Call The Midwife star Helen George has said she chose to have a caesarean because it was “right for me at the time”.
The actress said her role in the medical drama means she has heard a lot of horror stories about birth and she knew what her body was capable of.
George, who plays Trixie Franklin in the BBC show, welcomed her first child, Wren Ivy, with her partner and co-star Jack Ashton in September 2017.
She told Radio Times: “I haven’t spoken about this before but I chose to have a C-section (caesarean).
“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.”
“Working on Call The Midwife means that lots of people tell you their horror stories about birth. I’m not against natural birth, I’m pro whatever you feel is right for you.
“Some people may not understand why I elected to have a C-section, but it was right for me at the time. It’s not because I’m ‘too posh to push’, 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.”
George, who was diagnosed with a liver condition called ICP (intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy) which resulted in itching all over her body, said it is common for women to feel guilty about choosing to have a caesarean and there should be a national conversation to remove the stigma.
She said: “If men went through labour, I think the majority would choose the pain-free way but there is a feeling that women should have to feel pain.”
Call The Midwife will return for a seventh series on January 21 at 8pm on BBC One.
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