Experiences or opinions on planned c sections?

I had a planned Caesarian with baby 1, but I went into labour early so technically had a cat 3. BUT it was so lovely and calm that I’ve already opted for one with baby 2.

I’ve been told it’ll be 28th already to be early enough to avoid labour again but avoid Christmas and NYE.

I found the surgery very chilled out, radio on, skin to skin, delayed cord clamping, camera rolling and lots of laughter in theatre.

They are generally easier and have better recoveries too as you are only recovering from surgery, not hours of exhaustion from labour too. Less stress on baby too. I was in the pub for lunch the day after discharge and at Costco day 5.

Happy to answer any questions x

This is so wonderful to hear as I’d like a planned c-section. How soon did you book it in and how far along? I’m due 20th December ☺️

I have the same questions as Victoria xx

I’m due 21st xx

I’m under the same consultant so I told her at my week 12 appointment. My first baby came week 38, 10 days before her original elective date so my obstetrician just laughed and said let’s not take chances this time 😂 she got her diary out and penciled me straight in.

I’m 17 weeks now but the bank holidays are best avoided due to staffing and things like pharmacy hours for discharge. Im also having baby at St Thomas next to the London eye and the firework security at NY isn’t the easiest to navigate with a newborn in the pram.

My obstetrician was actually pregnant when she did my Caesarian and she had an elective herself, as did my midwife. I took that as a good sign I made the right choice!

No regrets whatsoever nor fear for baby 2s delivery xx

I had an elective with my first. Very relaxed experience. I found recovery (in the hospital) tough but it was lockdown so not really normal!

that’s so exciting! I’m definitely having a planned C, just want it to be as calm as possible as I’ve had friends go through horrific labour

Girls, did you have to really get someone to help out picking up the baby etc straight after? I am debating if I really need help 24/7 for a few days or will I be fine x

I was carrying baby and showering myself/dressing and walking around the morning after.

Just nothing heavier than the car seat and baby. Getting out of bed was the same as when you are heavily pregnant (roll onto your side and push up with your arm to sit) and the stairs are just go slow (doesn’t hurt).

My husband was back at work the week after and I didn’t feel unable to do stuff xx

Agreed! Loved my first elective section and am already booked in for 23rd December (39+1) for my 2nd.
Relaxed experience and managed the pain afterwards with Paracetamol and Ibuprofen x

Girls thank you for the positive and encouraging comments. I don’t think I can go through what I went through the first time so I would like to have a c section. Haven’t discussed it yet with the midwives or consultants though

Is it true that it’s better to wait for baby to decide to come rather than planned c section? I want planned c section but I’m afraid if this impacts on baby’s health. Technically they said to wait for full term and then plan for emergency c section (e.g, water broke, etc.)