Tmi: vaginal recovery v ELCS recovery

[ChocolateBiscuitCake]

Ive had three previous vaginal births (very large babies) with varying damage to lady bits...plenty of discomfort post birth from constipation/piles etc too. All long labours and resulting in vontouse as last attempt pre EMCS. A significant period of "healing" has been required! I think I may have a small vaginsl prolapse and I am currently suffering from enormous and painful varicose veins (down there). I feel like four pregnancies and three labours (so far) have taken their physical toll.

Seriously considering a (private) ELCS for a multitude of reasons but one motivating factor is "preservation" of my lady parts. I know it sounds ridiculous, but I don't want any more stretching, tearing etc. And I never want to have episiotomies etc, which thankfully I have avoided to far.

Am I right in thinking, there is no "vaginal healing" post an ELCS? I assume there is still bleeding (from the process of the uterus healing?) but the lady bits don't need to recover, as such?

I am trying to weigh up the recovery and long term picture...my bikini days are long gone, so a scar doesn't bother me and the appeal is that as a controlled op, the recovery should be straightforward?

Any thoughts and experiences would be so welcomed please?

Threeshoes I don't have any links. I found information on it in various places when I was concerned regarding whether opting for an elcs this time was going to impact on my ability to bf (had enough trouble after a vaginal birth - so was scared c section would rule it out all together).

Thanks for all your lovely, thoughtful responses - I am very touched.

I fought hard for a CS with dc3 (large baby and debilitating spd) - it was an emotionally exhausting process culminating in me having to persuade a board of the (Central London) hospital midwives & doctors. They agreed but I bottled it at the last minute (fear of a big op and recovery) and we settled on an elective induction at 39 weeks.

The experience was "fine", but it was still long (40 hours from first gel), still painful, still drawn out and still culminated in going to theatre being prepped for EMCS, ended in vontouse and sheer exhaustion although thankfully with a healthy baby.

But 4 babies in 7 years and I'm just a bit "over" contractions, pushing, tearing and piles!!!!

I don't have the energy to fight for an nhs ELCS. I've tried it, and they don't make it easy! And I am very lucky that we could afford the private route...no battle, date tbc and agreed, an experienced surgeon (not the SHO learning on the job!) and some privacy afterwards!

I am still nervous about the surgery aspect but I have had spirals, epidurals, catheters, theatre etc with all the others so it should be quite familiar.

I meet the consultant this week to discuss so thank you all for your positivity and support - I feel reassured that this is the right decision for me.

If I were you I would just go for it then and not think twice to be perfectly honest.

Which I see you are going to do having reread the end of your last post

Good luck with it all

Thanks omni

I see. Thanks for taking the time to post and explain. I actually had a traumatic birth (failed ventouse and forceps eventually) and struggled to breastfeed initially so this makes sense . I think the fear of a repeat traumatic birth will hinder my ability to give birth naturally again. I was in hospital for three nights so not that different to a c section but we will see when the time comes. Lot is interesting to hear both sides. Thanks again!

I watched an obem episode last night (I know!!!) and there is a bit where a mum is pushing and the midwives press an alarm and suddenly the room fills up with doctors and they announce that the baby is getting tired, we need to go to theatre. It is a mad panic and the parents look white as sheets and terrified as suddenly things take a worrying turn.

That mum has been me. All three times. I burst into tears and I realised that this is what haunts me.

I met with the consultant today (privately) and before I said anything, he looked at my history and said that if I have an elective induction, it is most likely there will be a similar outcome!

So without hesitation (from him or me!), we booked a date for ELCS.

The prospect of a calm, controlled delivery has left me overwhelmed with relief and excitement.

(And "downstairs" is very relieved to have no more trauma!!!).

Thanks again for your help ladies x

Excellent news chocolate biscuit cake. I'm glad you are relieved and excited

What's the date?

Good luck!

choclate my downstairs feeling totally normal was a brilliant side bonus of my elc..after 1st vag birth I was crying in pain for a wee....for 10 days, scared to drink coz of wee, scared to wash myself down below.

my pelvic floor and all rest feel normal as did before elc..its been brilliant.

the whole thing was brilliant but a few things, get a co sleeper cot so your not twisting with the baby unless co sleeping, moses is not the same, its not....

do get lots and lots of help lined up for two weeks after....give yourself two weeks..of total rest..air the scar as much as poss, lie on bed, let air get to it etc...

I just couldnt risk being that person, in the room when the bell goes, and am so glad I went for and was indeed allowed an elc.

good luck op...I think you will enjoy it, I really do"!its a wonderful way to bring a baby into the world, and being saved from labour you will be awake and alert enough to enjoy

btw the lochia was nothing compared to normal birth, very light, little etc but my goodess first period was a shocker, thought I was heomoraging!