emotionally we're not giving ourselves that kind of love. Give yourself grace. Remember that every time you have a baby, it's a brand-new body. It's not the same as before," Coach Mindy says. "It's okay to give yourself the time to get to know your body and who you are again. Please don't think about bouncing back. You can move forward."

She encourages moms to reach out to other moms or mama coaches if they need help. "We need to change the narrative that you're only a good mom if you look after everyone first. How can you take care of your baby if your body hurts? How can you look after your children if you're not feeling like yourself? Remember, how you look after yourself is how your children will look after themselves."

Finally, Coach Mindy reminds mothers that giving birth via C-section doesn't make you less of a woman or a mother: "You did what you had to do for your baby and your family—and that’s something to be proud of."

Check out Coach Mindy's programs here.