More info for cesarean

I was the opposite, had a complete fear of childbirth since my midwife told me that 85 percent (9 in 10) vaginal births end in stitches. I didn't want to ruin my vag, I like sex. So I decided to opt for a c section, as I was statically likely to get stitches anyway. Got them in a nicer place. My c section was so smooth, rocked up, and got given a baby a few hours later, no days of labour, no loss of pelvic floor, easy. I found the whole process so calming, I even fell asleep on the table whilst they were cutting my daughter out. They'll numb the area, you won't feel the spinal, or any pain during the procedure. I was up and walking in 24, but opted to not have the catheter removed until 48, as I was so far away from the toilets. I would have gone home then, but my daughter was in for a few days. I'd recommend watching the 'how to get out of bed after a c section' video on YouTube. It's also somewhere on the NHS website, but I don't know where. Paracetamol and ibuprofen are all you need, as pain is minimum 👍

I've had an emergency c section and going to have an elective c section (medically necessary due to health condition) with my second...due in 3 weeks. Honestly, if it's medically necessary then please do not panic, you will be in safe hands. It's not as bad as you think and it will all happen so fast, you won't feel a thing and you'll have the baby in your arms within minutes. I know its not what you wanted but think of it as its what the baby needs and you need to be strong and get through it for them. You got this. Don't over think it. X

It is definitely better to plan a c section than have an emergency one! Recovery is better and mentally, I think, better for recovery. I wish I could have planned mine. Ask all the questions. Wrap your tummy after delivery and get lots of help for the first few weeks. Good luck

I’ve had two sections and both were incredibly calm and non eventful. Both times I was out and about from the day I was discharged. At Costco on day 5!

If I showed you my scar you’d never believe I was opened twice, it’s vanished. Even in a skimpy bikini you can’t even tell I had two kids via surgery.

I was never in worse pain than a bad period, I was off all drugs after a week, I only bled for about 10 days as I was vacuumed out.

I am a HUGE chicken and was vibrating walking in for my first but it was so nice that my second I had no fear at all. My baby was born in 8 minutes, I wasn’t even told they’d started!

My doctor was letting me choose how I wanted to deliver. Vaginally or section as my baby was measuring big. It was going to be section but at the end his growth slowed down so I opted for vaginal. After 26 hours of labour, he was breeched and I needed a section. Within twenty minutes I was in the OR.

Everything was so quick and smooth. I got to hold baby right after they measured him. My husband did skin to skin in the first little bit. I was walking the same day. I had no limitations when I got home, I lived in a house with 2 flights of stairs and have 2 big dogs with no backyard. So we were out walking the dogs as soon as I was home. I could’ve left the next morning I felt fine. We travelled at 11 days post partum. I was never in any pain.

We don’t have family to watch our toddler now so I will most likely need to plan a section for when he’s in school so that my husband can be there.

They really aren’t bad or painful at all. Everyone is so nice. And you get your baby healthy.