C Section Information -Real Life xperiences

[Chynah]

After getting more and more annoyed by the amount of misinformation and scare tales surrounding C-sections I really feel the need to start this thread in order that others who either have to have, or chose to have, C Sections for whatever reason can read the real life experience from those who have been there and done it and make their own decisions.

Please no trying to talk of VBAC or for first timers 'giving it a go' - this is not a place for annecdotes of someones sister or cousins experience this is for first hand experiences only (good & bad) so people can read and make their own minds up.

Be helpful if you could include (obviously up to you):

Elective or emergency (I do believe it makes a difference. (NHS or Private)GA or Spinal

Why - if not personal.

time in hospital.

Could you lift/change baby etc

Recovery time -ie lifting toddlers - driving.

Infections - if any

How long back to normal (housework,exercising etc)

Whilst I appreciate a C Section is major surgery I also consider it a valid choice. This thread is not here to justify that chic but ONLY to provide real life information from those wo have been there to those who are going there.

Hope this is helful to some.

oh, Demi, so sorry to hear it. please take care yourself....

Hai PosieComeHereMyPreciousParker, did you have 4 CS in total? my sis had 3, but she was adviced to have a tubectomy with third CS.

Well, you shouldn't have more than three really. And I did have a senior registrar for surgery!!

I have had an emergency section, and an elective. Both NHS

First labour I was induced, but progress was slow. Ended in an emergency section. I had an epidural. I was a bit out of it, so don't remember much. I found the time in hospital really hard, I had been planning a home birth so a section was a shock. I spent 4 days in hospital, mainly because I was trying to establish bf-ing. Feeding didn't work for me, which I initially blamed on the drugs I'd had in labour but it turns out I have a medical condition so can't bf. Point is that a section shouldn't stop you bf-ing if you want to, and get good support.

I could lift DS, and he was a big baby. (4.77kg, 10lbs 5.5oz!). Hospital staff were helpful with lifting etc. I was up and walking to the loo withing a few hours.

I didn't drive at the time of the sections so can't comment on that.

No infections, but I did too much, too soon and ended up with a lumpy scar that was painful.

I felt great pretty quickly. Removal of the stitches was an odd feeling, but once they are gone you feel better, can stand up more easily etc.

Second section was elective. I was a good candidate for a VBAC, however a scan indicated that DD was large and there were concerns the scar was not strong. Only had 2 days notice so it was a bit of a shock to the system.

Elective was so much better as an experience. I had a spinal, and everyone was much more relaxed. Surgeon removed my old scar and a lot of internal scarring. My scar now is still slightly lumpy at one end, but overall it is so neat and has almost gone. Doesn't hurt at all three years down the line, which is a big change from the first scar.

I stayed in for 4 days again. Staff were helpful about lifting baby. I was up and going to the loo a few hours after the operation. After a day or so I was going for walks down the corridor.

No infections, and much easier to recover from than the emergency section. Six days after the section I was out in John Lewis with the family!

DC1 came down with chicken pox when DC2 was a week old so DH looked after DC1 and I had to do everything for DC2, picking her up etc. That was fine, and I really think it was because the elective was a much 'gentler' experience.

In terms of the section, I found both times it was fine and not the wierd feeling I'd expected. Only slightly odd thing was second time when I felt a pressure on my chest as the surgeon leant on it when getting DD out. Overall the staff were kind (not much use with bf-ing though), and were willing to help people who had a section.

Elective or emergency
Emergency

NHS or Private

NHS

GA or Spinal

epidural, screamed as it went in as it really hurt.

Why if not personal.

Twin 1 waters went with a gush at 31 weeks, he had also been compressing Twin 2s cord for a couple of days and twin 2 was a bit shocked by the extra blood/space and had decelerations. Had polyhydramnios so was already in hospital and would probably have had a planned section nearer due date due to Twin 1s exomphalos.

time in hospital

6 weeks, admitted at 25+2 weeks due to polyhydramnios. Boys born at 31+4 weeks. 7 days stay after birth, could have stayed longer as Twin 2 in SCBU but wanted to get home for DD1.

Could you lift/change baby etc

No, could not walk unaided for 4 days, had to use wheelchair as zimmer once had got out of sitting in it. Very difficult getting in and out of bed.

Recovery time ie lifting toddlers - driving.

driving after 3 weeks but only short journeys and only as DH does not drive, would not have recommended it.

Infections - if any

Scar infected at one side, bit of pus needed squeezing out, and extra attention to hygiene under overhang.

How long back to normal (housework/exercising etc)

did vacuuming after 3 weeks, again would not recommend this either. Lower back pain/numbness for 2.5 years and still occasional dead spots/numbness in abdomen/back.

Expressed milk at first as DS tube fed and established full BF once home, (BF for 2.5 years.)

Embarressed question...

Thank you for this thread, DH and I are struggling with 'precious baby syndrome' as this is my 5th pg with DH, but so far only 1 living child with him - plus daughter from prev. partner.

Just wondered how much a private elective c-section could cost as not sure my care plan would go to a c-section as I have done 2 successful VBACs (DC1 - chord round neck plus ventouse del, lucky escape for us both, DC2 - delay in 2nd stage and nearly intervention as hand on side of head during delivery, silly baby tried to fly out like Superman... so 2nd degree tear)

Weighing up risks of both kinds of delivery plus good and bad information on recovery etc. Could probably have DH at home for 2 weeks then Mum for 3 weeks...

bb9 have had a succesful VBAc as well and my choice would be a VBAC but only you know how you will feel and what is the best option for you and my view is somewhat skewed as had DTs with complications and my section was an emergency.

I would however check with your car plan first as their may be a case for a CS in your case due to your circumstances if that is what you want. I'm afraid I have no idea how much a private section would cost though.

Sorry not much help really. Good luck with your pregnancy and sorry for your losses.

Thanks CM - am erring to the side of VBAC as it was quite satisfying, would just feel so awful if anything bad happened and we lost the baby right at the end - of course would feel bad anyway, but don't think I've got the strength for another pg if this one doesn't work out

Have read too many articles on what obstetricians choose to do...

I have 3DC.

1st was EMCS on NHS.

Why - baby heart rate dropping like a stone with every contraction.

Had a general anaesthetic because the epidural and spinal failed and they needed to get the baby out.

2 days in hospital. Was really painful for first two days, but I'm sure they didn't give me enough pain medication.

First day was really painful to get up and lift the baby. But afterwards OK (after 2 days)

Was my first and so just had to worry about myself. Got a letter from my doctor and started driving 4 weeks after.

Scar perfect. Had staples and you could hardly see it. After two weeks felt normal in myself again. Had sex again after a week though. Numbness on my tummy stayed for a while, but I think Ok after a year.

Infections - none.

No problems breastfeeding.

How long back to normal - maybe 4 weeks, but I didn't exercise. I breastfed and didn't do any exercise until a year (with my first I breastfed exclusively and didn't want to leave him with anyone and he didn't have a bottle). I lost the weight after 4 months.

2nd DC was VBAC

Boy, labour really hurts ! Another failed epidural so had an enforced natural labour and screamed the house down. Although pushing the baby out didn't hurt at all - just like the worst constipation you've ever had. Baby came after 4 and a half hours in hospital so not too bad. Had unbelievable sense of achievement and happy hormones bouncing around after the birth that I didn't get with EMCS.

Had internal stitches and a torn labia which was agony as had stitches without pain relief. Hated having to pee whilst pouring water on my stitches for 2 weeks, and had sex at 6 weeks, but really hurt and didn't properly get back for 6 months (which is good from what I hear !)

Recovery time brilliant in other aspects though - could shower straight away and pick up my toddler for cuddles and I lost the weight after 2 weeks (but I hadn't gained that much - just 1 stone).

Breastfeeding fine.

3rd was ELCS on NHS.

Why - I couldn't bear the thought of another VBAC and was quite distressed as epidurals don't seem to work for me and they couldn't guarantee that it would work. Also, was a bigger baby (2 lb heavier than previous) and was terrified of being ripped in two. There were too many unknowns and I didn't want to take the risk.

They tried a spinal and it worked ! It was sheer bliss. I didn't even feel it go in. I swear.

This was the best birth ever. So relaxed and calm.

2 days in hospital. Kept on top of the pain and felt fine. Showered myself 24 hours later. Didn't need to take any extra morphine.

Could lift the baby and get out of bed fine. So much better than my EMCS, but I got drugs a lot more regularly than before. I didn't feel the need for morphine.

Husband at home for two weeks, and DS and DD in daycare 3 days a week and so felt I could cope a bit easier as didn't have to do much.

Got a letter from my doctor and started driving 4 weeks after.

Scar took a bit longer to heal, but no infections. Bled for 6 weeks which was a lot longer than with the EMCS. Had dissolvable stitches. After two weeks felt normal in myself again. Numbness still there.

How long back to normal doing housework - maybe 4 weeks, but I don't have time to exercise. I am still breastfeeding. The baby is 11 weeks. My stomach took a month before the uterus was back down and so I was quite bloated. I have lost 2 stone (just another 7lb to go !)

I think the ELCS has been great and I honeslty wonder why doesn't everyone have one ? If there are no complications it really was my best birth experience. So nice not to have my bits hurting for so long. I have been a lot more organised and I don't get stressed if the washing/cooking/housework isn't done. I'm doing my best and that is all I can offer.

I have realised having done EMCS, VBAC and ELCS that however it comes it, it isn't pleasant !

My C-section was emergency (after induced 28 hour labour with anterior lip).
I didn't have much trouble picking up the baby although he was a big one. I was in hospital for 2 days.
I definitely had to take things very, very slow at first and had trouble sitting and getting up one my own.
I had what I thought was a very quick recovery but then had an infection (uterine rather than scar) in which I went from feeling fine to incredibly ill within an hour and ended up back in hospital on an antibiotic drip.

Infections seem fairly common - I recommend that anyone who has a c-section makes sure they take it easy (or as easy as you can with a newborn ) for as long as possible. It's tempting to feel a bit better and then overdo it.

Elective or emergency
Emergency

NHS or Private
NHS

GA or Spinal
Spinal

Why - if not personal
Been having contractions for over 24 hours which were by then only 2 minutes apart but was only 2-3cm dilated. LO's heart rate was too constant, apparently there should be some variation. LO's head was not engaged properly and she was huge - 10lb 13 oz.

time in hospital
Went in 3am on the monday morning and got out on the Thursday.

Could you lift/change baby etc
After a couple of days.

Recovery time -ie lifting toddlers - driving.
Drove after 4 weeks but could have driven earlier if it didn't take so long to get a Dr's appt to be passed fit for ins co.

Infections - if any
None

How long back to normal (housework,exercising etc
Housework - about 2 weeks.
Exercise - about 6 weeks although that was probably down to laziness more than anything else!

Elective or emergency (I do believe it makes a difference. (NHS or Private)GA or Spinal

EMCS with epidural, topped up with spinal after 30 hours of labour. It was great in the respect that it made me feel as though body was at other end of the room and therefore all of this was not happening to me, but bad in the sense that after a while I got all shaky and felt a little sick. Although it was good to get a small nap before surgery was decided upon!

Why - if not personal.

Huge baby (10lb 9oz), who NEVER dropped down, even after ARM, synto drip, the full 10cm...he never descended. Therefore EMCS decided upon when he became distressed due to all the fannying about they did before hand.

time in hospital.

3 days, although reckon I should have stayed in longer. I really wanted back home though - not the best thing trying to get some sleep when you keep waking up cuz everyone elses babies are crying!

Could you lift/change baby etc

Pretty much when the epi wore off. But due to timing of section and time epi wore off I had had my painkills for the day apparently, so was made to wait with none overnight in a lot of pain until the 8am trolley. And the midwives had a bad bad habit of leaving cot at wrong side of bed. grr.

Recovery time -ie lifting toddlers - driving.

No toddlers, no car, but did live up 4 flights of stairs which were a nightmare to get up and down (very steep). Took about 3 weeks before I felt un-wobbly enough to do it on my own. Was taking a very tuggy dog out at around 3 weeks alone too.

Infections - if any

None in scar - had a small neat scar. Did however get some thrush from all the mcuking around they did up there during 30 hours of monitoring.

How long back to normal (housework,exercising etc)

Was houseworking at around 2 weeks, but overdid it a little. Was a cross between feeling great at being able to do something and annoyed at myself for doing too much.
Exercising - was training for Race for Life within 3 months. Took it quite easy before then.
Did do a lot of waling between our village and the next town (around 2 miles).

Hi

I had an emergency section because babies heart rate was dropping with every contraction (found out this was due to the cord being around his neck). I had a spinal block, didnt feel it at all, was given local anaesthetic first, and was drugged up on pethidine and gas and air from the labour. (got to 6cm)

Why - I had no choice, I was rushed to theatre to save the both of us.

time in hospital - Had him 19:47 Wed went home Sat (but this was mainly due to problems with breastfeeding)

Could you lift/change baby etc - i was in high dependency until Thurs afternoon. MW's saw to baby while I was bedridden. I was fine to do so afterwards (did hurt a bit to lift baby and to bend over to change but it was do-able)

Recovery time - the day after was horrendous, I was in so much pain I had to have two midwives to escort me to the toilet coz I didnt feel safe enough to walk unaided. Showering was difficult as it hust to lean my head back to wash my hair. I asked for painkillers regularly and relied very much upon Tramadol for first few days. It did get easier though. I was still in a lot of pain for the first week. I couldnt walk very far or do anything strenuous without crying because it was hurting. I was exhausted by the fact that I couldnt go out and about showing off my new baby I think. I refused to accept I'd had a major operation and I think I was suffering with some sort of shock as to what had actually happened. However, after 2 weeks I was perfectly fine!! I was able to drive (rang insurance company who said this was fine) and could do everything I had before. Still had after pains (when uterus contracts back down but I think you'd get this with a vaginal delivery too).

Infections - no infections at all.

My scar is perfect, and I do think it makes a difference as to whether the section is emergency or elective because women on the same ward as me who;d elected sections seemed to recover much faster than I did.

I was dead against having a section, not really sure why, but if I hadnt had one me and my little one may not be here today. This may sound dramatic but its true. C sections have a lot of bad press and horror stories surrounding them but if I were to have another baby, the thought of having a section wouldnt frighten me nearly so much as it did a few months ago. Thanks for starting this thread, I've enjoyed reading other's experiences and found them very helpful.

Another story to add here...

I had an emergency section on the NHS as my DS was trying to come out face first so every time I pushed, his neck was being bent in a rather unpleasant way.

I'd managed 36 hours of labour at home/in the pool/out of the pool before they made the decision to try and turn him with the rotational forceps which failed then go for the section. I was given a spinal (which, by the way was the best feeling mmmm)

I couldn't lift DS without picking him up by his babygrow! I had to use the bed mechanics to move around but was up and walking after 24 hours (I didn't have a choice!)

I was in hospital for 4 days but that was more because DS wasn't feeding and I needed support to get my breastfeeding established properly.

My scar healed well, it's nice and neat but it took me about 8 weeks to feel physically 'normal' again. My midwife was great and reminded me that if I'd had any other kind of major surgery then I wouldn't be expecting so much of myself. I think the fact every muscle in my body ached from labour meant it took longer - a friend who had an elective recovered much quicker thean I did.

My DH took 4 weeks off which was perfect - he did all the housework & shopping etc leaving me to get on with feeding.

can't wait to do it all again, honestly, I would have another section tomorrow if it meant a healthy baby.

I just lost a baby at 11 weeks pg and was already considering birth options etc but it just all seems so irrelevant now...

I have to add just because I had an emcs I never once felt a failure. If anyone is reading this and feels like one way is better than another then don't, honestly, it really, truely does not matter one bit.

xxx mouse

emcs at 42 weeks

nhs

spinal

whole expereince was effing awful

scar isn't too bad and i can live with it

no infections

general recovery was not too bad - could walk/lift baby etc but total recovery took at least 6 months. couldn't run without feeling like whole abdomen was falling out until 6 months and felt very wounded for a long tiem.

meanwhile i will say that doing crunches on the gym ball from about 8 months have been the best tummy recovery exercise - my tummy is 80% back to its former flat glory at 12 months and that awful c section overhang is long gone :-)

i would do anything to avoid another crash c section

Just making a note of this thread and will post tomorrow

My section was my 4th pregnancy/baby

Elective or emergency (I do believe it makes a difference. (NHS or Private)GA or Spinal Elective NHS and spinal

Why - if not personal. My third pregnancy in 2007 was my son - born sleeping due to a ery bad cord entanglement at 37 weeks. The hospital assured us that they would induce at 36 weeks in a future pregnancy and the date was set very early on (about 16 weeks) Come the week which would take me to 36 weeks I was scanned and baby was transverse, I was offered the option of trying to turn baby but when you have lived the horror we have, the risks are just too enormous. So we had to have a section however consultants are not keen to do this at 36 weeks. Thankfully we found one and she explained all the risks - which we understood. Our Princess was delivered on the date which had so long ago been agreed - and thank heaven for angels because someone was holding her hand - she had a true knot and the cord was around her neck - had we been induced, well it doesn't bare speaking really.

time in hospital. 6 days but only because of jaundice, I was well enough to come home after 3 days

Could you lift/change baby etc - yes the same day

Recovery time -ie lifting toddlers - driving. A few days of doing nothing once home and then gentle stuff and drove after 3 weeks

Infections - if any Slight one in wound, but anti-bi's to leave hospital with sorted it quickly

How long back to normal (housework,exercising etc) No more than a month

Mine was an elective on the NHS at St Mary's in Paddington last year. I had a spinal.

I never wanted to give birth naturally is the honest reason.

We were in hospital for two nights.

Lifted, showered, changed my own bed the same evening.

Had a few uncomfortable days but no real problems. Dd is our first so I could spend all my time with her. Dh could only take two days off work but we were fine.

No infections or any issues.

Back to to totally normal by six weeks.

Best decision I ever made.

Scar wise, no overhang very neat and well below bikini line. No problems with hair growth so far.

Last bit honest!
Still breast feeding one year on.

Elective or emergency Emergency, NHS, Spinal

Why prolonged labour (96 hours) caused by Bandles Rings (discovered during surgery)

time in hospital 4 days afterwards surgery. I discharged myself earlier than recommended.

Could you lift/change baby not for about 3 weeks.

Recovery time -ie lifting toddlers - driving Drove after 6 weeks, no toddler but I struggled to lift baby in carseat for about 2 months

Infections - phelbitis about a week afterwards, cured quickly with antibiotics

How long back to normal About 6 months for all housework. Had to see consultant after 7 months due to continued pain caused by adhesions. Exercising after 9 months.

This is probably not what anyone wants to read, but as I am too polite normally to share the full details, (and no-one has ever wanted to know), I will be honest. First the positive cs for DC1:

Elective or emergency
Elective

NHS or Private
NHS

GA or Spinal
Spinal

Why - if not personal
Previous surgery necessitated lscs

time in hospital
7 days - mainly latching difficulties

Could you lift/change baby etc
Straight away but painful. Lifting from cot at side of bed hurt a lot for a week.

Recovery time -ie lifting toddlers - driving.
Drove after 6 weeks, felt very weak in abdomen for 12 weeks.

Infections - if any
None

How long back to normal
about 12 weeks.

OK, now for the unpleasant truth re cs 2:

Elective or emergency
elective - as above

NHS or Private
NHS

GA or Spinal
Spinal

time in surgery
Problems first occurred with spinal when the needle was misplaced and I had shooting pain down my leg. Then they gave too much spinal. I found it hard to breath and I lost all sensation in my hands and parts of my arms. I couldn't hold my newborn.

The team took over an hour to get him out. There was so much scarring and adhesions from my first cs that they had to spend nearly an hour cutting my bowel away from my uterus before beginning delivery.

My baby's APGAR scores were low, and he didn't breathe at first. He then suffered from chest problems for 3.5 years (including pneumonia twice). I don't know if this is related to the early delivery...(I was always asked about this when he was admitted)

I had an allergy to the anaesthetic which began in the OP Room and continued for four full days and nights. Even with anti-histamine, I had head to toe full body itching. As if I didn't have enough to cope with, my skin peeled off my abdomen as though I had been sunburnt.

I had an infection after about 10 days.

hospital
I spent 6 days in hospital due to all these additional complications that needed monitoring. They were all brilliant about it all.

Could you lift/change baby etc
As dc1

Recovery time -ie lifting toddlers - driving.
as DC1

How long back to normal
three months

I still believe that the cs was best for my children; I am not sure about for me. I still suffer from adhesion pain, that was investigated last year with a laparoscopy. I ccould have it all cut away - but that could make it a whole lot worse.

Needless to say I am dreading the cs for DC3. Hopefully the anaesthetics review will help to alleviate some of the anxiety.

However, having heard about some of the horrific tearing and consequences of tearing etc, perhaps I am lucky to have an elective??

Elective, NHS, spinal, personal

3 days DS1
2 days DS2

Absolutely no bother walking/lifting baby. carried DS2 out to car and down road in his car seat.

Lifted toddler at 7 days, driving at 2 weeks.

Housewrok at 5 days (hhoovering)

Needed Ibuprofewn for 7 days and paracetamol for another 7 days.

Running/walking to nursery at 4 weeks

About to go in for number 2 Elec LSCS on Tuesday.

First one 21 months ago, Elec due to Severe SPD.

In hospital for 3 nights. Don't feel shy to ask for pain relief, I was a bit wimpy at first but got braver and was much more comfortable for it.

NHS but an amenity room (on my own with en suite)

Spinal and wire stitch

Scar tiny and no infections at all.

First 2 weeks a bit sore and took medication for pain but then driving by 3 1/2 weeks and on my big powerful dressage horse by 6 weeks.

Positive experience but little more sore than expected for first 10 days. Made use of all the help II could get as was terrified of not healing properly. Hard to do but well worth it. Was as selfish as I could possibly be but still tried to do stuff round house much to the annoyance of my mother and hubby!!!

Could carry baby after 2 days, won't try picking up my toddler after that long this time though.

Not nervous about next one in 4 days...