Regretting elective section

I regret going for an induction which led into an emergency c-section (like majority of them). If I knew it would have ended up this way I would have gone for an elective because I heard it’s such a positive experience compared to an emergency one. Despite being not too traumatic, it left some trauma for sure and I wonder what would have happened if I waited a little bit longer although I was already too far. We’re always going to regret/grieve something we haven’t experienced so don’t beat yourself too much. I think time will help and focus on the fact that everything happens for a reason. I heard some horrific stories on vaginal births that made me feel happy about c-section in the end. The grass is always greener on the other side so definitely talk about it and I’m sure we will come to terms with this one day. ❤️

I've heard so many horror stories about inductions that I don't think I'd ever regret my elective section. I genuinely don't feel any sadness that I haven't experienced labour etc. But tbh everybody is different and I've got a low low pain threshold

I work in maternity and do t regret it at all. Also you can still have a successful VBAC when you choose to have another baby.
Also the one advice I give expectant parents is… do not listen to other people’s birth stories, many people sometimes over dramatise the event, not all but some, who then enforce that negative mindset onto others.
I have personally witnessed people putting their unborn baby’s life in danger because they thought going for a c section was failure.
You need to focus on the positive and that is what your body accomplished, you and your baby made it through the pregnancy.
When you get pregnant again, ask for counselling from your consultant.

Your feelings are completely valid but with all the horror stories you hear and with what happened with my first, I’ll be elated when I get to my elective c section date! I had to have a category 1 emergency c section, under general anaesthetic with my first and an elective will seem like my dream birth in comparison, where I can be awake and actually experience birth!

I sort of do. I had an elective with my first because he was measuring large, now I have another elective booked as it’s the safest option for me. Going through an inner battle because I feel guilty now because I know that I won’t be able to pick up our toddler and cuddle him, breastfeeding him will have to change for a bit, for the first few days I won’t be able to take him out for our daily trail adventures. I guess it’s a lot of guilt I feel now, especially knowing I will be away from him for the first time ever for 1-2 days. It’s hard, but sometimes doing what’s safest or best is hard

I regret my induction. I'm still suffering traumatic birth stuff nine years on and the knowledge it almost unalived me. My elective recently was a breath of fresh air yours is a different experience and it's impacting you differently but it sounds intense and trauma not just regret.

But what I'm saying is, give it time, I too feel that weight but it's drastically lessened I had to project manage my 2025 birth to feel in control even after 8 years.
It's so much better than it was, when it was fresh so I validate you and get it.

It's a journey, it likely won't take one round of therapy maybe several over time. Don't give up.

Some other things that have helped me:

Never ever ever. Best decisions I ever made for my health and the babies, mentally and physically.

I was told I could have a VBAC, I just chose not to. I healed amazingly, no issues whatsoever and was out at Costco 5 days after birth and at the park with my toddler after 8.

Anyone who judges you for your birth isn’t worth having in your life. Your body is your own, it’s got to last you another 60 years. What good is it to you if it’s been traumatised, ripped, made incontinent, damaged for life because everyone told you that’s normal for childbirth? Great, but they don’t have to live with the issues.

Be kind to yourself! Xx

this gives me hope worrying about recovery when I have mine whilst having a toddler 🙈🙌🏼