Elective C-section experiences and recovery..

I absolutely loved my c section! (Only live birth so I’ve got nothing to compare it to I’m afraid). I was first on the list due to diabetes, and he was born healthily at 9:56am. I didn’t particularly enjoy the spinal but it was just very strange pressure, not any pain. And they’re right when they say it feels like someone’s doing the washing up in your stomach. After LO was born and placed on me, I don’t remember any of the stitching back up, I was just staring at him.

The midwife took my phone to take photos of him being born (the photos are vile 🤣 but I’m glad I’ve got them), and you can play your own music if you want.

I was discharged 26 hours later as little one needed blood sugars checking.

I found the first 3-4 days a bit rough as I couldn’t cough, laugh, go for a number 2, but after that it was fine and my scar has healed really well (13 weeks postpartum now and no issues). I’m a single parent and was home alone from day 1 so the pain was definitely manageable 🤗 good luck

Hey,

Ive had both mine via c section. First was a emergency and the second was elective. Recovery time isn't bad at all, i suppose everyone is different but going from my own experience both times-

6 weeks recovery is the average, i was out of pain by the second week manged by pain killers. It is fairly simple and easy to get on with dealing with baby. The main struggle is just after the operation as expected, however whilst in hospital you have lots of help by staff.

Wish you the best of luck x

I had a very similar first birth to you - 41 hrs labour, lost 2L of blood and received forceps, 3rd degree tear, and episiotomy.

My second birth (only 3 weeks ago) was an elective c section and it has truly been the complete opposite of my first birth both mentally and physically! My recovery has been so so good this time around (I'm still obviously healing) but every day is better and not having to get over the trauma of a horrible birth has been amazing.

The birth itself had a minor complication where my spinal block stopped working on one side after the 6th layer was cut and I was given the choice to push through or to be put to sleep for the last layer + getting sewn up. I chose to go to sleep and was awake again all done and dusted about 40 mins later.

My ONLY regret is not being able to meet my baby and find out her gender at the same time as my husband but I'm glad I didn't put myself through any additional, unnecessary pain which would have stressed both me and bub out.

Good luck! X

Have to agree with the above posters, it felt very medicalised but to me that felt safe. The communication amongst staff and with me was fab and id 100% go for this again.

The only things that happened that I wasnt prepared for was a big bleed two days after birth (I think most people bleed gradually but I didnt bleed at all and then it all came at once) and needing a catheter in for 4 days post birth cause my bladder didnt waken up. Nothing to worry about in hindsight but I worried it had caused permanent damage- it hadn't xxx

Hey! So my c-section, which was at 38 weeks due to gestational diabetes) was wild. He was engaged and ready to come out so they needed to use forceps to dig him out and pull him out the sunroof. What is wild about it is that I knew none of this at the time. Everyone was so calm and chatting away, and suddenly I had my baby boy on my chest. It was a delightful experience and I was only told about the forceps after. The recovery is hit or miss. I was in a fair amount of pain for about 4 weeks and was very lucky to have my husband off work for the duration. But this varies from person to person. Still, despite the pain, I don’t regret my choice to do it that way. I was in control of everything from the moment I asked the consultant to book my section date.

First C-section was unplanned (3 days of labor and I was only 2 cm dialated...). Second was planned.

So a C-section on average is longer recovery. But vaginal can be longer depending on how traumatic it is so....

Elective C-section is generally easier recovery than emergency.

I was up and getting myself to the bathroom as quick as they would let me. And walking to the end of the block next day once I was home.

Getting up and down off the bed is the hardest. So having your partner ready to help you with baby and feedings is important.

Also, colds are about the worst. My second was born in December and my toddler brought home a cold from school and coughing hurt so much.