Advice

Only got one boy 11 months and we had a planned c section and I plan on doing the same when I have a second child. Best decision I ever made and recovery was a lot quicker than I thought it would be after 2 weeks I was able to cope with long walks etc . It’s important to just do what feels right for you it was important for me to be able to properly spend time with my son after birth I didn’t want to be exhausted from contractions for days like a lot of my friends did . Do you have a strong support system to help you out with your first child during recovery ? Xx

Just had a planned C and my first is 2 years and 1 month old. It’s only been 4 days and been home for 2 days but it’s the best. I was traumatised by first birth as well and even though I got really anxious and stressed whilst waiting for the planned C, it’s going well. Recovery is rough, but with help of partner, we’ve managed to play, big bro only wants to hold little bro, it’s really surreal and magical. The toddler is the intense one who needs lots of attention but I found by staying on the floor I can give him all the cuddles. I’ve shown him my scar and said I can’t carry you for a little bit because I’m in pain, the doctors said everything on mum is a little fragile and he seems to be getting it. Takes a while to move around and can’t follow / be as fast but well worth it. Hope this helps!

Honestly, just go with your gut feeling. I think a lot of mums feel judged if they aren’t able to have a vaginal birth but it doesn’t matter how baby gets here as long as mum and baby are safe. I really, really wanted a vaginal birth in the birthing centre and felt like I would be “cheating” if I had a c section. It’s nonsense. I ended up having to have an emergency c section due to pre-eclampsia in the end and I know it was the right decision for me. Baby was a whopper and they said she likely would’ve got stuck in the birth canal had I had a vaginal delivery.
I’d love to experience a vaginal birth for my next baby but I’m not going to sweat it like I did the first time round. I’ll make a decision that is best for me and baby.

My c section recovery was very smooth, I healed well despite being in and out of hospital with baby and 12 weeks on you can barely even see the scar x