Elective section or spontaneous birth?

Just one suggestion. On top of physical thongs, also read up and take into consideration the psychological aspects of C-section not on you, but on baby. There are some interesting research on the topic, and it will have impact for sure, as you are taking one of life's biggest decisions out of babies hand and replace it with a shock type change.

My little boy was big and there was a risk of shoulder dystocia, I went into labour naturally but ended up opting for a section. The surgeon said I wouldn’t have been able to birth him naturally and would’ve ended up having a section, so I was pleased with my choice! The first two days afterwards I felt very sore and mainly stayed in bed (but was in hospital anyway) After this I just took it easy but definitely wasn’t bed bound as I’d been made to believe! I know everyone’s recovery is different but I honestly wouldn’t be concerned about the recovery from a section, I was completely back to normal after 3 weeks and didn’t really have any pain throughout my recovery, other than when something pressed against my scar. I felt really calm in my section, but just make sure you communicate your preference for skin to skin clearly if this is something you want! They do have to check baby over immediately after they’ve got them out but this only takes about 30 seconds and then they’re on you

Another thing to consider is the risk of things like wet lung. My little boy had this and meant we had to have a few days in hospital where he was monitored. It’s more likely in csection babies as they aren’t squeezed on the way out. If it’s unavoidable then there is nothing you can do, just got to weigh up all the pros and cons but it’s such a hard decision! Sorry for the essay 😂

Honestly elective c sections are nothing like the horror stories.

You'll only be in theatre around an hour and baby will be out in first 10/15 mins... the rest of the time flys by! All being well they'll probably discharge you the next day.

The only pain I felt was a few seconds sting for the needles and the recovery was achey but totally manageable on paracetamol and ibuprofen taken religiously for 2 weeks. I was able to carry him in car seat briefly the next day. Got down to change him on the floor. Was putting washing in and wiping spills on the floor a few days later... it's all doable slowly and carefully.

We were out walking week 2 and visiting family. Week 3 I drove.

National Institute for Clinical Excellence has revised its judgement and now says that, overall, caesareans are no more risky than vaginal deliveries – though the risks are different. The risks of caesareans are related to having major surgery and there are longer recovery times and that can interfere with the initiation of breastfeeding. Women who have vaginal births have a slightly higher risk of internal injuries. There is no conclusive evidence on maternal and child death during the two forms of childbirth and what exists is conflicting. The risk however in both cases is very small. Children born by caesarean are nearly twice as likely to receive neonatal intensive care – but that is likely to relate to the reason they opted for a caesarean rather than the caesarean itself

I’d opt for an elective c section in your case, I’ve had an emergency and an elective c section now, I’m 10 weeks PP and recovery is only tough for 1-2 weeks, the birth itself is great, very calm and I would highly recommend!

Elective if I were you