Positive ELCS stories please?

[firstmummyaug]

Hello,

After seeing the consultant today I have been booked in for an ELCS after developing severe tokophobia. The consultant agreed that an ELCS would be better due to this alongside some underlying complications I have had in pregnancy too, but as I know is his job, proceeded to go through all the risks that a Csection carries compared to a vaginal delivery and it has scared me somehwat.

I'm just wondering if any lovely ladies could share with me some positive ELCS stories they have had, and also whether anyone recommends any good books to try? I have completed the hypnobirthing course but it seems very weighted on vaginal deliveries.

Thanks so much

[whenwillthemadnessend]

I had two electives first for medical reasons second I wanted the same experience for my second.

They were both straight forward and lovely experiences. I bonded straight away and had no long term issues at all.

Both babies were very well.
Good luck.

[whenwillthemadnessend]

The horror stories I've heard since for VB has made me even more glad I went for the section.

[foreverhungry2409]

Had a ELCS last year just a year after my EMCS. It was great considering! I was given something to help me recover faster from the surgery and was told I would only spend one night in the hospital if there was no complications. I went in on the Thursday morning at about 7am - did take a while to get in to theatre as there were many emergency cases before me. At 6:36 pm he was born. By 6am the next day they had me up and walking - I was super determined to get up and pushed myself. By 5pm, I was discharged and home with my DS. The c section itself was super quick and not as uncomfortable as I’d thought it would be. Glad I chose an elective over VBAC

[foreverhungry2409]

Had a ELCS last year just a year after my EMCS. It was great considering! I was given something to help me recover faster from the surgery and was told I would only spend one night in the hospital if there was no complications. I went in on the Thursday morning at about 7am - did take a while to get in to theatre as there were many emergency cases before me. At 6:36 pm he was born. By 6am the next day they had me up and walking - I was super determined to get up and pushed myself. By 5pm, I was discharged and home with my DS. The c section itself was super quick and not as uncomfortable as I’d thought it would be. Glad I chose an elective over VBAC

[Travellingraspberry]

I had an ELCS a couple of years ago after an EMCS a few years before.
I was nervous beforehand but it was a lovely, calm experience. Arrived at hospital for 7am and luckily was the first on the list so didn't have to wait long. Walked to operating theatre with my husband, theatre staff lovely and friendly and very reassuring. Baby was born by 9.30am and think I was back on the ward by 10.30am.
Was up and walking around in the evening and went home the next day.
Was able to breastfeed ok and recovery was pretty manageable, sore but was given pain killing meds to take home.
No plans for any more kids but if I did would opt for a ELCS

[Hellothere19999]

Hi, I had an emergency c section after being in a labour a long time and finding out she was breech and honestly if you can, just go for it and then you know before and can have a nice calm experience. Not going to lie, recovery can be tough but I think it’s better if you get yourself about abit but not too much and after a couple of weeks it does improve. I managed to breast feed etc. The most difficult thing was getting up off the bed coz it hurt my tummy but everyone is different!!! If I could go back (and if I knew she was breech before) I would love the opportunity for an elective one as the actual c section was so calming and the staff were amazing.

[whenwillthemadnessend]

The pain I'd describe as a bad sunburn in the stitches area. Sore but manageable and you get great painkillers anyway.

And every time you get out of bed is easier than the last.

[whenwillthemadnessend]

The pain I'd describe as a bad sunburn in the stitches area. Sore but manageable and you get great painkillers anyway.

And every time you get out of bed is easier than the last.

[Itsallthedramamick]

ELCS 8 months ago following EMCS 3 years ago. Really wanted a VBAC but she just wasn't coming so I gave in at 14 days overdue. So glad I did. I was super nervous and tearful but was first down to theatre on the day. The staff were amazing. The worst bit was the spinal but it was by no means a bad experience. Just a bit weird and uncomfortable. I didn't even know when they had started the op. They asked if I wanted to see my baby lifted out, I said I did and they lowered the covering for me to see. Didn't know I'd even been cut yet. Was a very calm and emotional birth and I'm so pleased I opted for it in the end. I was put under general for my EMCS so I found this a very healing experience. Had no problems establishing breastfeeding. Good luck OP x

[mynameiscalypso]

My ELCS was brilliant. Exactly the experience I wanted and I recovered very quickly. No complications at all (other than a bit of blood loss and subsequent anaemia). I read a book called Caesarean Birth: A positive approach to preparation and recovery which I found helpful.