Purple - my experience of planned c section is very positive. I will post on thread incase other's want to read (but feel free to skip if not applicable as I am a rambler.) If you have any more questions let me know. I realise my experience is unique to me, but have included everything that I think helped....
the c section When I first was given the block, the feeling of numbness was a shock, so good to be aware. It is a strange feeling... but I was alert during delivery and it went sooooo fast!!!
In recovery room my DD lay on me flesh to flesh and I am not sure if it was endorphins, drugs or relief but I was very relaxed and dozed off, DD then snuggled up to my breast and when I awoke apparently about 10 - 15 mins later she was sucking!! DH said that some of the Mums in the room were anxious about getting feelings back in their legs, felt distressed they could not sit up, eat, phone people and that this seemed to be stressing them and their babies out. But I suppose if you stay relaxed, know that soon you will be able to feel again, call people etc then your being calm really helps your new born.
SPD I do have SPD and quite bad. My brother is a surgeon (sadly in Australia so can not use him here) who deals with bones and joints etc. While no one dares say it in UK he and other professionals are of the strong belief that a c-section is a much better procedure for SPD sufferers, especially if pelvis is too relaxed like mine. I had an internal a couple of months ago and that pretty much was the end of me as it felt like I was forced apart. The thought of a baby scares me more. Now I do not have stats for this but brother says that sometimes giving birth vaginally can further/over stretch pelvis to the point that full recovery is very difficult. He says this does not apply to everyone but is a risk. A risk rarely mentioned over here and probably laughed at by MW.
After my first c section the pain almost instantly disappeared. This of course was probably due in part to drugs initially given after section. But I can honestly say I went from a wheelchair to walking without any SPD pain within 2-3 weeks. It may have been earlier but I was on such a high at being able to walk day after after birth that I did not really register when the pain had completely gone.
Recovery - I am of the firm belief that the quicker you get up and start moving the better. Not to over push yourself, but also not to over protect yourself. Everyone is different, but having had no help I did just that last time and was going out for lunch and meeting up with NCT group within 10 days. I also insisted on painkillers with codeine and paracetamol. My DH was a pharmacist and I can assure you he is very careful/almost over cautious with drugs and did research on them and the zantac and was ok with me taking them. It can make the baby a little more sleepy, but i think that sort of helped me to establish sleeping routine with DD ...or it could have been luck...suppose will discover this time...
I recall being quite hungry after birth but you have to wait a few hours. Once you can eat they told me food would not be available for another hour or so...luckily I had prepared cheese and ham sandwiches, shortcake biscuits and water. I was famished!!!!
Breastfeeding I found it easier to bf in first 2 weeks by using a curved pillow or the rugby grip or by lying down in bed.
Clothes and Infection I wore my maternity clothes initially, then loose yoga pants and DH bought me extra non stick gauze for protection that I used once home. He was also was very firm with all staff at the hospital and bought extra betadine solution and hand wash. I was embarassed but best to be safe than sorry - whenever anyone went to clean my dressing, he asked them to re-wash their hands!!!. I learnt to accept it! He also applied betadine solution available over the counter liberally to my scar as soon as I got home and made sure staff at hospital were thorough when dressing me. He was a chief pharmacist many years ago at a NHS hospital and he is comfortable being very bolshie! He also feels patients need to be more assertive in their recovery. I never had any infection...so I can not complain. It is a bit embarassing but he does have my interests at heart. The thing is you will be knackered so your DP or DH has to be your protector and ally!
dRIVING I was able to drive after 2 weeks but got in trouble! GP wrote me a note to say I was ok at 4 weeks. If you are up to it GP's can get you a letter for insurance purposes. I was able to have relations within 5 weeks (carefully).
Scar My scar was lumpy and there was an initial over hang, but these all disappeared. If you are over weight though when having a c section the chances of permanent over hang are greater. Scar does reduce and I used bio oil and massaged it quite a lot about 5 weeks or so later. I also used arnica.
Before I made sure I had as much as possible before I went in - frozen meals, some back up formular and disposbles for those first few weeks (but I only had DH to help). I let DH spoil me and I slothed around but I spent most of the time absolutely enjoying my new baby... but I also made sure I did get up and start moving.
I hope this helps...the key is to avoid infection, don't be afraid of pain relief as the scar does ache and stay positive.
I always write too much...sorry!