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Childbirth

Share experiences and get support around labour, birth and recovery.

ELCS on Friday...any advice?!

9 replies

Aisha18 · 24/09/2014 08:28

Hi all, I'm having a planned C section on Friday morning, going in tomorrow afternoon and staying from then (not in UK) just wondering if anyone can tell me what the first couple of days are like and any tips for coping/preparing? I'm suddenly worried it's going to be screaming pain and I won't be able to enjoy my baby at all, etc etc! Any positive stories appreciated, thanks Smile

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Elllimam · 24/09/2014 08:51

I had an emergency section and it wasn't that bad, the things that struck me most during the section were how cold it felt and I was very shaky which is apparently normal. After the section it was a few hours before I could feel my legs which freaked me out a bit (I had a spinal). It was sore getting up the next day but not too bad, someone told me it helped to hold a pillow to your abdomen. Something that no one told me was about the gas pain, especially in my shoulder which is apparently very common after abdo surgery I got some tablets from the nurse which helped xx

Patilla · 24/09/2014 09:07

I've had an emergency c section and a planned one. The planned one was so positive and brilliant. A fantastic experience and a much faster recovery.

It's so exciting the night beore going to bed, or sat there in hosptal before the section knowing you'll be meeting your baby that day. I have such amazing memories from
It.

And yes there is pain but the drugs control it pretty well and to my mind it always seemed separate from
My enjoyment of my beautiful baby daughter. I had a choice and I am
So pleased I chose a c section.

If you are nervous then tell the staff and they will chat to you as they go, and the lovely anaesthetist gave me a commentary on how far things had got. They really do want to help and make it positive for you as mic as their other medical duties allow.

That said, my main tip that made my recovery better was to get up and walking as upright as possible as soon as possible as the first time no one told me that and my wound was initially a bit tight.

Make sure you walk each day and Try to stretch it a little each time.

The other mothers and even midwives were a bit surprised by my determination to get up and I'll admit the first time it felt like my insides were wobbling around but by day seven I was able to walk I the park albeit slowly and I felt able I drive by about week three.

Now this may not be your experience but when you get home, wait until the baby's fed, you're dressed and fed and there's a break in the clouds and get out there to get fresh air.

My first walk was to next door's drive and back! It all helps though and will lift your mood massively.

Oh, and keep taking the drugs, it's better to stay on top of the pain. And keep your fluids up you'll feel better for them.

And all the best! So exciting!

Aisha18 · 24/09/2014 16:53

Thanks Smile ok I think I will survive it! I keep flitting between excitement and fear..hoping excitement will will!

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feekerry · 24/09/2014 21:32

Had an emcs and most recently an elec section. As the first response said I was bloody freezing. So cold and shakey. Think blue mottled skin. Be prepared for that!!

tiredandgrumpy · 24/09/2014 22:18

I've had both an EMCS and an ELCS. I was terrified walking into the operating theatre for my ELCS (none of the urgency of an EMCS, so I'd had too much time to think) and am so grateful to the wonderful anaesthetist who calmly talked me through the op. I think they must get this with everyone!

If you get gas pains after (I did) then peppermint tea is fab. Oh, and these pains can be far more painful than the wound itself!

I was told that I had to do a poo before they would discharge me from hospital - a terrifying prospect - so I made sure I took some dried apricots into hospital and drank loads of water. I cautiously ate enough apricots to ensure that first poo wasn't too difficult to pass.

I'd also recommend you keep on top of the painkillers. Don't be brave. My ELCS did keep me off my feet for a day or so, but it is incredible how quickly your body heals. I was walking around at home on day 3. Went for a longer walk by day 6 and was even comfortable trying wake boarding on holiday 3 months later! Just listen to your body and move at your own pace - do not rush recovery if you don't feel up to it.

OnABabyDiet · 25/09/2014 13:19

I had an elcs last Monday. I would recommend a snugglebundle blanket to allow you to pick baby up easily and a c section belt to help protect the wound at home (especially if you have a toddler!)

I had a previous emcs and I have to say that recovery from the elective seems much quicker - I was discharged from hospital after 30hrs this time round.

Drink lots, take it easy, accept help when it's offered, don't try and do too much too soon - which is completely topsy turvy advice as you will have a newborn who won't look after his or herself!!

Good luck - I was terrified of my elcs but it's definitely worth it in the end. It's about an hour procedure from start to finish with the greatest gift at the end of it :-)

MillionPramMiles · 25/09/2014 13:37

Don't worry - I had an elcs, honestly didn't feel a thing, even the anaesthetic injection was a tiny pin prick.

I could get up and have a shower by myself the next morning. I could hold dd fine on the day of the cs (if handed to me) and I could pick her up by myself by the next day (though the midwives tutted and told me I should ask for help).

You'll probably benefit from lots of attention from the midwives, esp in the 24 hours following the c-section as they need to check blood pressure etc. so make the most of it, ask for help with b-feeding etc if you need it.

If you're feeling nauseous in the hours following the cs let the midwives know as they can give you something for it (I thought it was just normal and stupidly put up with throwing up anything I ate/drank).

By the following day I was home (walking up/down stairs fine) and 4 days later I could take a stroll to the park comfortably.

By far the worst bit was having to inject myself with anti-coagulant stuff for a week after I got home!

Aisha18 · 25/09/2014 14:44

Thanks for all the advice, checked in to hospital now and found out I'm in theatre at 9am tomorrow so that's really good, no waiting around all day Smile

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fatpony · 26/09/2014 15:47

Good luck! I am you in two weeks time!

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