Torn - c-section or natural? Does your body go back to normal quicker with a natural???

[Halleberry]

I posted the other day about the reasons I'm pretty much opting for a c-section but I'm feeling torn. Is it true your body,hormones and mental state take longer to go back to normal with a c-section?? I'm just desperate to feel happy and "normal" again x

[trufflesnout]

Ime each can vary greatly for a number of reasons and it's very hard to say one is 'better' than the other.

[BallroomWithNoBalls]

I had an ELCS with my first (breech) and it was a really difficult recovery for about 3 months, physical, emotional etc. However, my bits are intact and that is something not to be sniffed at

[meeskamooska]

Halle I think you said you had an emergency section last time? I had an emergency with my first and found the recovery from the next planned csection ten times quicker and easier than the first. I can't compare it to a natural birth as I haven't had one, but in your situation a planned csection would probably be sooner, and more predictable.

It's totally your choice, dont feel guilty about whatever choice you make.
the objective is to get the baby out safe, not an 'experience' or 'achievement' for the mother. You're already doing the amazing part which is carrying and growing this lovely new baby.
I hope you feel better soon x

[ColdTeaAgain]

It varies so much. ELCS recovery is worse than a straight forward vaginal delivery. But a traumatic vaginal delivery can have a far more complicated recovery than a csection.

Also, you have to consider if you want more children as the more csections you have the higher the risks.

I had an ELCS for breech and agree with Ballroom about having unscathed bits being a silver lining!

[Halleberry]

Definitely no more children for me. Worst prehnancy ever and my
Mental
Health has taken the worst bashing. I just want
My hormones etc to go back to normal asap. I had hoped an elective section would help that along ?? x

[ColdTeaAgain]

Are you getting support from your midwife about how you are feeling? It sounds like you need to discuss your concerns and make sure you get the right support if you need it.

Hormone wise, I'm not sure it would make any difference what type of delivery you have...I think it would be down to whether you breastfed or not afterwards because once baby is born, all your hormones are then determined by whether you then breastfeed or, if not, they will go back to a normal cycle. For many women breast feeding helps prevent pnd, but obviously not always. It would be worth talking it all through with midwife when you can.

[Number3cometome]

EMCS - recovery was tough but that was due to eclampsia not the section.
ELCS home in two days, walking baby over the park in the buggy.
ELCS due July - hopefully the same.
And all bits in tact, best mate had a horrific natural birth and wasn't right for weeks.
Really there is no hard or fast rule, it's down to the individual.