Shi Hailei, a tattoo artist at Samurai Tattoo in Shanghai, is helping new moms regain their confidence after giving birth via caesarean section by offering free tattoos to cover the scars.

China has a high C-section rate, with approximately 35 percent of Chinese babies delivered via caesarean instead of vaginal birth. Many attribute this high rate to China’s one-child policy, economy and healthcare conditions, while others note that superstition from relatives may encourage women to schedule C-sections on lucky days on the Chinese calendar.

Aly Song / Reuters This mom decided to cover up her scar with a tattoo of "Little Pepper", one of her three pet cats.

Shi’s free tattoos aim to help C-section mamas regain their confidence as they recover from the surgical procedure and try to embrace their postpartum bodies.

“I felt awkward to see my scar when wearing a low-waist dancing dress,” dance teacher Grace Yuan, who got a rose tattoo in April, told Reuters. “I can dance freely on the stage now without worries or awkwardness.”

Here’s to helping all moms feel confident in their postpartum bodies!

Aly Song / Reuters

Aly Song / Reuters

Aly Song / Reuters