ELCS stories / experience please!

[justanothernamechangemonday]

I have a consultant appt tomorrow at 30 weeks (growth scan due to meds) and want to start the c section conversation. To cut a long story short, I have several medical conditions that leads me to think an ELCS will be much better for my recovery than a vaginal birth.

I had an instrumental birth with my son, and a very (very) long recovery that led to other health conditions, so I really believe that a c section gives me the best chance of a full recovery from pregnancy and labour. For me, it's the "known" recovery of a c section vs the "unknown" recovery of a vaginal birth that's steering me.

I could really do with the good, bad and ugly of ELCS's; like how bad really is recovery? Is the first poo afterwards the worst thing you'll ever experience? Do you really have to hold your stitches every time you cough? How long - realistically - until I can walk for 15-2 mins?
Any experience is welcome, I'm probably 80% sure that this is the right thing for me but need to hear some realness.

TIA!!

Anyone?

I had an ELCS 2 1/2 weeks ago for my 2nd baby, and it’s been really good recovery wise.

I had a long traumatic vaginal birth for my 1st and I didn’t want to go through that again so it was ELCS from the start.

Walking - by day 5 I was doing some gentle walks, and by a week I was doing 15-20min strolls.

Driving - I felt fine to start driving at 2 weeks

1st poo was much easier for CS vs VB, but things are still slower digestive wise for the 1st week or so.

Cough/sneeze - yes it feels weird for the 1st 10 days, but now back to normal.

Good luck!

I had an ELCS 4 months ago and actually loved it. The C-section itself was so relaxed, the team were lovely and we had music on. Also I felt good as had had a full night's sleep in my own bed the night before! I was a bit worried about the recovery but it was much better than I expected (and I imagine better than a difficult vaginal birth). The most uncomfortable part for me was awful trapped wind/ constipation for the first 3 days but they gave me a laxative and peppermint tea and I was fine after that! I was slowly walking 8 hours later and fine getting myself slowly out of bed. Managed a short dog walk on day 6. Think I was driving about a week later. Best of luck, hope it goes nice and smoothly for you. It really can be a lovely experience!

I had a similar first birth to you OP. With my second I had an ELCS and it was a fab experience. I recovered so much quicker than from the first vaginal birth. Within three weeks I was back driving and doing everything normally. I'd recommend it.

I had my 2nd emcs 3 weeks ago. Procedure was easy, calm and generally lovely.

The biggest issue I had was gas the next day. I was in so much pain, I was given peppermint, buscopan and lactulose.

It came out around 2am and the relief was immense. I then was able to poop the next day but it took aaaaages. Whatever you do, take your time with it and don't strain too hard (stitches).

It all feels a lot better when the dressings come off (3 or so days later) as you don't feel so 'clamped shut' and it makes it easier to move around.

Other than that I had a pretty straightforward recovery. Not driving yet but by choice, I probably could but would rather take my time.

Biggest tips from me: keep on top of your pain relief for the first 2 weeks at least, try and get out of bed and moving sooner rather than later and stay hydrated.

Thank you all so much. The thought of a calm birth compared to my first is the dream. Appt is soon, hoping my consultant is as open to the idea as I am! Thank you.

I had 2 emergency c sections. The first, it took me around a week or so for the pain to ease and then I just gradually built up how far I could walk. Having a 22 year old body helped, I think!

The second was a multiple birth, and whilst all went well, for the first few days I was wheeling myself down to special care to see them. Discharged after 5 days then overdid it and ended up back in with inflammation on my chest! I was travelling back and forth by bus to the hospital and spending hours there, plus looking after my eldest and taking him to school, which was a half hour walk.

So essentially, as long as you listen to what your body needs, unlike me, you should recover quickly.

My consultant agrees that it's the right thing for me / my recovery; so it all feels a little bit more real now. Keep the stories coming please! I need to get my brain ready for this now!!