Elective C section

I had back to back labour and it was very painful in my back (didn't feel pain in my stomach at all) but no tearing or intervention etc! So not always harder

I’ve had both and I the c section recovery was way harder for weeks! Can’t imagine having a 1yr old after having c section unless I had a lot of help for about 3wks after.
Whatever you decide good luck 😊

I think my main concern is I had to be cut with my first and the stitches ended up coming out and I got an infection and it was just so painful. And I know that having happened before, it makes it more likely they’ll have to do it again and then if she’s back to back it could be a worse cut/tear and then I’m dealing with the recovery of that on the back of an exhausting labour and then it ending up being worse than if I’d just had a planned c section. Is the recovery really bad? Obviously I don’t want to get one if it’s going to be much much harder afterwards 😭

it was more painful that what I had imagined and I’ve had numerous other surgeries. I’d say the first 2wks are very uncomfortable but if you stay on your strong pain killers religiously then it’s better. Also get a chair to sleep in I could not get comfy in bed at all for weeks. Stay mobile but when your resting put your legs up. I ended up with very swollen legs that I needed it to get checked 🫣
Otherwise I loved the birth experience with a C-section it was amazing! We lowered the screen and watched her come out we have it on video it was just absolutely amazing!

I think your really underestimating a c section - it is a major abdominal surgery with what can be a very hard recovery. You mentioned you had an infection etc.. my wound opened up less than a week after surgery and I also had an infection. I’m pregnant again and due in 8 weeks and if I have to have a c section again it’s going to be a rough and very hard recovery with my then 15m old.

I went into spontaneous labour with my son before the c section date and my labour progressed really quickly, my son was breech. I dilated to a 6cm before they took me in for surgery. Hence I’ve also experienced labour pains for hours aswell and that was rough too but the pain after c section especially if you do not stay on top of your painkillers is something else.

I had a vaginal delivery with my first (extremely traumatic birth - one of the horror stories you hear, that was us, almost didn't have a second baby it was so bad) and an elective c section with my second. Hands down elective c section every time, yes it's major surgery and I was terrified but the recovery really wasn't that bad. I was up that afternoon and discharged the next morning. I had just paracetamol and ibuprofen which is the lowest level of painkillers and took them when they told me to and it was fine. I was advised that those who get up and walk as soon as they can, ideally the same day, get discharged quicker and recover quickly and in my case that was definitely how it panned out.

I think if you are coming from a place of a traumatic first birth and/or concerns about baby safety then the c section is the way to go in my opinion anyway. Best of luck x

I had a planned c section and the recovery wasn’t too bad… I even went for a (very slow) walk 4 days afterwards with the baby to the park. The pain is manageable if you stay on top of your meds and don’t push yourself too much. Good luck with whatever you decide to do xx